Research and Science

To achieve the possible, one must attempt the impossible. Messer takes up this challenge again and again. And with the same level of commitment, Messer supports the research projects of our international customers.

Switzerland: 170 tonnes of helium for CERN

Since the beginning of 2008, Messer’s excellent infrastructure has been entrusted with the task of supplying helium to the world-renowned CERN research institute. CERN (Organisation Européenne pour la Recherche Nucléaire) is the main European centre for particle physics. Based near Geneva, it is responsible for research into the composition of matter. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) particle accelerator will shoot protons at each other at unprecedented velocities. The beams are guided by superconducting magnets which are cooled with liquid helium. The helium is transported to the site in tankers which are normally only used to supply our filling plants. Messer was a successful bidder in the tendering process and will be supplying 50 percent of the total helium used during the next four years. A decisive factor in securing the contract was the company’s direct access to a reliable source of helium in Russia as well as its excellent European helium infrastructure. For the ‘management part’ of the tendering process, the helium tank installed in Gumpoldskirchen was a considerable plus. It provides temporary storage for liquid helium taken back during maintenance work on the LHC ring. Deliveries commenced in January 2008.