As the interest and demand for hydrogen-based fuel and energy systems continue to grow, so will the demand for more readily available and reliable hydrogen gas detection systems.1,2
International Gas Detectors (IGD) is a manufacturer of gas detection equipment founded over 100 years ago. The company offers a variety of hydrogen gas detectors to fulfill the site requirements of its customers.
The latest product from IGD is the MK8 Pellistor, which is the ideal solution for detecting hydrogen gas and is employed in the TOC-750 safe area, TOC-750X ATEX detector, TOC-750S sampler, and TOC-903-X5 dual gas transmitter.3
This article discusses the main features of the MK8 Pellistor and how it sets the standard for hydrogen gas detection.
The Importance of Hydrogen Gas Detection
Hydrogen is widely utilized across many applications, and it is, therefore, important to know the dangers. Blue and green hydrogen are the most common types of hydrogen and are employed as fossil fuel substitutes in the energy industry.
The appeal of utilizing hydrogen instead of natural gases is that it burns ‘cleanly,’ producing only water as it byproduct rather than carbon dioxide.
Since Hydrogen is becoming the ‘fuel of the future’ and has a low explosion potential, it is crucial to implement gas detection that provides the accurate detection of hydrogen at levels as low as 4% in volume.
H2 is the smallest molecule in the universe, which means that it has a high probability of leaking from containment. While this does not present a substantial threat to personnel because it is non-toxic, it is extremely flammable.4
Hydrogen in the air is flammable at concentrations in the range of 4% to 75%, and the energy needed to ignite this gas is low relative to most flammable gases. For instance, the energy needed to ignite an oxygen and hydrogen mix is as low as 0.017 mj, while gasoline ignites at approximately 0.25 mj.
As a result, the use of a hydrogen gas detector is critical to ensure the safety of personnel and plants by preventing the danger of explosive atmospheres.5
The MK8 Pellistor
An important consideration in the uptake of hydrogen fuels is guaranteeing their safe usage. Reliable detection of hydrogen is essential to achieving a hydrogen infrastructure in the home, vehicles, and commercial HVAC systems.
With the lower explosive limit of 4%, hydrogen detectors must be highly sensitive, as well as immune to some of the obstacles encountered with sensor poisoning.
IGD’s new MK8 Pellistor delivers both the required poison resistance and sensitivity for utilization as a hydrogen safety gas sensor. Poisoning takes place when a substance interferes with the normal operation of a gas sensor and leads to a decrease in accuracy or sensitivity.6
This can be a common problem with hydrogen gas detectors because hydrogen is frequently used in the presence of other gases that may interfere with the sensor.
The MK8 provides the best poison resistance of any detector globally, guaranteeing that poisoning factors are no longer an issue and that clients have gas detection that is accurate for longer.
Another feature of the MK8 Pellistor is its lengthy operational life. A hydrogen gas detector that is utilized for long periods will be exposed to different environmental conditions that can cause wear and tear.
The MK8 Pellistor exceeds the market standard of lifetime expectations, establishing a new standard for pellistor gas detectors. The MK8 from IGD has the longest life of any pellistor on the market, delivering accurate and reliable readings over a considerable lifetime.
The MK8 Pellistor has the ability to detect hydrogen at a range of 0-100% LEL (Lower Explosive Limit). This means that hydrogen gas can be detected at low levels before an explosive concentration is reached. This means that there is plenty of time to evacuate a room and ensure the safe ventilation of the hydrogen.7
Additionally, the MK8 Pellistor has minimal zero drift, referring to the gradual shift in the baseline measurement of the gas sensor over time. Zero drift can result in inaccurate readings and frequent calibrations being required. This minimal zero drift ensures that the readings of the MK8 are accurate and reliable for an extended time without the need for routine calibrations.
Available in various formats, the MK8 Pellistor is able to meet the needs of various applications and industries, including the TOC-750 safe area, which is ideal for hydrogen generators and boilers.
The TOC-750S, TOC-750X, and TOC-903-X5 product range is also perfect for hydrogen generation applications, including hydrogen electrolysis, and may also be utilized in engine test beds or cleanrooms.8
Each of these products is created to meet the specific needs of a certain application or industry to guarantee that IGD’s customers have the proper hydrogen gas detector for their requirements.3
Lastly, the MK8 Pellistor is designed to include all the advantages of 2-wire addressable technology. This technology allows digital communication between the hydrogen gas detector and a control panel to enable rapid, real-time, and reliable readings.
The number of wires needed for installation is also decreased by 2-wire addressable technology, making it a more economical solution for the detection of hydrogen gas.
A Legacy of Innovation
With the company’s first electronic flammable gas detector produced in 1917 (the Ringrose Methanometer), IGD has a long history of innovation in the gas detection industry.
Over the last century, IGD has pushed the boundaries of gas detection technology and has become a leader in the industry. IGD has produced the latest advancement in hydrogen gas detection technology with the launch of the MK8 Pellistor.
Conclusion
The MK8 Pellistor is the detectably better choice for the detection of hydrogen gas. With the MK8’s long life, resistance to poisoning, 0-100% LEL hydrogen detection, and versatility, it is the perfect solution for a wide range of hydrogen applications.
Hydrogen gas detection is extremely important for any application where hydrogen gas is a concern. Along with the advantages of 2-Wire Addressable technology, the MK8 Pellistor delivers the reliability, accuracy, and versatility required for your hydrogen gas detection needs.
IGD is the detectably better choice, with its wide range of hydrogen gas detection solutions. With over a century of experience in flammable gas detection, alongside the new MK8 Pellistor and ppm hydrogen sensors, IGD provides the highest level of safety and peace of mind to its customers.
To learn more about the MK8 flammable gas detector and how it can be integrated into your gas detection system, contact IGD today.
References
- International Gas Detectors. “Flammable Gas Detectors for Bus Garages.” International Gas Detectors, www.internationalgasdetectors.com/flammable-gas-detectors-bus-garages/.
- Cames, M., & Helmers, E. (2013). Critical evaluation of the European diesel car boom – global comparison , environmental effects and various national strategies. Environmental Sciences Europe, 25(15), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coche.2021.100701
- International Gas Detectors. “Hydrogen Gas Detection.” International Gas Detectors, www.internationalgasdetectors.com/applications/hydrogen-gas-detection/.
- Yang, F., Wang, T., Deng, X., & Dang, J. (2021). Review on hydrogen safety issues : Incident statistics , hydrogen diffusion , and detonation process. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 46(61), 31467–31488. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.07.005
- Buttner, W. J., Post, M. B., Burgess, R., & Rivkin, C. (2010). An overview of hydrogen safety sensors and requirements. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 36(3), 2462–2470. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2010.04.176
- Hübert, T., Boon-brett, L., Black, G., & Banach, U. (2011). Chemical Hydrogen sensors – A review. Sensors and Actuators B, 157, 329–352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2011.04.070
- International Gas Detectors. “Hydrogen (H2).” International Gas Detectors, www.internationalgasdetectors.com/gases/hydrogen-h2/.
- International Gas Detectors. “What is Blue and Green Hydrogen?” International Gas Detectors, www.internationalgasdetectors.com/what-blue-green-hydrogen/.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by International Gas Detectors Ltd.
For more information on this source, please visit International Gas Detectors Ltd.