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General FAQs
H2scan was founded in 2002 with technology licensed From Sandia National Labs.
H2scan’s factory is located in Valencia, CA, where all of our products are manufactured.
No, they do not. No calibration implies that the unit has a limited life, cannot be field-calibrated and should be disposed of after its intended service life. The new and improved Hydrogen-Specific Resistive Sensor technology from H2scan self-calibrate using a patented technology that keeps the unit properly calibrated without the expense of additional services. Additionally, H2scan’s Gen5-series technology can be field-calibrated if desired by the user, although not required.
H2scan sensors utilize proprietary Hydrogen-Specific Resistive Sensor technology that measures the sensor’s response when in contact with Hydrogen. This response is directly proportional to the amount of Hydrogen at the sensor tip and is read as ppm H2. The sensor coating is not consumed or used up in this process and response time can range from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the specific sensor type. The sensors require no maintenance and use no consumables or membranes.
The sensor is selective for Hydrogen alone. However, it can be affected by high concentrations of certain gases, such as CO, H2S and oxygen.
H2scan sensors are partial-pressure devices and are calibrated at 1 ATM. If the operational pressure at the sensor is higher or lower than 1 ATM, the sensor’s response will be affected in a proportional manner. A pressure-compensating device is recommended for operating pressures other than 1 ATM.
Software is not included with the sensor. The user can talk to the sensor with a variety of applications, depending on the sensor model and desired communication interface –
- GRIDSCAN® or other Gen5 sensor: any Modbus or DNP3 (if enabled) application
- Process Sensors: (RS-232/422): any terminal program, (Modbus): any Modbus application
- OEM Sensors: (RS-232/422): any terminal program, (Modbus): any Modbus application
- Battery Safety Sensors (Gen5-based): any Modbus applications
- H2scan sensors can also communicate via an analog signal, if equipped.
H2scan has been in business for over 20 years servicing the process & safety, transformer and now energy storage & stationary battery market
- CE Mark for all products
- UL for Safety products
- ATEX, IECEX, TIIS, Kosha, cLC, UL/Explosion Proof and IS for process products
No, power supplies are not included as standard, but H2scan does offer optional power supplies.
The sensor can operate with and without oxygen present but is calibrated per the respective background.
Transformer Products FAQs
General
DGA sensors, whether single-gas or multi-gas, are a proven method for early detection of gassing events in transformers. The sensors can be installed on any oil-filled transformer, including distribution, transmission and generation-type transformers. For more information, read the blog, I got 99 Problems, but the Online DGA Monitor Ain’t One.
Hydrogen is generated in a transformer at the same time as all other key gases monitored by a multi-gas DGA system. Hydrogen monitoring can also be added to your protection system for a fraction of the cost of a multi-gas monitor. For more information, read the blog, When Does it Make Sense to Pay Big Bucks for a Multi-Gas DGA Monitor?
The sensor can be mounted to detect H2 in either the gas (head) space or in the dielectric liquid (oil).
A DGA sensor should not eliminate manual sampling, but it will reduce the number of manual samples required, since there will be a constant stream of real-time data provided. The manual sample can be used as a confirmation of an event detected by the DGA sensor. For more information, read, The Value of Measuring Hydrogen: Why Early Detection Matters for Transformer Health.
Yes, they can, if the installation location is accessible during energized operation and does not conflict with any utility-specific safety restrictions.
Hydrogen is the first gas to develop in any fault condition and is still being generated as the other gases are also being formed. It is an early-warning indicator of potential harmful conditions. For more information on DGA, read the blog, Answers to Your Transformer Dissolved Gas Analysis Questions and Fault Identification Methods.
DGA (Dissolved Gas Analysis) has been consistently used to analyze and predict transformer conditions for several decades, with the earliest uses of analyzing gases dissolved in transformer oil being discussed and studied as early as the 1920s.
The information collected from a DGA, whether from a manual sample or an online monitor, can be input into one of many diagnostic tools or applied against long-standing IEEE guidelines to help the transformer operator gain an understanding of gas trends that may be developing in their transformer and to also help them make informed decisions regarding the operation of this equipment.
H2scan’s GRIDSCAN sensors can be installed on any transformer. Their compact footprint and cost-effective pricing make them ideal for monitoring entire transformer fleets – from small distribution pad-mounted transformers to larger transmission and generation transformers.
The GRIDSCAN 5000 also measures oil temperature. The 6000 also measures oil temperature, moisture and pressure.
The GRIDSCAN comes with a standard 3-year warranty from date of shipment from the factory. It can be offered with a 10-year warranty for an additional cost for the sensor.
The expected lifetime is ~15yrs.
The GRIDSCAN is a maintenance-free device and does not require any consumables for operation.
The GRIDSCAN is a self-calibrating device, requiring no input from the user. It performs its self-calibration every 12 hours. However, the user can perform a field calibration, if desired.
The GRIDSCAN is compatible with mineral oils, natural esters (FR3), synthetic esters and silicone oils.
The GRIDSCAN can be installed on other oil-filled structures in which Hydrogen may develop, such as bushings (oil-filled).
The GRIDSCAN itself does not contain alarm relays or store any settings for alarm limits, but can be connected to the AO-2 Control Hub for this purpose.
The AO-2 Control Hub can combine the GRIDSCAN’s data with an external sensor for transformer load current.
Condition-Based Maintenance involves a maintenance schedule based on the current condition of the transformer or other asset, as opposed to a schedule that is carried out on a specific time interval, regardless of the condition of the asset. A time-based schedule may involve wasteful maintenance that is either unnecessary at the time or too late to be of any good. Condition-based maintenance does require accurate monitoring to ensure the maintenance is performed when actually needed. For more information read the blog, Causes of Power Transformer Failures in Industrial Applications.
The amount of any particular dissolved gas (not only hydrogen) available to measure in the oil depends on the solubility of that gas in the oil, which is highly temperature dependent. So, we need to know the temperature of the oil, in addition to applying the proper solubility coefficient for the gas involved, to get the proper calculation.
Unless moisture is also measured with H2, a pump isn’t necessary, as the H2 will diffuse equally in the oil. In hard-to-reach areas, the response time of the sensor will be affected most. If moisture is also being measured, oil flow becomes a greater concern to get accurate measurements.
As long as the sensor tip is in contact with the appropriate medium (oil or gas headspace), the H2 will contact it.
It is a capacitive moisture sensor that directly measures the water activity.
It is a piezoresistive sensor.
The GRIDSCAN sensor itself does not include any relays for alarming. The AO-2 Control Hub is an accessory to the GRIDSCAN that includes relays and analog inputs / outputs.
Transformer Installation
There are several location options, depending on whether the sensor is oil-calibrated or gas-calibrated. The best location for the oil-calibrated sensor would be on a valve on the main tank where the oil flow is known to be good. Installation on a radiator loop is ok, as long as consideration for the oil flow direction and flow rate is taken into account. The gas-calibrated sensor should be installed in the headspace.
- 5000: The sensor can be installed on different valve sizes, but an adapter bushing will likely be needed, as the sensor thread size is ¾” NPT and most transformer valves are 1” or 2” NPT. You should always be adapting to an equal (3/4”) size or larger valve size and not down to a lower size than the sensor.
- 6000: A 1.5” NPT threaded KF-40 valve adapter is provided with the 6000. The 6000 is clamped to this adapter with the included KF flange clamp.
24VDC is recommended, but a range of 12VDC to 48 VDC (@10W) will work. NO AC input.
- 5000: M12 female (4-pin, shielded) cable, preferably with a twisted pair for the communications.
- 6000: M12 female (5-pin, shielded) cable, w/ 2 18AWG wires for power and 3 22AWG wires for data and communications ground)
Yes, for the oil-calibrated 5000 sensor only. The 6000 includes an air-bleeding assembly.
Yes. It should be mounted as close to horizontal as possible to minimize any trapped air bubbles at the sensor tip. The sensor body angle should be even with or below the horizontal plane.
Yes. H2scan offers a conduit adapter that will accommodate ½” conduit.
- 5000: The sensor threads can be sealed with Teflon® tape or any of several other types of pipe-thread sealant readily available.
- 6000: The flange on the valve adapter seals with an O-ring gasket to the flange on the 6000 body. The clamp holds the 6000 to the valve adapter.
H2scan studies have shown that a length of < 9” from the transformer wall will provide the best sensor performance. Hydrogen will eventually reach the sensor with most any length, but the response time will be slower with greater lengths from the transformer.
No, it is IP68-rated.
- 5000: Yes, but only on a vacuum-style tap changer.
- 6000: No
Yes, if the drain valve is fitted with a tee at the end, which would allow the installation of the GRIDSCAN series in addition to an additional port for servicing the transformer. If there is no tee installed and the GRIDSCAN is installed at the end of the drain valve, the GRIDSCAN would need to be removed prior to servicing the transformer.
H2scan offers 5, 10, 15 and 30M cable lengths for the GRIDSCAN. The maximum length possible will be determined by the power source available, as well as the data transmission speed. Longer cable lengths will require greater power sources (with larger conductors) and lower baud rates to avoid data drop-out.
While the GRIDSCAN was designed to be self-installed by most users, H2scan is currently exploring the possibility of offering installation services.
Currently, only one GRIDSCAN can be connected to an AO-2 unit.
Currently, only one GRIDSCAN can be connected to a Sentinel.
Neither is necessarily better. It depends on the availability and location of valves on the transformer. However, a gas-calibrated GRIDSCAN will have a quicker response time than an oil-calibrated one, as it takes time for H2 to diffuse equally in the transformer oil.
Battery Safety Solutions FAQs
General
IFC 1207.6.1.2.4 states when required by Section 1207.6.1.2 rooms, areas and walk-in units containing ESS shall be protected by an approved continuous gas detection system that complies with section 916. For more information, read the blog, Managing Hydrogen Risk in Stationary Battery Systems.
A Hazardous Mitigation Plan should be created to determine the need for ventilation and detection of hydrogen. State codes reference hydrogen detection systems that activate a fan when hydrogen is detected as an acceptable way to mitigate hydrogen risk.
All vented lead-acid batteries (VLA), valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries and vented nickel cadmium batteries (ni-cad) produce hydrogen while charging, equalizing, float charge and in any kind of abnormal charge condition. For more information, read the blog, Ensuring Battery Room Safety in Europe Navigating Standards and Best Practices.
Yes. The two main types of hydrogen-specific sensors are catalytic bead sensors and solid-state sensors. However, there are a few types of solid-state sensors that include one-time use sensors and long-lasting, self-calibrating technology sensors. One-time use sensors are meant to be used for a short amount of time and then disposed of and replaced. Long-lasting self-calibrating technology sensors last the entire service life of the battery and beyond. They perform a self-calibration process that ensures their accuracy. H2scan 5000-series sensors are made from precious metals and cannot be consumed or poisoned by other gases.
Traditional catalytic bead sensors require calibration every 3 to 6 months. The new and improved Hydrogen-Specific Resistive Sensor technology from H2scan (series 5000) performs a self-calibration, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures.
No, they do not. No calibration implies that the unit has a limited life, cannot be field-calibrated and should be disposed of after its intended service life. The new and improved Hydrogen-Specific Resistive Sensor technology from H2scan for battery room applications self-calibrate using a patented technology that keeps the unit properly calibrated without the expense of additional services. Additionally, H2scan’s 5000-series technology can be field-calibrated if desired by the user, although not required.
Placement of sensors depends on the room configuration. However, we recommend placing a sensor to cover a 25’ radius or 50’ diameter and cover high parts of a ceiling where gas may be trapped. Bulkhead mounts are also available for enclosed cabinet applications.
H2scan GS5000-series sensors will last 10+ years in outdoor applications. Sensors for indoor applications with controlled environments will last longer. In legacy sensor technology, sensors last 3-5 years and the sensor is a wearable item. With the new generation of H2scan sensors, the sensor is made from precious metals and is now the longest lasting component.
Sensors communicate via Modbus protocol. This enables the user to connect directly to a Building Management System (BMS), SCADA, DCIM, NOC, fire panels, battery monitors, industrial chargers, UPS, and high-powered relays for fan operation easily without an additional interface.
No. You may use a HYVIEW® display from H2scan to provide on-site visual readings from your sensors, but units are enabled with Modbus protocol to communicate with other devices and building systems.
Yes. T-adapters are used for daisy-chain configuration which eliminates the need for home-runs to each sensor. The power supply should be properly sized for the application.
Yes. The H2scan display is called the HYVIEW and can accept up to 4 sensors per display.
Yes. Most battery monitoring systems accept Modbus communication and can be connected to the sensors for alarming purposes.
Currently, there are two mounts available. The general-purpose mount can be used in any application for area monitoring including ceilings and inside cabinets. The bulkhead mounts are designed for cabinet use where space inside the cabinet is limited, or the user wants to access the sensor without reaching into a high-voltage cabinet.
Sensors need an input voltage between 9-48 VDC and require 10W of power.
Yes. Sensors are designed to be placed outdoors. In the transformer market, our sensors are installed in outdoor transformer applications. H2scan sensors are perfect for outdoor NEMA enclosures.
Process and Safety Products FAQs
General
No, not at this time, but this capability is being explored.
Customers interested in determining the proper hydrogen sensor for their process should submit a completed CAI (Customer Application Information) form to their Sales Representative and it will be reviewed to determine the proper hydrogen sensor for their application, an RMA form.
Yes, H2scan provides both IS and non IS-rated process and safety sensors. Email [email protected] for more information.
The recommended process gas flow rate range is 0.1 to 10 SLPM.
- CE Mark for all products
- UL for Safety products
- ATEX, IECEX, TIIS, Kosha, cLC, UL/Explosion Proof and IS for Process products
The output is given in different ways, depending on the specific model:
- Analog Output (0-5V or 4-20mA)
- RS232 or RS485 serial output
- Built-in Form C relays
- Digital Modbus RS485
The calibration process involves applying the necessary gases to the sensor and following the prompts in the sensor’s firmware. This is done via the serial port for all models, except the 2600 and 2700 models, which can be calibrated via a remote control. Directions for the calibration process can be found in the user manual for each product.
Communications
Modbus protocol is standard, but DNP3 can be ordered for GRIDSCAN. The HY-ALERTA and HY-OPTIMA legacy analyzers can also communicate in CLI. The physical communications interface is RS-485.
No, native Ethernet is not available on the GRIDSCAN, but the serial communications can be converted to Ethernet with an external device.
We currently offer the Sentinel as our wireless IoT solution. This device uploads the GRIDSCAN data to our H2Cloud dashboard.