Hydrogen Leak Detection 1

[maintee]

Can anyone provide information on leak detection in hydrogen piping systems.
I work for a specialty steel maker that uses hydrogen atmospheres in processing of steel. We have several plants using this process and I have been asked to find a way to detect leaks resulting from an accident at another steel maker.
Thanks for your time!

 

[25362]

Thread250-87400

 

[maintee]

Thanks 25362, but the thread you reference is pertaining to burning hydrogen. Our hydrogen supply piping is not hot enough to ignite the leak. I see a company named H2scan that makes a portable hydrogen leak detector, anyone have experience with H2scan detectors?

 

[iainuts]

Haven't heard of H2scan before, but I see our company must be using them. I shot an email out so maybe someone will respond.

 

[iainuts]

Got a responce quicker than I thought. We're testing H2Scan out in some places but haven't switched over to using them. I believe these are 'detectors on a chip' which haven't been proven out yet. We're using Draeger right now for most applications where they are needed.

http://www.draeger.com/ST/internet/US/en/Products/Detection/detection.jsp

Couple of issues that come up with using flammable gas detectors.
- If used outdoors, they are less reliable because the gas leak can easily be swept away. Inside a box or enclosure of some kind can concentrate the leak, thus are more effective. You need to consider carefully where they are of best use. We've put them near ventilation holes in enclosures.
- Another problem regards the ability of these things to pick up other flammable gasses such as CO and give a false reading. Not sure why they can't be adjusted to be less sensitive.

We wouldn't use anything like this unless it were a customer specified requirement. Too many problems with them.

 

[maintee]

Thanks iainuts! I will look into Draeger and see what they have. The H2scan is a chip based sensor and they claim to distinguish only hydrogen in their sensing capabilities. This is important as our hydrogen use is for atmosphere control in natural gas fired furnaces (radiant tubes). I could find both hydrogen and methane leaks in the same area.

 

[thermcool]

Did you give a try to Ultrasonic leak detector? they are quite handy, we have use them for the air leak detection, not sure about the hydrogen leak detection. May be check with one of the supplier.

 

[H2powered]

We would be happy to talk to you about your application.
Our Leak Detection unit is shipping and in use world-wide.
Please visit our website at

http://www.h2scan.com.

If you have specific questions I would be happy to answer them.