Empowering safety In hydrogen transitioning projects with cutting-edge gas detection technology

Hydrogen is set to be the key to the global energy transition away from natural gas. There is a multitude of methods for producing and using hydrogen, but they all have one thing in common: the need to monitor for safety. Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection offer a comprehensive range of highly advanced instruments for hydrogen production that not only includes end-to-end gas, flame and fire detectors but also a range of controllers, services and cloud data management options, developed for this rapidly emerging market. Many of the major companies that are involved in hydrogen transitioning projects rely on Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection as a reliable provider for all their safety monitoring requirements.

Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection’s globally renowned fixed and portable systems have facilitated the safe use and production of hydrogen for several decades; they play a key role in creating a safe and efficient transition in the world’s energy supply. Teledyne offers instruments, systems, and services to support the entire hydrogen market sector, from production to distribution to storage, providing solutions for a wide array of applications, old and new. Moreover, they also offer an extensive range of sensors for the most ubiquitous gases in the hydrogen value chain, such as methane, ammonia, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, many of which are ideal for use in SIL2 and SIL3 systems.

Gas flame detection within hydrogen production is an application that needs a sophisticated solution. Some of the flame detectors used in hydrocarbon processing only ‘see’ combustion products, for example: water, soot, or carbon dioxide. When pure hydrogen burns it forms water, so specialist flame detection technology is needed. Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection recently introduced their state-of-the-art Spyglass IR3-H2-V flame detector, which detects hydrogen and other ‘energy transition’ fires exceptionally quickly to enable rapid response efforts. An N-IR (near-infrared) camera enables personnel to spot previously invisible hydrogen flames whatever the prevailing weather and light conditions may be. This highly advanced detector records video automatically, helping operators discover the cause and progress of fires. Teledyne also offers a modular and flexible MX62-SIL2 controller to coordinate networks of wired or wireless gas and flame detection technology within integrated site safety systems. The MX62-SIL2 includes a large, fully interactive 10 to 15-inch high-definition colour touchscreen, 64 secure channels as well as a backup processor for uninterrupted measurement.

Teledyne’s fixed detection solutions include the DG7-SIL2, an intelligent fixed gas detector with a built-in display; this device reliably and precisely detects hydrogen and other gases related to hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives. This microprocessor-driven instrument is completely configurable when used with a wireless hand-held terminal or a hard-wired HART option; this provides operators and installers flexibility and significantly reduced service costs. The DG7-SIL2 is capable of interfacing directly with an extensive array of panels, controllers and PLCs. Teledyne’s OLCT 100-SIL2 fixed detector is available in a variety of housings and sensors for the hydrogen sector. This highly acclaimed instrument has a 4-20mA output and SIL certification per EN 50402. Meanwhile, the compact OLCT 20 fixed gas detector offers the perfect solution for use in shelters or on skids, where monitoring in very small areas or for onboard applications is required. The OLCT 20 transmitters also feature a 4-20mA output with the potential for direct connection to PLCs.

People working where compressed hydrogen is present, or might leak, need portable gas detectors. Hydrogen has a broad flammability range in air of 4% to 74% at atmospheric pressure. To always ensure safety, Teledyne GFD offers portable gas detection systems with an alarm set at 50% of the LEL, or 2% hydrogen. Teledyne recently launched their versatile GS700-Hydrogen detector, an enhanced version of the highly successful Gasurveyor 700 (GS700) with the added capability to detect hydrogen. The ATEX-certified GS700-Hydrogen, with an optional GPS mapping system, provides both natural gas and hydrogen detection in one device making it the perfect choice for leak detection around valuable and important assets, large sites, and for use in pipeline installation and maintenance projects. Teledyne GDCloud software enables operators to store and process data from the site, map the location of measured data, and pinpoint the geo-location of any leaks. It is already proving itself at gas utility applications, as well as some hydrogen network test locations.

Teledyne GFD also has a comprehensive range of wearable devices for monitoring all significant gases in the hydrogen value chain. With the PS200 fourgas compliance monitor you have a compact, light, water-resistant, and very robust instrument; the larger PS500 model can detect up to five gases. The hydrogen economy based on decarbonisation and new applications has many rivers to cross. Many people are concerned about hydrogen’s tiny molecules that can escape through the tiniest of cracks, Teledyne GFD’s comprehensive range of detection solutions can alleviate these fears and turn hydrogen into a very ordinary gas; they have been working for many decades to ensure the safety of both people and assets when handling hydrogen.