Nitto, a U.S.-based subsidiary of Nitto Denko Corporation, was recently awarded the Safety in Hydrogen Award at the 2023 Canadian Hydrogen Convention for its hydrogen-leak-detection tape DX-2106H that identifies specific leak locations by changing color from amber to black.
This year’s convention took place in Edmonton, Canada, April 25‒26, with the intent to “discuss innovations and solutions for low-carbon hydrogen production, storage, utilization, and future as a key fuel to reach net-zero emissions by 2050,” says the convention’s website.
“With safety being [paramount], the leak detection technology brought forward by Nitto is a key contributor to assisting operators, maintenance crews, and technicians in having an added layer of safety with the hydrogen detection tape when utilized as part of a comprehensive leak monitoring system,” Nitto said in the press release announcing the award.
The adhesive on the tape visually indicates a hydrogen leak with a permanent color change in exposure to concentrations as low as 1% hydrogen based on exposure time, flow rate and temperature. The tape is suitable for indoor and outdoor use for up to six months based on the application temperature range and whether a leak is detected.
Temperature application ranges from -40 to 100°C (-40 to 212°F) with the possibility of short-term use up to 200°C (392°F). Higher-temperature applications require additional monitoring and more frequent tape replacement.
In a YouTube video, one of the inventors, Dr. Nahid Mohajeri, says the tape should be applied to any area where hydrogen gas leaks can occur, adding that “the tape is intended for use as a localized hydrogen gas indicator and should be used as part of a comprehensive gas detection system.”
Ammonia-leak-detection tape
Last year, Nitto launched leak-detection tape DX-8208A that changes color from white to blue for up to 72 hours after coming in contact with ammonia (R717) gas even if the flow has stopped, Nitto says on its website. “[The tape] provides an additional safety net for detecting gas leaks and improves detection time by making it easier to find intermittent leaks.”
Although ammonia leaks may be recognized by a sensor or smell, “finding the specific location of the leak can be time-consuming and costly,” Nitto said in a statement. When applied to joints, flanges or other places with high leak potential, the visual color changes quickly when exposed to ammonia – in as little as a minute, depending on the concentration, flow rate, temperature and time – to identify the leak location.
The ammonia-leak-detection tape lasts up to six months, depending on the circumstances, and can be used in most outdoor and indoor environments.
Founded in 1918, the company offers thousands of products for more than 70 businesses.
“Our passion for safety is what led us to develop detection tapes,” said Nitto, with the hydrogen-detection-tape being the first followed by one for ammonia and one for CO2 (R744).
The carbon-dioxide-detection-tape changes colors from purple to yellow upon exposure to CO2 gas, but it is only currently available for qualified U.S. customers, Nitto says.
“Our passion for safety is what led us to develop detection tapes.”
Nitto
