Preface
Hydrogen Safety Precautions
xxiv
TRACE 1300 and TRACE 1310 Hardware Manual
Thermo Scientific
Hydrogen is a dangerous gas, particularly in an enclosed area when it reaches a concentration
corresponding to its lower explosion level (4% in volume). An explosion hazard could develop
in the oven when hydrogen is used as a carrier gas in the case oven elements are not perfectly
connected to each other, or when the connection materials are worn out, broken, or otherwise
faulty.
Use the following safety precautions when using hydrogen:
• Ensure that all hydrogen cylinders comply with the safety requirements for proper use
and storage. Hydrogen cylinders and delivery systems must comply with local regulations.
• Make sure the gas supply is turned completely off when connecting hydrogen lines.
• Perform a leak test to ensure that the hydrogen lines are leak-tight before using the
instrument. Repeat this test to eliminate all leaks.
• Ensure your TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310 has a Thermo Scientific hydrogen sensor
installed for continuously monitoring the hydrogen level in the oven.
Hydrogen Connection Guidelines
Use the following guidelines to safely connect hydrogen to your system:
•
Piping—
Hydrogen must be delivered to equipment using appropriate piping and be
done in such a way as to pose essentially no hazard to end-users. Piping systems for the
delivery of hydrogen should be designed and installed by a person qualified by specific
training and experience with hydrogen piping systems.
Stainless steel is usually recommended because it is a safe, cost-effective material. Piping
of
black iron
or copper must not be used, as the pipe can become brittle with age.
Elastomeric/plastic tubing of various plastics and polymers should not be used, unless the
WARNING - EXPLOSION HAZARD
Hydrogen is a dangerous gas that, when mixed with
air, could create an explosive mixture. The use of hydrogen as a carrier gas requires
extreme caution. Special precautions must be taken because of the risk of explosion. When
hydrogen is used as carrier gas the gas chromatograph must be equipped with a hydrogen
sensor.
Never use hydrogen as carrier gas in your TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310 system unless your
oven has a hydrogen sensor installed. Thermo Fisher Scientific FSEs are not authorized to
install or repair any instrument using hydrogen as a carrier gas unless the instrument is
equipped with the appropriate sensor.
If your oven does not have a hydrogen sensor already installed, contact your Thermo
Fisher Scientific sales representative. To comply with instrument safety requirements, a
Thermo Fisher Scientific FSE authorized service personnel should install the sensor into
your TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310.
