Fire & Explosion Hazards - Hydrogen Flame Detection

Hydrogen burns with a pale blue flame that is nearly invisible in daylight, but the flame may appear yellow if there are impurities in the air like dust or sodium. Other properties of hydrogen flames include the following:

• A pure hydrogen flame does not produce smoke.
• Hydrogen flames have low radiant heat. Unlike a hydrocarbon fire, you may not feel any heat until you are very close to the flame.
• Because of these properties, use a portable flame detector, such as a thermal imaging camera, when possible. If flame detection equipment is not available, listen for venting hydrogen and watch for thermal waves.
• Note that vent stacks are standard in storage facilities, and the ignition of venting gaseous hydrogen is common. Systems should be designed to do this safely.
• Flame detectors may be installed in storage facilities and fueling stations. It is important to listen and watch for audible or visual alarms.

To learn more about Hydrogen Fuel Cell Safety visit our Hydrogen Fuel Cell Safety Online Training web page.