Hydrogen detection

Hydrogen (H₂) is seen as the beacon of hope for the future when it comes to finding a climate-neutral energy source. However, the production of hydrogen is difficult, as it does not occur as a pure element, but only in molecular bonds. In order to release it from the molecular bond, energy must first be expended. It can only be a climate-friendly alternative to fossil fuels if this energy is obtained sustainably, e.g. from wind or hydroelectric power plants or from solar energy.

Pure hydrogen is very volatile and, together with oxygen, forms oxyhydrogen gas, which, as the name suggests, is very explosive. If oxyhydrogen gas is ignited by an ignition source such as a spark or a hot surface, it burns explosively to form water. This releases a great deal of energy. This results in high temperatures and pressures. It is therefore extremely important to receive an early warning if hydrogen escapes from a container.

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Hydrogen must be measured

The hydrogen molecule – H₂ is the smallest molecule of all. This element is therefore gaseous and extremely volatile under normal conditions. Due to its small size, the hydrogen molecule diffuses through even the smallest gaps or holes. For this reason, the operation, transport and storage of hydrogen places high demands on storage and transport logistics.

But even the best storage logistics are no guarantee that hydrogen will not escape. Reliable measurement technology is therefore a must.

Possible measurement methods for hydrogen

Although hydrogen is not toxic, it is a considerable source of danger due to its high flammability. The occupational exposure limit does not play a role in the measurement. Rather, you want to know whether the atmosphere threatens to become explosive. A suitable measuring device is therefore set to 0 – 100 % LEL (lower explosion limit).

The choice of suitable measurement methods is not that great: hydrogen is not infrared-active. Infrared absorption as a detection method is therefore not possible. Although its thermal conductivity differs greatly from that of air, WLDs (thermal conductivity detectors) are not possible because they are influenced by many ubiquitous gases.

For this reason, heat tone sensors are used almost exclusively in practice. This measuring method is inexpensive, robust and reliable.

Reliable measurement of hydrogen with Compur measuring devices

Compur Monitors has reliable devices available for measuring hydrogen. If you only have vague ideas about which type of device is best suited for your purposes, please contact our service department. We will advise you competently and in detail. Together we will find the optimum solution.

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