Performance of Amperometric and Potentiometric Hydrogen Sensors

The principle, design, construction and performance of the amperometric and potentiometric sensors for measuring the permeation rate of hydrogen through the wall of metal equipment were investigated in order to develop a new type of hydrogen sensor with high accuracy. The transient curves of hydrogen permeation under a given charging condition were employed to evaluate the performance of two types of hydrogen sensors. The relative deviation of the hydrogen concentration detected with two types of sensors under the same condition varied from 3.0% to 13%. The accuracy, response time, reproducibility, and installation were discussed and compared. Response time of the potentiometric sensor (E-sensor) was shorter than that of the amperometric sensor (I-sensor). Both types of sensors exhibited good reproducibility. Development of I-sensor composed of a kind of proton conductor adhesives or non-fluid electrolytes which contain two functions of high electrical conductivity and a strong adhesion will be a promising prospect in order to measure hydrogen permeation at high temperature.