A view inside the Hy-Lab hydrogen quality laboratory at the ZBT, with numerous analytical instruments on the tables

Hy-Lab – Laboratory for hydrogen quality

Reliable hydrogen analysis in accordance with international standards

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

Technology and Features

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 fueling stations, as well as four integrated test benches for fuel cell impurity analysis and material testing. The infrastructure is supplemented by high-performance 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 refueling stations (70 MPa and 35 MPa) and along the supply chain

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

  • Development, Validation, and Testing of Methods for Analysis and Sampling

  • Use and Evaluation of Online Sensing and Gas Purification Technologies

  • Investigation of Contaminants in Fuel Cells and Material Qualification

Test benches, laboratory, Christian Heßke

Analytical Methods and Detection Limits

Impurity ISO 14687:2019
EN 17124:2022
[µmol/mol]		 Analytical Method Limit of Quantification (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 sulfur 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 Refueling Stations

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


This robust system enables simultaneous sampling with up to three cylinders (2.25 L or 10 L), even in combination with particulate sampling. Hy-SaM is used in national and European projects, as well as in collaboration with CEP and H2-Mobility, and has proven itself in numerous campaigns at actual gas stations.

Research & Networks

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


In addition, the laboratory works closely with the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) and H2-Mobility Deutschland and regularly participates in sampling campaigns at gas stations both in Germany and abroad.


Through these activities, the 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.

A side view of a control panel at the ZBT - The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center hydrogen test filling station, featuring numerous cables and switches

Contact

Group Leader, Gas Analysis | Hy-Lab

Matz Dietrich
+49 203 7598-2464
Matz Dietrich Staff photo

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.