Hydrogen energy is a clean alternative to fossil fuels and has great potential to continue to drive a global low-carbon economy. However, the chemical and physical properties of hydrogen present special challenges in its processing, as do the measuring instruments used in the field of hydrogen energy. VEGA measuring instruments meet the industry’s high requirements for safety and long-term stability.

Special challenge

YHC5150X Hydrogen, the lightest element, is a gas under normal conditions and becomes a liquid only at -253°C. In addition, hydrogen is highly permeable. These characteristics place special requirements on the materials used for measuring instruments.

Hydrogen penetration: When hydrogen penetrates into metal or resistance structures, it can cause material damage over time, resulting in irreversible changes in measurement performance.

Hydrogen embrittlement: Hydrogen atoms may also penetrate into the structure of the material, causing serious degradation of its mechanical properties.

Despite these challenges, VEGA gauges provide accurate and reliable measurement results. Materials that are resistant to harsh conditions, process connections that prevent hydrogen infiltration, dry ceramic measuring elements and gold-plated and gold-plated/rhodium gauges ensure long-term stability.

solution

By plating the diaphragm with pure gold or gold plating with rhodium

Effective prevention of hydrogen seepage

🥇 Gold: Gold plating is mainly suitable for pure gaseous hydrogen, that is, dry hydrogen. A gold coating with a thickness of about 25 µm can significantly slow the rate of hydrogen infiltration.

🥇 Gold/rhodium: Hydrogen dissolved in water-based solvents places higher demands on the material’s ability to prevent hydrogen infiltration. By plating a thin layer of rhodium on the gold-plated metal film, it not only protects the softer gold-plated layer, but also acts as a catalyst, greatly reducing the permeability of hydrogen.

Measurement technology for demanding production processes

YHC5150X Hydrogen-related processes have very high requirements for reliability and precision.

Safety first

Hydrogen is volatile and very explosive when mixed with oxygen, so safety is a top priority. VEGA meters use suitable materials, correct process connections and appropriate coatings to ensure safety at every process step in every application area.

Guard by solid barrier

In hydrogen energy applications, doing a good job of protection in advance means being prepared for hydrogen penetration. Corrosion-resistant materials such as 316L or Elgiloy alloy guarantee long-term operation of the meter. In addition, VEGA meters can also be plated with pure gold or gold plated with rhodium for challenging applications.

Full preparation

Safety is the first priority. VEGA provides measuring instruments for hydrogen applications with a variety of explosion-proof certifications available worldwide. At the same time, they also meet the high requirements of functional safety (SIL).

Seal tight seam

VEGA is able to provide the right measuring instrument for every application and uses impermeable process connections to ensure no leakage during operation.

For this purpose, VEGA uses a variety of high voltage connectors from well-known manufacturers such as Swagelok.

Hydrogen energy related applications

Whether the medium is corrosive, the liquid level is covered with oxygen or hydrogen, or the dielectric constant is low, VEGA delivers accurate measurements to provide reliable level and pressure measurement solutions for the entire hydrogen industry chain.

In addition to the alkaline electrolyzer, PEM electrolyzer, liquid hydrogen storage tank, and hydrogen pipeline applications mentioned in the previous article “VEGA Instruments Ensure accurate measurement in all aspects of the hydrogen industry,” measuring instruments are also used in the following applications.

Hydrogen storage tank

Hydrogen storage tanks are capable of storing different capacities of hydrogen, depending on their size, and can be used for hydrogen refueling stations or hydrogen transportation. To store as much hydrogen as possible, the tanks are pressurized up to 1,000 bar. But at room temperature, hydrogen is still in its gaseous state. With the VEGABAR 83 pressure transmitter, the pressure can be measured and controlled accordingly for reliable measurement with dry resistance strain gauges.