Hydrogen (H2) is one of the most important sources of clean energy. In a move towards a more sustainable future, the number of hydrogen production and distribution facilities is expanding. With decades of experience in the process industry, Dräger is the ideal partner for customers and stakeholders – especially new players on the market – in assessing risks and providing comprehensive consultancy and hydrogen safety solutions. Dräger offers the first point of contact for hydrogen safety issues with thorough knowledge of the hazards of working with hydrogen.
Detecting hydrogen gas leaks at the speed of sound! Early leak detection is key to mitigating risks of hydrogen leakages. Learn quickly about hydrogen safety challenges and see how Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detection (UGLD) technology can save lives when speed is a critical factor.
Hydrogen itself is not toxic, but it poses special risks to safety on plants and for the infrastructure which produce, distribute or use it. Read about the safety challenges and how Dräger can support the hydrogen economy with comprehensive risk analysis, project planning, selection and installation of the right safety solutions and services in all phases of the process.
Download e-bookHydrogen Sulphide (H2S) is a highly toxic gas that is one of the most commonly occurring substances in the oil and gas industry. From industrial processing of natural gas, to desulphurization of crude oil, to storage and transport, H2S can arise suddenly in lethal concentrations that are undetectable to the human nose. Employees can stay safe by understanding the effects of H2S at rising exposure levels and tips for proper measurement and protection.
Download infographicHydrogen does not impose major new risks compared to other gases. The trouble spots occur where people are involved in tasks along the hydrogen value chain, from production to use. Even though specific challenges differ between applications, plant safety is common to all. Here are some of the risk factors which Dräger explores in projects with customers:
Unlike actual explosives, pure hydrogen cannot explose. The risk comes when is hits the air. For hydrogen to cause an explosion, oxygen needs to be present. But if hydrogen is allowed to escape, even a static spark from clothing would be enough to set off an explosion.
Hydrogen burns with a pale flame that is invisible in daylight. Because it emits little of the infrared radiation that humans perceive as heat, it cannot be sensed as heat. A hydrogen flame does however emit substantial ultraviolet radiation. Special UV detectors are therefore required to alert to the presence of hydrogen flames.
Owing to its small molecules and low viscosity hydrogen can leak from pipelines and other structures more easily than denser gases. In fact, when it leaks from a pipe at sufficiently high pressure, hydrogen can even self-ignite. As well as pipelines engineered to hydrogen-ready specifications, regular inspection is imperative to detect leak points at joints and along pipelines. Fixed lead detectors add another layer of safety.
Hydrogen can easily permeate materials and in some cases embrittle them. For this reason, stainless steel and composite materials are typically used for storage tanks.
Carbon monoxide (CO) sensors are cross sensitive to hydrogen. If used near possible hydrogen exposure, CO sensors should be compensated for hydrogen so that cross sensitivity and false alarms are reduced to a minimum.
Like ammonia and methane, hydrogen is less dense than air and forms gas pockets below indoor ceilings when leaking. The presence of hydrogen will not be perceived at ground level, even when dangerous amounts are accumalating beneath the ceiling. When hydrogen and methane are mixed, hydrogen can form gas pockets above methane. Hydrogen detectors are therefore typically placed at the top, with methane detectors below that level.
Hydrogen has no smell and no colour, so is undetecable for humans. With methane, this issue is mitigated by adding odorants, and research is in progress to determine whether this will also be possible with hydrogen. Gas and leak detectors are essential.
For safe production, storage and distribution of hydrogen, various detection technologies must be employed to build efficient levels of protection as a comprehensive safety solution. Hydrogen sensor devices provide instant alerts in case of hazardous leaks or risks of combustion.
NOTE: different options / products are available. Our sales department will advise you which product is most suitable for your situation.
Leak detection and personal air monitoring while working in hydrogen production, storage and transportation environments are the main applications for portable gas detectors. In addition, clearance measurement must be carried out prior to maintenance work using mobile detection and monitoring devices with hydrogen sensors.
NOTE: different options / products are available. Our sales department will you advise which product is most suitable for your situation.
Occupational health and safety equipment is essential to protect employees during maintenance works on hydrogen production plants. Escape respiratory devices must be available in case of emergencies.
NOTE: different options / products are available. Our sales department will advise you which product is most suitable for your situation.
Our organization is a member of the Center for Hydrogen Safety, which is a global nonprofit resource that supports and promotes the safe handling and use of hydrogen across industrial and consumer applications in the energy transition. For more information visit the Center for Hydrogen Safety website.
Learn moreThe special safety challenges of hydrogen management require customised hydrogen detection and protective measures. As expert in gas detection technology, Dräger provides tried and tested solutions like hydrogen sensors for diverse customer applications in meeting specific hydrogen safety requirements. A wide selection of mobile and fixed gas detection devices and systems cover all scenarios and requirements for optimal hydrogen safety.
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