Overview
ARBOK-HE is a helium extraction module based on Arbok Vacuum Cracking technology. The system separates helium from natural gas streams using deep vacuum at ambient temperature, without cryogenic cooling of the entire gas flow, membranes, catalysts, or consumables. Compared to conventional cryogenic separation (which requires cooling to –185°C and a minimum helium concentration of 0.3%), ARBOK-HE can process streams with concentrations from 0.01%, opening access to deposits previously considered unviable. The technology is paired with the Arbok-CrioJet cooling module for final helium conditioning and liquefaction. At current helium spot prices exceeding $70/m³, and following the March 2026 supply crisis that removed 33% of global output, ARBOK-HE addresses a critical gap in global helium supply infrastructure.
Applications
Primary use cases:
• Helium extraction from natural gas at the wellhead
• Processing of submarginal deposits (He concentration 0.01–0.1%)
• Small and remote gas fields where pipeline transport of raw gas is uneconomical
• Integration with existing gas production infrastructure without interrupting gas supply
Typical scenarios:
• Wellhead helium capture before gas enters the pipeline (prevents concentration loss through flange leakage)
• Stranded gas field monetization where only helium justifies development
• National strategic helium reserve programs
• B2G partnerships with national oil and gas companies
Industries and users:
• National oil and gas companies (NOCs)
• Independent gas producers
• Government strategic reserve programs
• Helium trading and logistics companies
Scale:
• Small wellhead units: 8-ft TARK container (compact configuration)
• Standard wellhead units: 20-ft TARK container
• Modular expansion: multiple units per field
Operating Principle
The system applies deep vacuum to the gas stream at ambient temperature. Under these conditions, the vapor pressure differential causes preferential phase transition and separation of helium and other components without requiring bulk cryogenic cooling of the entire stream. The Arbok Vacuum Cracking physics enables separation of particles and vapors including those smaller than 30 nm.
Process flow:
The natural gas stream enters the separation module at wellhead pressure, where deep vacuum is applied and components separate by vapor pressure differential. The helium-enriched fraction is isolated and directed to the Arbok-CrioJet module, which cools the stream through a deep cryogenic route for final separation and liquefaction. An extended cooling configuration, using additional systems beyond the base module, is available for complete separation including nitrogen removal. Product helium is collected while the remaining gas continues into the pipeline unchanged.
Limitations:
• Requires stable vacuum system operation
• Extended CrioJet cooling requires additional systems beyond base configuration
• Not a finished series-produced unit — developed under specific partner project
• Requires engineering adaptation to each field's gas composition
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Conventional Cryogenic | ARBOK-HE |
|—|—|—|
| Process temperature | –185°C | ambient |
| Energy consumption | 15–25 kWh/kg He | 0.25–0.83 kWh/kg He* |
| Minimum viable He concentration | 0.3% | 0.01% |
| Catalysts / membranes / reagents | Required | None |
| Plant cost | $15–50 million | Containerized module |
| Construction time | ~5 years | Modular deployment |
| Liquid waste output | Present | Zero |
| CO₂ emissions | Significant | <0.1 kg/t stream |
*Energy per kg He depends on concentration:
- At 0.3% He: ~0.83 kWh/kg He → 25× less than conventional
- At 1.0% He: ~0.25 kWh/kg He → ~80× less than conventional
- At 7.0% He (best US fields): → ~500× less than conventional
Base system: 2–3 kWh per ton of processed gas stream, 98% energy recuperation
Architecture and Components
Core modules:
• ARBOK-HE separation unit — vacuum cracking chamber, phase separation column, helium-enriched fraction outlet
• Arbok-CrioJet cooling module — base configuration provides deep cryogenic cooling; an extended configuration (requiring additional systems) reaches ultra-deep cryogenic temperature, enabling full component separation including nitrogen
• Vacuum system — maintains deep-vacuum operating pressure
• Energy recuperation system — recovers up to 98% of process energy
• Control and monitoring system — automated process control
Enclosure:
• TARK maritime container, 20-ft standard configuration
• 8-ft compact configuration for small wells
• Installation on asphalt or concrete surface — no foundation required
Integration:
• Inline with wellhead gas stream — gas continues to pipeline after helium extraction
• No disruption to gas thermal value (helium is inert, does not affect calorific value)
• Compatible with standard wellhead instrumentation and SCADA systems
Advantages
Technical
• Operates at ambient temperature — eliminates bulk cryogenic infrastructure
• Processes concentrations from 0.01% — opens submarginal deposits
• No membranes, catalysts, or consumables — minimal maintenance
• Zero liquid waste output
• Particle separation down to <30 nm
Economic
• 25–500× lower energy cost per kg He (depending on field concentration)
• Containerized deployment eliminates $15–50M cryogenic plant cost
• Payback period: 5–7 years
• Monetizes stranded deposits with no existing infrastructure
• At $70/m³ helium, energy cost is <0.1% of revenue — economics driven by access, not efficiency
Environmental
• CO₂ < 0.1 kg/t processed stream
• SOₓ = 0, NOₓ < 0.05 kg/t
• Zero liquid discharge
• No chemical reagents
Strategic
• Enables wellhead extraction — eliminates pipeline concentration losses
• Diversifies global helium supply away from single-point-of-failure producers
• Supports national helium independence strategies
• Applicable to deposits in USA, Russia, Australia, Tanzania, Algeria that are currently undeveloped
Integrations
• Natural gas wellhead infrastructure (inline, non-disruptive)
• Standard gas pipeline systems (gas stream continues unmodified)
• Helium storage and transport systems (liquefaction output)
• SCADA / PLC industrial automation platforms
• National strategic reserve storage systems
• Arbok-Deka electrochemical power module (optional — enables operation on saline/seawater where grid power is unavailable)
Deployment & Operation
Pre-installation:
• Gas composition analysis at target wellhead (He concentration, impurities)
• Engineering adaptation of module configuration to field conditions
• Site preparation: concrete or asphalt pad (no foundation excavation)
Operating conditions:
• Ambient temperature — enclosure/shelter required in cold climates
• Deep vacuum maintained continuously
• Automated operation with remote monitoring capability
Personnel:
• Minimal on-site staffing — automated process control
• Periodic maintenance by trained technicians
• Remote monitoring via standard industrial platforms
TRL
Current TRL: 5–6 (concept integration of proven Arbok Vacuum Cracking components)
Evidence base:
• Arbok Vacuum Cracking core physics validated in other applications (ZWD, pyrolysis, wastewater)
• CrioJet cooling module independently developed
• ARBOK-HE is a concept combining these proven modules for helium-specific application
Completed milestones:
• Core vacuum cracking technology proven at industrial scale in other domains
• Process physics validated: vacuum separation at ambient temperature
• Container form factor defined and produced in other Arbok applications
Remaining steps to TRL 9:
• Engineering design specific to helium gas streams
• Pilot installation at target wellhead with specific gas composition
• Industrial validation and performance measurement
• Partner-specific project development and commissioning
Market Potential
Global helium market: ~200 million m³/year, ~$2.5–3 billion annually.
March 2026 crisis removed ~33% of supply (Qatar Ras Laffan terminal) — recovery estimated 3–5 years.
Current spot price: >$70/m³ (pre-crisis: $17/m³ EXW).
Target segment: submarginal deposits (He concentration 0.01–0.1%) — currently entirely undeveloped worldwide. Total potential of these deposits is estimated to be many times larger than current global production. Key geographies: USA (Hugoton complex and smaller fields), Russia (Eastern Siberia), Australia, Tanzania (Rukwa Basin — up to 10% He), Algeria.
USA alone currently produces 42% of world output and can substantially increase this with access to lower-concentration fields.
Typical Project Economics
| Parameter | Range |
|—|—|
| Helium market price | $70+/m³ spot (2026) |
| Energy cost per kg He (ARBOK-HE at 0.3%) | ~0.083 USD/kg He |
| Energy cost as % of revenue | <0.1% |
| Container unit cost | Determined per project |
| Construction / deployment time | Weeks (vs. 5 years conventional) |
| Payback period | 5–7 years |
| Partnership format | B2G or national oil and gas company |
Note: Economic value is driven not by energy savings but by access to previously unviable deposits. At $70/m³ helium, even 0.01% concentration fields become economically meaningful at sufficient gas flow volumes.
Risk Factors
• Technology readiness: ARBOK-HE is a concept integration, not a series product. First deployment requires full engineering development with a committed partner.
• Gas composition variability: Performance depends on specific field gas composition; engineering adaptation required per project.
• Partner dependency: Projects of this scale require B2G or national company involvement — long procurement and decision cycles.
• CrioJet extended mode: Ultra-deep cryogenic operation requires additional systems not yet specified — adds engineering complexity for nitrogen separation.
• Regulatory: Helium is a strategic resource in several jurisdictions — export controls, licensing, and national security considerations may affect project timelines.
• Market price volatility: Helium prices are historically cyclical — post-crisis premium may not persist at $70/m³ long-term.
Related Technologies
ARBOK-Helium · Arbok-Criojet · ARBOK-VC (Vacuum Cracking)