Four new types of hydrogen sensor were developed and devised in our research group based on the electrochemical mechanism raised by Devanathan and Stachurski in 1962, which could easily measure the
hydrogen permeation rate by attaching on the surface of the equipment or inserting into the reactor or pipelines. In this paper, the structures of four types and their application in oil and gas or refining industry were described. The fourth type was specially described in detail. The fourth type of hydrogen sensor developed in our lab was devised according to the operating condition and structure of propane tank. The sensitive anodic foil in the sensor was studied by SEM and electrochemical methods, which showed the deterioration of the foil with the usage. Some measures were taken to satisfy the field demands, e.g. the gel electrolyte was conveniently used in the place of the liquid. The field test results demonstrated the new hydrogen sensor was very practical in predicting the potential hazards due to sulfide stress corrosion cracking or hydrogen embrittlement.
Keywords: hydrogen sensor, petrochemical industry, sulfide stress corrosion cracking, hydrogen embrittlement, hydrogen permeation