Hydrogen (H2) has become a popular choice for use in the industrial sector in recent decades, but the demand for it has increased and looks set to continue. With high demand for hydrogen comes a need for more reliable and readily available hydrogen gas detection systems. In this post, we will discuss how hydrogen gas is used, the importance of hydrogen gas detection and what options are available.
Hydrogen Gas Uses
Hydrogen gas is commonly used in industrial applications to produce different materials. These include being used as a carrier gas in electronics, working as a reagent in chemistry, and it also plays a vital role in the development of flat glass used for flat screens.
Additional uses include:
- Produce clean and silent energy: Used for isolated places that do not have a connection to a power grid and therefore require a reliable backup energy system.
- Added to fuel cells to produce electricity within an electric engine in ‘zero emission’ cars.
- Liquid hydrogen is used as rocket fuel in the space industry.
Why Do We Need Hydrogen?
A key component in renewable energy, hydrogen can be produced by steam methane reforming (SMR), in which methane is heated with steam to create a combination of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. This mixture is then used as fuel.
Engineer at Hydrogen fuel production facility
The Importance of Hydrogen Gas Detectors
As hydrogen becomes an even more popular choice across industries, it is crucial that any gas leaks can be detected quickly to prevent dangerous conditions. Installing hydrogen gas detectors will increase the safe use of hydrogen in various applications, as long as staff and employees follow the company’s safety standards.
However, it is essential to note the dangers of working with hydrogen. Not only is it highly flammable, but it is also difficult to contain because of the minute size of the hydrogen (H2) molecules. Other dangers include the following:
- Colourless
- Explosive
- Odourless
- Tasteless
- Wide flammability range
- Smallest molecule in the universe – prone to leaks
- Lighter than air
- Low energy threshold for ignition
Because of the dangers listed above, those working with or around hydrogen rely on hydrogen gas detectors to notify them of any leaks. In the next section, we will look at some of the gas detectors that IGD provides and the critical components of each one.
Hydrogen Gas Detectors at IGD:
Hydrogen molecules are the smallest in the universe, making it easy for them to escape their containers. IGD manufactures a range of gas detectors that can be used in various environments. Our product range comprises the following:
TOC-750 Addressable Safe Area Gas Detector
Our 750 safe area gas detector is perfect for safe area applications requiring hydrogen gas detection, such as battery rooms and boiler plant rooms. Each 750 safe area detector comes equipped with our unique labyrinth sensor design. This ensures that harmful dirt and splashes do not contaminate the detector, ultimately increasing its life and ensuring continuous peak performance.
TOC-903-X5 Standalone ATEX Explosion Proof Gas Detector
The 903-X5 is the most versatile gas transmitter on the market, approved for ATEX and IECEx zones making it ideal for almost any environment. Additionally, the 903-x5 is a dual sensor gas detector, thus it can provide hydrogen gas detection in addition to any gas from our range of over 700 gases and vapours.
MK8 Flammable gas detector
The latest development in our flammable gas sensor range, the MK8, is the perfect sensor for use in applications requiring hydrogen gas detection. Featuring extreme stability over long time periods and outstanding poison resistance, you can be sure that the MK8 will keep your team and facility safe from the dangers of hydrogen. This is available in any IGD fixed gas detection model, so is flexible for any area requiring hydrogen gas detection.
Portable Hydrogen Gas Monitor – SGT-P
Ideal for personal detection of Hydrogen, the SGT-P can be used in any environment. The SGT-P is extremely user friendly with a simple one button operation, meaning there is little training required on this lightweight device. With a 24-month warranty from dispatch and a lifetime of 3-5 years, the SGT-P is the ideal solution for portable hydrogen gas detection.
Contact the Experts in Hydrogen Gas Detection Today
These are only some of the products we manufacture and offer for Hydrogen detection. Check out our diverse product range here. Alternatively, if you’d like more information on hydrogen gas detectors or would like advice on hydrogen gas detection, contact our team today.
