The Importance of Hydrogen Detection

Hydrogen is playing an increasingly significant role in the global transition towards net-zero emissions. With its high energy density and low emissions profile, it presents a promising long-term alternative to fossil fuels.⁽¹⁾

As an energy carrier, hydrogen offers several key advantages. Its potential for zero or low-carbon generation during both production and use, along with its wide-ranging applications—from energy production to industrial processes and transportation—underscores its growing importance in the global energy landscape.⁽²⁾

Traditionally, energy generation through chemical processes involves breaking the chemical bonds of a carrier substance (e.g., methane) and combining it with oxygen to initiate an exothermic reaction. While this releases the stored energy, it also produces harmful by-products such as CO, CO₂, and NOx. In contrast, hydrogen combustion yields only water vapor as a by-product.

Challenges and Risks of Hydrogen

Many of the challenges in the widespread adoption of hydrogen have to do with safety. The combination of its chemical properties and the characteristics of the generation and utilization processes raise a number of safety concerns that need to be addressed in order to avoid accidents.

Physical Properties of Hydrogen

The unique physical properties of hydrogen, such as its low molecular weight and high diffusivity, offer great potential for energy applications, but these same properties also present significant safety challenges, particularly in terms of storage, leakage, and flammability.

• Asphyxiation Risk:

Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is lighter than air. Although non-toxic in itself, these properties make hydrogen a possible asphyxiation risk, especially in confined spaces where it could displace oxygen without being noticed.

• Flammability Risk:

The hydrogen molecule is the smallest in the universe, making it extremely volatile and mobile. The combustion spectrum of hydrogen is incredibly wide, with a lower explosive limit at just 4%vol and the upper explosive limit extending as high as 75%vol. Furthermore, the energy required to ignite it is over 14 times lower than that of gasoline.

• Leakage Risk

This not only means that hydrogen is very easy to ignite, but also suggests that it can be dangerous in high and low concentrations alike. In fact, the hydrogen molecules are so small that it is possible for them to leak through the solid walls of containers and accumulate in dangerous concentrations without any visible precondition.

• Invisible Flames

In addition to this hydrogen burns with a near-invisible flame, making it difficult to detect during fires, posing a significant hazard to responders.

The nature of these risks makes it clear that the best protection is detecting hydrogen leaks early. Gas Sense offers a variety of solutions for hydrogen detection in LEL and ppm concentrations, tailored to meet the requirements of different industrial and commercial applications.

Gas Sense GDPC Series Hydrogen Detector

The GDPC line is the newest addition to the Gas Sense range of ATEX solutions.It is designed to deliver  maximum flexibility and reliability in the most demanding industrial settings and features a selection of ATEX-certified fixed-point detectors (Zone 1 and Zone 0 configurations available) for combustible, toxic and refrigerant gases, as well as Oxygen level monitoring.

The GDPC Series Hydrogen Gas Detector features our optimized technical specs for LEL and ppm hydrogen detection.

Benefits:

• Maximum Safety:

The GDPC is compliant with relevant EU standards (ATEX, EN 50270, SIL2 HW and SW in progress). The IP67-rated, explosion-proof aluminum enclosure along with the stainless steel, corrosion-resistant sensor housing and cable glands, make for stability and durability in harsh operating environments.

• Universal Compatibility:

Select between 4-20mA current, Modbus RTU, or relay/transistor outputs for versatile integration of the GDPC into existing systems or upcoming projects. Whatever the requirements, the GDPC is the one-stop solution for industrial gas detection.

• Ease of Use:

The non-intrusive, one-person calibration procedure of GDPC detectors is incredibly simple and performed by one person via magnetic key. This eliminates the need for hot work and minimizes system downtime. Solderless sensor replacement and pre-calibrated sensor options available. Select between an OLED display or our high-visibility LED to optimize fieldwork depending on your application.

• Sensor Options:

At the core of the GDPC Hydrogen Detector are the most established sensor technologies for ppm and LEL Hydrogen detection, including the industry-leading MPS™ by Nevada Nano. 

The revolutionary technology behind the MPS™ sensor allows for a 10+ year lifetime with a zero field calibration requirement, poison immunity and continuously accurate readings, regardless of environmental conditions. These features ensure unmatched reliability in hydrogen detection across the most demanding industrial environments.

What makes the MPS™ sensor truly remarkable is its ability to detect a multitude of flammable gases—including hydrogen, methane, propane, and acetylene—simultaneously, without a risk of false alarms or long-term performance degradation. 

Learn more about the GDPC detector and the technology that powers the MPS™ sensors.

Regardless of the application, the importance of hydrogen gas detection cannot be overstated. From electrolysers to fuel cells, vehicle infrastructure, chemical production and HVAC, Gas Sense detectors can offer "Precision in Protection" and peace of mind.  

Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive range of gas detection solutions.

Gas Sense – Precision in Protection.

References: 

1.      Le, T.T. et al. (2024) ‘Fueling the future: A comprehensive review of Hydrogen Energy Systems and their challenges’, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 54, pp. 791–816. doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.08.044. 

2.      Turner, J. A. (2004). A Realizable Renewable Energy Future. Science, 305(5686), 972-974. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1094566

3.      Amponsah, N.Y. et al. (2014) ‘Greenhouse gas emissions from Renewable Energy Sources: A review of Lifecycle Considerations’, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 39, pp. 461–475. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2014.07.087. 

4.      MPS™ Hydrogen Gas Sensor (2023) NevadaNano. Available at: https://nevadanano.com/mps-hydrogen-gas-sensor/ (Accessed: 29 September 2024).