1Introduction
Hydrogen Safety
7000/7010 Series TQ GC/MS Operating Manual 21
Hydrogen Safety
Hydrogen is a commonly used GC carrier gas, detector fuel gas, and reactive
cleaning gas for the optional JetClean system. 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.
Dangers unique to GC/MS operation
Hydrogen presents a number of dangers. Some are general, others are unique to
GC or GC/MS operation. Dangers include, but are not limited to:
• Combustion of leaking hydrogen
• Combustion due to rapid expansion of hydrogen from a high-pressure
cylinder
The use of hydrogen as a GC carrier gas, detector fuel gas, or in the optional
JetClean system, is potentially dangerous.
When using hydrogen (H
2
) as the carrier gas or fuel gas, be aware that
hydrogen gas can flow into the GC oven and create an explosion hazard.
Therefore, ensure that the hydrogen supply is turned off until all connections
are made, and ensure that the inlet and detector column fittings are either
connected to a column or capped at all times when hydrogen gas 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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