INFICON DataFID Portable Flame Ionization Detector for Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) - Manual (Page 18)

074-578-P1A 18
Hydrogen Gas
The DataFID detector uses a hydrogen flame to ionize samples and produce Total Volatile Organic
Compound (TVOC) readings. The quality and purity of the hydrogen gas is very important to the accuracy
of the detector.
WARNING
Hydrogen gas is a fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat or
flame. The lower explosive limit (LEL) is 4%. The lower explosive limit is
the minimum concentration of gas or vapor in air that will ignite in the
presence of a source of heat or sparks.
Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before handling this gas.
The MSDS will be provided by the gas supplier when the gas is ordered.
You must obtain a tank of hydrogen from which you can fill the internal hydrogen fuel cylinder. When
ordering hydrogen, specify ultra-high purity hydrogen, 99.999% pure. This grade of hydrogen is also
referred to as Grade 5 or Ultra zero grade. The hydrogen must have less than 0.1 ppm hydrocarbon
contamination.
You can obtain the hydrogen in various size cylinders and pressures. Specify a tank with no more than
2400 psig (16547 kPa).
The hydrogen cylinder must also have CGA 350, male outlet.
The DataFID Hydrogen Filling Station Part No.A1201222 is required to fill the DataFID hydrogen fuel
cylinder. You cannot fill the DataFID hydrogen fuel cylinder without the DataFID hydrogen filling station.
Calibration Gas
Adequate ventilation must be provided when the DataFID is being calibrated.
If compound threshold limit values (TLV) are exceeded, you should use a gas bag for sampling and
calibration.
To determine the TLV of the compounds contained in the calibration gas, refer to the Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS) supplied with your calibration gas cylinder.
Oxygen Concentration Limits
A minimum of 17% oxygen is required to start the hydrogen flame. The oxygen is supplied from the
sample as it is drawn in by the pump. A minimum of 10% oxygen is required to maintain the hydrogen
flame. An oxygen deficiency will reduce the height of the flame or cause the flame to be extinguished and
may affect the displayed reading.
If the DataFID is used in a highly contaminated area where it is possible that the oxygen content is below
10%, watch for indications of reduced flame height such as lowered detection limits or a flame out fault.