We distribute Matheson Tri-Gas Chrysalis II Hydrogen (H₂) Generators + GOW-MAC H₂ Leak Detectors

Several types of standard CO₂ quality testing equipment (e.g. THC, Total Sulfur (TSC) and Benzene Analyzers) require a very low flow (typically 20 - 30 cc/min) of highly pure (99.999+%) hydrogen (H₂) support gas. This gas can either be supplied by a high pressure H₂ gas cylinder or small electronic H₂ generators. H₂ generators use de-ionized water as “fuel” to generate a pure, pressure-controlled flow of H₂ gas.

Use of high pressure H₂ cylinders often presents several problems for many CO₂ manufacturing, bottling plant or brewery customers. For example, local supplies of pure H₂ gas cylinders may not be available. In some cases, when cylinders are available, they must be stored outdoors at a great distance from the CO₂ analyzer area. Several cylinder safety issues must be addressed and strictly enforced, such as the proper handling of high pressure cylinders, transportation, secure storage, proper connective procedures, periodic leak testing  and adequate venting. An additional operational cost factor involves the daily cylinder rental fee charged by the gas supplier.

To avoid many of the issues associated with high pressure H₂ cylinders and to enhance the safe, routine use of H₂, many laboratory and industrial customers are now using small, state-of-the-art H₂ generators. These rugged generators produce highly pure H₂ “on-demand” by electrolysis of de-ionized water (which is used as a “fuel” for the unit). ALI supplies gen-grade water in convenient 20L (5 gal) carboys.

Two general classes of H₂ generators are on the market today. One class requires use of a dessicant cartridge to remove water vapor from the H₂ gas stream. This class of H₂ generator is less inexpensive to purchase BUT they do require periodic customer maintenance involving the cartridge change-out. Such routine maintenance is NOT recommended for CO₂ manufacturing plants or bottling facility environments.

Another more advanced class of H₂ generator uses high-tech cells and other specialized hardware to produce very dry, very pure electrically generated H₂. These units DO NOT use drier cartridges and so have been called “maintenance-free” in OEM literature. The purchase price of these units is slightly higher BUT, labor, production down-time, maintenance actions and cartridge-replacement costs are NOT an issue. Because of these factors, we strongly recommend these “no maintenance” types of H₂ generators to our industrial and international gas analyzer customers. An advantage that our recommended line of H₂ generators has is that they DO NOT require use of hazardous caustic agents in their water reservoir. In additon, they also have several built-in safety features such as alarms for: low water level, poor water quality, low delivery pressure (leak diagnostic) or power supply problems and auto-flow shut-offs. Many other automation features are options. The only “maintenance” needed on these units are infrequent top-off additions (typically 1X / week) of deionized water into the reservoir. Small, inexpensive de-ionizer bags (tea-bag size) that are suspended in the reservoir are only changed out “as needed”, typically 1X / yr.

An important consideration in selecting an ideal H₂ generator involves their maximum H₂ flow rating and allowable delivery pressures. All of the models we distribute have settable delivery pressures from 1 - 90 psig. The available model numbers and H₂ flow capacities are:

HYC-HPNM-100 (100 cc/min H₂ max) - HYC-HPNM-160 (160 cc/min H₂ max) - HYC-HPNM-250 (250 cc/min H₂ max) - HYC-HPNM-500 (500 cc/min H₂ max)

Most CO₂ Analyzers using an H₂ support gas require an H₂ delivery pressure of between 50 - 80 psig. Typical H₂ flow requirements are as follows: THC analyzers = 30 cc/min, TSC analyzers = 10 - 25 cc/min, Benzene Analyzers & Process GC equipment = no more than 30 - 40 cc/min

Based on these requirements, we suggest that to select an ideal H₂ generator model: add up all of the H2 support flows needed for the analyzer system then multiply X 2. This allows for some system growth + adds additional operational ruggedness.

Example #1: If an analyzer system consists of a THC + TSC analyzer, then: 30 + 20 cc/min = 50 X 2 = 100 cc/min. Under these conditions a Model HYC-HPNM-100 is suggested.

Example #2: If a THC + TSC + Benzene Analyzers are used, then: 30 + 20 + 30 = 80 X 2 = 160 cc/min. A Model HYC-HPNM-160 is suggested.

Another key reason for our H₂ generator recommendations involves the high level of after-sales customer support that is offered. Matheson Tri Gas has a Worldwide Equipment & Technology Center with affiliates in Europe and Asia to assist in any field support issue. ALI also provides our customers with liasson service to help ensure reliable system performance.

Shown below are both a Matheson Tri-Gas High Performance - No Maintainance Series Chrysalis II H₂ Generator and a small, rugged GOW-MAC Instrument Model 21-050 H₂ Leak Detector that we also can supply. This small, rugged H₂ Leak Detector runs on AC power - or batteries and is highly recommended for ANY operation involving the use of H₂ gas.

Matheson Tri-Gas Chrysalis II Hydrogen Generator

GOW-MAC Instrument Model 21-050 Gas Leak Detector