Hydrogen Measurement System Proves its Worth

At a large company specialising in air separation, the thermal conductivity analyser used for the hydrogen measurement was not providing the desired accuracy due to the fluctuating, multi-component nature of the process stream.  As the TCD analyser reached the end of its life, the site engineers began looking for a superior hydrogen analyser to replace the aging unit.

H2scan’s (USA) HY-OPTIMA Model 1700AS was selected, which included the H2scan 1700 analyser (ATEX/UL Hazardous Area) and a turnkey sample system. The analyser system product enabled direct installation at the measurement point on the deoxo skid. Previously, the sample had to be transported from the tap point to a climate controlled shelter to accommodate the TCD’s operating requirements. The result was a complete hydrogen measurement solution, fully supported by H2scan that provided better accuracy and better response time than the previous TCD analyser.  

Based on the feedback from the site, H2scan analysers have been selected to replace all thermal conductivity hydrogen analysers on the company’s deoxo skids within the US. 

“The H2scan hydrogen analyser has been integral in providing accurate, excess hydrogen measurement on our deoxo skid. The H2scan system was easy to set up and H2scan’s technical staff has provided excellent support.” – Lead Technician, Major Gas Company.

Application details:- Hydrogen level must be maintained within a specific range on the deoxo skid outlet; Too much hydrogen causes excess heat on the catalyst bed, Too little hydrogen results in oxygen entry - an impurity that cannot be allowed out of the skid, and Loss of excess hydrogen analysis in an argon production skid will halt operation of the skid.

Accuracy: due to the number of gases present (Ar, O2, N2, H2) and the binary component assumption of the thermal conductivity measurement technique, a TCD will inherently be less accurate. The TCD accuracy loss for this application is substantial given the range of interest. The H2scan analyser will provide much better accuracy (+/- 0.3%).

H2scan sensors measure H2 specifically, independent of background gases. No reference gas is required, and it needs only minimal maintenance. The H2scan designed & supported hydrogen measurement solution is the ideal accompaniment for the analyser.