Hydrogen safety for the industry - Hydrogen safety for the industry ecology energy solution

Hydrogen safety for the industry

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Hydrogen safety – a new energy source with special risks

Hydrogen (H2) is one of the most important sources of clean energy. In a move towards a more sustainable future, the number of hydrogen production and distribution facilities is expanding. With decades of experience in the process industry, Dräger is the ideal partner for customers and stakeholders – especially new players on the market – in assessing risks and providing comprehensive consultancy and hydrogen safety solutions. Dräger offers the first point of contact for hydrogen safety issues with thorough knowledge of the hazards of working with hydrogen.

Hydrogen - How to Meet Safety Challenges (new CI)

How to meet hydrogen safety challenges

Hydrogen itself is not toxic, but it poses special risks to safety on plants and for the infrastructure which produce, distribute or use it. Read about the safety challenges and how Dräger can support the hydrogen economy with comprehensive risk analysis, project planning, selection and installation of the right safety solutions and services in all phases of the process.

Hydrogen explosions and other major risks




Hydrogen does not impose major new risks compared to other gases. The trouble spots occur where people are involved in tasks along the hydrogen value chain, from production to use. 


Even though specific challenges differ between applications, plant safety is common to all.


Here are some of the risk factors which Drager explores in projects with customers.

hydrogen safety for the industry - explosion

Explosion

Unlike actual explosives, pure hydrogen cannot explode. The risk comes when it hits the air. For hydrogen to cause an explosion, oxygen needs to be present. But if hydrogen is allowed to escape, even a static spark from clothing would be enough to set off an explosion.

hydrogen safety for the industry - flame

Invisible flame

Hydrogen burns with a very very pale flame that is almost invisible in daylight. It emits very little radiant heat, which is why people perceive the great heat of the flame only at a very short distance. Hydrogen flames however, emit electromagnetic radiation in a specific wavelength range between 2 and 4 μm. To detect them, special flame detectors that can measure them are particularly suitable for rapid warning.

Hydrogen safety for the industry - leaks

Leaks

Owing to its small molecules and low viscosity, hydrogen can leak from pipelines and other structures more easily than denser gases. In fact, when it leaks from a pipe at sufficiently high pressure, hydrogen can even self-ignite. As well as pipelines engineered to hydrogen-ready specifications, regular inspection is imperative to detect leak points at joints and along pipelines. Fixed leak detectors add another layer of safety.

Hydrogen safety for the industry - permeation

Permeation

Hydrogen can easily permeate materials and in some cases embrittle them. For this reason, stainless steel and composite materials are typically used for storage tanks.

Hydrogen safety for the industry - CO alarm

CO alarms

Carbon monoxide (CO) sensors are cross-sensitive to hydrogen. If used near possible hydrogen exposure, CO sensors should be compensated for hydrogen so that cross-sensitivity and false alarms are reduced to a minimum.

Hydrogen safety for the industry - Gas pocket

Gas pockets

Hydrogen is less dense than air and forms gas pockets below ceilings when leaking. Gas detectors are therefore usually installed in the ceiling area. When hydrogen and methane are mixed, hydrogen can form gas pockets above methane.

Hydrogen safety for the industry - Colourless and odourless

Odourless and colourless

Hydrogen has no smell and no colour, so is undetectable for humans. With methane, this issue is mitigated by adding odorants, and research is in progress to determine whether this will also be possible with hydrogen. Gas and leak detectors are essential.

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Hydrogen explosion

The presence of hydrogen increases risks to safety have to be addressed with adequate measures. Due to its special properties, hydrogen sensors need to be selected to deal with hydrogen safety challenges, particularly for one major threat: the risk of hydrogen explosions.

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Areas of application for hydrogen

Hydrogen production

Hydrogen safety for the industry production

In a global shift towards carbon-neutral renewable energy sources, demand for more sustainably sourced hydrogen is increasing. Wind and solar farms have the option to produce this “green” hydrogen, but this presents new major safety hazards on their sites, due to the flammability and explosive properties of H2. Especially at the start of production, hydrogen is highly pressurised and highly flammable. The flame itself is virtually invisible, which means plants require excellent safeguards against hydrogen explosions.

Hydrogen distribution and storage

Hydrogen safety for the industry storage

The production of hydrogen in industrial quantities requires efficient – and safe – methods and facilities for transportation, distribution and storage before it reaches suppliers and consumers. Existing infrastructure of gas networks and pipelines can often be used to transport hydrogen to its relevant markets, but detection, monitoring and maintenance must be specially adapted for the risk of leaks. Most storages facilities, such as tanks and valves, are generally safe, but on-site activity by people and machinery increases safety hazards.

Hydrogen usage

Hydrogen safety for the industry usage

Goals for reducing emissions from fossil fuels and their detrimental impact on the environment has increased the demand for cleaner energies like hydrogen via fuel cell production. Some uses include fuel cell electric vehicles for long-distance road, rail and maritime transportation. Fuel stations, repair shops and garage facilities have expanded their core business to include hydrogen to cater for this new consumption sector. This means they also have to conform to new safety measures and accumulate relevant essential safety experience.

Recommended Plant & Personal Safety Solutions

Get an overview of mobile and fixed gas detection solutions for hydrogen detection, as well as personal protective equipment and Dräger services.

Click/tap the tabs below to find out more.

For safe production, storage and distribution of hydrogen, various detection technologies must be employed to build efficient levels of protection as a comprehensive safety solution. Hydrogen sensor devices provide instant alerts in case of hazardous leaks or risks of combustion.


Dräger Flame 1750 H₂ (IR3)

Dräger Flame 1750 H₂ (IR3)

With its triple IR sensor, the Dräger Flame 1750 H2 detects hydrogen-based fires. It offers you high reliability against false alarms and its good measurement performance remains even at extreme temperatures.

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Dräger PEX 3000

Dräger PEX 3000

The Dräger PEX 3000 transmitter detects flammable gases and vapours in concentrations below their lower explosive limit (100 % LEL). It helps you to increase the explosion protection of your plant. Its heat-tone sensor reacts to gas within just a few seconds, and the measurement signal remains particularly stable over the long term.

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Dräger Polytron 6100 EC WL

Dräger Polytron 6100 EC WL

The Dräger Polytron 6100 EC WL is a wireless transmitter for continuous monitoring of toxic gases and oxygen. The instrinsically safe and SIL2-rated transmitter features completely wireless signal transmission and power supply. The internal battery pack allows the transmitter to operate continually for up to 24 month. This makes the Polytron a ...

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Dräger Polytron 8200 CAT

Dräger Polytron 8200 CAT

The Dräger Polytron 8200 CAT is an explosion-proof high-end transmitter designed for detecting flammable gases and vapours. It uses the catalytic DrägerSensor Ex… DQ. In addition to the 3-wire operation with a 4 to 20 mA analogue output, it also offers HART, fieldbus options and Modbus, allowing you to integrate the transmitter with most ...

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Dräger Polytron® 8900 UGLD

Dräger Polytron® 8900 UGLD

The Dräger Polytron® 8900 UGLD transmitter is an early warning area monitor for detecting high-pressure gas leaks in outdoor industrial process environments. Thanks to an ultrasonic acoustic sensor, it responds earlier than conventional gas detectors because it registers the sound of leaking gas instead of measuring the concentration of ...

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Got a question? Get in touch

Leak detection and personal air monitoring while working in hydrogen production, storage and transportation environments are the main applications for portable gas detectors. In addition, clearance measurement must be carried out prior to maintenance work using mobile detection and monitoring devices with hydrogen sensors.


Dräger Pac® 8000

Dräger Pac® 8000

With the robust Dräger Pac® 8000, you'll be well equipped for tough conditions: this non-disposable, personal single-gas detection device is a reliable and precise instrument, which detects hazardous concentrations of 29 different gases, including special gases like NO2, O3 or COCl2. Measured data ...

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Dräger X-am® 5800

Dräger X-am® 5800

The X-am® 5800 multi-gas detector measures up to six gases and is equipped with a particularly shock-resistant CatEx sensor. With the Dräger Gas Detection Connect software, it offers live data transmission and powerful asset management. Designed for personal monitoring, the X-am® 5800 offers you the highest level of safety at a low cost of ...

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Dräger X-am 8000

Dräger X-am 8000

Clearance measurement was never this easy and convenient: The 1 to 7 gas detector detects toxic and flammable gases as well as vapours and oxygen all at once – either in pump or diffusion mode. Innovative signalling design and handy assistant functions ensure complete safety throughout the process.

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Find the full range of Dräger Portable Gas Detection products

Suitable occupational health and safety equipment is essential to protect employees during maintenance works on hydrogen production plants. Escape respiratory devices must be available in case of emergencies. Intrinsically safe, it should be noted that due to the explosive nature of hydrogen, breathing equipment should be inherently antistatic.

Dräger X-plore 3300/3500

Dräger X-plore 3300/3500

A perfect combination: modern design and light weight offer you extra protection and comfort. Choose from the low-maintenance, cost-effective Dräger X-plore 3300 half mask or Dräger X-plore 3500 version for long lasting protection under tough conditions.

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Dräger PAS® Colt

Dräger PAS® Colt

Combining versatility, ease of use and the latest in breathing apparatus design, Dräger’s PAS® Colt is among the most technologically advanced short duration and emergency escape units available.

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Dräger PARAT® Filtering Escape Hoods

Dräger PARAT® Filtering Escape Hoods

The PARAT® filtering escape hoods were developed with users, placing the focus on the fastest possible escape. Optimized operation and wearing comfort, a robust case and a sealed filter ensure protection from toxic industrial and/or fire-related gases, vapours and particles for at least 15 minutes.

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Got a question? Get in touch

Consultancy in handling Hydrogen safety challenges is a matter for Dräger safety engineers. Experts review existing concepts to identify potential for improvement and establish sustainable safety. They provide conceptual support, assess your risks and define measures together with you.

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Broad portfolio of services

We support you with a broad portfolio of services: from maximising uptime, installing and supporting our solutions, managing your portfolio, training your staff and leveraging the power of data to increase efficiency, reduce risks and drive outcomes.

Got a question? Get in touch

Hydrogen Early Warning Detection Solutions - Interactive Video

Hydrogen Safety Industry (Interactive Tool new)

Counter the risks & dangers of hydrogen

Click the link below and immerse yourself in our new interactive tool! You'll find much more on the different plant scenarios and applications and of course our solutions to counter the risks and dangers posed. 

Hydrogen Safety and Emergency Management

Hydrogen safety starts with risk analysis, needs solid project planning and includes dedicated hydrogen detection solutions.

Hydrogen application info

Safety solutions for hydrogen detection

The special safety challenges of hydrogen management require customised hydrogen detection and protective measures. As expert in gas detection technology, Dräger provides tried and tested solutions like hydrogen sensors for diverse customer applications in meeting specific hydrogen safety requirements. A wide selection of mobile and fixed gas detection devices and systems cover all scenarios and requirements for optimal hydrogen safety.

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Hydrogen safety logo

Our organization is a member of the Center for Hydrogen Safety, which is a global nonprofit resource that supports and promotes the safe handling and use of hydrogen across industrial and consumer applications in the energy transition. For more information visit the Center for Hydrogen Safety website.

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Other Dräger Safety Solutions for Clean Energy

Follow the links below to find out more.

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Get in touch with Dräger

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Draeger Safety India Private Limited

9th Floor, Commerz II, International Business Park,
Oberoi Garden City,
Off Western Express Highway, Goregaon (East),
Mumbai - 400 063, India

022 6133 5600