ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Determination of Trace Gaseous Contaminants in Hydrogen Fuel by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy
 N D7653

Annotation

This test method employs an FTIR gas analysis system for the determination of trace impurities in gaseous hydrogen fuels relative to the hydrogen fuel quality limits described in SAE TIR J2719 (April 2008) or in hydrogen fuel quality standards from other governing bodies. This FTIR method is used to quantify gas phase concentrations of multiple target contaminants in hydrogen fuel either directly at the fueling station or on an extracted sample that is sent to be analyzed elsewhere. Multiple contaminants can be measured simultaneously as long as they are in the gaseous phase and absorb in the infrared wavelength region. The detection limits as well as specific target contaminants for this standard were selected based upon those set forth in SAE TIR J2719.

This test method allows the tester to determine which specific contaminants for hydrogen fuel impurities that are in the gaseous phase and are active infrared absorbers which meet or exceed the detection limits set by SAE TIR J2719 for their particular FTIR instrument. Specific target contaminants include, but are not limited to, ammonia, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, formic acid, methane, ethane, ethylene, propane and water. This test method may be extended to other impurities provided that they are in the gaseous phase or can be vaporized and are active infrared absorbers.

This test method is intended for analysis of hydrogen fuels used for fuel cell feed gases or for internal combustion engine fuels. This method may also be extended to the analysis of high purity hydrogen gas used for other applications including industrial applications, provided that target impurities and required limits are also identified.

This test method can be used to analyze hydrogen fuel sampled directly at the point-of-use from fueling station nozzles or other feed gas sources. The sampling apparatus includes a pressure regulator and metering valve to provide an appropriate gas stream for direct analysis by the FTIR spectrometer.