Helium has long been an essential resource for leak testing, but relying on a constant supply has become more challenging. Prices are unpredictable, availability fluctuates, and the cost of using helium continues to rise. For manufacturers, this leads to an ongoing question: should they keep purchasing helium as needed, or is there a smarter, more cost-effective way to manage it?

PURE offers an alternative that helps businesses reduce their dependence on new helium while cutting costs and improving sustainability. The decision to invest in helium recovery isn’t just about saving money—it’s about ensuring long-term stability in an uncertain market. Let’s explore why recovering helium is the better choice in the long run.

The Problem with Buying More Helium

For years, many manufacturers have followed the same routine—purchase helium, use it for leak testing, and then vent it into the atmosphere. This model worked when helium was abundant and relatively cheap, but times have changed.

1. Helium Prices Are Unpredictable

Helium is a non-renewable resource, and its supply chain is notoriously unstable. Prices have surged multiple times over the last decade, with some companies seeing costs double or even triple in just a few years. Global shortages and geopolitical issues only add to the uncertainty. When you rely on continuously buying helium, you leave your business vulnerable to these price fluctuations.

2. Supply Chain Risks Can Halt Production

What happens when helium supply gets tight? In some industries, it means delays, production slowdowns, or even temporary shutdowns. If your testing process depends on a steady supply of helium, you’re at the mercy of the market. That’s a risky position to be in, especially for high-volume manufacturing operations.

3. Costs Add Up Over Time

When you factor in helium’s rising price and continuous need for replenishment, the total cost over five to ten years becomes staggering. Unlike other consumables that can be replaced with alternatives, helium is essential for many types of leak testing, making the expense unavoidable—unless you change how you use it.

How PURE Changes the Equation

PURE is a helium recovery and repurification system designed to capture, purify, and reuse helium, dramatically reducing how much new helium you need to buy. Here’s why that’s a game-changer:

1. Helium Recovery Can Cut Costs by 50-90%

Instead of venting helium after a single use, PURE recaptures and purifies it, allowing you to use the same helium for multiple test cycles. Depending on the application, companies can see a 50% to 90% reduction in helium purchases. That’s real money saved every single year.

2. Stable Supply, No More Guessing

When you have a helium recovery system in place, you’re far less dependent on external suppliers. PURE ensures that you always have a steady, reliable source of helium, even when market shortages drive up costs for everyone else. This kind of supply security is invaluable in industries where uptime is critical.

3. Fast ROI – Pays for Itself in 1-2 Years

One of the biggest misconceptions about helium recovery is that it’s an expensive investment. In reality, PURE typically pays for itself in one to two years just from helium savings alone. After that, it’s pure profit. Compared to continually buying helium at unpredictable prices, the financial advantage becomes clear very quickly.

4. A More Sustainable Solution

Beyond the cost savings, helium recovery is the responsible choice. Every year, millions of cubic feet of helium are wasted and vented into the atmosphere. PURE helps reduce this waste, extending the life of global helium reserves while keeping your operation environmentally conscious.

The Verdict: PURE Wins the Long Game

If you’re only thinking about the short-term, continuing to buy helium may seem easier. But when you look at the long-term financial and operational benefits, helium recovery with PURE is the smarter choice. Lower costs, greater supply stability, and a quick return on investment make it a game-changer for manufacturers that rely on helium leak testing.

At VES, we believe that the future of helium leak testing isn’t about buying more—it’s about using less and using it smarter. If you’re ready to take control of your helium costs and future-proof your operation, PURE is the solution you’ve been looking for. Reach out today to learn more about how PURE can benefit your business.