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General Facts About Gas Frontline Safety Guides

What Are The Dangers of Hydrogen?

What Are The Dangers of Hydrogen?

Hydrogen is a highly combustible fuel, leaks pose a significant risk of fire. Fires utilising hydrogen, on the other hand, are very different from fires involving other fuels. When heavier fuels and hydrocarbons, such as gasoline and diesel, leak, the pool is near the earth. Because hydrogen is one of the lightest elements on the planet, it quickly disperses upwards when a leak develops. This reduces the likelihood of ignition, although hydrogen ignites and burns more readily than gasoline or diesel. Even an electrical spark from a human finger is sufficient if hydrogen is available.

Hydrogen Classification

Hydrogen comes in different forms and can be created in many ways, we'll take a look at the most common classifications: Green Hydrogen, Blue Hydrogen, Black and Brown Hydrogen, and Pink Hydrogen.

Hydrogen Classification

A few other hydrogen classifications are worth mentioning. Turquoise Hydrogen is a new entry to the colour chart, in the future, this may end up being valued as low-emission hydrogen but is yet to be proven at scale. Yellow Hydrogen is reasonably new and is made through electrolysis using solar power. Finally, White Hydrogen is naturally occurring and found underground. There are currently no plans to exploit at the moment but it may be for the future. 

How to Detect Hydrogen?

Because hydrogen is odourless, colourless, and tasteless, leaks are difficult to detect with the naked eye. Although hydrogen is non-toxic, it can build up in enclosed spaces such as battery storage rooms and cause asphyxiation by displacing oxygen. This risk can be mitigated to some extent by adding odorants to hydrogen fuel, which give it a synthetic odour and alert users in the event of a leak. However, because hydrogen disperses quickly, the odorant is unlikely to follow. Indoor hydrogen leaks swiftly gather, first at the ceiling level and then throughout the space. As a result, gas detector placement is critical for the early identification of a hydrogen leak.

Choosing the best hydrogen gas detector means understanding your environment as well as gas detector types. A few things to consider are:

  • Performance - Select the best sensor type for your application. Sensors come with varying features such as; a wide operating range, optimised sensitivity, continuous operation, and the ability to withstand certain environments. 
  • Lifespan / Reliability - Hydrogen sensors should have long-term reliability with consistent results. Understanding your working conditions can also play a part in the decision-making process because certain atmospheres pose a risk of false alarms or sensor damage.
  • Cost - Some low-end detectors can come with low costs but may end up unreliable. Also, certain sensors capable of detecting hydrogen have an extended lifespan and also a reduction in maintenance costs

Gas Detection is required for personal and environmental safety, as well as for ensuring compliance. With the recent push of hydrogen in energy production, a robust detection structure is pertinent to minimising risks. As noted above hydrogen is extremely mobile and can easily disperse into the air via leaks. Workers should remain aware and consistent checks on areas where leaks may occur should be carried out.

Need help deciding on the best detector for your application? Send your enquiry here! 

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