Hydrogen Safety - Agilent Technologies 7890A GC Safety Manual

Hydrogen Safety

Hydrogen gas may be used as carrier gas, and/or as fuel for the FID, FPD, and
NPD. When mixed with air, hydrogen can form explosive mixtures.
When using hydrogen (H
WA RN ING
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 into the
• Hydrogen burns with a nonluminous flame which can be invisible under
Hydrogen shutdown
Hydrogen gas may be used as a carrier or as fuel for some detectors. When
mixed with air, hydrogen can form explosive mixtures.
The GC monitors inlet and auxiliary gas streams. If a stream shuts down
because it is unable to reach its flow or pressure setpoint and if that stream is
configured to use hydrogen, the GC assumes that a leak has occurred and
declares a hydrogen safety shutdown. The effects are:
7890A GC Safety Manual
atmospheric pressure, hydrogen is combustible at concentrations from 4%
to 74.2% by volume.
atmosphere can self-ignite due to an electrostatic spark.
bright light.
) as the carrier gas or fuel gas, be aware that hydrogen
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