Hydrogen Safety

Before operating any Voller Energy product users should install an appropriate hydrogen detection alarm in their installation complying with their local regulations. This usually means having a competent or approved fitter carry out the installation work. If you are not familiar with your local regulations your Hydrogen Gas Supplier or relevant Government Agency should be able to advise.

The main threat from Hydrogen is that in commercial form it is odourless, tasteless and colour free. However in some respects it is safer than many other everyday fuels. The energy content per unit volume is only 30% that of Natural Gas and it is extremely buoyant, about 14 times lighter than air compared with only 1.7 times for Natural Gas. Hydrogen is 12 times more diffusive than Petroleum fumes and 4 times more than Natural Gas. Hydrogen mixtures in air are comparatively harder to explode than Natural Gas , requiring concentrations of 4% by volume or higher. However hydrogen will ignite and burn more readily from a much lower density than Natural Gas.

In short , hydrogen will find the smallest leak, not hang around at ground level but escape upwards at high speed, it will ignite very easily but unless contain to concentrations of 4% with air, it will more likely burn than explode.

It is worth understanding this background so you can treat Hydrogen with respect that it deserves and safely use Hydrogen fuelled devises.

All Voller Energy products are carefully assembled, sealed and leak tested. You should therefore not attempt to repair or alter the equipment yourself.

Their is no reason to unscrew the casing and look inside the VE 100 or any other Voller Energy product. There are no user serviceable parts inside. If you do so you will invalidate any warranty, service or maintenance agreements with Voller Energy, you also risk a lethal electric shock or an explosion from Hydrogen leakage.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR VE 100

The Portapack VE 100 is capable of delivering either 50Hz 230 Vac from the IEC Connector or 60 Hz 110 Vac from the US style 3 pin outlet. Both of these outlets are equipped with an earth socket but this is for adaptability of use, and as both outlets are fully isolated, neither is actually earthed.

The VE 100 is capable of delivering sufficient electrical power and Voltage to cause serious electric shock or even death so please treat the supply with the same caution as your domestic power supply.

DO NOT:

• Use worn or frayed cables or plugs.
• Attempt to fit an incorrect plug type.
• Insert bare wires or other implements into the power outlet sockets.
• Operate your VE 100 near water, in damp or wet environment and always protect from rain.
• Operate your VE 100 where there is risk of the unit being knocked into water or fire.
• Let minors or children play with the VE 100.

ALWAYS:

• Select the correct operating voltage before starting your VE 100.
• Check all connections before stating your VE 100.

FIRE SAFETY

Hydrogen is colourless, odourless highly flammable gas and therein is the main fire risk. Hydrogen is also the lightest and smallest atom so it has propensity to escape from the smallest of leaks.

DO NOT:

• Operate your VE 100 in a confined space (or one that occupies less than 5 metres) that could trap Hydrogen gas at roof level.
• Operate your VE 100 close to any source of fire ignition or spark. e.g. welding equipment, high current electrical devices, barbecues, auto engines etc.
• Operate your VE 100 under a work bench or seat.
• Store spare canisters in confined spaces which could trap Hydrogen gas in the event of a leak.
• Transport more than three canisters in a vehicle not specifically constructed and approved for the transport of pressurised gas products.
• Attempt to open the Hydrogen canisters.
• Heat any canisters or allow canisters to be heated above 60 degrees centigrade or 140 degrees fareinheit.

If any unused canister feels cold (ice) to the touch when it is not in use , this is an indication that the canister is leaking. NOTE: Canisters in use in your VE 100 will be ice cold on the end.

Any leaking canister should be placed outdoors and covered with dry sand or earth for 24 hours. By this time it should be at ambient temperature and we advise you to contact Voller Energy for advice.

CONTENTS OF CANNISTERS

Each canister may contain up to 150 N Litres of Hydrogen gas, UN1049 (EEC label no 2156057). The canisters may be pressurised at up to 9 bar (135 PSIG).Do not under any circumstances attempt to open canister. Not only will this render the contents useless for storing Hydrogen, opening would also present a serious safety risk. Whilst the powder inside in crystal size 30 to 400 mesh is not considered hazardous, fine particles of powder are flammable and considered hazardous.Each canister may contain up to 980 gms of Lanthanum Nickel Hydride. This is a hazardous material class 4.1 UN number UN3089