Honeywell introduces infrared-based technology for hydrogen flame detection

Global company Honeywell has launched infrared-based FS24X Plus Flame Detector to detect hydrogen flames and stop them from growing into major fires. It will protect workers and facilities from risks associated with hydrogen production and use. Honeywell’s FS24X Plus can detect flames in even rainy, foggy, or smoky conditions. 

To be sure infrared is electromagnetic radiation with wavelength longer than visible light and shorter than radio waves, and is often used to transmit information.

Hydrogen is the future of clean energy that can be produced from domestic resources and leads to near-zero greenhouse (GHG) emissions. Additionally, when hydrogen is burned in a fuel cell, water vapour is the primary byproduct. In the business world where environmental consciousness is taking center stage, hydrogen is gaining traction as a clean energy source. It is already being used in several industries from oil refineries and power plants to chemical production facilities making ammonia and fertilizer. As a byproduct, hydrogen can also be found in data centers, battery production plants and wastewater facilities. 

The problem, however, with hydrogen is that it is 14 times lighter than air, highly flammable, colourless, and odourless. What makes it more imperceptible to human senses is that it there is no odourant light enough to be added to this gas.

“Clean hydrogen has a much lower carbon impact than traditional energy sources and has great potential when it comes to powering our future,” said Sarah Martin, President of Honeywell Sensing & Safety Technologies. “By innovating in technologies that help safeguard hydrogen facilities and workers, we are driving further use of hydrogen as both a fuel source and a method of energy storage.”