Hydrogen vs Helium for Balloon Inflation

Helium and hydrogen have many uses across various sectors. In fact, NASA is the world’s number one consumer of helium, and hydrogen is paving the way for renewable clean energy. However, when it comes to the everyday use of balloons, which one offers the most advantages?

As a  leading supplier of helium canisters, we explore why this is the most favourable gas to use for inflation, even though hydrogen offers the same, if not better, qualities. These gases have properties which make them lighter than air, but at what cost? We find out below.

The Elements of Hydrogen and Helium

Hydrogen and helium are both gases, and each has unique applications across various industries. Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe. It has the lowest boiling point of all elements on the periodic table and is non-toxic. As a gas, it is colourless, odourless and non-combustible, making it ideal for balloons. Hydrogen is the most abundant element and provides many of the same attributes as helium in many ways. These gases are much lighter than the atmospheric construct and will allow latex and foil balloons to soar.

Due to their low densities, both gases, when blown into a balloon, will propel the product into the air. It will continue ascending until it reaches an atmosphere where the air around it equals the weight inside the balloon.

The Advantages of Hydrogen for Balloons

Although both gases have lightweight natures, hydrogen offers many benefits over helium. Hydrogen is better if you require a more substantial lift for your balloons as it is lighter than helium. It is also much easier to make than helium, making it the cheaper solution to your balloon needs. Hydrogen is created through three means.

Natural gas reforming – When exposed to steam and heat, the carbon atoms of methane separate. After two successful reactions, they form to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

Charcoal gasification – Charcoal consists of carbon and water. However, when burned at extremely high temperatures, it produces Hydrogen and carbon dioxide gases, which can be collected.

Electricity – An electric current is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This method is not very cost-effective but is a greener option than the use of fossil fuels.

The ability to create this natural gas makes it a much cheaper option than helium due to the abundance of hydrogen available. So, with so many ways to produce hydrogen and offer lighter density than helium, you would think it was the cheapest and most accessible option for balloons. However, one significant reason it is avoided to fill balloons is instability. Having only one atom makes the element very unstable, which can cause it to explode in close proximity to any heat source.

The Advantages of Helium for Balloons

As a limited resource on the earth, helium is quite expensive compared to its counterpart. Due to the many applications across various industries, there is a significant worry about the amount left. Although there is no immediate shortage, there may be a generation struggling to source the gas as freely as we can now without further exploration for new sources. So, why are we still using it over hydrogen for domestic balloon inflation?

Well, despite being heavier and more expensive than hydrogen, it has one property which makes it the most desirable gas. Helium, as mentioned above, is non-combustible. This means it is reasonably safe. In comparison, hydrogen-filled balloons could pose a significant danger with the risk of exploding when used. As balloons are predominantly used for decorative and leisurely purposes, helium offers a much safer option.

Safety with Helium

Although the advantages of hydrogen far outweigh helium, due to the safety of the gas, helium has become an industry standard for balloons worldwide. However, that doesn’t mean that helium is free from faults, and as a bottled gas supplier, we take safety extremely seriously. One of the most dangerous elements of helium is asphyxiation which can come from over-inhalation.

Helium displaces oxygen, which makes it perfect for inflating balloons, but not so much for inhaling the gas. An everyday activity amongst users of helium is to intake the gas to produce a squeaky voice for their and others’ amusements. This is highly dangerous and, in worst-case scenarios, causes death by asphyxiation. If inhaled in small amounts, it can still cause dizziness which is why you shouldn’t partake in this dangerous activity.

Sourcing High-Quality Helium

With helium being the leading gas for the inflation of latex and foil balloons, it is used for many businesses. So, whether you are an events manager, a venue owner or a party planner, having a supply of helium to hand can ensure that you have everything you need to make your event look incredible. We stock helium canisters for 30 balloons, including our speedy and reliable helium tank refills. So, for all your helium or gas needs, order online today.