Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging technology that produces three dimensional detailed anatomical images. Although MRI does not emit the ionizing radiation that is found in X-ray imaging, it does employ a strong magnetic field, e.g., medical MRIs usually have strengths between 1.5 T and 3 T.
The 21.1 T superconducting magnet at Maglab (Florida, US) is the world’s strongest MRI scanner used for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) research. Since its inception in 2004, it has been continually conducting electric current of 284 A by itself. Because it is superconducting, the current runs through some 152 km of wire without resistance, so no outside energy source is needed. However, 2400 litres of liquid helium is cycled to keep the magnet at a superconducting temperature of 1.7 K. Even when not in use this magnet is kept cold; if it warms up to room temperature, it takes at least six weeks to cool it back down to operating temperature. The 45 T Hybrid Magnet of the Lab (which combines a superconducting magnet of 11.5 T with a resistive magnet of 33.5 T) is kept at 1.8 K using 2800 L of liquid helium and 15142 L of cold water.
