Bench-top hydrogen generators have been installed in the microbiological laboratories at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, in order to eliminate high-pressure cylinders
The need to eliminate the purchase, storage, and handling concerns associated with using high-pressure hydrogen cylinders has resulted in the installation of Parker Balston bench-top hydrogen generators in the microbiological laboratories at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
The hydrogen generators are used to supply anaerobic workstations, which have a requirement for a mixed hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide atmosphere. Used in anaerobic microbiology, the workstations provide the necessary oxygen free environment in which to culture and analyse anaerobes - bacteria which require an oxygen-free environment in order to grow.
Gas gangrene, botulism, and tetanus are examples of diseases caused by anaerobes.
A more orthodox way of providing the gas supply has been to use three separate gas cylinders, or special mixed gas cylinders, costing up to £200 each.
At the Royal Liverpool University Hospital however, hydrogen cylinders are not allowed in the laboratory.
This ban on hydrogen cylinders results from health and safety concerns.
The hydrogen generator removes these concerns, since it is not only CE marked, but also complies with OHSA 1910.103 regulations by eliminating hydrogen cylinder storage.
Additionally the generator holds IEC 1010-1 and CSA 1010 certifications.
There's a stark contrast between the Parker Balston hydrogen generator and the cylinder option, with only 50ml of hydrogen stored in the generator at any time - eliminating the explosion hazard.
The type 75-34 hydrogen generators used at the Royal Liverpool Hospital simply require de-ionised water and a standard electrical supply to operate. Only a quick, safe and easy 10-minute maintenance procedure is required each year.
The 75-34, which generates 300ml/min of 99.99999+% pure hydrogen, forms part of a range of hydrogen generators from Parker Balston with flow capacities ranging from 90 to 1200ml/min.
Being backed by a 24-month warranty, there's the added reassurance that they'll offer the reliability needed in a busy laboratory.
Commenting on the application, Parker Balston product manager Matthew Lampton, said "While hydrogen generators are more often found used alongside gas chromatographs, this application is another great example of the improved safety that results from using generators.
Generators also prove easier to use than cylinders, which need to be changed frequently, leaving scientists more time for the important things."
