ChemTron HK Plus High-Purity Hydrogen Generator

Overview

The ChemTron HK Plus High-Purity Hydrogen Generator is an engineered solution for laboratories requiring continuous, on-demand hydrogen supply at ultra-high purity—without reliance on compressed gas cylinders. It employs catalyzed proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis technology to split high-resistivity deionized water into high-purity hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike traditional alkaline electrolyzers, the HK Plus eliminates caustic electrolytes, regenerative desiccants, and associated maintenance overhead. Its core architecture centers on two proprietary components: the CPEM membrane—coated with platinum and platinum-iridium alloy catalysts—and the all-metal CCELL electrolytic cell housing, which ensures chemical inertness and prevents trace metal leaching or catalytic interference. The system operates at a maximum internal pressure of 7 bar (105 psig), with total stored hydrogen volume strictly limited to <50 mL—well below the lower explosive limit (LEL) threshold—even under worst-case leakage scenarios. This design meets stringent safety requirements for placement inside analytical laboratories, fume hoods, or adjacent to GC systems.

Key Features

• Ultra-high hydrogen purity of 99.99996% (≤0.4 ppm total impurities), validated by in-line residual gas analysis and compliant with ASTM D7165 and ISO 8573-1 Class 1 specifications for instrument-grade gases.
• CPEM electrolysis cell with noble-metal-coated membrane and precision current regulation—ensuring stable output flow, minimal thermal drift, and zero water waste during operation.
• All-metal CCELL electrolyzer housing constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel alloys—eliminating polymer outgassing and avoiding contamination risks in sensitive applications such as GC-FID, GC-MS, and catalytic hydrogenation.
• Static membrane-based drying technology—no consumable desiccants or regeneration cycles required—maintaining consistent dew point performance across extended runtimes.
• Comprehensive multi-point safety monitoring: real-time detection of internal/external pressure loss, water level, water resistivity, CCELL temperature/voltage, and outlet overpressure—with audible/visual alarms and automatic shutdown protocols.
• Integrated 128×64-pixel LCD touchscreen with physical control buttons, displaying live parameters including outlet pressure, water conductivity, system status, and fault diagnostics.
• Designed for seamless integration: 1/8″ Swagelock outlet fitting, low acoustic signature (≤46 dB[A]), compact footprint (230 × 370 × 507 mm), and dual-voltage compatibility (110–120 V / 220–240 V).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HK Plus is compatible with all standard laboratory hydrogen-dependent instrumentation, including flame ionization detectors (FID), thermal conductivity detectors (TCD), pulsed discharge helium ionization detectors (PDHID), and benchtop hydrogenation reactors. Its output meets the gas quality requirements specified in USP , EP 2.2.43, and ICH Q5C for analytical method validation. The absence of hydrocarbon, oxygen, nitrogen, moisture, or metal particulates ensures long-term detector stability and eliminates baseline drift in GC applications. Full compliance with CE (2014/30/EU EMC Directive, 2014/35/EU LVD), CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1, and FCC Part 15 Subpart B confirms electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety in shared lab environments. The system supports audit-ready operation under GLP and GMP frameworks through built-in event logging and configurable alarm history retention.

Software & Data Management

While the HK Plus operates autonomously without external software, its embedded firmware maintains full operational logs—including start/stop timestamps, alarm events, pressure excursions, water conductivity trends, and CCELL voltage profiles—for up to 30 days. All logs are exportable via USB interface in CSV format for integration into laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Optional firmware updates—distributed quarterly—include enhanced diagnostic algorithms and expanded alarm categorization aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7.2 requirements for equipment monitoring. Remote monitoring capability is available via optional RS-232 or Ethernet module (sold separately), enabling integration into centralized facility gas management platforms compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic record integrity.

Applications

• Gas chromatography: primary fuel gas for FID and make-up gas for TCD/PDHID; eliminates detector contamination and extends filament life.
• Hydrogenation synthesis: on-demand, metered H₂ supply for Parr reactors and flow hydrogenation systems—avoiding cylinder changeovers and pressure fluctuations.
• Calibration gas generation: stable, certified H₂ source for gas analyzers, sensor validation, and leak testing protocols.
• Research labs requiring ultra-trace-level hydrogen: semiconductor process development, isotopic labeling studies, and surface science experiments where background impurities must be minimized.
• QA/QC environments operating under ISO 17025: assured repeatability of gas delivery parameters supports method transfer and inter-laboratory comparison studies.

FAQ

What water quality is required for optimal operation?
Deionized water with resistivity ≥5 MΩ·cm is recommended; the system will operate down to 1 MΩ·cm but triggers conductivity alarms and halts electrolysis if resistivity falls below this threshold.
Can the HK Plus be used in parallel with a hydrogen cylinder?
Yes—the outlet includes overpressure protection and is rated for back-pressure up to 7 bar, allowing safe manifold integration with regulated cylinder supplies.
Is routine maintenance required beyond water refills?
No scheduled consumables are required; only periodic visual inspection of tubing, fittings, and water reservoir cleanliness is advised per manufacturer guidelines.
How does the system ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards?
By limiting internal hydrogen inventory to <50 mL, eliminating high-pressure storage vessels, incorporating redundant pressure-loss detection, and meeting CE/CSA/FCC certification requirements for electrical and mechanical safety.
What warranty and service support is provided?
Standard coverage includes 2+1 years for the full unit (excl. consumables) and 2+3 years for the CCELL electrolyzer; annual on-site preventive maintenance by ChemTron-certified engineers is included for the product’s lifetime.