Hydrogen Gas Safety & Measurement Solutions

Brian Craig

June 26, 2025

As the world accelerates its shift toward clean energy, hydrogen gas has emerged as a key player in decarbonization efforts across industries, from fuel cell technology and chemical manufacturing to power generation and transportation. But while hydrogen offers tremendous environmental benefits, it also brings unique safety and measurement challenges due to its high flammability, low molecular weight, and invisible flame.

To ensure both operational efficiency and worker safety, facilities handling hydrogen must deploy highly accurate flow measurement instruments and reliable gas and flame detection systems. At The Transmitter Shop (TTS), we provide complete hydrogen gas monitoring solutions that combine Coriolis flow meters, gas detectors and flame detectors, all engineered to meet the strict demands of hydrogen-rich environments.

Hydrogen Gas Safety

In this blog, we’ll explore why hydrogen gas requires specialized instrumentation and how an integrated approach to measurement and safety can help you meet today’s regulatory, operational, and sustainability goals.

Why Hydrogen Gas Demands Specialized Monitoring

Hydrogen is a clean-burning fuel, but its properties make it uniquely hazardous:

It’s odorless, colorless and tasteless, making leaks undetectable without instruments.
Hydrogen has an extremely low ignition energy and a wide flammability range (4–75%).
Its flames are nearly invisible to the naked eye.
It’s lighter than air, rising rapidly and potentially accumulating near ceilings or enclosed spaces.

These characteristics demand early leak detection and accurate flow monitoring to maintain safety and operational efficiency.

Accurate Flow Measurement with Coriolis Flow Meters

For hydrogen processes, precision matters. That's why Coriolis flow meters have become the industry standard for hydrogen gas flow measurement.

Key Benefits of Coriolis Meters in Hydrogen Applications:

Direct mass flow measurement (no need for pressure or temperature compensation).
High accuracy, even with low-density gases like hydrogen.
No moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance and longer service life.
Simultaneous measurement of temperature, density, and flow rate.
Compatible with hydrogen fueling stations, electrolyzers, pipeline systems, and more

Whether you're managing hydrogen production or distribution, Coriolis meters provide the reliability you need to optimize process control and reduce waste.

Ensuring Safety with Hydrogen Gas and Flame Detectors

Beyond flow control, hydrogen gas safety hinges on rapid detection of leaks and potential ignition sources. TTS offers a range of hydrogen-compatible gas and flame detectors that help detect and mitigate risks before they escalate.

Hydrogen Gas Detectors

These instruments monitor ambient hydrogen concentration and trigger alarms if unsafe levels are detected. Detector technologies include:

Electrochemical sensors – Ideal for low-level detection
Catalytic bead sensors – For detecting explosive levels
Thermal conductivity sensors – Used in high-concentration settings
Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors – Durable and cost-effective

Hydrogen Flame Detectors

Since hydrogen flames are nearly invisible, traditional flame detectors aren’t enough. TTS recommends:

UV/IR or multi-spectrum flame detectors – Sensitive to hydrogen flame characteristics.
Fast response time and false-alarm immunity.
Suitable for hydrogen fueling stations, battery rooms, production areas.

Integrated Measurement and Safety: A Smarter Approach

To maximize hydrogen performance and safety, an integrated instrumentation strategy is key. Pairing Coriolis flow meters with hydrogen gas detectors and flame detectors offers:

Real-time monitoring of flow and leak status.
Improved compliance with safety standards.
Optimized process control and cost savings.
Reduced risk of downtime or disaster.

TTS can help you develop a customized solution tailored to your facility’s needs, whether you’re producing, storing, or dispensing hydrogen gas.

Why Choose The Transmitter Shop (TTS)?

With over 30 years of experience in industrial instrumentation, TTS provides:

Expert guidance on selecting the right flow meters and detectors.
A wide inventory of ready-to-ship Coriolis meters, gas detectors and flame sensors.
Trusted brands like Rosemount, Micromotion, Vega, Otis Instruments and Foxboro.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround.
A commitment to customer safety and success.

From refueling stations to chemical plants, we help clients stay ahead of regulations and technological demands with smart, reliable and scalable hydrogen instrumentation solutions.