Fuji Electric France produces highly accurate pressure transmitters for the hydrogen industry, using a unique membrane technology to prevent hydrogen penetration and ensure accurate measurement and extended pressure transmitter life.
Unique technology for hydrogen pressure measurement
In some applications fluids such as hydrogen have atoms that can diffuse through the diaphragm of pressure transmitters.
The oil contamination associated with this diffusion results in a degradation of the measurement accuracy and the life of the pressure transmitter.
With our unique dual gold and ceramic coated diaphragm technology, hydrogen penetration is stopped.
What are the applications of hydrogen pressure sensors?
Hydrogen pressure sensors are used in a number of different applications. Common uses include fuel cell,gas monitoring and automotive. Hydrogen pressure sensors are essential for these applications as they measure the pressure of hydrogen gas. Reliable information from the pressure sensor is needed to ensure that the system is working properly and to prevent critical problems.
Hydrogen is used both to fuel space shuttle rockets and in hydrogen powered vehicles. Hydrogen can be used to produce electricity or heat through hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen also helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions when burned with oxygen to produce water. Hydrogen is regularly used in the >a href="https://www.fujielectric.fr/industries/chimie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chemical industry. Hydrogen can be used to make ammonia for fertiliser and also to make methanol for cars. Hydrogen is also used by the oil industry to reduce the viscosity of crude oil during transportation. In the nuclear industry, hydrogen can accumulate in nuclear reactor as a result of chemical reactions with metal and water.
Hydrogen is used in steel and metal fabrication. Hydrogen gas is also used in the processing of nickel metal to form Niadrohydroxide, a catalyst used to produce the high purity nickel required by the Mond process. Hydrogen is also commonly used in hydrogenation, for example to convert vegetable oils into margarine and to produce methanol, hydrocarbons and more complex chemicals.
Control and monitoring of these processes by a pressure transducer is essential to ensure the safety and optimum operation of these plants and storage.
Technical features and high performance
The Fuji Electric Hydrogen Pressure Transmitter is a robust, durable transmitter designed using the latest technology.
It offers shock and vibration resistance and excellent accuracy and stability. The u pressure transmitter output signal is 4-20 mA. It features HART protocol for easy configuration and self-diagnostic functions.
Whether used at low or high pressure, its wide pressure range of several hundred bar makes it the ideal solution for your hydrogen pressure measurement system projects.
The "made in France" manufacturing quality of pressure transmitter ensures long-lasting solutions for your projects involving new hydrogen technologies.
Accuracy
STABILITY
RESISTANT
Made in France
Coating for prevention of hydrogen diffusion in the measurement cell (hydrogen sulphide)
Gold and Ceramics
Thanks to this technology, Fuji Electric pressure transmitters can be used in desulphurization projects and plants, hydrogen production units, oil refineries, fuel cells, stations for vehicles, mobility and transport, and OVH wet sludge treatment units.
What is the Hydrogen action on the simple diaphragm pressure sensor ?
Hydrogen is the smallest atom element.
So, it can penetrate the thin metal process diaphragms of pressure transmiters.
Water, acids, bases, and the numerous organic compounds contain hydrogen.
Hydrogen is normally found in his molecular state H₂ (also called diatomic), composed of two hydrogen atoms.
H₂ molecules are big enough so that they will not penetrate diaphragms of pressure transmiters.
However, if H₂ molecule splits into hydrogen ions H+, it can penetrate the membrane, as the H+ ions are smaller than the space between the membrane metal molecules.
Examples of generation of H+ ions in the process fluid:
H₂ → H+ + H+ H₂O → H+ + OH- H₂S → H+ + HS-
Combination of H+ ions and electrons in the diaphragm :
H+ + e- → H
Combination of H atoms in the internal oil of the cell:
H + H → H₂
What is the Hydrogen action on the specific diaphragm pressure sensor ?
Hydro Seal design :
This is a unique pressure transmitter design developed by Fuji Electric.
It offers excellent protection against hydrogen permeation.
It is recommended for the applications where hydrogen permeation has been experienced as most severe.
A 3mm gold layer is applied on the 316L SST diaphragm, and a second layer of ceramic is applied on top of gold. The ceramic layer provides an electrical insulation between the process fluid and the diaphragm, which prevents H+ ions from combining with electrons of the diaphragm. This insulation minimizes the diffusion of hydrogen atoms through the diaphragm. Following figures show comparison of the performances of this design compared to HastC, 316SST, and Gold plated 3165SST.
Features
Minimizes generation of H+ ions and electrons due to galvanic reaction.
Prevents H+ ions from combining with electrons
Minimizes the diffusion of hydrogen atoms through the diaphragm.
Excellent stability, precision and durability thanks to outstanding build quality
What is the storage pressure of hydrogen?
Hydrogen is stored and transported cryogenically in liquid form at about 20.268 K (-252.882 °C or -423.188 °F) and at a pressure of 700 bar (10,000 psi).
Hydrogen has a very low temperature, especially in its liquid form, so it darkens around -250 degrees Celsius.
It is highly flammable. Hydrogen quenching is the process by which hydrogen is cooled rapidly.
Hydrogen can be cooled with liquid nitrogen, helium or water.
WHITE PAPER
Hydrogen permeation
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