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Introduction
Hydrogen Safety
The use of hydrogen as a GC carrier gas is potentially dangerous.
WARNING
When using hydrogen (H
WARNING
gas can flow into the GC oven and create an explosion hazard. Therefore, be sure
that the supply is turned off until all connections are made and ensure that the inlet
and detector column fittings are either connected to a column or capped at all times
when hydrogen gas is supplied to the instrument.
Hydrogen is flammable. Leaks, when confined in an enclosed space, may create a
fire or explosion hazard. In any application using hydrogen, leak test all
connections, lines, and valves before operating the instrument. Always turn off the
hydrogen supply at its source before working on the instrument.
Hydrogen is a commonly used GC carrier gas. Hydrogen is potentially
explosive and has other dangerous characteristics.
• Hydrogen is combustible over a wide range of concentrations. At
• Hydrogen has the highest burning velocity of any gas.
• Hydrogen has a very low ignition energy.
• Hydrogen that is allowed to expand rapidly from high pressure can
• Hydrogen burns with a nonluminous flame which can be invisible under
Additional information can be found in the Hydrogen Safety Guide which is
included on the Agilent GC/GCMSD Hardware User Information & Instrument
Utilities DVD.
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atmospheric pressure, hydrogen is combustible at concentrations from 4%
to 74.2% by volume.
self-ignite.
bright light.
) as the carrier gas or fuel gas, be aware that hydrogen
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5975 Series MSD Troubleshooting and Maintenance Manual