The Rukwa Rift section of the East Africa Rift System presents a type setting for radiogenic helium accumulation in a petroleum free basin.As a prerequisite for accumulation,a considerable high heat flow anomaly is re...The Rukwa Rift section of the East Africa Rift System presents a type setting for radiogenic helium accumulation in a petroleum free basin.As a prerequisite for accumulation,a considerable high heat flow anomaly is required from tectonothermal events to drive the release and circulation of radiogenic helium in the continental crust.Here we apply statistical analysis on geochemical data observed in thermal springs and recorded heat flow to account for crustal helium mass balance for each tectonothermal event in the region.Our results demonstrate anomalously high heat flow~64-99 mW/m^(2) with a consistent trend of helium isotopic ratio and fluid chemistry in the Rukwa Rift.Mass balance calculation show that the whole crustal volume underlying the East Africa Helium Pool(EAHP)has a capability of producing radiogenic helium of about 9.9×10^(6) mol/yr(22×10^(-6) mol 4He/m^(2) yr)while the total radiogenic helium flux ranges between~2.39×10^(6) mol/yr and~2.68×10^(9) mol/yr.The Tanzania Craton contributes largely to radiogenic helium releasing up to 50% of the total capacity in the region.The total ^(4)He emission in the Rukwa Rift Basin is about 4.45×10^(5)-5.01×10^(8) mol/yr which is thus equivalent to 19%-21% of the total production capacity in the region.These results imply that the helium accumulation in the EAHP would have started as early as Paleoproterozoic(2.349 Ga).These results provide a qualitative and quantitative insight to assess both helium and geothermal potentiality in the region.展开更多
350 keV He^(+) ions were injected into laser powder bed fusion(LPBF)-processed 304L stainless steel and traditional rolled 304L stainless steel with a flux of 1×10^(17) ions/cm^(2) at room temperature,followed by...350 keV He^(+) ions were injected into laser powder bed fusion(LPBF)-processed 304L stainless steel and traditional rolled 304L stainless steel with a flux of 1×10^(17) ions/cm^(2) at room temperature,followed by annealing at 750℃ for 10,100,and 300 h,respectively.The results showed that material swelling due to helium bubble coarsening was almost not observed in either the LPBF or rolled samples after 10 h of annealing duration.Rapid coarsening and swelling of bubbles occurred in the rolled samples,but only moderate bubble growth occurred in the LPBF sample after annealing for 100 h.After annealing for 300 h,the helium bubbles in both samples tended to grow steadily.For 10 h of annealing,the irradiated samples were in a disequilibrium state,and the apparent activation energy(E^(act))calculated by the Arrhenius model determined that helium atoms tended to diffuse through the displacement mechanism,and helium bubbles grew under the migration and coalescence(MC)mechanism.With annealing times over 100 h,the high-density dislocations and nano-oxide particles in the LPBF sample still had a strong trapping effect on the movement and growth of helium bubbles.After annealing for 300 h,the cellular subgrains in the LPBF sample decomposed,and the nano-oxide particles had no trapping effect on the helium bubbles.At this time,the dislocation structure played a primary role in suppressing the growth of helium bubbles,and the radiation resistance of the LPBF sample remained superior to that of the rolled samples.展开更多
A surface pyrolysis and gas-phase combustion of the Ammonium Perchlorate(AP)/Hydroxy Terminated Polybutadiene(HTPB)composite propellant reaction kinetic mechanism with five-step chemical reaction is adopted.The effect...A surface pyrolysis and gas-phase combustion of the Ammonium Perchlorate(AP)/Hydroxy Terminated Polybutadiene(HTPB)composite propellant reaction kinetic mechanism with five-step chemical reaction is adopted.The effects of helium injection on the burning rate and combustion of AP/HTPB propellant are analyzed in details,and the characteristics of motor performance are obtained.The numerical simulation results demonstrate that helium injection enhances the combustion chamber pressure,thereby increasing the burning rate of propellant.However,the primary combustion reaction of the AP/HTPB propellant takes place within a thin layer on the burning surface,so the low-temperature helium has minimal impact on the gasphase combustion.Ultimately,the helium not only elevates the nozzle exit velocity,resulting in specific impulse gain,but also reduces the exhaust plume temperature.With an increase of helium mass flow rate,the area of the velocity increase zone at the nozzle exit continuously decreases,but the average velocity in the motor exit continuously increases.Overall,when the helium flow rate is 2.5 kg/s,the specific impulse can reach 10.5%.Reducing the helium injection hole diameter enhances mixing of helium and combustion gas and expands the velocity increase zone,thereby maximizing the exit velocity gain in average velocity at the nozzle exit.When the injection hole diameter is reduced from 100 mm to 20 mm,the specific impulse gain increases from 3.1%to 10.6%.Furthermore,increasing helium injection temperature greatly boosts the velocity of the mixed gas with the same helium mass fraction ultimately improving specific impulse.展开更多
The damage evolution of polycrystalline Al with helium(He)bubbles under strongly decaying shock waves is studied by molecular dynamics simulations.A new damage region is observed near the loading side of the sample,an...The damage evolution of polycrystalline Al with helium(He)bubbles under strongly decaying shock waves is studied by molecular dynamics simulations.A new damage region is observed near the loading side of the sample,and the evolution characteristics and underlying mechanisms are elucidated.The development of damage in the new damage region begins after complete unloading of the incident shock wave and is further enhanced when the tensile stress arrives later.The damage evolution is completely controlled by the expansion-merging of He bubbles,without nucleation–growth of voids.This new damage region can be divided into two sections,each of which exhibits a unique dominant mechanism.The damage in the section closer to the loading side is due to the reverse velocity gradient formed after complete unloading of the incident shock wave,depending on the rate of decrease and the amplitude of the initial peak pressure.A high initial peak pressure that can lead to melting of material near the loading side is a necessary condition for the formation of the new damage region,since a significant reverse velocity gradient can only be established if melting occurs.The dominant mechanism in the section distant from the loading side is the action of tensile stress,associated with the profile of the incident shock wave upon reaching the free surface,which determines the material phase near the free surface.Moreover,the presence of He bubbles is another critical factor for formation of the new damage region,which does not occur in pure Al samples.展开更多
Shale gas in southern China is found to contain economically valuable helium(He),which is inconsistent with conventional perspective that hydrocarbon gases in shale would dilute He to sub-economic levels.The adsorptio...Shale gas in southern China is found to contain economically valuable helium(He),which is inconsistent with conventional perspective that hydrocarbon gases in shale would dilute He to sub-economic levels.The adsorption of gases in the nanopores of organic matter is considered a crucial factor influencing the shale gas composition.The adsorption behaviors of He,methane(CH_(4))and their mixtures in kerogen nanopores were performed by the Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulation.The molecular simulations of pure He reveal that He can be adsorbed in shale and the adsorption capacity of He increases with the burial depth of shale.Before the hydrocarbon generation from kerogen,He has been continually generated in shale,the simulations further demonstrate that pure He can be partially preserved in shale as adsorbed gas phase.The simulations of competitive adsorption between CH_(4) and He show that the adsorption selectivity of CH_(4)/He is consistently higher than 1.0 under the simulated conditions.This indicates that the previously adsorbed He will be displaced by CH_(4) and subsequently concentrated in hydrocarbon gas as free gas phase during the process of hydrocarbon gas generation from kerogen.After the termination of hydrocarbon gas generation,He continues to be generated in shale and preferentially concentrated in free shale gas.Therefore,the concentration of He in shale gas will gradually increase with the generation time of He.In addition,our simulations indicate that high pressure and deep burial depth can enhance the adsorption of He in kerogen,suggesting that deeply buried organic-rich shale probably retains more adsorbed helium.Molecular simulations of He adsorption provide new insights into the accumulation process of He in shale gas and are of great significance for assessing helium resource potential in shale gas.展开更多
Gifford-McMahon-type pulse-tube cryocoolers(GM-PTCs)working at liquid helium temperatures are promising in quantum technology and cryogenic physics for their high reliability and minimal vibration.These features stem ...Gifford-McMahon-type pulse-tube cryocoolers(GM-PTCs)working at liquid helium temperatures are promising in quantum technology and cryogenic physics for their high reliability and minimal vibration.These features stem from the fact that there are no extra moving parts introduced into the system.The rotary valve is a key component in GM-PTCs that transfers the output exergy from the compressor to the cold head.Because a low Carnot efficiency of 1.58%is achieved at liquid helium temperatures,optimizing the rotary valve is crucial for improving the efficiency of GM-PTCs.In this regard,an exergy-loss analysis method is proposed in this paper to quantitatively obtain the leakage loss and viscosity loss of a rotary valve by experimental measurements.The results show that viscosity loss accounts for more than 97.5%of the total exergy loss in the rotary valve,and that it is possible to improve the structure of the rotary valve by expanding the flow area by 1.5 times.To verify the method,the cooling temperature and power of a remote two-stage GM-PTC were monitored,with original or optimized rotary valves installed.The experimental results show that compared to the original rotary valve,the optimized rotary valve can improve the cooling efficiency of a GM-PTC by 16.4%,with a cooling power of 0.78 W at 4.2 K.展开更多
Due to its unique properties,helium is critical in scientific research and industrial innovation,particularly in cryogenics;however,its scarcity necessitates efficient resource utilization.Through a review of the hist...Due to its unique properties,helium is critical in scientific research and industrial innovation,particularly in cryogenics;however,its scarcity necessitates efficient resource utilization.Through a review of the historical development of the helium industry,this study comprehensively evaluates the value,sources,production methods,supply dynamics,and sustainability challenges of helium.The processes and mechanisms of helium enrichment,along with effective exploration methods,are systematically analyzed here.We recommend focusing on the development of technologies for helium preservation,recovery,and extraction,particularly the extraction technology for helium-poor fields.Market analysis indicates that no imminent crisis in the global helium supply is expected before 2060.Thus,enhancing helium resource protection technologies is essential to improve its economic utilization and management while providing a timely reference for the scientific community.展开更多
Helium is a valuable natural resource used widely in high-tech industries because of its unique physical and chemical properties.The study of helium in shale gas is still in its infancy,and the content,genesis,and enr...Helium is a valuable natural resource used widely in high-tech industries because of its unique physical and chemical properties.The study of helium in shale gas is still in its infancy,and the content,genesis,and enrichment patterns of helium in shale gas are not yet clear.In this paper,the concentrations and isotopic characteristics of helium were investigated in the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale gas in the Sichuan Basin and the periphery areas.The analytical results show that the concentrations of helium in the southern Sichuan shale gas fall in the range of 0.018-0.051 vol%with an average of 0.029 vol%.The helium abundance in Weiyuan shale gas are relatively low compared to those in conventional natural gas pools from the same area(generally greater than 0.20 vol%),reflecting the significance of long distance migration to the enrichment of helium in gas pools.The relatively low ratios of 3He and 4He in shale gas indicate that most of the helium are crustal derived helium.Further quantitative estimate based on helium,neon,and argon isotopic ratios suggest almost 100%crustal helium source.The helium residing in shale reservoirs can be deconvoluted into the indigenous helium generated in-situ by shale and exogenous helium generated from external helium source rocks and charged through faults and/or fractures networks.According to preliminary calculations,external helium source is required to meet the threshold of an economic helium-rich field of helium concentration of 0.1 vol%except for particular areas with extraordinarily high uranium and thorium concentration.Based on detailed study on typical helium-rich shale gas reservoirs,major advantageous features for helium's enrichment in shale gas include:(1)high-quality helium source rocks,(2)effective migration paths,and(3)diminished dilution effects of shale gas.Shale gas plays with underlying ancient cratonic basement,well developed source-connecting faults,and moderate pressure coefficient are potential targets for helium exploration.展开更多
Helium sorption cooler technology is a key means to realize highly reliable low-vibration very lowtemperature environments,which have important applications in fields such as quantum computing and space exploration.Th...Helium sorption cooler technology is a key means to realize highly reliable low-vibration very lowtemperature environments,which have important applications in fields such as quantum computing and space exploration.The laboratory designed a superfluid suppression small hole and a multi-ribbed condenser,developed a reliable-performance helium sorption cooler(HSC),and conducted experimental studies.Experimental results show that the prototype can achieve the lowest cooling temperature of 873 mK without load by filling 6MPa helium at room temperature.The low-temperature hold time is 26 h,and the temperature fluctuation is within 0.8 mK.The cooling power of the helium sorption cooler is 1 mW@0.98 K@3.5 h.Experimental results indicate that when the charging pressure is reduced to 4MPa,theminimum temperature decreases to 836mK,and the hold time shortens to 16 h.When the pre-cooling temperature increases from 3.9 to 4.9 K,the hold time is reduced to 3 h.展开更多
Research on the interstellar medium and its interaction with the solar system constitutes a significant topic in planetary physics.As the Sun traverses the local interstellar cloud,interstellar neutrals penetrate the ...Research on the interstellar medium and its interaction with the solar system constitutes a significant topic in planetary physics.As the Sun traverses the local interstellar cloud,interstellar neutrals penetrate the heliosphere,forming the interstellar wind,and scattering solar extreme ultraviolet(EUV)emission lines.The intensity of the scattered radiation provides an indicator of the characteristic parameters of the interstellar wind,crucial for characterizing the heliosphere,the interstellar medium,and the evolution of the solar system.Meanwhile,a powerful method for studying stellar evolution is investigating the EUV emissions of stars.The only ongoing mission conducting an EUV full-sky survey is the relay satellite Queqiao-2.Due to the strong absorption of the interstellar medium at EUV wavelengths,modelling is essential to any study of these influences.In this study,we reviewed classical modelling methods for the density distribution of the interstellar helium atoms in the heliosphere,and the corresponding 58.4 nm radiation intensity.We established distinct density and intensity models for different orbital positions of Earth’s revolution.We found that when the Earth enters the helium focusing cone in the downwind region,both the helium density and the 58.4 nm radiation intensity increase rapidly,with the temperature effect being particularly important.The radiation intensity in the downwind direction can be 170 times that of the upwind direction.Some negligible factors were omitted for simplicity,such as the effects of the solar line width and Doppler shift.Our research can serve as an aid to the interpretation of the EUV observations in the full-sky survey conducted by Queqiao-2.展开更多
Helium is a critical raw material,but its distribution is extremely uneven.To better mitigate trade risks and get a steady and safe supply of helium,it is of the upmost importance to assess the risk associated with th...Helium is a critical raw material,but its distribution is extremely uneven.To better mitigate trade risks and get a steady and safe supply of helium,it is of the upmost importance to assess the risk associated with the investment environment in helium-rich countries.This paper establishes an indicator system including 22 indicators from five dimensions,which consist of:helium resource endowment,macro environment,operation risk,maritime risk and,bilateral relationships.The game theory model combined with variance coefficient theory and expert survey are presented to determine the combined weights.The results show that Kazakhstan,Russia and Qatar present the best comprehensive performance;Australia has the highest operation risk and,Poland and Algeria have higher maritime risk;resources endowment has the largest weight,followed by maritime risk.We provide suggestions of acquiring upstream helium-rich gas fields and purchase&sale agreement of bundled liquified natural gas(LNG)etc.展开更多
Y-Zr-O nano-oxide dispersion-strengthened(ODS)ferritic alloys have attracted increasing research eforts in recent years,for the enhanced nucleation and refnement of nano-oxides.Here,we report a frst-principles explora...Y-Zr-O nano-oxide dispersion-strengthened(ODS)ferritic alloys have attracted increasing research eforts in recent years,for the enhanced nucleation and refnement of nano-oxides.Here,we report a frst-principles exploration on the possible roles of Y_(2)Zr_(2)O_(7) in helium management in Y+Zr and Y+Ti+Zr co-alloyed ODS ferritic alloys.Bulk phase calculations suggested that similarly as Y_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7),Y_(2)Zr_(2)O_(7) has a comparably strong capability for trapping helium at its interstitial sites.The equilibrium Fe/Y_(2)Zr_(2)O_(7) interface structure was further predicted as the top-coordinated O-rich at the temperature range of interest.Vacancy and helium both segregate to the Y_(2)Zr_(2)O_(7) interface,in preference to the Y_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7) interface,the bulk interior of Y_(2)Zr_(2)O_(7) and the grain boundaries.In this regard,Y_(2)Zr_(2)O_(7) can be more efective than Y_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7) in preventing vacancies and helium from reaching GBs.Based on these results,the profound implications for the helium tolerance of Zralloyed ODS ferritic alloys were discussed.展开更多
Owing to the characteristics of chemical inertness,low molecular weight,low boiling point,strong permeability and high heat conductivity,helium is extensively used in the fields of aerospace,low-temperature supercondu...Owing to the characteristics of chemical inertness,low molecular weight,low boiling point,strong permeability and high heat conductivity,helium is extensively used in the fields of aerospace,low-temperature superconductivity,medicine and high tech,and it is a kind of irreplaceable strategic rare resource.So far,however,less research has been conducted on the enrichment of helium in natural gas reservoirs.To solve this problem,this paper discusses the classification standard of helium-rich gas reservoirs.Based on this,the origin,source and enrichment process of helium in typical helium-rich gas reservoirs are studied,highlighting the contribution of main helium sources to helium-rich gas reservoirs.In addition,helium enrichment models of helium-rich gas reservoir in petroliferous basins are established.And the following research results are obtained.First,6 helium enrichment models of two categories(crust-source helium enrichment and crust-mantle mixing helium enrichment)are established for different petroliferous basins in China.Second,helium-rich gas reservoirs are characterized by using the multiple helium supply and diverse helium enrichment model.And no matter what enrichment model it is,the contribution of the main helium source to gas reservoirs is indispensable.Third,the helium in the gas reservoirs of central and western basins is mainly crust-source helium,and its enrichment models include ancient formation water moving upward along the fault to dilute helium,helium enrichment in the process of natural gas migration along ancient reservoirs,and helium enrichment of shale gas.Fourth,the helium in the helium-rich gas reservoirs of eastern basins is of crust-mantle mixing origin and its enrichment models are mainly hydrocarbon gas based,carbon dioxide based and nitrogen based.In conclusion,the establishment of the helium enrichment models of helium-rich gas reservoirs in petroliferous basins provides reference and guidance for studying helium enrichment laws and main controlling factors and is of great significance to the evaluation of favorable helium exploration areas.展开更多
The helium cryogenic system supplies supercritical helium cooling capacity at 4.5 K for the superconducting magnets in the EAST superconducting tokamak.Four low-temperature helium turbines are used in the 2 kW helium ...The helium cryogenic system supplies supercritical helium cooling capacity at 4.5 K for the superconducting magnets in the EAST superconducting tokamak.Four low-temperature helium turbines are used in the 2 kW helium refrigeration system,and their performance and reliability are critical for the continuous operation of the tokamak.The turbines were made by the Helium Mechanics Company in Russia.The start-up process is very unstable,easily broken,and thus testing and improvements are needed.In this paper,we analyze the structure of the helium turbine,make improvements,and describe the testing process and results of the improved helium turbines.Some of the operational experiences during the start-up process and tests are also presented.展开更多
The reduced activation ferritic/martenstic steel CLF-1 prepared by the Southwestern Institute of Physics in China was irradiated by helium ions with an energy of 5 keV at room temperature using an electron cyclotron r...The reduced activation ferritic/martenstic steel CLF-1 prepared by the Southwestern Institute of Physics in China was irradiated by helium ions with an energy of 5 keV at room temperature using an electron cyclotron resonance （ECR） ion irradiation apparatus. After the irradiation, the helium retention and desorption were investigated using a technique of thermal desorption spectroscopy （TDS）. The experiment was conducted with both the normal and welded samples. Blisters were observed after the helium ion irradiation, and the surface density of blisters in the welded samples was lower than that in the non-welded samples. Three desorption peaks were observed in both the non-welded and welded samples. These desorption peaks corresponded to those of blister ruptures and the helium release from the inner bubbles and the defects. The amount of helium retained in the welded samples was approximately the same as that in the non- welded samples, which was much less than other reduced activation materials, such as vanadium alloy and SiC/SiC composites.展开更多
Helium in China highly depends on import at present,so the most practical way to change the situation is searching for medium-to-large natural gasfields with high helium content.Therefore,the hydrocarbon accumulation ...Helium in China highly depends on import at present,so the most practical way to change the situation is searching for medium-to-large natural gasfields with high helium content.Therefore,the hydrocarbon accumulation mechanism and the helium origin of the Weiyuan high-helium natural gas reservoir have been analyzed tofind out the feasibility offinding natural gasfield with high helium content in the Presinian strata of the Sichuan Basin.Based on twelve outcrop sections and drilling data of four wells encountering the Presinian strata,the petrological features,sedimentary facies and source rocks of Presinian strata were systematically analyzed,which shows that the sedimentary formation developed in the Presinian is the Nanhua system,and the stratigraphic sequence revealed by outcrop section in the eastern margin includes the Nantuo,Datangpo,Gucheng and Liantuo Fms,and it is inferred that the same stratigraphic sequence may occur inside the basin.The Nantuo,Gucheng and Liantuo Fms are mainly glacial deposits of glutenite interbedded with mudstone;the Datangpo Fm is interglacial deposits of sandstone and shale,the lower part shale,rich in organic matter,is fairly good source rock.Further study showed that the Nantuo coarse-grained clastic reservoir,Datangpo source rock and the intruded granite“helium source rock”make up a good high-helium gas system.Controlled by the early rift,the thick Presinian sedimentary rocks occur primarily inside the rift.The distribution of sedimentary rocks and granite in the basin was predicted by use of the seismic data,which shows that the feasibility offinding high-helium gas reservoirs in Ziyang area of the Sichuan Basin is great.展开更多
In the present paper on the one hand we apply the central limit theorem to the solution of the sign problem of a path integral of two-interacting particles in potential and give an expression for the sign solved propa...In the present paper on the one hand we apply the central limit theorem to the solution of the sign problem of a path integral of two-interacting particles in potential and give an expression for the sign solved propagator (SSP) derived from that solution and on the other hand we perform the angular decomposition of the path integrals of the 2D and 3D Helium atoms. Finally, we combine those two results and derive the SSPs of the 2D and 3D Helium atoms.展开更多
In the previous paper by one of us (hereafter paper I), the author considered Rydberg states of the muonic-electronic helium atom or helium-like ion and used the fact that the muon motion occurs much more rapidly than...In the previous paper by one of us (hereafter paper I), the author considered Rydberg states of the muonic-electronic helium atom or helium-like ion and used the fact that the muon motion occurs much more rapidly than the electron motion. Assuming that the muon and nucleus orbits are circular, he applied the analytical method based on separating rapid and slow subsystems. He showed that the electron moves in an effective potential that is mathematically equivalent to the potential of a satellite orbiting an oblate planet like the Earth. He also showed that the “unperturbed” elliptical orbit of the electron engages in two precessions simultaneously: the precession of the electron orbit in the plane of the orbit and the precession of the orbital plane of the electron around the axis perpendicular to the plane of the muon and nuclear orbits. The problem remained whether or not the allowance for the ellipticity of the orbit could significantly change the results. In the present paper, we address this problem: we study how the allowance for a relatively low eccentricity ε of the muon and nucleus orbits affects the motion of the electron. We derive an additional, ε-dependent term in the effective potential for the motion of the electron. We show analytically that in the particular case of the planar geometry (where the electron orbit is in the plane of the muon and nucleus orbits), it leads to an additional contribution to the frequency of the precession of the electron orbit. We demonstrate that this additional, ε-depen- dent contribution to the precession frequency of the electron orbit can reach the same order of magnitude as the primary, ε-independent contribution to the precession frequency. Therefore, the results of our paper seem to be important not only qualitatively, but also quantitatively.展开更多
Global helium(He) shortage is a challenging problem;however, the types of helium source rock and the mechanisms of He generation and release therein remain still poorly understood. In this study, in order to evaluate ...Global helium(He) shortage is a challenging problem;however, the types of helium source rock and the mechanisms of He generation and release therein remain still poorly understood. In this study, in order to evaluate the potential of granite as an effective helium source rock, we collected granitic samples from the North Qinling Orogen, Central China, in the south of the helium-rich Weihe Basin. The helium generation and release behaviors in granite were studied through analysis of U and Th concentrations, EMPA images, and He and Ar concentrations and isotopic ratios extracted by crushing and stepwise heating. The results indicate that Ar has a better retention and a lower mobility than He. 3 He/4 He ratios released by crushing and stepwise heating are 0.016–0.056 RA and 0.003–0.572 RA, respectively, where RA is the atmospheric 3 He/4 He of 1.4×10-6, reflecting a crustal and radiogenic source. Helium concentrations extracted by the two ways are 0.13–0.95 ucm3 STP/g and 7.82–115.62 ucm3 STP/g, respectively, suggesting that matrix-sited He accounts for more than 98% of total helium preserved in granite. In addition, the total generated He amounts in granites are calculated based on the measured U and Th concentrations in granitic samples. Dividing the preserved He quantities by the generated He amounts, it turned out that less than 10% of He produced since the formation of the granite is preserved in the rock over geological time, suggesting that more than 90% generated He can be transferred to the Weihe Basin. Temperature and fracture are the two critical factors controlling He release. Based on the relationship between He diffusivity of granites and temperature and the He closure temperatures of a variety of U-and Th-rich minerals(27–250°C), we estimate that He can be partially released out of granite at the depths <400 m and totally released at the depths >7800 m. Fractures provide effective transfer of free He from deep source rocks to shallow reservoirs. Finally, a model on granite as an effective helium source rock is established. We suggest exploring He resources in hydrocarbon basins with granitic basement(or adjacent to granite bodies), high geothermal field, and young active fractures.展开更多
Examples of the mightiest energy releases by great earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and hypotheses providing explanations for them are analyzed along with the results of some recently pub- lished researches and visu...Examples of the mightiest energy releases by great earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and hypotheses providing explanations for them are analyzed along with the results of some recently pub- lished researches and visualizations. The emerging conclusions are that the mechanism of the strong earthquake is a chemical explosion; that volcanic eruption is a special type of earthquake wherein the hypocenter rises to the earth-surface; and that there is an association between the seismic-volcanic processes and mantle ＂fluids＂ and the lack of energy for mantle plumes. A conceptual system of hypoth- eses is put forward to explain the conservation of energy during Earth＇s accretion, its quasi-stable release by primordial H- and He-degassing and of the crucial role of the energy of degassing-eomprising- reactions in endogenic processes. Specific mechanisms and chemical processes are proposed for the gas-liquid mantle plumes melting through the solid mantle using heat-energy released in reactions of their metamorphic and chemical transformation under gradual decrease of pressure and temperature; volcanic gases are put forward as energy carriers. 3He performance as a unique measuring transformer correlative to the internal heat flow was used for calculation of energy release by degassing; it equals to 5.12 × 1020 J/yr, an amount of energy five-fold greater than the entire energy loss involved in earthquake and volcanic activity. The hypotheses proposed are objectively testable.展开更多
基金funded by United Kingdom Commonwealth Scholarship Commission。
文摘The Rukwa Rift section of the East Africa Rift System presents a type setting for radiogenic helium accumulation in a petroleum free basin.As a prerequisite for accumulation,a considerable high heat flow anomaly is required from tectonothermal events to drive the release and circulation of radiogenic helium in the continental crust.Here we apply statistical analysis on geochemical data observed in thermal springs and recorded heat flow to account for crustal helium mass balance for each tectonothermal event in the region.Our results demonstrate anomalously high heat flow~64-99 mW/m^(2) with a consistent trend of helium isotopic ratio and fluid chemistry in the Rukwa Rift.Mass balance calculation show that the whole crustal volume underlying the East Africa Helium Pool(EAHP)has a capability of producing radiogenic helium of about 9.9×10^(6) mol/yr(22×10^(-6) mol 4He/m^(2) yr)while the total radiogenic helium flux ranges between~2.39×10^(6) mol/yr and~2.68×10^(9) mol/yr.The Tanzania Craton contributes largely to radiogenic helium releasing up to 50% of the total capacity in the region.The total ^(4)He emission in the Rukwa Rift Basin is about 4.45×10^(5)-5.01×10^(8) mol/yr which is thus equivalent to 19%-21% of the total production capacity in the region.These results imply that the helium accumulation in the EAHP would have started as early as Paleoproterozoic(2.349 Ga).These results provide a qualitative and quantitative insight to assess both helium and geothermal potentiality in the region.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.U22B2067 and 52073176).
文摘350 keV He^(+) ions were injected into laser powder bed fusion(LPBF)-processed 304L stainless steel and traditional rolled 304L stainless steel with a flux of 1×10^(17) ions/cm^(2) at room temperature,followed by annealing at 750℃ for 10,100,and 300 h,respectively.The results showed that material swelling due to helium bubble coarsening was almost not observed in either the LPBF or rolled samples after 10 h of annealing duration.Rapid coarsening and swelling of bubbles occurred in the rolled samples,but only moderate bubble growth occurred in the LPBF sample after annealing for 100 h.After annealing for 300 h,the helium bubbles in both samples tended to grow steadily.For 10 h of annealing,the irradiated samples were in a disequilibrium state,and the apparent activation energy(E^(act))calculated by the Arrhenius model determined that helium atoms tended to diffuse through the displacement mechanism,and helium bubbles grew under the migration and coalescence(MC)mechanism.With annealing times over 100 h,the high-density dislocations and nano-oxide particles in the LPBF sample still had a strong trapping effect on the movement and growth of helium bubbles.After annealing for 300 h,the cellular subgrains in the LPBF sample decomposed,and the nano-oxide particles had no trapping effect on the helium bubbles.At this time,the dislocation structure played a primary role in suppressing the growth of helium bubbles,and the radiation resistance of the LPBF sample remained superior to that of the rolled samples.
基金co-supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities,China(No.3072024XX0206)the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province,China(No.LH2024E069)。
文摘A surface pyrolysis and gas-phase combustion of the Ammonium Perchlorate(AP)/Hydroxy Terminated Polybutadiene(HTPB)composite propellant reaction kinetic mechanism with five-step chemical reaction is adopted.The effects of helium injection on the burning rate and combustion of AP/HTPB propellant are analyzed in details,and the characteristics of motor performance are obtained.The numerical simulation results demonstrate that helium injection enhances the combustion chamber pressure,thereby increasing the burning rate of propellant.However,the primary combustion reaction of the AP/HTPB propellant takes place within a thin layer on the burning surface,so the low-temperature helium has minimal impact on the gasphase combustion.Ultimately,the helium not only elevates the nozzle exit velocity,resulting in specific impulse gain,but also reduces the exhaust plume temperature.With an increase of helium mass flow rate,the area of the velocity increase zone at the nozzle exit continuously decreases,but the average velocity in the motor exit continuously increases.Overall,when the helium flow rate is 2.5 kg/s,the specific impulse can reach 10.5%.Reducing the helium injection hole diameter enhances mixing of helium and combustion gas and expands the velocity increase zone,thereby maximizing the exit velocity gain in average velocity at the nozzle exit.When the injection hole diameter is reduced from 100 mm to 20 mm,the specific impulse gain increases from 3.1%to 10.6%.Furthermore,increasing helium injection temperature greatly boosts the velocity of the mixed gas with the same helium mass fraction ultimately improving specific impulse.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.12172063).
文摘The damage evolution of polycrystalline Al with helium(He)bubbles under strongly decaying shock waves is studied by molecular dynamics simulations.A new damage region is observed near the loading side of the sample,and the evolution characteristics and underlying mechanisms are elucidated.The development of damage in the new damage region begins after complete unloading of the incident shock wave and is further enhanced when the tensile stress arrives later.The damage evolution is completely controlled by the expansion-merging of He bubbles,without nucleation–growth of voids.This new damage region can be divided into two sections,each of which exhibits a unique dominant mechanism.The damage in the section closer to the loading side is due to the reverse velocity gradient formed after complete unloading of the incident shock wave,depending on the rate of decrease and the amplitude of the initial peak pressure.A high initial peak pressure that can lead to melting of material near the loading side is a necessary condition for the formation of the new damage region,since a significant reverse velocity gradient can only be established if melting occurs.The dominant mechanism in the section distant from the loading side is the action of tensile stress,associated with the profile of the incident shock wave upon reaching the free surface,which determines the material phase near the free surface.Moreover,the presence of He bubbles is another critical factor for formation of the new damage region,which does not occur in pure Al samples.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2021YFA0719000)the Science Foundation of China University of Petroleum,Beijing(No.2462025XKBH007)the Research Foundation of China University of Petroleum-Beijing at Karamay(No.XQZX20240019)。
文摘Shale gas in southern China is found to contain economically valuable helium(He),which is inconsistent with conventional perspective that hydrocarbon gases in shale would dilute He to sub-economic levels.The adsorption of gases in the nanopores of organic matter is considered a crucial factor influencing the shale gas composition.The adsorption behaviors of He,methane(CH_(4))and their mixtures in kerogen nanopores were performed by the Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulation.The molecular simulations of pure He reveal that He can be adsorbed in shale and the adsorption capacity of He increases with the burial depth of shale.Before the hydrocarbon generation from kerogen,He has been continually generated in shale,the simulations further demonstrate that pure He can be partially preserved in shale as adsorbed gas phase.The simulations of competitive adsorption between CH_(4) and He show that the adsorption selectivity of CH_(4)/He is consistently higher than 1.0 under the simulated conditions.This indicates that the previously adsorbed He will be displaced by CH_(4) and subsequently concentrated in hydrocarbon gas as free gas phase during the process of hydrocarbon gas generation from kerogen.After the termination of hydrocarbon gas generation,He continues to be generated in shale and preferentially concentrated in free shale gas.Therefore,the concentration of He in shale gas will gradually increase with the generation time of He.In addition,our simulations indicate that high pressure and deep burial depth can enhance the adsorption of He in kerogen,suggesting that deeply buried organic-rich shale probably retains more adsorbed helium.Molecular simulations of He adsorption provide new insights into the accumulation process of He in shale gas and are of great significance for assessing helium resource potential in shale gas.
基金supported by the National Key Research&Development Program of China(No.2023YFF0721304)the Key Research&Development Program of Jiangsu Province(No.2021015-4),China。
文摘Gifford-McMahon-type pulse-tube cryocoolers(GM-PTCs)working at liquid helium temperatures are promising in quantum technology and cryogenic physics for their high reliability and minimal vibration.These features stem from the fact that there are no extra moving parts introduced into the system.The rotary valve is a key component in GM-PTCs that transfers the output exergy from the compressor to the cold head.Because a low Carnot efficiency of 1.58%is achieved at liquid helium temperatures,optimizing the rotary valve is crucial for improving the efficiency of GM-PTCs.In this regard,an exergy-loss analysis method is proposed in this paper to quantitatively obtain the leakage loss and viscosity loss of a rotary valve by experimental measurements.The results show that viscosity loss accounts for more than 97.5%of the total exergy loss in the rotary valve,and that it is possible to improve the structure of the rotary valve by expanding the flow area by 1.5 times.To verify the method,the cooling temperature and power of a remote two-stage GM-PTC were monitored,with original or optimized rotary valves installed.The experimental results show that compared to the original rotary valve,the optimized rotary valve can improve the cooling efficiency of a GM-PTC by 16.4%,with a cooling power of 0.78 W at 4.2 K.
基金the Strategic Pilot Science and Technology Projects of Chinese Academy of Sciences,China(No.XDC10040000).
文摘Due to its unique properties,helium is critical in scientific research and industrial innovation,particularly in cryogenics;however,its scarcity necessitates efficient resource utilization.Through a review of the historical development of the helium industry,this study comprehensively evaluates the value,sources,production methods,supply dynamics,and sustainability challenges of helium.The processes and mechanisms of helium enrichment,along with effective exploration methods,are systematically analyzed here.We recommend focusing on the development of technologies for helium preservation,recovery,and extraction,particularly the extraction technology for helium-poor fields.Market analysis indicates that no imminent crisis in the global helium supply is expected before 2060.Thus,enhancing helium resource protection technologies is essential to improve its economic utilization and management while providing a timely reference for the scientific community.
基金support from CNPC Key and Core Technology Research Project(Grant No.2021ZG13).
文摘Helium is a valuable natural resource used widely in high-tech industries because of its unique physical and chemical properties.The study of helium in shale gas is still in its infancy,and the content,genesis,and enrichment patterns of helium in shale gas are not yet clear.In this paper,the concentrations and isotopic characteristics of helium were investigated in the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale gas in the Sichuan Basin and the periphery areas.The analytical results show that the concentrations of helium in the southern Sichuan shale gas fall in the range of 0.018-0.051 vol%with an average of 0.029 vol%.The helium abundance in Weiyuan shale gas are relatively low compared to those in conventional natural gas pools from the same area(generally greater than 0.20 vol%),reflecting the significance of long distance migration to the enrichment of helium in gas pools.The relatively low ratios of 3He and 4He in shale gas indicate that most of the helium are crustal derived helium.Further quantitative estimate based on helium,neon,and argon isotopic ratios suggest almost 100%crustal helium source.The helium residing in shale reservoirs can be deconvoluted into the indigenous helium generated in-situ by shale and exogenous helium generated from external helium source rocks and charged through faults and/or fractures networks.According to preliminary calculations,external helium source is required to meet the threshold of an economic helium-rich field of helium concentration of 0.1 vol%except for particular areas with extraordinarily high uranium and thorium concentration.Based on detailed study on typical helium-rich shale gas reservoirs,major advantageous features for helium's enrichment in shale gas include:(1)high-quality helium source rocks,(2)effective migration paths,and(3)diminished dilution effects of shale gas.Shale gas plays with underlying ancient cratonic basement,well developed source-connecting faults,and moderate pressure coefficient are potential targets for helium exploration.
基金supported by the Hundred Talents Programof the Chinese Academy of Sciences,the Pre-Research Project JZX7Y20220414101801the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDB35000000)the National Natural Science Foundation Projects(No.51806231).
文摘Helium sorption cooler technology is a key means to realize highly reliable low-vibration very lowtemperature environments,which have important applications in fields such as quantum computing and space exploration.The laboratory designed a superfluid suppression small hole and a multi-ribbed condenser,developed a reliable-performance helium sorption cooler(HSC),and conducted experimental studies.Experimental results show that the prototype can achieve the lowest cooling temperature of 873 mK without load by filling 6MPa helium at room temperature.The low-temperature hold time is 26 h,and the temperature fluctuation is within 0.8 mK.The cooling power of the helium sorption cooler is 1 mW@0.98 K@3.5 h.Experimental results indicate that when the charging pressure is reduced to 4MPa,theminimum temperature decreases to 836mK,and the hold time shortens to 16 h.When the pre-cooling temperature increases from 3.9 to 4.9 K,the hold time is reduced to 3 h.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFA0718600)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42441809).
文摘Research on the interstellar medium and its interaction with the solar system constitutes a significant topic in planetary physics.As the Sun traverses the local interstellar cloud,interstellar neutrals penetrate the heliosphere,forming the interstellar wind,and scattering solar extreme ultraviolet(EUV)emission lines.The intensity of the scattered radiation provides an indicator of the characteristic parameters of the interstellar wind,crucial for characterizing the heliosphere,the interstellar medium,and the evolution of the solar system.Meanwhile,a powerful method for studying stellar evolution is investigating the EUV emissions of stars.The only ongoing mission conducting an EUV full-sky survey is the relay satellite Queqiao-2.Due to the strong absorption of the interstellar medium at EUV wavelengths,modelling is essential to any study of these influences.In this study,we reviewed classical modelling methods for the density distribution of the interstellar helium atoms in the heliosphere,and the corresponding 58.4 nm radiation intensity.We established distinct density and intensity models for different orbital positions of Earth’s revolution.We found that when the Earth enters the helium focusing cone in the downwind region,both the helium density and the 58.4 nm radiation intensity increase rapidly,with the temperature effect being particularly important.The radiation intensity in the downwind direction can be 170 times that of the upwind direction.Some negligible factors were omitted for simplicity,such as the effects of the solar line width and Doppler shift.Our research can serve as an aid to the interpretation of the EUV observations in the full-sky survey conducted by Queqiao-2.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(71804187)the Beijing Social Science Funding(19GLC045)CNPC technical consulting project(RIPED.CN2023-JS-13).
文摘Helium is a critical raw material,but its distribution is extremely uneven.To better mitigate trade risks and get a steady and safe supply of helium,it is of the upmost importance to assess the risk associated with the investment environment in helium-rich countries.This paper establishes an indicator system including 22 indicators from five dimensions,which consist of:helium resource endowment,macro environment,operation risk,maritime risk and,bilateral relationships.The game theory model combined with variance coefficient theory and expert survey are presented to determine the combined weights.The results show that Kazakhstan,Russia and Qatar present the best comprehensive performance;Australia has the highest operation risk and,Poland and Algeria have higher maritime risk;resources endowment has the largest weight,followed by maritime risk.We provide suggestions of acquiring upstream helium-rich gas fields and purchase&sale agreement of bundled liquified natural gas(LNG)etc.
基金the fnancial support from the National MCF Energy R&D Program of China(No.2018YFE0306101)the Science and Technology Laboratory on Reactor Fuel and Materials of China.
文摘Y-Zr-O nano-oxide dispersion-strengthened(ODS)ferritic alloys have attracted increasing research eforts in recent years,for the enhanced nucleation and refnement of nano-oxides.Here,we report a frst-principles exploration on the possible roles of Y_(2)Zr_(2)O_(7) in helium management in Y+Zr and Y+Ti+Zr co-alloyed ODS ferritic alloys.Bulk phase calculations suggested that similarly as Y_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7),Y_(2)Zr_(2)O_(7) has a comparably strong capability for trapping helium at its interstitial sites.The equilibrium Fe/Y_(2)Zr_(2)O_(7) interface structure was further predicted as the top-coordinated O-rich at the temperature range of interest.Vacancy and helium both segregate to the Y_(2)Zr_(2)O_(7) interface,in preference to the Y_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7) interface,the bulk interior of Y_(2)Zr_(2)O_(7) and the grain boundaries.In this regard,Y_(2)Zr_(2)O_(7) can be more efective than Y_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7) in preventing vacancies and helium from reaching GBs.Based on these results,the profound implications for the helium tolerance of Zralloyed ODS ferritic alloys were discussed.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China“Water-soluble gas accumulation and its quantitative research method based on rare gas tracking”(No.41872162)the National Natural Science Foundation of China“Enrichment mechanism and resource potential of helium in superimposed basins in central-western China”(No.42141022).
文摘Owing to the characteristics of chemical inertness,low molecular weight,low boiling point,strong permeability and high heat conductivity,helium is extensively used in the fields of aerospace,low-temperature superconductivity,medicine and high tech,and it is a kind of irreplaceable strategic rare resource.So far,however,less research has been conducted on the enrichment of helium in natural gas reservoirs.To solve this problem,this paper discusses the classification standard of helium-rich gas reservoirs.Based on this,the origin,source and enrichment process of helium in typical helium-rich gas reservoirs are studied,highlighting the contribution of main helium sources to helium-rich gas reservoirs.In addition,helium enrichment models of helium-rich gas reservoir in petroliferous basins are established.And the following research results are obtained.First,6 helium enrichment models of two categories(crust-source helium enrichment and crust-mantle mixing helium enrichment)are established for different petroliferous basins in China.Second,helium-rich gas reservoirs are characterized by using the multiple helium supply and diverse helium enrichment model.And no matter what enrichment model it is,the contribution of the main helium source to gas reservoirs is indispensable.Third,the helium in the gas reservoirs of central and western basins is mainly crust-source helium,and its enrichment models include ancient formation water moving upward along the fault to dilute helium,helium enrichment in the process of natural gas migration along ancient reservoirs,and helium enrichment of shale gas.Fourth,the helium in the helium-rich gas reservoirs of eastern basins is of crust-mantle mixing origin and its enrichment models are mainly hydrocarbon gas based,carbon dioxide based and nitrogen based.In conclusion,the establishment of the helium enrichment models of helium-rich gas reservoirs in petroliferous basins provides reference and guidance for studying helium enrichment laws and main controlling factors and is of great significance to the evaluation of favorable helium exploration areas.
文摘The helium cryogenic system supplies supercritical helium cooling capacity at 4.5 K for the superconducting magnets in the EAST superconducting tokamak.Four low-temperature helium turbines are used in the 2 kW helium refrigeration system,and their performance and reliability are critical for the continuous operation of the tokamak.The turbines were made by the Helium Mechanics Company in Russia.The start-up process is very unstable,easily broken,and thus testing and improvements are needed.In this paper,we analyze the structure of the helium turbine,make improvements,and describe the testing process and results of the improved helium turbines.Some of the operational experiences during the start-up process and tests are also presented.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (50701017)Japan-China Core University Program on Plasma and Nuclear Fusion
文摘The reduced activation ferritic/martenstic steel CLF-1 prepared by the Southwestern Institute of Physics in China was irradiated by helium ions with an energy of 5 keV at room temperature using an electron cyclotron resonance （ECR） ion irradiation apparatus. After the irradiation, the helium retention and desorption were investigated using a technique of thermal desorption spectroscopy （TDS）. The experiment was conducted with both the normal and welded samples. Blisters were observed after the helium ion irradiation, and the surface density of blisters in the welded samples was lower than that in the non-welded samples. Three desorption peaks were observed in both the non-welded and welded samples. These desorption peaks corresponded to those of blister ruptures and the helium release from the inner bubbles and the defects. The amount of helium retained in the welded samples was approximately the same as that in the non- welded samples, which was much less than other reduced activation materials, such as vanadium alloy and SiC/SiC composites.
文摘Helium in China highly depends on import at present,so the most practical way to change the situation is searching for medium-to-large natural gasfields with high helium content.Therefore,the hydrocarbon accumulation mechanism and the helium origin of the Weiyuan high-helium natural gas reservoir have been analyzed tofind out the feasibility offinding natural gasfield with high helium content in the Presinian strata of the Sichuan Basin.Based on twelve outcrop sections and drilling data of four wells encountering the Presinian strata,the petrological features,sedimentary facies and source rocks of Presinian strata were systematically analyzed,which shows that the sedimentary formation developed in the Presinian is the Nanhua system,and the stratigraphic sequence revealed by outcrop section in the eastern margin includes the Nantuo,Datangpo,Gucheng and Liantuo Fms,and it is inferred that the same stratigraphic sequence may occur inside the basin.The Nantuo,Gucheng and Liantuo Fms are mainly glacial deposits of glutenite interbedded with mudstone;the Datangpo Fm is interglacial deposits of sandstone and shale,the lower part shale,rich in organic matter,is fairly good source rock.Further study showed that the Nantuo coarse-grained clastic reservoir,Datangpo source rock and the intruded granite“helium source rock”make up a good high-helium gas system.Controlled by the early rift,the thick Presinian sedimentary rocks occur primarily inside the rift.The distribution of sedimentary rocks and granite in the basin was predicted by use of the seismic data,which shows that the feasibility offinding high-helium gas reservoirs in Ziyang area of the Sichuan Basin is great.
文摘In the present paper on the one hand we apply the central limit theorem to the solution of the sign problem of a path integral of two-interacting particles in potential and give an expression for the sign solved propagator (SSP) derived from that solution and on the other hand we perform the angular decomposition of the path integrals of the 2D and 3D Helium atoms. Finally, we combine those two results and derive the SSPs of the 2D and 3D Helium atoms.
文摘In the previous paper by one of us (hereafter paper I), the author considered Rydberg states of the muonic-electronic helium atom or helium-like ion and used the fact that the muon motion occurs much more rapidly than the electron motion. Assuming that the muon and nucleus orbits are circular, he applied the analytical method based on separating rapid and slow subsystems. He showed that the electron moves in an effective potential that is mathematically equivalent to the potential of a satellite orbiting an oblate planet like the Earth. He also showed that the “unperturbed” elliptical orbit of the electron engages in two precessions simultaneously: the precession of the electron orbit in the plane of the orbit and the precession of the orbital plane of the electron around the axis perpendicular to the plane of the muon and nuclear orbits. The problem remained whether or not the allowance for the ellipticity of the orbit could significantly change the results. In the present paper, we address this problem: we study how the allowance for a relatively low eccentricity ε of the muon and nucleus orbits affects the motion of the electron. We derive an additional, ε-dependent term in the effective potential for the motion of the electron. We show analytically that in the particular case of the planar geometry (where the electron orbit is in the plane of the muon and nucleus orbits), it leads to an additional contribution to the frequency of the precession of the electron orbit. We demonstrate that this additional, ε-depen- dent contribution to the precession frequency of the electron orbit can reach the same order of magnitude as the primary, ε-independent contribution to the precession frequency. Therefore, the results of our paper seem to be important not only qualitatively, but also quantitatively.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(NSFC,No.41572131)the China Geology Survey(DD20190103).
文摘Global helium(He) shortage is a challenging problem;however, the types of helium source rock and the mechanisms of He generation and release therein remain still poorly understood. In this study, in order to evaluate the potential of granite as an effective helium source rock, we collected granitic samples from the North Qinling Orogen, Central China, in the south of the helium-rich Weihe Basin. The helium generation and release behaviors in granite were studied through analysis of U and Th concentrations, EMPA images, and He and Ar concentrations and isotopic ratios extracted by crushing and stepwise heating. The results indicate that Ar has a better retention and a lower mobility than He. 3 He/4 He ratios released by crushing and stepwise heating are 0.016–0.056 RA and 0.003–0.572 RA, respectively, where RA is the atmospheric 3 He/4 He of 1.4×10-6, reflecting a crustal and radiogenic source. Helium concentrations extracted by the two ways are 0.13–0.95 ucm3 STP/g and 7.82–115.62 ucm3 STP/g, respectively, suggesting that matrix-sited He accounts for more than 98% of total helium preserved in granite. In addition, the total generated He amounts in granites are calculated based on the measured U and Th concentrations in granitic samples. Dividing the preserved He quantities by the generated He amounts, it turned out that less than 10% of He produced since the formation of the granite is preserved in the rock over geological time, suggesting that more than 90% generated He can be transferred to the Weihe Basin. Temperature and fracture are the two critical factors controlling He release. Based on the relationship between He diffusivity of granites and temperature and the He closure temperatures of a variety of U-and Th-rich minerals(27–250°C), we estimate that He can be partially released out of granite at the depths <400 m and totally released at the depths >7800 m. Fractures provide effective transfer of free He from deep source rocks to shallow reservoirs. Finally, a model on granite as an effective helium source rock is established. We suggest exploring He resources in hydrocarbon basins with granitic basement(or adjacent to granite bodies), high geothermal field, and young active fractures.
文摘Examples of the mightiest energy releases by great earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and hypotheses providing explanations for them are analyzed along with the results of some recently pub- lished researches and visualizations. The emerging conclusions are that the mechanism of the strong earthquake is a chemical explosion; that volcanic eruption is a special type of earthquake wherein the hypocenter rises to the earth-surface; and that there is an association between the seismic-volcanic processes and mantle ＂fluids＂ and the lack of energy for mantle plumes. A conceptual system of hypoth- eses is put forward to explain the conservation of energy during Earth＇s accretion, its quasi-stable release by primordial H- and He-degassing and of the crucial role of the energy of degassing-eomprising- reactions in endogenic processes. Specific mechanisms and chemical processes are proposed for the gas-liquid mantle plumes melting through the solid mantle using heat-energy released in reactions of their metamorphic and chemical transformation under gradual decrease of pressure and temperature; volcanic gases are put forward as energy carriers. 3He performance as a unique measuring transformer correlative to the internal heat flow was used for calculation of energy release by degassing; it equals to 5.12 × 1020 J/yr, an amount of energy five-fold greater than the entire energy loss involved in earthquake and volcanic activity. The hypotheses proposed are objectively testable.
