Hydrogen leak detection

Bevenot X., Trouillet A., Veillas C. et.al., Hydrogen leak detection using an optical fibre sensor for aerospace applications, Sensors Actuators B 2000 67 57-67. 

It should be noted, however, that applicability of the thin-film optic-fiber sensor technology to pipelines for leak detection is still a challenge because pipelines are hundreds (even thousands) mile long. Additional research is needed to identify and develop sensors technologies for hydrogen leak detection along the pipeline. 

Dr. Swain also developed a simple method for visualizing the motion of gases from a hydrogen leak, which will be used to determine sensor placement for hydrogen leak detection. 

Immediately after the running test, any compressor intended for toxic, hazardous, flammable, or hydrogen-rich service should be gas tested with an inert gas to the maximum seal design pressure. The test is held at least 30 minutes and the casing and its joints checked for leaks, using a soap bubble method or other suitable means for leak detection. When no leaks are detected, the compressor will be considered acceptable. 

Hydrogen delivery infrastructure requires sensors for detecting hydrogen leaks and monitoring pipeline integrity. A brief discussion for each type of sensor technology is given in Sections 10.2.4.1 and 10.2.4.2. 

Hydrogen is odorless, colorless, and tasteless and therefore undetectable by human senses. Adding odorants to hydrogen is one of the options for leak detection because people can smell it. The most common odorants for natural gas that is also odorless, colorless, and tasteless are sulfur containing. These odorants, however, are not appropriate for hydrogen... 

Table 15.4 summarizes the commercially available hydrogen sensor products for leak detection and process monitoring. Hydrogen sensors are available with different... 

Commercial Hydrogen Sensor Technologies for Leak Detection and Process Monitoring... 

Low cost sensors for detecting hydrogen leaks and other safety related requirements. 

Hydrogen sensors are particularly interesting for the emerging fuel cell vehicle market. There are also applications for detection of combustion gases for fuel leak detection in spacecraft, automobiles and aircraft, fire detectors, exhaust diagnosis and emissions from industrial processes (Baranzahi... 

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