AMT AMT-H2 Submersible Hydrogen Sensor
| Brand | AMT |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | AMT-H2 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The AMT AMT-H2 Submersible Hydrogen Sensor is a precision electrochemical sensor engineered for continuous, in-situ measurement of dissolved molecular hydrogen (H₂) concentration in aquatic environments. It operates on the principle of amperometric detection via a three-electrode cell housed within a pressure-stabilized, membrane-diffusion sensing chamber. A gas-permeable silicone membrane separates the aqueous sample from the internal electrolyte, enabling selective diffusion of H₂ molecules while excluding water, ions, and particulates. The resulting partial pressure gradient across the membrane drives hydrogen oxidation at the working electrode, generating a diffusion-limited current linearly proportional to dissolved H₂ concentration. This current—ranging from 0 to 400 Pa partial pressure—is converted to a calibrated 0–5 V analog output signal. Designed for high reproducibility and long-term stability in dynamic field conditions, the AMT-H2 complies with fundamental electrochemical sensor design standards for environmental monitoring applications under ISO 15839 and ASTM D8083 (Standard Guide for Electrochemical Sensors in Water Quality Monitoring).
Key Features
- Three-electrode amperometric configuration with replaceable sensor head—ensures field-serviceability and extended operational lifetime
- Gas-selective silicone membrane provides mechanical protection, hydrostatic pressure compensation, and chemical resistance to biofouling and chloride-rich media
- Short polarization time of 15–30 minutes enables rapid deployment without prolonged pre-conditioning
- Low electrolyte consumption supports uninterrupted operation for 6–10 months between maintenance intervals
- Fast t₉₀ response time < 2 seconds—critical for real-time profiling in turbulent or transient hydrogen-release scenarios (e.g., sediment porewater flux, electrolysis leakage, microbial fermentation zones)
- Temperature-compensated output with integrated Pt1000 thermistor; operating range: 0 °C to 30 °C
- Titanium housing (Grade 2) ensures corrosion resistance and structural integrity up to 10 bar (lab/shallow-water version) or 100 bar (deep-water system variant)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AMT-H2 is validated for use in freshwater, seawater, estuarine, and wastewater matrices—including high-turbidity and low-oxygen environments. Its membrane-based architecture eliminates interference from common redox-active species (e.g., O₂, H₂S, NO₂⁻) when operated at optimized bias potential. Calibration traceability follows NIST-traceable H₂ standard gas mixtures or certified aqueous H₂ solutions (e.g., USP reference materials). The sensor meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (2014/30/EU) and low-voltage directive (2014/35/EU). For regulated environmental monitoring programs, data acquisition workflows support audit-ready metadata logging aligned with GLP principles and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant software platforms (when paired with compatible DAQ systems).
Software & Data Management
The AMT-H2 interfaces seamlessly with third-party data loggers and CTD systems (e.g., Sea-Bird Electronics, RBR, Valeport) via its 0–5 V analog output. For standalone operation, the laboratory version includes an integrated electronics module with digital display, temperature compensation algorithm, and RS-232/USB output. Optional AMT SensorLink™ software (Windows/Linux/macOS) provides real-time visualization, multi-parameter synchronization (e.g., concurrent pH, temperature, pressure), automated calibration validation, and export to CSV, NetCDF, or EPA-compliant WQX formats. All raw signal timestamps include UTC synchronization and hardware-level temperature annotation—enabling post-hoc correction per ISO 5667-3 guidelines.
Applications
- In-situ monitoring of H₂ dynamics in anaerobic sediments, groundwater plumes, and bioremediation sites
- Validation of hydrogen production efficiency in marine electrolysis and offshore green H₂ pilot installations
- Process control in wastewater treatment plants during dark fermentation or microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) operations
- Research on hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and syntrophic acetate oxidation in benthic ecosystems
- Calibration reference for optical H₂ sensors and GC-TCD systems in interlaboratory comparison studies
- Long-term observatory deployments integrated into oceanographic moorings or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)
FAQ
What is the measurement range and accuracy specification?
The AMT-H2 measures dissolved H₂ from 0.0002 mg/L to 3 mg/L (equivalent to ~0.1–1,500 nM at 25 °C), with accuracy better than ±2% of reading under stable thermal and flow conditions.
Can the sensor be deployed with a CTD package?
Yes—the shallow-water version (up to 70 m depth) features standardized wet-mateable connectors and pressure-compensated housing compatible with industry-standard CTD frames and telemetry interfaces.
Is routine recalibration required?
Field recalibration is recommended every 3–6 months depending on deployment duration and matrix fouling risk; zero-point verification using nitrogen-purged water and span check with certified H₂ standard solution are sufficient for most environmental applications.
How is temperature compensation implemented?
An integrated Pt1000 sensor provides real-time temperature measurement; firmware applies polynomial correction based on the temperature dependence of H₂ solubility and electrode kinetics per ISO 7888.
What maintenance is needed between deployments?
The sensor head should be rinsed with deionized water, inspected for membrane integrity, and stored in humidified electrolyte solution; electrode replacement is only necessary after ~12 months of continuous use or following exposure to extreme pH or sulfide concentrations.
