The presence of oxygen plays an important role in the safety of hydrogen-containing processes, whereas the LEL (lower explosive limit) of Hydrogen is generally considered to be 4% by volume (4% v/v). That means the mixture is too lean to burn if there is less than 4% Hydrogen present. But at 4%, we can burn or explode if there is an ignition source. So 4% v/v hydrogen is the same as 100% LEL of the explosive concentration. The upper explosion limit is at 75 % (v/v).

This means that from a safety point of view it is critical to monitor the oxygen content in a hydrogen process stream, and to prevent the occurrence of dangerous mixtures of oxygen and hydrogen. Although most hydrogen-using chemical processes are designed to prevent hazardous situations during transporting hydrogen in pipelines, and its use as a reagent in chemical reactions, any leak in the process may increase the oxygen content to a hazardous level. By means of the MOD-1040 oxygen analyser, any sudden increase of the oxygen content is immediately detected and allows immediate steps to be taken to refrain from any disaster to occur.

Most available oxygen analysers are not compatible for use in hydrogen-containing processes. Either their sensors are not explosion-proof, or the process conditions are such that temperature or pressure conditions, like very high pressures or very low pressures, prevent the use of traditional oxygen analysers. In addition to that, the majority of traditional oxygen analysers need sampling and sampling conditioning systems, which by themselves can be a source of oxygen leaking into the system.

The introduction of the MOD-1040 light-based analyser overcomes these obstacles of traditional oxygen sensor technologies.

The MOD-1040 has no direct contact between the detector sensor and the hydrogen stream. This enables the MOD-1040 to be directly inserted into the hydrogen pipeline, notwithstanding the pressure and temperature.

Appropriate for a wide range of different applications

• Suitable in process streams with temperatures of up to 60 ⁰C, and a pressure of 350 barg !

• Fast response time of less than 5 sec and high accuracy.

The accuracy is enhanced by pressure and temperature compensation.

• ATEX approved for use in highly flammable or explosion-hazardous environments!

• Easy to install and almost maintenance-free!