H2scan BSS Catalog 2025 - Flipbook - Page 32
New vs. Old Technology
Older Technologies:
n Catalytic Bead Sensors (CBS): Traditional catalytic bead sensors used for area sensing typically require
calibration every 3 to 6 months and replacement every 3 to 5 years.
n Thermal Conductivity Detectors (TCD): These measure the concentration of hydrogen in a gas mixture by
evaluating its thermal conductivity. Different gases have different thermal conductivities, and the thermal
conductivity of a gas mixture is a weighted average of the thermal conductivities of the individual gases in
the mix. TCDs are not component-specific compared to other sensors, and they are cross-sensitive and can
be poisoned by different gases.
New Auto-Calibrating Technology:
n Solid-State (Transition Metal-Based) Auto-Calibrating Sensors: This design includes a drift-check feature
that eliminates manual calibration. Additionally, as these sensors are solid-state and hydrogen-specific,
they do not degrade over time, leading to an extended service life of 10 to 15 years, depending on site
conditions. These advancements result in a 40% reduction in ownership costs.
Conclusion
ESSB systems that include VRLA, VLA and Ni-Cad batteries generate hydrogen during regular operation and
pose a higher risk of increased hydrogen production during charging and unusual circumstances.
Regulations and guidelines recommend either monitoring hydrogen levels or ensuring continuous ventilation
of 1 ft3/min/ft2 or 0.0051 m3/(s m2) of the room’s floor area to uphold safety. By monitoring hydrogen levels in
the battery room, ventilation fans activate only when hydrogen reaches 1% of the room volume or 25% of the
Lower Explosion Limit (LEL). This approach prevents unnecessary ventilation, adapts to abnormal situations,
and promotes energy efficiency. Detection systems connect to the fire panel and/or building management
system (BMS) as required by NFPA 72 to report unsafe conditions. Solid-state technology eliminates the need
for maintenance and sensor replacement, resulting in a reduced cost of ownership compared to traditional
catalytic bead systems.
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