When you’re unwell, doctors sometimes recommend getting an MRI scan. But have you ever wondered why MRI machines in hospitals or diagnostic centers are always on? Why aren’t MRI machines turned off? Today, we will answer this important question.
Companies that make MRI machines install not just one, but two large superconducting magnets in them. These superconducting magnets work properly only when they are kept cool. So, how are these magnets kept cool?
To keep the MRI machine cool, companies use liquid helium. This liquid helium is poured into the machine to cool it down. If, for some reason, the machine is suddenly turned off, the magnets inside start to heat up. As the magnets get hotter, the liquid helium that keeps the machine cool begins to evaporate and turn into gas.
You can imagine what would happen if the liquid helium gas evaporates. If the machine gets too hot, there’s a high chance that the expensive MRI machine could get damaged. Repairing such a machine can cost a lot of money.
This is why MRI machines are only turned off during maintenance or in an emergency. Apart from these situations, the machine is never switched off.
