Hydrogen Analysing Technology Installed into Gas Chromatography System

H2scan Corporation (USA), provider of accurate, tolerant and affordable hydrogen leak detection and process gas monitoring solutions for industrial markets, recently announced that Exxon Mobil has successfully installed its HY-OPTIMA 720AS-GC Hydrogen Analysing System into its gas chromatograph (GC) in their refinery laboratory.

Exxon made the decision to change the carrier gas they use in their refinery GC from helium to hydrogen, which is available and much cheaper. Up until now, helium was the primary carrier gas used in over 80% of GC systems. Consumption of helium has increased rapidly due to applications in medical, scientific and industrial fields making helium a rare and expensive commodity. Since hydrogen’s lower flammability limit is 4% in air, there is a safety need for an analyser that can detect, measure and act to mitigate any flammable scenario with an inert gas purge. They chose H2scan’s HYOPTIMA 720AS-GC hydrogen analysing system as it provides a simple solution to detect hydrogen leaks within the GC oven.

“H2scan analysers provide a cost-effective, robust and flexible solution for retrofitting the gas chromatographs in our lab as we are making the switch from He to H2 carrier gas. The ease of installation and sensitivity of the analyser was very impressive.” said Laboratory Technician, major oil company.

H2scan’s system is easy and efficient to install and is designed for retrofit to any make or model GC. Additionally, hydrogen is 3 to 4 times less expensive than helium so GC labs can expect to see significant cost savings and a short ROI.

“H2scan is thrilled to provide Exxon with our hydrogen analysing technology for their GC application,” said Dennis Reid, President and CEO of H2scan. “Our HY-OPTIMA 720AS-GC model has proven extremely effective in detecting hydrogen in the GC environment and is an affordable means to reduce operational costs. We are excited about working closely with them to make their refinery operation more efficient and support them in their business ventures,” Reid added.

Based on a patented "chip on a flex" technology, H2scan’s hydrogen sensing system analyzers are able to detect and measure hydrogen without false readings or expensive support equipment. H2scan’s process systems have the ability to operate in complex gas streams without interference from contaminants such as CO or H2S and provide robust hydrogen measurement solutions, separating H2scan from all other in-line measuring technologies.