Finding the elusive hydrogen molecule

February 2011 Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring

Hydrogen leak detection critical to safety and integrity of industrial applications.

Hydrogen with its high molecular velocity and low viscosity is prone to leakage. In a well-sealed tank of pure hydrogen it remains an entirely stable molecule, but it only requires a small mix of air before it becomes highly explosive. With its low ignition threshold the gas burns with an almost undetectable flame, increasing the explosion risk further.

This is according to Richard Cooper, marketing manager at Rand Technical Services (RTS), a specialised, Tshwane-based company offering innovative technologies and solutions to industrial problems.

“Detection of hydrogen leaks and monitoring of hydrogen purity is critical for the safety and integrity of any industrial application where the gas is used, stored or transported,” says Cooper.

Enter the H2Scan – a highly sensitive range of devices responsive only to hydrogen and not affected by any other gases.

Cooper says the H2Scan hydrogen-sensing technology range offers three different instruments for real-time leak detection and gas process monitoring:

* The HY-ALERTATM 500 handheld hydrogen leak detector is a portable unit ideal for industries that involve mobility or require off-site monitoring.

* The HY-ALERTATM 600 fixed-area hydrogen monitor is ideal for protecting any areas where hydrogen is used or stored. Placed in a room, the unit provides continuous monitoring 24/7 and can be linked to alarm systems for the safe shutdown of a facility.

* The HY-OPTIMATM 700 in-line process hydrogen monitor is ideal for real-time monitoring of hydrogen concentrations in a variety of gas streams. The unit can be installed inside pipelines and help to survey entire systems. Its fast response and excellent accuracy enables users to monitor their operations more efficiently and real-time-detection can be configured to shut down the plant.

“As the representative for H2Scan in southern Africa, RTS offers a turnkey solution from the provision of state-of-the-art equipment through on-site training and extensive after-sales support,” he adds.

Real-time leak detection

“Consider the old hydrogen detecting methods that used expensive tracer gases like helium. Not only did customers have to allow for fluctuating costs of the tracer gas, but leaks are difficult to pinpoint as they are shrouded. In an industrial environment where this elusive gas finds any open seam or leak, real-time leak detection is essential,” Cooper points out.

He says that each H2Scan unit can be individually programmed and customised to suit individual requirements allowing leak detection to be achieved at concentrations as low as 15 parts per million to 100% hydrogen by volume.

Using a patented technology the H2Scan sensor employs palladium alloy thin films to measure hydrogen at low concentrations. Any change in concentration modifies the electric field of the capacitive element triggering the simultaneous display of a reading, and an analogue signal sent to the control unit. The efficiency of the units is not affected by the presence of any other gas and they do not require oxygen to operate.

Hydrogen economy booming

“The cost effective operation and consequent quick return on investment of the H2Scan units has resulted in deployment at many of South Africa’s power stations. With the potential application of hydrogen across many new industries like petrochemicals, fuel cell technology and battery monitoring, the hydrogen economy is certainly booming,” concludes Cooper.

For more information contact Richard Cooper, Rand Technical Services, +27 (0)12 993 9620, [email protected], www.rtsafrica.co.za

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