ChemTron PG Plus Hydrogen Generator

Overview

The ChemTron PG Plus Hydrogen Generator is an engineered solution for laboratories requiring continuous, on-demand, ultra-high-purity hydrogen gas—designed to replace traditional high-pressure hydrogen cylinders in analytical and process applications. It employs catalyzed proton exchange membrane (CPEM) electrolysis technology to split deionized water into high-purity H₂ and O₂, eliminating the need for corrosive liquid electrolytes (e.g., KOH), regenerative desiccants, or external gas purification stages. The core CCELL electrolyzer features a platinum- and platinum–iridium-coated polymeric membrane and a titanium alloy cell housing—ensuring electrochemical stability, long-term corrosion resistance, and minimal metallic leaching that could compromise downstream instrumentation such as GC detectors or ICP-MS interfaces. With an internal gas volume limited to <50 mL and real-time pressure, temperature, conductivity, and level monitoring, the system complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment and operates well below flammability threshold concentrations (4% v/v in air) even under worst-case leakage scenarios.

Key Features

• Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis using ultrapure water—no caustic electrolytes, no dryers, no consumable media
• Titanium-bodied CCELL electrolyzer with precision current regulation for >95% electrical-to-chemical conversion efficiency; zero heat accumulation during operation
• Integrated static membrane dryer—eliminates dew point variability and avoids desiccant saturation or regeneration cycles
• Stable output pressure up to 11 bar (160 psig) with ±0.1 bar accuracy—enabling direct connection to high-backpressure GC inlets, hydrogen flame ionization detectors (FID), and fuel cell test benches
• Real-time multi-parameter diagnostics: water conductivity, reservoir level, cell voltage, stack temperature, outlet pressure, and internal leak detection
• Dual-stage overpressure protection: automatic shutdown at overpressure events, plus fail-safe venting at outlet
• CE, CSA, and FCC certified—fully compliant with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and low-voltage directive requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PG Plus is compatible with all standard laboratory-grade deionized water sources meeting resistivity specifications ≥1 MΩ·cm (recommended ≥5 MΩ·cm). Its gas output meets ASTM D7606–22 purity requirements for carrier and fuel gases used in gas chromatography and complies with ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 1 compressed air/gas quality standards when referenced to impurity thresholds (O₂ ≤0.4 ppm, H₂O ≤0.1 ppm, total hydrocarbons ≤0.1 ppm). For regulated environments—including GLP, GMP, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 workflows—the optional PC software provides full audit trail logging, user access control, and electronic signature support. No cylinder handling, no hydrostatic testing, no hazardous material transport—reducing facility risk exposure and simplifying regulatory documentation.

Software & Data Management

The optional ChemTron ControlSuite™ software enables remote configuration, live parameter visualization (flow, pressure, water conductivity, alarm status), and event-driven data export (CSV/Excel). When deployed in multi-unit cascade mode, the software coordinates load balancing across up to six PG Plus units—automatically redistributing flow demand if one unit enters maintenance or fault state, ensuring uninterrupted GC operation. All firmware updates are delivered free of charge and validated per IEC 62304 medical device software lifecycle standards. Audit logs include timestamped operator actions, system errors, and calibration events—supporting traceability in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.

Applications

• Carrier and fuel gas for gas chromatography (GC, FLASH-GC) and flame ionization detection (FID)
• Plasma gas for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
• Feedstock for catalytic hydrogenation reactors and bench-scale fuel cell testing
• Reducing atmosphere generation in thermal analysis (TGA, DSC) and materials synthesis
• High-sensitivity leak detection systems requiring stable, ultra-dry H₂
• Odorant and flavor compound analysis in fragrance labs—where ambient VOC interference must be minimized via intrinsic chemical inertness of the titanium/CPEM architecture

FAQ

Does the PG Plus require periodic electrolyte replacement or drying agent regeneration?
No. It uses only deionized water and a solid polymer PEM—no KOH, no silica gel, no molecular sieves.
Can it operate continuously 24/7 in unattended mode?
Yes. Designed for 7×24 operation with redundant safety interlocks, auto-shutdown protocols, and optional auto-refill capability.
Is the hydrogen purity verified in real time?
While not equipped with an onboard gas analyzer, the system’s design—combined with certified inlet water quality, sealed titanium cell, and static membrane drying—guarantees consistent 99.9996% purity per batch-certified validation reports supplied with each unit.
What happens if the water conductivity exceeds specification?
The system halts electrolyzer feedwater delivery, triggers an audible/visual alarm, and displays “High Conductivity” on the LCD—preventing membrane degradation and cross-contamination.
How is compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 ensured?
Via optional ChemTron ControlSuite™ with role-based access, electronic signatures, immutable audit trails, and change-control logging—all validated per Annex 11 principles.