Hydrogen Gas Detection Instrument

Completed

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Hydrogen, Hydrogen transport and distribution)
Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Hydrogen, Other infrastructure and systems R&D)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
SGN

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 October 2019

30 September 2021

ENA months

£158,000

Energy

South East

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, SGN

SGN have partnered with GMI to further develop the GMI GS700 gas detection instrument into a multi gas instrument capable of detecting hydrogen as well as natural gas. The new GS700 platform developed by GMI for SGN under a previous NIA has the capacity for an additional hydrogen sensor to be added that will enable the detection of hydrogen gas. 1. The project will begin with a review of previous work done in the area of hydrogen gas detection. 2. The supplier will incorporate the new sensor technology along with the necessary modifications to the GS700 leak detection instrument and tested against the ranges specified in the standards 0>100% Gas in Air, 0>100% Lower Explosive Limit and ppm3. The prototype will be performance tested, verified and certified to the relevant standards (ATEX, EMC, INQ and BS Standards)4. The supplier will develop training material and user documentation for the instrument5. Field trails will be conducted to further test the performance of the certified instrument. The project will develop, test and produce prototype gas detection instruments suitable for detecting hydrogen. A hydrogen detection instrument is critical to SGNs H100 project to demonstrate hydrogen distribution networks can be built, operated and maintained just as safely as current natural gas networks. The objectives of this project are to Investigate sensor technologies that will detect hydrogen. Develop test and certify the prototype detector against relevant standards Produce user documentation and training guide for the gas detection instrument Further test the gas detection instrument in a field trail

The UK Governments target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% of 1990 levels by 2050 requires the gas networks to explore alternative options for heat. Hydrogen has become an attractive alternative to natural gas because it does not emit carbon when combusted.SGN are involved in a number of research and development projects associated with hydrogen ranging from transmission down to low pressure distribution. Before we can demonstrate that these hydrogen projects are viable, a leak detection instrument that can detect hydrogen at the same levels natural gas is required. The leak detection instrument is a critical safety feature to managing and operating a gas network.

09/11/22