From Ronald MacDonald to Olaf, and Snoopy to Baby Yoda, there’s no more iconic way to celebrate Thanksgiving than watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon lineup. If you want a peek behind the scenes, you can even watch as the balloons are inflated on Thanksgiving Day eve! But have you ever wondered what makes those gigantic balloons float? There is more science behind helium for balloons than you might think. Keep reading to learn about the types of balloon gas and more so you can understand how your favorite parade balloons stay aloft. Types of Balloon Gas
Helium isn’t the only gas that you can use to fill balloons. Hydrogen also works in some cases. Both helium and hydrogen are lighter than air. That means that when you fill a container with them (like a balloon), they rise. That’s why they are used in balloons as well as other applications. Does Hydrogen Work for Parade Balloons? Hydrogen is lighter than air, so it could hold up a parade balloon. However, it’s highly flammable. It can combust when exposed to high temperatures. This makes it useful for industrial applications and some hot air balloons. However, hydrogen isn’t a good choice for parade balloons — nobody wants to see their favorite cartoon character explode on Thanksgiving Day! Does Helium Work for Parade Balloons? Helium gas is one of the noble gases. This means it’s stable, or nonreactive. It won’t react to extremes in temperature, and it doesn’t burn when exposed to fire. This makes it the perfect gas for parade balloons. No matter what happens to the balloon, helium gas won’t cause a dangerous reaction like catching fire or exploding. This makes it safe enough for commercial uses like parades. That’s why parade balloons use helium to stay aloft. It’s not just lighter than air, but safe enough to use. Balloon Helium Science Keeping parade balloons filled with helium is no easy feat. Each Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade balloon is the size of a building. Helium is lighter than air, but it can also lift additional weight. One cubic foot of helium can lift about one-third of a pound, and each parade balloon can weigh up to 400 pounds. Fortunately, each parade balloon contains about 12,000 cubic feet of helium, keeping the balloons afloat. Gas expands when exposed to heat and contracts in the cold. The cold air of Thanksgiving Day mornings usually causes the balloon gas to contract slightly, giving the balloons a deflated look. To fix this, parade organizers make sure the balloons stay on the sunny side of the street, letting the warmth from the sun plump up the balloons. Where to Get the Helium for Parade Balloons There’s more science behind the spectacular balloons you see at parades than you might have expected. With this article, you can understand how helium parade balloons work! It’s not always easy to find the best balloon helium, especially when helium resources are scarce. An industrial gas supplier with their own wells and fill plants might be the way to go to ensure your helium supply.
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How do you choose which balloons to buy for your event? Both latex and foil balloons can be filled with either helium or air and both come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to go with helium-filled or air-filled balloons. Float Time
Helium is less dense than air so helium-filled balloons typically rise higher than air-filled balloons and float effortlessly. That makes helium a good choice if you want dramatic party decorations like a bunch of balloons floating over each table. Float time for helium-filled latex balloons is about 8-10 hours (longer if treated with Hi-Float). Float time for helium-filled foil or Mylar balloons is usually about three to four days. Some balloon brands can stay inflated for up to three weeks. Air-filled balloons don’t really float but they look great taped to the ceiling with ribbons and are excellent for building balloon arches. Cost Helium-filled balloons can be more expensive than those filled with air. However, they last much longer and are easily refillable, providing better value. Variety Both types of balloons can be customized for your event with messages, graphics, and designs. Helium-filled foil (Mylar) balloons are available in a much wider range of shapes like cartoon characters, dinosaurs, and princesses than those available for latex balloons. Refilling Foil (Mylar) balloons filled with helium can easily be refilled with more helium once they start to deflate. Once you fill a latex balloon with air and tie it off, the balloon cannot be refilled. If you need lots of balloons, renting a helium tank can cost less than buying pre-filled balloons. If you rent or buy helium tanks, you can get cost-effective refills and keep your decorations looking great. You may have heard reports of a global shortage of helium or that the helium market will be tight in 2019. Fluctuations in the helium supply are nothing new. About three quarters of the global helium supply comes from the U.S. and a move by Congress in 1996 to privatize the Federal Helium Program has been cited as a cause for disruptions and instability in the availability and price of helium [1]. In addition, worldwide refinery equipment failures and increased demand for helium from newly industrialized countries such as China, exacerbates the shortage. All this can negatively impact your balloon business. Where Does Helium Come From?Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe but it only makes up about 0.0005% of the earth’s atmosphere. So do we get it from the atmosphere? No. Helium is recovered from underground natural gas deposits. Most helium sold today is a byproduct of the natural gas industry. Much of the U.S. national helium supply comes from allocations of helium from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) helium reserves. However not all helium comes from BLM sources. A wholesale supplier that gets its helium from independent sources can be more stable and help smooth out the fluctuations. Who Uses Helium?Beyond inflating party balloons and filling blimps, helium is used in medical and scientific applications. Superconducting magnets used in MRI scanners and chemistry lab equipment need to be bathed in liquid helium in order to function. Helium is also used for pressurizing rocket fuel tanks, as an inert shield for arc welding, and in scuba tanks. What about My Party Balloons?If helium gas refills become harder to get, there are plenty of things you can do to provide great party balloons for your customers. Get creative with air-filled latex and foil balloons. Use string to make balloon garlands. Create a balloon arch or balloon wall using tape or rods and magnets to hold balloons up. Where Can I Get a Stable Helium Supply at Stable Prices?AGP has its own helium wells and is the largest independent purchaser of balloon helium in the US Market. AGP is not a broker. AGP has a strong supply chain with wholesale helium supply to strategic partners combined with 28 state direct supply. Its vertically integrated supply is one of the strongest in the industry. AGP provides nationwide as well as global coverage. It is a stable helium gas supplier you can rely on.
[1] Why Is There a Helium Shortage? Popular Mechanics. 2012. |
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