Hydrogen, or H2, is the lightest of all gases. Commonly found in nature in compounds with other elements, it is the most abundant element in the universe. Hydrogen is a component of water, minerals and acids, as well as an essential part of all hydrocarbons and essentially all other organic substances. In fact, 98 percent of the known universe - most notably the sun and stars - consists of hydrogen. |
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Colorless, odorless, tasteless and nontoxic, hydrogen exists as a gas at atmospheric temperatures and pressures. A stable molecule because of its high bond strength, hydrogen becomes reactive at elevated temperatures or with the aid of catalysts. When cooled to its boiling point of -423°F (-253°C), hydrogen becomes a liquid that is approximately 93 percent lighter than water. All other gases - except helium - become solids at this temperature. Hydrogen is flammable and burns in air with a pale blue, almost invisible flame. In its gaseous form, hydrogen dissipates quickly. These unique properties call for strict safety measures in hydrogen use and storage.
Typical Specifications :- 99.999%
| CHEMICAL PARAMETER | PRODUCT SPECIFICATION | UNIT |
| Hydrogen, UHP | 99.999 | % |
| Oxygen | 1 | ppmv |
| Nitrogen | 4 | ppmv |
| Carbon Monoxide | 0.5 | ppmv |
| Carbon Dioxide | 0.5 | ppmv |
| THC | 0.5 | ppmv |
| Moisture | 1 | ppmv |
Features :-
- Odourless, colourless and tasteless
- Will ignite easily so cylinders must not be snifted
- Burns with an invisible flame
- Produces a flame of approximately 2834°C when used with oxygen
- Supplied in high-pressure cylinders
Benefits :-
- Has the highest thermal conductivity of all gases
- Is supplied at higher pressures than other fuel gases
- Burns with a clean carbon-free and soot-free flame
Applications and Uses :-
- An important addition to argon in a range of argon-hydrogen shielding gases for TIG and plasma welding
- Shielding gas mixtures are primarily used for welding austenitic stainless steels and some nickel alloys
- Can be used with argon in a range of gas mixtures for plasma-cutting primarily stainless steel and aluminium
- Used with oxygen for underwater flame-cutting. Deeper cutting requires increased pressure of fuel and oxygen
- Can be used as an alternative power source when used with a fuel cell to generate electricity
- In the glass industry, used to form the rim on glasses