Hydrogen gas is a relatively abundant energy source.
Hydrogen use in Alberta
We hear a lot of Green, Grey and Blue Hydrogen in Alberta right now. Green hydrogen is typically produced by electrolysis of salt water utilizing green sources of electricity that is generated entirely by renewable energy.
“Grey Hydrogen” is the primary source of most hydrogen on the market, it is produced by reforming fossil fuels such as natural gas using steam.
“Blue Hydrogen” is produced by taking the CO2 from the production of Grey Hydrogen and sequestering it through carbon capture instead of emitting to atmosphere.
Alberta is ramping up investments in this space and pushing projects that soon will cross Canada. From an emission standpoint, Hydrogen emissions are very low and similar to electric cars, but getting access to hydrogen causes some issues. Hyrdogen still requires fossil fuels to produce it.
Hydrogen Emissions
Emissions of hydrogen lead to increased burdens of methane and ozone and leads to an increase in global warming. Hydrogen can be considered as an indirect greenhouse gas. Hydrogen is colorless and odorless and undetectable by human senses. When burned for heating, electrical generation or in internal combustion engines; it produces significantly less NOx emissions than Natural gas when combusted.
Detecting Hydrogen
Hydrogen gas alone is not a gas that a current gas detection camera manufacturer specifically makes a camera for.
New technologies such as Optical Gas Imaging cameras such as the FLIR GFx320 and ultrasonic cameras allow to technicians to visualize leaks and produce video and photography pin-pointing the leak, in real time, rather than allowing the potentially dangerous gasses to accumulate, keeping your valuable product in the stream.
Leak detection for Hydrogen is done similarly to how natural gas leak detection was done in the past. Electrochemical sensors installed within a building that measure in ppm or in % Lower Explosive Limit (LEL).
In order to detect a hydrogen leak, a trace gas such as CO2 is introduced into the system. We can then detect leaks on a hydrogen gas system. The FLIR GF343 can see even a small concentration of CO2, even diluted with hydrogen.
Find the right service provider
Fortunately, Intricate has experience in utilizing the GF343 CO2 OGI camera. Also utilizing another technology that allows visualization with our ultrasonic camera. The technicians at Intricate use an ultrasonic camera that allows equipment and infrastructure to be surveyed from a safe distance. This technology can “see” sound. Utilizing over 100 ultrasonic microphones, and one camera, it triangulates the source of the sound onto a live image that repair technicians can watch as the repair is made, or have valuable video and photos to repair in the future.
Future of Hydrogen Emissions
Hydrogen will continue to play a pivotal role in energy production. But prompt detection of any leak will always minimize the risk of a small leak becoming a huge hazard risk. As the demand for stronger environmental regulations evolve, it is imperative for hydrogen gas detection to be a priority moving forward. Scheduling in hydrogen sensing and procedures will be key in maintaining a safe working environment for all.
If you require a service provider for your Hydrogen leak detection and repair, contact Intricate today.
We’ve got you covered!
Please email blairhamer@intricategroup.com or call us 587-713-4453
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