Hydrogen - H2
Find here the essential information on hydrogen - or dihydrogen(H2): characteristics, effects on health, detection devices & systems - hydrogen gas detectors - and proper respiratory protective equipment (self-contained breathing apparatus and supplied air respirator).
Hydrogen (H2) properties
Industrially produced by reforming hydrocarbons – natural gas steam reforming – hydrogen (H2) – also called dihydrogen - is mainly used to remove sulfur from petroleum fuels and to produce ammonia. It is also considered as the fuel of the future (fuel cells). It is primarily released while charging batteries or during welding.
| CAS | LEL | LSE | IP | Density / Air | Filter / SCBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1333-74-0 | 4 % | 75 % | 15.43 eV | 0.07 | SCBA |
Hydrogen gas hazards
Hydrogen (H2) is extremely flammable (R12) with wide explosive limits between 4 and 75% volume. As it is particularly lightweight, major hydrogen gas hazards are the replacement of oxygen in suspended ceilings and other high up confined spaces. Colorless and odorless, its presence cannot be detected without proper equipment. Even if it is not toxic, high concentrations of hydrogen will reduce the oxygen rate, which can lead to asphyxia. For all these reasons it is important to use an hydrogen monitor to detect dangerous concentrations.
Hydrogen gas detectors - H2
As hydrogen is not detectable through smell, only H2 gas detectors can accurately measure concentrations of this gas. Two hydrogen monitors technologies are available: either in toxicity with ppm measurement (slightly rare), or in explosivity with monitoring in percentage of the LEL (combustible gas detector).
For calibration and gas testing of your fixed or portable gas detectors, hydrogen calibration gas cylinders are available.
