If you visited the School of Chemistry NMR facility last week, you would have noticed extensive new copper piping decorating the rooms. Nope, it is not Scotch whisky, but He that gently (during a normal operation) or intensely (during the refills) flows through them towards a large yellow balloon, where it is stored temporarily before being compressed into gas cylinders.

This £ 50 k project, which also collects He from our 12T FT ICR MS magnet, was funded by the UoE Sustainable Campus Fund, School of Chemistry and NMR/MS facility budgets. It ensures a more economical long-term operation of our Facilities, guarantees He delivery in times of future He shortages and saves this precious natural resource.