Common compressed hydrogen safety concerns

In other words, there is absolutely no threat of an explosion if you keep the fuel away from oxygen and/or an ignition source. Having said this, it is true that a mixture of hydrogen and air is highly explosive. And precautions must be considered when storing and handling the gas.  

Perhaps because of the devastating force of hydrogen bombs, many people believe that this gas is particularly dangerous. 

In reality, hydrogen has nothing to do with a hydrogen bomb, as a hydrogen bomb (H-bomb) is nuclear and there is nothing nuclear when using hydrogen as a gas. 

However, the opposite is true. When it comes to fuels, hydrogen is safer than the conventional alternatives that are used today, due to some specific properties that hydrogen possesses. Having said this it is still important to proceed with caution since the area above the H2 venting is a zoned area. 

1. One look at the hydrogen material safety data sheet shows why. It is the lightest gas of them all, even lighter than air.
As a result, hydrogen dissipates rapidly when it is released into the air and does not linger to form a potentially explosive mix as opposed to other widely used fuels like menthane (CNG). This is extremely important in case of a hydrogen leak. 

2. Hydrogen is non-toxic, which makes it a lot safer for humans than many other fuels. 

3. However, hydrogen ignites more easily than other fuels. That is because small convention levels in air can also be potentially highly explosive. In addition, it requires lower ignition energy than other fuels, such as gasoline or natural gas. 

4. Another potential safety hazard is that hydrogen flames are nearly invisible.

5. Lastly, because its low ambient temperature density results in a low energy per unit volume, the gas should be stored at a very high pressure.

However, “safer” does not mean “100% safe,” which is why hydrogen still needs to be handled with care. Another look at the hydrogen material safety data sheet shows that it also has some properties that require certain engineering controls to minimize any risks. 

For example, hydrogen can ignite more easily because it has a wide range of flammable concentrations in the air. It also features a lower ignition energy than other fuels, such as gasoline or natural gas. 

Therefore, it is important to store the gas in suitable containers, prevent hydrogen leaks, and provide proper ventilation. 

In addition, because its flame is nearly invisible when it does ignite, any operation using hydrogen requires special flame detectors.  

Finally, hydrogen should be stored at remarkably high pressure because its low ambient temperature density results in a low energy per unit volume. However, it is important to note that this high-pressure storage may still be safer than storing compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas when stored right.

There are always potential dangers when dealing with fuel and there is no perfect protection. However, by following these best practices, observing all applicable safety standards, and using quality equipment, you will be able to alleviate any compressed hydrogen safety concerns you may have.