CSIR-CIMFR Achieves Milestone with India's First Hydrogen Compressor Safety Assessment
Dhanbad-based CSIR-CIMFR has completed a groundbreaking safety evaluation. The Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research conducted the country's first comprehensive safety assessment of a hydrogen compressor-dispenser system. The public sector unit announced this achievement on Sunday.
Facility Location and Significance
The assessed facility sits on the NETRA campus of NTPC Ltd in Greater Noida. This development directly supports India's national hydrogen mission. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the facility on January 26.
A CSIR-CIMFR spokesperson explained the assessment's importance to TOI. "We have completed a comprehensive electrical and safety assessment of the hydrogen compressor and dispenser system for a highly sensitive environment like Gas Group IIC for the first time in India," the spokesperson said.
System Function and Safety Requirements
Hydrogen compressor-dispenser systems handle compression and supply of hydrogen at high pressures. Strict adherence to safety standards is absolutely essential for these operations. This successful assessment paves the way for establishing hydrogen fuel pumps across the country, similar to traditional petrol pumps.
The system incorporates flameproof and intrinsically safe components from various manufacturers. While individual certifications existed for each component, an integrated safety assessment of the entire system was necessary. Scientists from CSIR-CIMFR's flameproof and equipment safety division successfully completed this critical evaluation.
Assessment Team and Process
A dedicated team of scientists carried out the safety assessment exercise under the leadership of CSIR-CIMFR director Arvind Kumar Mishra. The team included Sanjay Kumar Roy, Awanindra Pratap Singh, Rakesh Kumar Mishra, Manoj Kumar Vishwakarma, Bishwajit Modak, Amit Kumar, and Preeti.
These scientists conducted a thorough inspection of all installed components. They examined flameproof devices, electrical and mechanical parts, safety interlocks, pressure relief systems, alarms, and instrumentation. This meticulous process ensured the entire system can operate safely, reliably, and according to standards in high-risk Gas Group IIC environments.
Manufacturer and Location Details
The safety assessment focused on a device manufactured by M/s Graf Gastec Pvt Ltd, an Italy-based company. This equipment is installed on NTPC Ltd premises in Uttar Pradesh. The assessment eliminated the need for equipment relocation by testing under realistic operating conditions. This practical evaluation assessed safety, functionality, and reliability effectively.
Broader Implications for Clean Energy
This development marks significant progress for India's clean energy infrastructure. Safe hydrogen compression and dispensing technology will accelerate the expansion of hydrogen-based vehicles and refuelling stations nationwide. Reduced dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions represent important benefits for the country's environmental goals.
The successful assessment demonstrates India's growing capabilities in hydrogen technology safety. It represents a concrete step toward realizing the national hydrogen mission's objectives while ensuring operational safety remains paramount.
