Blick in das Wasserstoffqualitätslabor Hy-Lab am ZBT mit zahlreichen Analysegeräten auf Tischen

Hy-Lab – Laboratory for hydrogen quality

Reliable hydrogen analysis in accordance with international standards

ZBT operates one of the few independent laboratories in Europe that can precisely analyse hydrogen in accordance with EN 17124 and ISO 14687. Building on over 15 years of experience in gas analysis, we develop and validate highly specialised methods for measuring even the smallest impurities in the ppb range – for filling stations, supply chains and research projects.

Technology and equipment

The H₂ quality laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art systems for precise analysis and sampling: including gas dilution-based calibration units with mass flow controllers, a CE-certified Hy-SaM system for sampling at 70 MPa and 35 MPa filling stations, and four integrated test benches for fuel cell impurity analyses and material tests. The infrastructure is supplemented by powerful online and offline measurement technology for quantifying even the smallest impurities in the ppb range.

Services

  • Hydrogen analysis in accordance with EN 17124:2022

  • Hydrogen sampling at filling stations (70 MPa and 35 MPa) and along the supply chain

  • Analysis of sulphur compounds, natural gas, ammonia and other gases

  • Development, validation and testing of analysis and sampling methods

  • Use and evaluation of online sensor technology and gas purification technologies

  • Investigation of contaminants in fuel cells and material qualification

Teststände, Labor, Christian Hesske

Analytical methods and detection limits

Impurity ISO 14687:2019
EN 17124:2022
[µmol/mol]		 Analytical Method Quantification Limit (LoQ)
[µmol/mol]
Water 5 QCM 0.5
Total Hydrocarbons 2 GC-PED 0.5
Methane 100 GC-PED 0.5
Oxygen 5 GC-PED 1,25
Helium 300 EI-MS 75
Argon 300 GC-PED 75
Nitrogen 300 GC-PED 75
Carbon Dioxide 2 IMR-MS 0.5
Carbon Monoxide 0.2 GC-PED 0.05
Total sulphur compounds 0.004 TD-GC-SCD 0.001
Formaldehyde 0.2 IMR-MS 0.05
Formic Acid 0.2 IMR-MS 0.05
Ammonia 0.1 IMR-MS 0.025
Halogenated compounds 0.05 IMR-MS 0.0125

Hy-SaM – sampling at hydrogen filling stations

With Hy-SaM, ZBT has a CE-certified system for sampling at hydrogen filling stations in accordance with ISO 19880-1 and SAE J2601 – without interfering with the refuelling protocol and without electronic interfaces.


The robust system enables parallel sampling with up to three cylinders (2.25 l or 10 l), also in combination with particle sampling. Hy-SaM is used in national and European projects and in cooperation with CEP and H2 Mobility, and has proven itself in numerous campaigns in real filling station operation.

Das Hauptlabor hytechlab4nrw im ZBT. Zu sehen ist der Zustand des Labors im Aufbau. Das Bild zeigt vier tragende Säulen, dutzende Rohre und Leitungen, die Lüftungsanlage, mehrere Kartons und Maschinen im Aufbau.

Research & networks

As a European reference laboratory for hydrogen quality, ZBT is involved in numerous research projects and partnerships. The H₂ quality laboratory was established as a European quality laboratory in the EU project Hydraite. ZBT is contributing its expertise to the further development of analysis, sampling and online measurement methods in MetroHyVe2 and MetHyTrucks.


In addition, the laboratory works closely with the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) and H2 Mobility Germany and is regularly involved in sampling campaigns at filling stations in Germany and abroad.


Through these activities, ZBT is strengthening its role in the European hydrogen network and making an important contribution to standardisation and quality assurance along the hydrogen value chain.

Contact

Group Lead Gas Analysis | Hy-Lab

Matz Dietrich
+49 203 7598-2464
Matz Dietrich Mitarbeiterfoto

Discover more

Hydrogen test field

The ZBT hydrogen test field is used for testing and further developing hydrogen-related technologies. It houses our hydrogen test filling station and test facilities for hydrogen storage systems, as well as facilities for the production and use of hydrogen derivatives.

H2 refuelling station technology

Our hydrogen test refuelling station team focuses on the targeted development and qualification of components and concepts for hydrogen refuelling stations. One focus is on refuelling protocols.

Hydrogen Infrastructure

In the field of hydrogen infrastructure, the ZBT focuses in particular on mobility. The department addresses the entire value chain, from hydrogen production to logistics and distribution to refuelling station technology.