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    © Koninklijke Philips N.V., 2004 - 2025. All rights reserved.
    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. +1700

      BlueSeal MRI systems installed worldwide

      +1700

      BlueSeal MRI systems installed worldwide

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

    2. ~5 m

      liters of liquid helium saved2

      ~5 m

      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

      1700 kg

      lighter than conventional magnet3

      Up to

      1700 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 >1700 BlueSeal installations worldwide
    BlueSeal MRI scanner with clinical images
    Extend care to as many patients as possible
    Easy to site thanks to 1700kg lighter3 system without a vent pipe
    Bring MR to remote areas, as there's no need for helium refills
    Deliver MR services with 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

    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 the Ingenia 1.5T zero boil-off magnet
    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. BlueSeal Mobile is not yet CE market and not yet available for sale outside of the USA
    6. Based on internal testing. Including ramp-up, shim check and calibration
    7. BlueSeal XE/SE are not yet CE marked, not cleared in all countries, and not yet available for delivery in any country. Please consult your Philips contact person for further information.
    Disclaimer
    Helium-free operations. 7 liters of helium is permanently enclosed in the cryogenic circuit.