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Blueseal technology banner
Magnetic resonance imaging

Helium-free MRI

Contact salesFind support

Welcome to the era of helium-free MRI operations

We empower your transition to helium-free MR operations, relieving you from helium-related complications and operational cost. Our industry's first and only helium-free 1.5T MR portfolio increases access to care for more people in more places while providing clinical excellence for your department.

Philips BlueSeal MRI

BlueSeal helium-free technology

With only a minimal amount of helium (0.5% of today's standard helium amount) sealed inside during production to keep the system up and running, you can reduce operational costs and eliminate the need for helium refills.

Demonstrated results of helium-free MRI operations

  1. ~2000

    BlueSeal MRI systems installed worldwide

    ~2000

    BlueSeal MRI systems installed worldwide

    Since 2019 we have installed this proven technology in all parts of the world, including mobile trucks.

  2. > 6 million

    liters of liquid helium saved2

    > 6 million

    liters of liquid helium saved2

    Helium is a non-renewable resource, and its prices have increased in recent years for most users due to its scarcity.1

  3. 0.5%

    of today’s standard helium amount is used for efficient MR operations3

    0.5%

    of today’s standard helium amount is used for efficient MR operations3

    BlueSeal uses highly efficient micro-cooling technology that requires only a negligible amount of liquid helium for cooling and ensuring a consistent and uniform magnetic field.

  4. Up to

    2,050 kg

    lighter than conventional magnet3

    Up to

    2,050 kg

    lighter than conventional magnet3

    The system’s weight plays a significant role in facilitating access and installation into new and challenging locations.

Boost performance and reliability
Deliver unmatched performance via advanced fully AI-enabled system with state-of-the-art technology and design
Perform the most complex scans with best-in-class homogeneity4, high gradient strength and exceptional temporal field stability4
Proven and reliable helium-free operations with ~2000 BlueSeal installations worldwide, we have saved > 6 million liters of helium
BlueSeal MRI scanner with clinical images
Extend care to as many patients as possible
Make installation easier with BlueSeal which is up to half the weight3 and eliminates the need for a quench pipe.
Bring MR to remote areas, as there's no need for helium refills
Deliver MR services wherever and whenever they are needed with BlueSeal Mobile
Hospital with MRI scanners on different floors showing the flexible siting
Future-proof Your MRI Department, saving helium, energy and operational costs
Eliminate operational costs associated with helium and downtime, thanks to the fully sealed design
Deliver uninterrupted MRI services for years to come without relying on helium availability
Save almost 40 megawatts of energy per year6 with PowerSave+
helium use, energy use and operational costs of MRI

Image gallery

  • People behind our blueseal innovation

    The Philips BlueSeal MRI Story from people behind this innovation

  • Philips BlueSeal MRI product animation

    Philips BlueSeal MRI product animation

Feel the freedom with BlueSeal MRI
Lift limitations and experience MRI excellence with BlueSeal, the industry's first high-performance, wide-bore, helium-free 1.5T MRI system.
Learn more
Feel the freedom with BlueSeal MRI
1/3
MRI scanDr. Eduardo Onodera Chief of Radiology Pacifica Salud Costa del Este Panama looking at WorkSpace screen of a foot imagePatient in MRI machine at MCVI
  • MedTech breakthrough award 2023
    MedTech Breakthrough award
    Philips BlueSeal helium-free MR operations magnet has won the 2023 ‘Best New Technology Solution for Radiology’ award in the 7th annual MedTech Breakthrough Awards program.
Frequently asked questions

In case of spontaneous loss of field, the temperature of the superconducting coils increases and the pressure in the cooling system increases to a medium pressure that is fully contained. This pressure is four times lower than the pressure that was used when filled during manufacturing (at room temperature). The magnet is fully designed to accommodate this and meets the ASME and PED standards related to pressurized vessels.

IEC International standard 60601-2-33 describes the requirements for the safety of MRI equipment for medical diagnosis. Since the BlueSeal magnet has a fractional amount of helium contained in a closed cooling system, no helium can escape during a loss of field. As a result, the following IEC requirements do not apply, which helps to simply on-site safety procedures:
NO provisions for supply of liquid cryogen. e.g procedures to be performed after gas release or precautions against lack of oxygen.
NO safety provisions in the event of a quench. e.g emergency plan in the event of a quench.

The resulting magnet performance is amongst the best in the industry, with excellent homogeneity (≤ 0.9 ppm, at 45 cm DSV), high gradients linearity (amplitude 45 mT/m, slew rate 200 T/m/s) and a superb field-of-view of 55 cm.

In case of a patient emergency, the system will ramp-down immediately after pushing the Emergency Ramp Down Unit button (ERDU). It will take < 3 days to be back in operation. In case an object is stuck in the bore (injector, cleaning tool, etc.), it will take about 1 hour to de-energize the magnet from the service environment on the operator console and <24 hours to be back in operation6. In both cases, all helium moves to gas state and remains contained in the fully sealed cooling system.

Documentation

Philips BlueSeal technology brochure
PDF|(1.14 MB)
Footnotes
  1. January 2022 onwards https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/helium-shortage-4-0-what-caused-it-andwhen-will-it-end/29255/
  2. The amount of liquid helium saved is a calculation compared to a classic magnet with 1500 liters of helium
  3. Compared to conventional zero boil off and sealed 1.5T systems in the industry. Based on published product data
  4. Even in the rare case of magnet becoming unsealed, the negligible amount of helium escaping would not materially affect the oxygen level within the room
  5. Based on internal testing. Including ramp-up, shim check and calibration
Disclaimer
Helium-free operations. 7 liters of helium is permanently enclosed in the cryogenic circuit.