ChemTron FID FLAT PG Platform-Type High-Purity Hydrogen Generator
| Brand | Julabo |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | FID FLAT PG |
| Hydrogen Generation Principle | PEM Electrolysis of Deionized Water |
| Output Pressure | 11 bar (160 psig) |
| Hydrogen Purity | 99.9996% |
| Max Flow Rate | 250 mL/min |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 7 L |
| Internal Gas Volume | < 50 mL |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 690 × 680 × 150 mm |
| Weight | 39 kg |
| Power Consumption | 115 W |
| Noise Level | ≤46 dB(A) |
| Certifications | CE, CSA, FCC |
| Compliance | Designed for GLP/GMP environments |
Overview
The ChemTron FID FLAT PG Platform-Type High-Purity Hydrogen Generator is an engineered solution for laboratories requiring continuous, on-demand hydrogen supply at ultra-high purity (99.9996%) and elevated pressure (up to 11 bar / 160 psig). It utilizes a solid polymer electrolyte (CPEM) proton exchange membrane to electrolyze high-resistivity deionized water (≥5 MΩ·cm), eliminating the need for caustic electrolytes or regenerative desiccants. Unlike conventional alkaline electrolyzers, this system operates without hazardous chemicals, thermal byproducts, or gas-phase impurities—ensuring stable, low-maintenance operation ideal for sensitive analytical instrumentation including GC-FID, GC-MS, ICP-MS, and hydrogen flame ionization systems. Its compact platform architecture integrates seamlessly beneath or directly beneath chromatographic instruments, supporting up to 80 kg of equipment load—effectively transforming the generator into structural infrastructure within constrained lab layouts.
Key Features
- Integrated CCELL electrolysis cell with high-purity titanium housing—prevents metallic leaching and catalytic interference during hydrogen generation
- Pt- and Pt-alloy-coated CPEM membrane for long-term electrochemical stability and high Faradaic efficiency
- Static membrane-based drying technology—no consumable desiccants, no regeneration cycles, zero downtime for maintenance
- Dual-pressure monitoring system: internal leak detection (<0.5 bar drop) and external application pressure loss detection with audible/visual alarm
- Real-time water quality monitoring: conductivity sensor triggers automatic water feed cutoff if inlet resistivity falls below 1 MΩ·cm
- LCD touchscreen interface (128×64 pixels) with physical keys—displays outlet pressure, water level, cell voltage/temperature, and fault diagnostics
- Overpressure protection at outlet port—enables safe parallel connection with cylinder banks or backup generators
- Low internal gas inventory (<50 mL total)—inherently compliant with local fire codes governing hydrogen storage in non-pressurized vessels
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FID FLAT PG is validated for use with all major GC and GC-MS platforms, including Agilent, Thermo Fisher, Shimadzu, and PerkinElmer systems. Its hydrogen output meets ASTM D6299 and ISO 8573-1 Class 1 requirements for compressed gases used in analytical instrumentation. The absence of hydrocarbon or CO contaminants (<0.1 ppm HC & CO in optional zero-air module integration) ensures detector longevity and baseline stability. Electrical safety conforms to IEC 61010-1; electromagnetic compatibility complies with EN 61326-1 and FCC Part 15. For regulated environments, the optional PC software enables audit-trail logging, user access control, and electronic signatures aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 expectations.
Software & Data Management
An optional Windows-based PC application provides remote configuration, real-time parameter visualization (flow, pressure, water level, cell health), and event-driven alerting via email or SNMP trap. When deployed in multi-generator configurations, the cascade control module enables automatic load balancing—reassigning flow setpoints across active units upon individual unit failure to maintain uninterrupted GC operation. All operational logs—including start/stop timestamps, alarm history, and calibration events—are timestamped, digitally signed, and exportable as CSV or PDF. Firmware updates are delivered free-of-charge throughout product lifecycle, ensuring ongoing compliance with evolving cybersecurity and regulatory standards.
Applications
This generator serves critical roles in pharmaceutical QC labs (USP , ), environmental testing (EPA Method 8260/8270), petrochemical analysis (ASTM D3606, D5186), flavor & fragrance R&D (where ambient VOC interference must be minimized), and hydrogen fuel cell research. Its immunity to ambient hydrocarbon contamination allows reliable deployment in open-bench settings without dedicated ventilation hoods. The 7 L reservoir supports ≥7 days of continuous operation at 250 mL/min—ideal for unattended overnight runs or weekend-long method validation studies.
FAQ
Is the FID FLAT PG certified for use in regulated GxP laboratories?
Yes—CE, CSA, and FCC certifications are standard; optional software enables full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance including audit trails, electronic signatures, and role-based access control.
Can it replace high-pressure hydrogen cylinders entirely?
Yes—its 11 bar output pressure exceeds typical GC inlet requirements (typically 3–8 bar), and its fail-safe design eliminates cylinder handling risks while maintaining identical detector performance.
What water quality is required?
Deionized water with resistivity ≥5 MΩ·cm is recommended; the system tolerates ≥1 MΩ·cm but will halt electrolysis if conductivity exceeds threshold to prevent membrane degradation.
How often does maintenance occur?
No routine consumables: no electrolyte replacement, no desiccant changes. Annual preventive maintenance by certified engineers is included for life under the service agreement.
Does it support integration with existing lab infrastructure?
Yes—RS-232 and Ethernet interfaces enable integration with LIMS, BMS, and centralized gas monitoring systems; analog 0–10 V outputs available for PLC interfacing.
