BlueSeal (MRI scanners)

2025: Product Yield

On November 30, 2025, Philips introduced the world's first 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, which does not require refueling with helium. The device called BlueSeal Horizon can be used for accurate diagnosis of diseases of the brain and spinal cord, vascular pathologies, as well as for imaging of joints, heart and abdominal organs.

In standard MRI machines, liquid helium is used to cool the magnet winding to a temperature close to absolute zero: this is required to provide a superconductivity effect. In a conventional scanner, up to 2 tons of helium can be used, which must be periodically added due to evaporation.

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Фото: Philips

The new Philips MRI device implements BlueSeal proprietary technology, thanks to which several liters of liquefied gas are enough for the entire service life. Helium in the system is sealed at the production stage, which eliminates the need for refueling. The technology eliminates quench in the traditional sense: the release of gaseous helium outside in the event of a loss of superconductivity by a magnet does not occur.

The BlueSeal Horizon model uses artificial intelligence technologies. Neural network algorithms simplify workflows and improve diagnostic accuracy. In particular, the AI function SmartSpeed ​ ​ Precise allows you to increase the scan speed by three times while increasing image clarity by 80%: this helps specialists capture more details in less time. SmartPlanning, in turn, automates time-consuming planning steps. The Real-time Scan Preview system based on Nvidia hardware solutions provides real-time previews that simplify the configuration and optimization of scan parameters.^[1]

2024: BlueSeal announcement 1,5T

At the end of November 2024, Philips introduced the BlueSeal 1,5T wide-aperture magnetic resonance imaging scanner, which should improve diagnostic accuracy and increase the availability of care.

According to the manufacturer, the device will receive a wide aperture with a diameter of 70 cm and an environmentally friendly approach using only 7 liters of helium. Thanks to this, BlueSeal can be called the lightest 1.5 T MRI system in the world, because it is 1,700 kg lighter than other options and does not require a ventilation stack. In addition, the new approach allows the installation of an MRI system even on upper floors or in rooms with design restrictions.

Philips press release repeatedly mentions the term helium-free MR, referring to the gel-free architecture of the MRI scanner. As explained to Zdrav.Expert in the press service of Philips, in fact, the device uses helium - 7 liters in the scanner poured from the factory. At the same time, unlike many other MRI devices, BlueSeal does not need to regularly fill helium for cooling.

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Фото: Philips

Integrated into the scanner are AI-enabled MR Smart Workflow solutions to improve scanner throughput without compromising diagnostic quality. According to a press release, a key feature of the new scanner is the unique Smart Reading technology. This cloud-based AI toolkit combines conducting research and analyzing its results. Philips said it was developing a new MRI scanner in collaboration with various computer diagnostics companies to provide fully automated AI-based, enhanced accuracy analysis. Among Philips partners are Icometrix (which studies neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis) and Quibim (which specializes in imaging biomarkers, including prostate cancer biomarkers ).

Since the launch of the new project in 2018, we have installed more than 1,500 BlueSeal systems worldwide, including the world's first mobile MRI installations. And now we can use AI at every stage - from patient preparation to quantitative data analysis and reporting, "noted Ioannis Panagiotelis, head of MRI at Philips.[2]

2023: BlueSeal MR Mobile announcement

On November 26, 2023, Philips announced a mobile magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system called BlueSeal MR Mobile. It is mounted on the basis of a truck, thanks to which it can be quickly delivered to the desired point for examinations.

Philips press release repeatedly mentions the term helium-free MR, referring to the gel-free architecture of the MRI scanner. As explained to Zdrav.Expert in the press service of Philips, in fact, the device uses helium - 7 liters in the scanner poured from the factory. At the same time, unlike many other MRI devices, BlueSeal does not need to regularly fill helium for cooling.

Liquid helium is used in MRI devices to cool the magnet winding to a temperature close to absolute zero, and thus achieve the superconductivity effect. Standard systems use 1.5 to 2 tons of helium, which can evaporate and must be periodically topped up. Philips was able to reduce the required amount of helium to just a few liters thanks to BlueSeal's proprietary microcircular cooling technology.

BlueSeal MR Mobile

About 7 liters of liquid helium is placed in a magnet in production and sealed for the entire life of the device. This, in turn, makes it possible to simplify the process of installing and placing an MRI scanner, ensure reliable performance of work, and also not think about the possible difficulties caused by the use of helium.

By bringing our groundbreaking technology to the mobile MRI market, we are significantly reducing the operational and resilience challenges associated with traditional scanners, and helping healthcare providers provide fast and convenient care to patients, says Ruud Zwerink, CEO of Philips MRI.

MR Mobile's BlueSeal systems can be used to provide services in remote areas, such as rural areas, where health facilities cannot afford to install stationary MRI machines due to the high cost of the equipment. The BlueSeal MR Mobile platform can connect to Philips Radiological Operations Control Center (ROCC), which provides remote audio and video communication with real-time visualization experts.^[3]

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