Hydrogen will be at the heart of the world’s energy transition away from natural gas. However, while there are many ways to produce and use H2, there is a common denominator: all require monitoring for safety. Today, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection (GFD) has a complete product offer for H2 that not only encompasses end-to-end gas, flame and fire detectors, but also a complementary range of controllers, services and cloud data-management options.
Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection’s fixed and portable systems have been ensuring the safe use of H2 for decades, with the company today providing a critical contribution to a safe and efficient energy transition. Products, systems and services are available to support the full H2 spectrum — production, distribution and storage — across a host of established and new applications. In addition, a wide range of sensors is available for the main gases in the H2 value chain, including CH4, NH3, CO and CO2. Many are suitable for integration into SIL2 or SIL3 systems.
A case in point is the DG7-SIL2 intelligent fixed gas detector with integral display, which is suitable for detecting H2 its derivatives. The microprocessor-driven DG7-SIL2 is fully configurable using a wireless hand-held terminal or a hard-wired HART option, providing true flexibility to the installer and reduced service costs. The unit can interface directly with a wide range of panels, controllers and PLCs.
Another option in fixed gas detectors is the OLCT 100-SIL2, which offers a range of housings and sensors for the full H2 value chain. The OLCT 100-SIL2 comes with a 4…20-mA output and carries SIL certification in accordance with EN 50402.
Part of the same product family, the compact OLCT 20 fixed gas detector can be installed in shelters or on skids, where there is a need for monitoring in very small spaces or for on-board applications. The OLCT 20 transmitters again provide a 4…20-mA output with the potential for direct connection to PLCs.
Many users ask if they can use their existing natural gas flame detector with hydrogen. However, many flame detection systems for use in hydrocarbon processing just ‘see’ combustion products, such as water, soot or CO2. When pure H2 burns, it forms only water, making it necessary to use special flame detection equipment.
Teledyne GFD has a new offer in this area: the Spyglass IR3-H2-V flame detector quickly detects H2 and other “energy transition” fires in support of rapid response efforts. A near-infrared camera provides personnel with the ability to see invisible hydrogen flames in all weather and light conditions. Notably, the detector automatically records video, providing additional means to study the cause and development of fires.
For building networks of wired or wireless gas and flame detection equipment to enable integrated site safety strategies, it will be necessary to employ a controller. Here, the modular and flexible MX62-SIL2 features a large, fully interactive 10-in. (up to 15 in.) high-definition color touchscreen, 64 secure channels and a back-up processor to ensure continual measurement.
Portable gas detection equipment is perfect for use by personnel working in locations where compressed H2 is present and may potentially leak. H2 has a wide flammability range in air: from 4 to 74% at atmospheric pressure. To ensure safety at all times, Teledyne GFD portable gas detection systems have an alarm at 50% of the LEL, or 2% H2.
Among the latest developments is the versatile GS700-Hydrogen, an upgraded version of the company’s Gasurveyor 700 (GS700) that adds the ability to detect hydrogen. The new ATEX-certified GS700-Hydrogen therefore offers both natural gas and H2 detection in a single instrument. Ideal for leak detection around major equipment, large sites, and pipeline installation and maintenance, the GS700 has an optional GPS mapping system. It is possible to store and process data from the field in Teledyne GDCloud software to map the location of measured data and pinpoint the geo-location of any leaks. The device, which offers exceptional flexibility and performance in all gas utility applications, has already seen adoption at several hydrogen network test sites.
Teledyne GFD can offer a comprehensive range of wearable devices for monitoring hydrogen, ammonia and all major gases relating to the hydrogen value chain. For example, the PS200 four-gas compliance monitor is compact, lightweight, water resistant and extremely robust, while the larger PS500 model provides the potential to detect up to five gases.
Ultimately there will be many roads to the hydrogen economy based on decarbonization and new applications.
Teledyne GFD
Hall 11.1, Stand E55
