Hydrogen is the largest single gas and primary energy source that is prevalent throughout the universe. Our atmosphere has about 5.5 ppm of Hydrogen. The explosive power of Hydrogen is well-known. Early detection of Hydrogen leaks in storage tanks, gas filling stations, petrochemical industries, etc., can save precious lives and money.

My instrument utilizes the basic principles of physics and vacuum techniques. It consists of a permeation membrane (typically a thin Nickel bellow heated to 200C) through which Hydrogen permeates selectively. The detector consists of a small ion pump working at a very low pressure (typically MicroTorr). Under these conditions, the diffusing Hydrogen forms a small current in the ion pump. With proper zero correction and calibration, any small quantity of Hydrogen leaking from nearby sources can be instantly detected as an increase in the ion current and an alarm can be set off. When calibrated, the instrument can also read the quantity of Hydrogen present (in ppm level) and the alarm can be set to go off at any danger threshold.

It is portable, operates on standard batteries and field tested.