Fast Sense is proud to have been named a finalist in the prestigious HyAccelerator Program by Snam, one of the leading names in energy infrastructure innovation. This program has allowed us to collaborate on a detailed pre-feasibility study focused on key hydrogen sensory use-case applications, including flow correction, redelivery, underground hydrogen storage, mixing process control, and energy content quantification. These are essential components in ensuring the safe and efficient transition to hydrogen as a major energy carrier as we transist from natural gas to hydrogen.

Our advanced sensing technology and gas analysis solutions are at the heart of these critical applications. Below, we dive into the technical aspects of each use case and how Fast Sense is contributing to the future of hydrogen infrastructure.

1. Mixing Process Control: Ensuring Optimal Hydrogen Integration

As the integration of hydrogen into natural gas grids increases, controlling the mixing process becomes vital. In Italy, for example, law mandates that hydrogen content in pipelines must not exceed 2%. Ensuring the correct amount of hydrogen in the grid is crucial for maintaining safety and operational standards.

Fast Sense’s advanced sensing technology enables real-time, precise monitoring of the hydrogen and natural gas blend, ensuring that the mix does not exceed the regulated hydrogen content. This controlled mixing process guarantees both the safety and efficiency of the gas grid, preventing issues related to combustion and pipeline integrity that can arise from improper blending.

2. Flow Meter Measurement Correction: Maintaining Accuracy in Hydrogen Blends

The presence of hydrogen in the natural gas grid can affect the accuracy of flow meters, which are essential for measuring gas throughput and ensuring proper billing and safety standards. As hydrogen’s molecular composition differs from natural gas, its percentage in the blend can lead to discrepancies in flow measurements. Learn more and speak to one of our sales or technical team members

To maintain the same level of accuracy, it’s crucial to know the exact hydrogen content in the grid. Fast Sense’s technology can precisely measure this hydrogen content, which allows operators to correct the flow meters and ensure reliable data. Measurement systems at the outlet often involve flow meters, gas chromatographs, or other quality analyzers, all of which benefit from precise hydrogen detection. This is a game-changer for accurate billing and maintaining operational standards as hydrogen becomes a larger part of energy grids.

3. Energy Content Quantification: Precision at Redelivery Points

Redelivery points, the physical exit points from the gas grid to end users, must provide a precise measure of gas energy content. This is critical for billing and for ensuring that users receive the expected energy output. Currently, the energy content is calculated using the higher heating value (HHV) and lower heating value (LHV) of the gas blend. This is often determined using gas chromatographs (GCs) that sample the gas at key points, applying the “homogeneous areas” sampling technique.

Fast Sense’s advanced hydrogen sensors and analysis systems provide real-time monitoring of the hydrogen and natural gas blend, enabling utility companies to accurately quantify the energy content. This ensures consistency in energy delivery, even as hydrogen levels in the gas vary, keeping customer satisfaction and grid efficiency high. Learn more

4. Underground Hydrogen Storage: Monitoring and Treating Hydrogen Mixtures

Underground hydrogen storage is becoming an increasingly vital part of the hydrogen economy. However, hydrogen extracted from underground storage is not pure—it often contains other gases and contaminants. In most cases, the hydrogen stored underground can range between 6-90% by volume, and is stored at high pressures of around 220 bar and temperatures of 50°C.

When this mixture is extracted, it must undergo treatment to eliminate water (H₂O) and other soluble contaminants. After this treatment, the pressure is reduced to approximately 70 bar, and the temperature lowered to 20-30°C. Fast Sense’s sensing technology can play a key role in monitoring the extraction and treatment process, ensuring the purity of hydrogen and the safe integration back into the energy grid. By providing accurate data on the gas mixture and its components, we help optimize both storage and extraction processes.

5. Redelivery: Precision in Final Delivery

At the final stage of the gas pipeline system, hydrogen and gas blends must be safely and efficiently delivered to the end user. Redelivery ensures that the gas mixture is safely managed and that the energy content is accurately quantified for final usage.

Fast Sense is working on optimizing this stage by ensuring that the gas blend exiting the grid is carefully measured for hydrogen content. This allows for proper billing and ensures that consumers receive the expected energy output, regardless of variations in the hydrogen blend during transport.

Driving Innovation in Hydrogen Infrastructure

Our involvement in the HyAccelerator Program by Snam has provided Fast Sense with the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of hydrogen technology. The detailed pre-feasibility studies we’ve conducted have shown the immense potential for our technology to drive the safe and efficient integration of hydrogen into global energy systems.

From controlled mixing to underground storage, Fast Sense is committed to advancing the hydrogen economy by providing the precise detection and monitoring solutions needed to make hydrogen a viable, scalable energy source. As we continue to collaborate with Snam and other industry leaders, we look forward to playing a significant role in shaping the future of energy.

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Stay tuned for more updates from Fast Sense as we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of hydrogen detection and analysis! Learn more and speak to one of our sales or technical team members about our tiny affordable sensor technology