Why is it necessary to have kick-out panels in the scan room during a quench?

Having kick-out panels in the scan room during a quench is crucial primarily to reduce the pressure differential for door operation. During a quench, the liquid helium used in the MRI magnet can rapidly evaporate, releasing a significant volume of helium gas into the environment. This sudden increase in pressure can create a dangerous situation, especially if the doors are sealed and cannot be opened easily due to the pressure difference between the inside of the room and the outside atmosphere.

The kick-out panels serve as a safety mechanism to alleviate this pressure, ensuring that the doors can be operated safely during such an event. This design element contributes to a safer environment by enabling quick access and helping to prevent potential injuries or complications that could arise from trying to force open the doors against a strong pressure differential. While other options might touch on aspects of the MRI operation, they do not directly address the immediate safety concerns related to pressure changes during a quench.