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I have below doubts regarding Gas Chromatograph (GC)which is installed in the laboratory. GC in the present case is off line (sample is injected not continuous)
GC uses Hydrogen as a fuel or carrier gas.
a) Is there any chance of leakage of hydrogen from inside GC to outside?
b) In the GC room does HAZARDOUS classification applied due to use of Hydrogen and Process samples (hydrocarbons)?
c) Does electrical items - switches ,lighting fixtures needs to taken as flame proof, explosion proof or intrinsic safe?
d) Can GC be classified as flame proof? If so, what components of GC will be qualified as flame proof?
e) Are there any case studies available about explosion in GC room due to hydrogen leakage?
 
Answers
27/04/2013 A: Sridhar Balakrishnan, Bharat Oman Refineries Limited , laksrid@yahoo.com
You can use Hydrogen generators instead of Hydrogen cylinders . Which is safe and aviods exposure and accumulation of Hydrogen gas. You get Hydrogen gas with following purities mentioned below.
PRODUCT TYPE - Gas Generator Hydrogen
PRODUCT PURITY - 99.9995%
FLOW RANGE - Up to 100 ml/min
DELIVERY PRESSURE - Up to 6.89 bar g (100 psi g)
TRADE/BRAND NAME - PARKER Balston
Many Laboratories are using the above Hydrogen Generators , which is safe and can solve above problems .


01/03/2013 A: keith bowers, B and B Consulting, kebowers47@gmail.com
You MUST contact the manufacturer of the instrument for advice and counsel. Generally laboratory equipment IS NOT suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres containing any flammable vapors. Also, high pressure cylinders of hydrogen MUST be outside the laboratory and piped through a vapor seal using tubing. High integrity tubing and fittings (Swagelok or Parker are two manufacturers) and each fitting soap tested after each make-up to ensure they are leak tight. Actually the zero leak term is 'commercially tight'