Using hydrogen gas in Laboratories has gained popularity throughout the past decades. Because of its properties, hydrogen is used for various functions, for example:
- It is used for increasing Speed and resolution, when used as a carrier gas for gas chromatography.
- Additionally it is used as a cover gas for the purpose of furnace brazing.
There are two prime sources of Hydrogen for industrial and laboratory use; hydrogen cylinders and hydrogen generators for GC. While hydrogen cylinders are most frequently employed as lab supply source, hydrogen generators are currently gaining popularity. The main reason for this is that the cost saving, maintenance and security benefits connected to the generators. It is up to the consumer to select between the two. It is hence critical to comprehend the benefits and disadvantages of each choice in order to successfully select between the two supply sources. This report offers information about the hydrogen generators as a supply option.
Hydrogen Generator
Generators are becoming a popular option for hydrogen distribution in a lab setting. These generators are made with diverse hydrogen production capabilities, Paper Chromatography most commonly ranging from 250 ccm to 5 slpm. The generators are very useful since they provide numerous benefits associated with reliability, security, convenience and cost savings. The two Primary lab hydrogen generator choices are:
- Reformer-Based Hydrogen Generators
In this type of generator, Ammonia or a combination of water and methanol is converted into a gas-mix which comprises hydrogen at pressure and temperature around 300 psi and 350 C respectively. Pure hydrogen is created by passing the mixture through a membrane, either internal or external to the membrane reactor.
- Electrolytic Hydrogen Generators
These generators use purified Water mixed with an electrolyte, usually KOH, and convert it into hydrogen and oxygen via electrolytic reaction. The hydrogen thus produced is moist i.e. it contains water vapors. Thereafter, wet hydrogen is purified using a metallic membrane purifier or desiccant. Though a number of laboratories cylinders as a supply source are a variety of constraints and concerns attached to the same, like handling and security ones. Additionally, the elevated pressure of cylinders and flammable characteristic of hydrogen poses additional issues. This is why, laboratories today are searching for ways to eliminate the use of cylinders and this is where the demand for a better and more reliable technology comes in. For dealing with these issues, Users are now choosing hydrogen generators as a source of gas supply. The generators provide several safety, purity and convenience advantages together with the decreased handling and maintenance expenses.
