Detect Hydrogen Leaks in GC Systems Safely with the DVLS3 Simply, Smart Sensor

As the helium costs have been rising for years the GC laboratories need to find an alternative carrier gas. Hydrogen is an ideal replacement since it offers a fast analysis, a higher efficiency, reduced costs and a prolonged column life. The advantages of hydrogen are clear; but it does have one disadvantage: hydrogen is an explosive gas! An undetected gas leak can occur with a broken column or a leaking connection. This undetected gas leak might result in an explosion in the GC oven. The robustness of the GC limits the risk for the staff, but the laboratory will need to replace its GC. 

To eliminate the risks in using hydrogen as a carrier gas in GC analysis Da Vinci Laboratory Solutions developed the DVLS³ Simply, Smart Sensor. By constantly monitoring the hydrogen concentrations in the GC oven and automatically switching to an inert gas the DVLS³ Sensor ensures the safe use of hydrogen in a GC analysis. 

The DVLS³ Sensor is installed in the GC oven for continuous monitoring of the hydrogen concentrations in the oven air. The LCD screen of the external controller displays the measured gas concentration. In case the hydrogen concentration reaches the user defined level, typically between 25% and 50% LEL (equal to 1%-2% by Vol hydrogen), the LCD screen starts flashing, an acoustic signal is transmitted and an SMS alert text message is sent. Furthermore the sensor controller will automatically switch the carrier gas to an inert gas. 

Due to its unique design it is possible to combine up to four sensors in one controller, for example use four sensors for several GC’s or connect several sensors to one GC. Next to the hydrogen detection multiple sensors are available for the detection of hydrogen leaks, temperature, barometric pressure and level (liquid) weight. 

The versatile multi sensor offers GC labs a safe solution to change the GC carrier gas to hydrogen. The DVLS³ Simply, Smart Sensor features are: 

• Automatic alarm activation: Optical and acoustic alarms including an SMS alarm text message
• Automatic carrier gas switching from Hydrogen to Nitrogen
• Automatic stop signal sent to the GC
• Easy Calibration
• Easy to Install
• Compatible with all GC’s
• Leak Detection indicates analysis is compromised
• Multi-sensor capability, supports up to 4 sensors:
  • Hydrogen
  • ​​Hydrogen as Leak Detector
  • Temperature
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Level (liquid) weight

To get a detailed explanation of all product features Da Vinci regularly conducts webinars. A recorded session is available at the Da Vinci SlideShare account.