07 April 2009

It is no wonder that hydrogen is widely referred to as ‘the elusive molecule’. As the smallest and lightest molecule in the universe its high molecular velocity rate means it dissipates faster than any other gas, moving into spaces and cracks with lightning speed.

In a well-sealed tank of pure hydrogen, it remains an entirely stable molecule. But it only requires a 4% mix with 75% air before it becomes a deadly explosive. With its low ignition threshold, the gas burns with an almost undetectable flame – until it is too late.

This is according to Richard Cooper, Marketing Manager at Rand Technical Services (RTS), a specialised, Tshwane-based company offering innovative technologies and solutions to industrial problems.

“Arguably the most misunderstood of gases, detection of hydrogen leaks and monitoring of hydrogen purity is critical for the safety and integrity of any industrial application where hydrogen is used, stored or transported,” says Cooper.

“Enter the H2Scan - a highly sensitive range of devices responsive only to hydrogen and not affected by any other gases,” he continues.

According to Cooper, the H2Scan hydrogen-sensing technology range offers three different instruments for real-time leak detection and gas process monitoring.

“As the sole representative for H2Scan in Southern Africa, RTS offers a turnkey solution that begins with the provision of state-of-the-art equipment, on-site training and full after-sales support for any modifications needed,” he explains.

As the units are robust with a projected lifespan of ten years, they are virtually maintenance-free, aside from annual recalibration.

“The outlay is soon repaid in terms of return-on-investment and cost-effectiveness,” he enthuses.

Cooper details the various instruments available:

• The HY-ALERTATM 500 Hand-held Hydrogen Leak Detector is a portable unit ideal for industries that involve mobility or require off-site monitoring.

• The HY-ALERTATM 600 Fixed-Area Hydrogen Monitor is ideal for protecting any areas where hydrogen is used or stored. Placed in a room, the unit provides continuous monitoring 24 hours a day and can be linked to alarm systems for the safe shutdown of a facility.

• The HY-OPTIMATM 700 In-line Process Hydrogen Monitor is ideal for real time monitoring of hydrogen concentrations in a variety of gas streams. The unit can be installed inside pipelines and help to survey an entire system. Its fast response and excellent accuracy enables the users to monitor their operations more efficiently and real time-detection can be configured to shut down the plant.

Real-Time Leak Detection Essential For Safety
“Consider the old hydrogen detecting methods that used expensive tracer gases like helium.

Not only did customers have to allow for fluctuating costs of the tracer gas, but leaks could not really be pinpointed, as they were shrouded in a cloud of gas! In an industrial environment where this most elusive gas, capable of finding any open seam or leak in milliseconds is on the loose, there is no margin for delay. Real-time leak detection is essential,” Cooper points out.

He adds that, where each H2Scan unit can be individually programmed and customised to suit the customer’s individual requirements, leak detection is achieved at concentrations as low as 15 parts per million to 100% hydrogen by volume.

Using a patented technology, the H2Scan sensor employs palladium alloy thin films to measure hydrogen in the lowest of concentrations. Any change in hydrogen concentration changes the electric field of the capacitor, simultaneously displaying a reading, and sending an analogue signal to the control unit. The efficacy of the unit is not affected by the presence of any other gas and they do not require oxygen to operate.

Hydrogen Economy Booming
“Already H2Scan units are employed at many power stations in South Africa. With the widening potential application of hydrogen across so many new industries such as petrochemicals, fuel cell technology, battery monitoring, nuclear and power station plants, the hydrogen economy is certainly booming,” Cooper concludes.

Ends (660 words)

Note to Editors

Rand Technical Services, or RTS, is a specialised, Tshwane-based company offering innovative technologies and solutions to industrial problems.

Run by Managing Director Ian Fraser since its inception in the early 1990’s, the company offers globally-sourced, quality products such as continuous belt weighers without load cells, laser-based gas detection devices for hot or corrosive areas, and electrolysers for hydrogen production.

Product delivery and technical consultation by highly-trained staff is offered throughout Southern Africa to a range of clients in industry sectors such as mining, glass, steel and energy.

Editorial Contacts

Richard Cooper
Marketing manager
Rand Technical Services
012 - 993 9620
info@rtsafrica.co.za
www.rtsafrica.co.za

Kendal Hunt
PR Consultant and Writer
Kendal Hunt Communications
011 – 7045649 or kenh@mweb.co.za