Hydrogen (H₂)

Features

Odourless, colourless and tasteless
Will ignite easily so cylinders must not be snifted
Burns with an invisible flame
Lighter than air so will collect at ceiling level
Produces a flame of approximately 2834°C when used with oxygen

Benefits

Has the highest thermal conductivity of all gases
Is supplied at higher pressures than other fuel gases
Burns with a clean carbon-free and soot-free flame

Applications

Heat-transfer applications
An important addition to argon in a range of argon-hydrogen shielding gases for TIG and plasma welding
Shielding gas mixtures are primarily used for welding austenitic stainless steels and some nickel alloys
Can be used with argon in a range of gas mixtures for plasma-cutting primarily strainless steel and aluminium
Also used with oxygen for underwater flame-cutting. Deeper cutting requires increased pressure of fuel and oxygen
Can be used as an alternative power source when used with a fuel cell to generate electricity
In the glass industry, used to form the rim on glasses

Cylinder Size

Size Reference	B	K
Approx. Dimensions (cm)	85x14	146x23
Approx. Gross Weight (kg)	16	65
Approx. Nominal Contents (m³)	1.5	7.2

MCP Size
Size Reference	WK (15xK)
Approx. Dimensions (cm)	129x181x84
Approx. Gross Weight (kg)	1500
Approx. Nominal Contents (m³)	108

Please Note

The small size of the hydrogen atom means that it has a much greater permeability through solids than other gases. Hydrogen can leak through materials and joints that would normally be considered gas-tight. It is important to test for leaks.

When using hydrogen, the correct hoses should be used to resist hydrogen permeation.

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