Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines are used in large hospitals, testing laboratories, and scanning centers. It is claimed that these machines never turn off after being switched on, and this is true. The reason for the continuous operation of this equipment is explained below.
Turning off an MRI machine is not as simple as flipping an electrical switch, like most medical equipment. Stopping an MRI scanner requires a complex and expensive process that costs millions. The main reason lies in the technology required for the machine's function.
Inside this apparatus are superconducting magnets that must be constantly maintained at absolute zero temperature, which is -269 degrees. It is the liquid helium used to cool these magnets that requires the machine to run continuously. Liquid helium maintains constant cooling of the magnets through a specialized cryogenic circulation system.
The process of shutting down an MRI machine is an extremely complex and costly task. Shutting down means stopping the powerful magnet and ceasing the influence of its magnetic field. There are two separate processes during the shutdown of this machine, each with different environmental and economic consequences.
If an MRI scanner needs to be shut down, it is impossible to simply disconnect the magnetic area. Instead, technical personnel must safely complete the operation of the powerful magnetic area without damaging its sensitive components. For this, the magnetic system must be carefully switched off using a special control process called ramp-down. This requires a special device called the magnet power supply. This special system sequentially removes the current flowing through the magnetic coils while preserving the liquid helium that maintains superconductivity at a temperature of -452.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
Furthermore, the amount of helium is limited. Shutting down an MRI machine carries the risk of damage. The cost of helium has reached record highs, negatively affecting the economics of MRI operation. This is the main reason why turning off an MRI machine is economically very expensive. The cost of one shutdown and subsequent startup cycle can range from $30,000 to $40,000, so the machine remains operational.