Needed, but Dangerous - The Hydrogen Paradox

What if I told you there was a clean, renewable energy source that didn’t create any carbon dioxide emissions when burned? That’d be great right? Why aren’t we all using it as the new energy source? Well, it just so happens, that energy source is hydrogen, which can also be really dangerous. Such is life.

Hydrogen has unique chemical properties that while making it a great fuel source, also make it dangerous if handled improperly. Dangers such as:

• Hydrogen has a tendency to leak
• Hydrogen is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it undetectable by human senses
• Hydrogen has an invisible, high-temperature flame with low thermal radiation
• Hydrogen is fast detonating and even more explosive than natural gas
• Hydrogen has a wide range of flammable concentrations in air and lower ignition energy than gasoline or natural gas

However, this does not mean it can’t be used. In fact, product, distribution, and usage of hydrogen is increasing. It just means that it needs to be handled cautiously by people that have proper safety systems in place that provide constant monitoring.

Thankfully this is where MSA comes into play. As a manufacturer at the forefront of hydrogen gas and flame detection solutions, MSA is one of the world’s largest and most experienced suppliers and has pioneered the detection of combustible gases.

Due to hydrogen’s many potential hazards, they recommend having a multi-layered safety system in place to combat and protect against any of them. Some technologies that should be considered are:

• Ultrasonic leak detection – Unaffected by wind or plume direction; ideal for monitoring pressured pipes and vessels
• Point gas detection – Well-suited for low and combustible hydrogen levels; options of catalytic or electrochemical, depending on the protection area
• Hydrogen flame detection – Best for monitoring infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation; provide a warning to deploy fire suppression and other safety measures
• Portable gas detection – Enables workers to access areas where sensors are not installed, such as a confined space

While these are all recommended technologies to consider, it’s most important to create a solution that works for you and your organization. Getting guidance from a safety partner is beneficial to help you map out a customized solution that will help detect hydrogen and keep you and your team safe.

Get in touch with a safety expert today!

Or download MSA's Hydrogen Safety Whitepaper and learn more about hydrogen safety measures and best practices.

Original Article Credit: MSA