The Hydrogen Purity Analyser is a comprehensive analytical solution designed for the precise determination of hydrogen fuel quality in accordance with ISO 21087 and ISO 14687 standards. Developed specifically for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell applications, the system provides highly sensitive detection of critical impurities that can negatively affect fuel cell efficiency, catalyst performance, and membrane lifetime.
To achieve complete impurity characterization, the analyzer combines three complementary analytical technologies: Gas Chromatography (GC), Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). This multi-technique approach enables reliable identification and quantification of permanent gases, hydrocarbons, sulphur compounds, halogenated compounds, water, ammonia, formaldehyde, formic acid, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide at trace-level concentrations.
The GC platform utilizes a combination of Thermal Conductivity Detection (TCD) and Pulsed Discharge Detection (PDD) for highly accurate measurement of permanent gases including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and helium. A dedicated ISQ™ 7610 GC-MS with Advanced Electron Impact (AEI) source provides ultra-low detection limits for sulphur and halogenated compounds, reaching sub-ppb levels. Complementing these techniques, the MAX-IR FTIR system enables rapid and highly selective analysis of polar and reactive compounds such as water, ammonia, formaldehyde, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and formic acid.
Designed for modern hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and refueling infrastructures, the system delivers reliable results within approximately 15 minutes while maintaining detection limits well below the impurity thresholds defined by ISO standards. Advanced software integration through Chromeleon® CDS and MAX-Acquisition™ Software ensures streamlined operation, automated data processing, and comprehensive reporting.
With its robust Thermo Scientific analytical platforms, high sensitivity, and complete ISO compliance, the Hydrogen Purity Analyser provides a future-proof solution for hydrogen quality assurance, fuel cell protection, green hydrogen production, and hydrogen research applications.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Application | Hydrogen purity analysis for PEM fuel cell applications |
| Standards | ISO 21087, ISO 14687 |
| GC Platform | Thermo Scientific Trace 1600 GC™ |
| Mass Spectrometer | ISQ™ 7610 Single Quadrupole GC-MS with AEI source |
| FTIR System | Thermo Scientific MAX-IR FTIR with DTGS detector |
| Detectors | TCD, PDD, GC-MS (AEI), FTIR |
| Analysis Time | Approximately 15 minutes |
| Analysed Components | Permanent gases, hydrocarbons, sulphur compounds, halogenated compounds, ammonia, water, formaldehyde, formic acid, hydrochloric acid, CO and CO₂ |
| Sulphur Detection Limit | < 1 ppb per component |
| Halogenated Compounds Detection Limit | < 1 ppb per component |
| Water Detection Limit | 0.1 μmol/mol |
| Carbon Monoxide Detection Limit | 0.1 μmol/mol |
| Carbon Dioxide Detection Limit | 0.1 μmol/mol |
| Software | Chromeleon® CDS and MAX-Acquisition™ Software |
| Optional Accessories | Selector valve, sample pump, pressure reduction system |
Hydrogen Quality Control for PEM Fuel Cells
Verify hydrogen purity according to ISO 21087 and ISO 14687 requirements for fuel cell applications.
Green Hydrogen Production
Monitor hydrogen generated through electrolysis and renewable energy processes.
Hydrogen Storage & Distribution
Ensure fuel quality during compression, transportation, storage, and dispensing.
Fuel Cell System Protection
Detect trace contaminants that may poison catalysts or damage PEM membranes.
Hydrogen Refuelling Stations
Confirm hydrogen quality before delivery to mobility applications.
Research & Development
Support hydrogen technology development with highly sensitive impurity analysis.
Energy & Transportation Industries
Suitable for hydrogen-powered vehicles, buses, trains, and industrial fuel cell systems.
- ISO 21087 – Gas analysis methods for hydrogen fuel quality determination.
- ISO 14687 – Hydrogen fuel specification for PEM fuel cell applications.
