Next-Generation, Maintenance-Free Inline Hydrogen Sensor for Process Industries Prototypes now shipping

H2scan, a leading provider of proven, proprietary hydrogen sensors and technologies for the hydrogen economy, announced today it has started shipping prototypes of its new HY-OPTIMA™5000 Series designed for process industries.

The HY-OPTIMA 5000 Series analyzer provides the most accurate, tolerant, and affordable hydrogen process gas measurement solution for industrial markets. It is optimized for emerging cost-sensitive applications like the power-to-gas market (hydrogen blending into natural gas pipeline), electrolyzers and other process applications, including laboratories, alternative energy, hydrogen-cooled generators and turbines.

HY-OPTIMA 5000 sensors are based on the same patented autocalibration technology as H2scan’s successful GRIDSCAN 5000 and legacy sensors. H2scan has sold and delivered more than 15,000 transformer sensors worldwide and no sensor has needed recalibration since its launch in 2012.

The HY-OPTIMA 5000 Series uses a solid-state, non-consumable sensor for direct hydrogen measurement in process gas streams. The HY-OPTIMA 5000 sensor package is available in a compact form factor weighing 1 pound and is 5.9 inches long and 1.6 inches wide/deep. This small size is due to H2scan’s groundbreaking 1.2 million-transistor application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The HY-OPTIMA 5000 is IP68 rated, can be submerged in up to 30 feet of water for 14 days and is marine compatible.

The inline hydrogen process analyzer prototype features the first ever auto calibration capability and is ideal for stand-alone or OEM integration into existing analyzers. It can be used in gas streams where real-time, hydrogen-specific measurements can enhance process plant efficiencies, improve yields, reduce maintenance costs, and enable the green hydrogen economy.

Once installed and field calibrated, H2scan’s patented auto calibration feature eliminates drift and the need for periodic calibrations. No other maintenance is necessary. Communication with the unit is via serial communication using Modbus RTU over RS485.

The general purpose-rated analyzer measures hydrogen directly in process gas streams with no cross sensitivity to other gases. Hazardous area rated products are planned for release in 2022.

The HY-OPTIMA 5000 models include the model 5031, 5033, and 5034 analyzers, all of which are intended for use in non-condensing gas streams and work with or without hydrogen present.

“Innovation in hydrogen sensors is critical to the measurement and safety needs of the hydrogen economy, and the HY-OPTIMA 5000 offers groundbreaking accuracy, is maintenance free and has a small size,” said Dennis Reid, President and CEO of H2scan. “The HY-OPTIMA 5000 is designed for low-cost use in power-to-gas, hydrogen metering in homes, measuring purity for electrolyzers and a number of other emerging applications. We are looking forward to the ongoing trials and continued collaboration with large gas suppliers, manufacturers of electrolyzers, pipeline manufacturers and others in order to be the defacto hydrogen sensor technology used in all hydrogen-related applications."

Reid went on to say “I’m also excited about the HY-ALERTA 5000 safety systems that will soon be delivered. When that product ships, H2scan will have the only hydrogen safety sensor for this market, that I know of, that needs no calibration or maintenance for up to 10 years.”

Availability
H2scan has begun shipping prototypes to key customers and partners. To get more information about general availability of the HY-OPTIMA 5000 sensor click here.

More information online.