1Introduction
5975/5977 Series MSD Operating Manual 19
Hydrogen Safety
Hydrogen is a commonly used GC carrier gas. Hydrogen is potentially explosive
and has other dangerous characteristics:
• Hydrogen is combustible over a wide range of concentrations. At
atmospheric pressure, hydrogen is combustible at concentrations from 4%
to 74.2% by volume.
• Hydrogen has the highest burning velocity of any gas.
• Hydrogen has a very low ignition energy.
• Hydrogen that is allowed to expand rapidly from high pressure can self-ignite.
• Hydrogen burns with a nonluminous flame which can be invisible under
bright light.
GC precautions
When using hydrogen as a carrier gas, remove the large round plastic cover for
the MSD transfer line located on the GC left side panel. In the unlikely event of an
explosion, this cover may dislodge.
The use of hydrogen as a GC carrier gas, or detector fuel gas, is potentially
dangerous.
When using hydrogen (H
2
) as the carrier gas or fuel gas, be aware that
hydrogen can flow into the GC oven and create an explosion hazard.
Therefore, ensure that the supply is turned off until all connections are made
and that the inlet and detector column fittings are either connected to a
column or capped when hydrogen is supplied to the instrument.
Hydrogen is flammable. Leaks, when confined in an enclosed space, may
create a fire or explosion hazard. In any application using hydrogen, leak test
all connections, lines, and valves before operating the instrument. Always turn
off the hydrogen supply at its source before working on the instrument.
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