ThalesNano Energy H-Genie User manual

H-Genie®- High Pressure
Hydrogen Generator
User Manual
H-Genie-1.7

H-Genie®User Manual v. 1.7. page:2 of 29
Contents
1. General Description..........................................................................................3
1.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................3
1.2 H-Genie®System Overview..............................................................................3
2. Overview of Parts..............................................................................................4
2.1 Touch-screen Interface.....................................................................................6
3. H-Genie®Safety Features ................................................................................9
4. Installation.......................................................................................................10
4.1 Delivery Content .............................................................................................10
4.2 Location..........................................................................................................11
4.3 Installing the H-Genie®....................................................................................12
5. Performing a reaction with the H-Genie®........................................................15
5.1 Setting a BATCH reaction...............................................................................17
5.2 Setting a FLOW reaction.................................................................................19
5.3 Setting a BALLOON reaction..........................................................................21
5.4 Visualize Experimental Data –Graph screen .................................................22
5.5 Using and Changing a ScavCart™ .................................................................23
5.6 Turning off and shutting down the H-Genie®...................................................23
6. Troubleshooting..............................................................................................26
7. Daily Maintenance Checks .............................................................................27
8. Accessories ....................................................................................................27
9. Technical Data................................................................................................28
10. Warranty Information ......................................................................................29

H-Genie®User Manual v. 1.7. page:3 of 29
1. General Description
1.1 Introduction
The use of hydrogen gas in chemistry is limited due to the hazards associated with
utilizing compressed gas cylinders. The H-Genie®is designed to overcome these
hazards, but also help the chemist in their chemistry too.
The main features include:
•On-demand generation of 4.0 purity hydrogen (at 100 bar) from water to make
use of hydrogen gas safer.
•A pressure range of 1-100 bar (14.5-1450 psi) to expand your chemistry
capabilities.
•Hydrogen consumption monitoring abilities
An accurate gas flow-rate range of 100-1000 NmL/min for connection with flow
reactors and to log how much hydrogen is consumed during a reaction.
1.2 H-Genie® System Overview
The H-Genie®high pressure hydrogen generator works by generating hydrogen gas
up to 4.0 purity from deionized water using a patented electrolytic cell. The hydrogen
gas is dried through a two-stage water separation system, mechanical separation and
thermal separation. The water removed is then drained through an external vent. The
now dry hydrogen gas enters the mass flow controller (MFC), which controls precisely
the flow rate of hydrogen out of the H-Genie®between 100 and 1000 NmL/min. The
H-Genie®generates hydrogen gas to the required pressure (up to 100 bar) by
continuously generating hydrogen until this pressure is reached. In flow mode, it will
do this internally first, before releasing the hydrogen at the set pressure. The H-Genie®
will then continuously generate hydrogen to maintain that pressure.
Figure 1: Schematic design of the H-Genie®

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2. Overview of Parts
Figure 2: Front view of H-Genie®
1. Air bubble tank decoration
2. Shutdown button
3. Hydrogen gas outlet
4. Touch-screen
5. Water tank cap
6. Oxygen gas outlet
3
2
1
5
4
6

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Figure 3: Rear view of H-Genie®
7. USB port
8. Hydrogen vent
9. Main ON/OFF switch
10.Power cable socket
11.Fuse sockets
12.Cooling vent (1 of 3)
13.External CAN connector sockets (for service purposes only; max cable length
3m)
14.Water drain outlet
15.Water vent from the mechanical water separator
16.Water drain open-close hand operated ball valve (horizontally-opened,
vertically-closed)
17.RS-232 remote port (NON-DECOUPLED, max cable length 3m, user is
recommended to use the THSE purchased optical isolator to function-contact
THSE for details)
18.Emergency Stop button connector socket (must use original THSE device)
9
17
18
10
12
13
7
8
11
14
15
16

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2.1 Touch-screen Interface
The touch-screen interface consists of a series of windows that enable you to manually
control all aspects of operation.
After turning on the equipment, the main window features a number of different options.
Figure 4: The Main screen
From the main screen you can choose three different options to start a reaction:
•Batch: To supply hydrogen to a batch reactor.
•Flow: To supply hydrogen to a flow reactor.
•Balloon: To supply hydrogen for filling a balloon.
There are also other options available:
•Info Screen: Displays technical information and data about the H-Genie®. The
Info Screen may be accessed from any screen and under any status:
Figure 5: Info Screens
The information displayed is as follows:
oGas flow rate: The flow rate of hydrogen leaving the H-Genie®.

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oOutput pressure: The pressure of hydrogen leaving the H-Genie®.
oH-cell pressure: The pressure of hydrogen inside the H-Genie®.
oH2feed volume: The amount hydrogen that has been released through
the MFC since the Start button was pressed.
oWater conductivity: States the purity of the water in the H-Genie®in
µS/cm. Before starting the H-Genie®make sure that the water
conductivity is below 5 µS/cm. During operation of H-Genie®the allowed
water conductivity 10 µS/cm, if it reaches this value then the H-Genie®
will stop automatic. Recommended water conductivity: < 1 µS/cm.
oSystem performance: The software checks the hardware inside the H-
Genie®and determines the performance level of the system. This is a
value for a service engineer.
oWater temperature: Temperature of the internal water system.
oConsumed hydrogen: The amount of hydrogen consumed since the
batch reactor reached set pressure.
Additional parameters can be displayed by pressing the touch screen
continuously for 1 s (for service purposes only):
oHydrogen cell voltage: Cell voltage measured in volts.
oHydrogen cell current: Cell current in amperes.
oCell usage time: The amount of time, in hours and minutes, the cell has
functioned.
oMWS frequency: Measured water level frequency of the mechanical
water separator.
oTWS frequency: Measured water level frequency of the thermal water
separator.
Most of the measured system parameters are logged continuously internally. To
export all files you can use the “export to USB drive” function located on the
status bar in Info screen. Based on the status of the device three different icons
could be displayed:
oWhen the “USB drive is available”symbol is pressed, all log files
will be exported to the attached device.
oUSB port is active, export in progress. Do not remove the
connected USB drive during this state.
oReaction in progress, export function is disabled.
•The Graph Screen : displays H-Genie®parameters in graph form over
time.

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•Help Screen : Displays information of a descriptive nature about how the H-
Genie®works, how to install and use it, and what to do if there’s a problem. The
Help Screen may be accessed from any screen and under any status. The touch
screen language can also be changed here.
Figure 6: The Help Screen
Status Bar: Displays the status of the H-Genie®, the water (H2O) level.
Figure 7: The Status Bar with disconnected and connected USB drives
The status messages are:
•Self-diagnostic: internal system check upon switching on.
•Ready: Ready to start generating hydrogen for a reaction.
•Preparation: Building hydrogen for the reaction.
•Running: Producing hydrogen for the reaction.
•Shutting down: Releasing internally stored hydrogen and shutting down the
system.
•Emergency shutdown: Releasing hydrogen and shutting down after an
emergency event is triggered.
•You can turn the device off: Ready to switch off.
•Poor water quality
•Too high external pressure
•Water level is too low

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3. H-Genie® Safety Features
The H-Genie®has the following safety features to ensure safe and reliable operation:
1. The H-Genie®is equipped with an internal hydrogen sensor, so in the unlikely
event of a hydrogen leak the system will automatically shut down.
2. If the H-Genie®cannot generate hydrogen pressure internally, then the system
will automatically go into emergency shutdown mode.
3. Water leak detection.
4. The flow of air inside the H-Genie®is enforced using 3 fans to ensure that the
temperature inside the unit does not rise excessively and to prevent any build
of hydrogen or oxygen in the event of a leak.
5. Upon power-up the H-Genie®performs a self-check for internal leaks.
6. The hydrogen pressure inside the generator should only reach a maximum of
115 bar (1668 psi) and this is controlled electronically via a pressure sensor and
mechanically using a pressure relief valve (Fail Safe).
7. There is a water level detector to ensure that the cell never runs dry.
8. Water separator malfunctions are checked to avoid high water content in the
high-pressure system.
9. Water purity is checked to avoid the degradation of the electrolytic cell.
10.When the H-Genie®is in emergency status the following occurs:
a. The current to the cell is stopped.
b. The internally stored hydrogen is evacuated into the fume hood.
c. An audible and visual alarm will be heard.

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4. Installation
4.1 Delivery Content
The H-Genie®delivery package includes the following items:
1 pc of H-Genie®- Generator ______________________
1 pc of Emergency Button and cable
1 pc of Metal water tank cap
1 pc of oxygen vent fitting
1 pc of water vent outlet tube (10mm OD) 2m length
1 pc of oxygen gas outlet tube (10mm OD) 2m length
1 pc of H-Genie®User Manual
1 pc of Declaration of Conformity
1 pc of H2 silencer assembly
1 pc of check valve
1 pc of power cable –check type EU UK CH USA
2 pcs of ss 1/8" tube, 0.1m and 1m lengths
2 pcs of ss 1/8” nuts with ferrules
1 pc of ss 1/8” to 1/16” reducer
1 pc of ss 1/16” tube (1m length)
2 pcs of ss 1/16” nuts with ferrules
1 pc of Vici PEEK finger tight 1/16” nut
2 pc of ScavCart™
1 pc of balloon filler assembly
Please ensure that all of the items listed above are present in the delivery package.
Check for any visible damage to H-Genie®components. Should any item be missing
or any parts visibly damaged, please contact your nearest ThalesNano representative
or [email protected].

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4.2 Location
•The H-Genie®must be located on a flat, level surface inside a fully functional
ventilated cabinet or ventilated area, such as a fume hood. This minimizes any
risk related to a hydrogen leak into the environment.
•The fume hood or ventilated cabinet must be equipped with a standard electrical
socket and a water hole.
•The oxygen and hydrogen vent tube outlets should be positioned as far apart
as possible within the fume hood.
•It is recommended that any objects be placed a minimum of 15 cm away from
the rear and the sides of the H-Genie®to avoid any obstruction to the airflow in
the cabinet and to allow any warm air from within the generator to be released
freely into the environment. Ensure that none of the rear vents are obstructed.
Failure to ensure this may result in damage to the H-Genie®.
•Dimensions of the H-Genie®can be found in the Technical Data section.
•Please adhere to the operating temperatures below:
oMinimum Operating Ambient Temperature: 10 °C (50 °F)
oMaximum Operating Ambient Temperature: 35 °C (95 °F)
Figure 8: Operating requirements

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4.3 Installing the H-Genie®
Open the packaging and remove all the contents.
4.3.1. Place the H-Genie®reactor box inside the selected fume hood cabinet.
4.3.2. Remove the temporary black water reservoir cap and fill the water reservoir with
high-purity de-ionized water. Cover the water reservoir hole with the metal cap
provided. Make sure a ScavCart™ is screwed into the metal cap. For further
instructions please check “5.5 Using and Changing a ScavCart”.
Figure 9: Water reservoir caps
The H-Genie®generates hydrogen through in-situ water electrolysis. The
operation of high-pressure cells requires high purity, de-ionized water. Millipore
Milli-Q®: <1µS/cm is strongly recommended!!!
Using low quality water can cause irreparable damage of the instrument.
The volume of the water reservoir is an approx. 3500 mL. Take care not to overfill. The
maximum water level should be 2 cm below the water tank neck.
Attention

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Figure 10: Maximum reservoir water level
4.3.3. Remove the yellow plug from the oxygen outlet port using a flat-headed
screwdriver. Screw the oxygen line adapter into the hole. Attach the oxygen gas
outlet tube to the outlet at the top of the H-Genie®. Ensure the other end is
attached to the rear of the fume hood cabinet to ensure the tube does not move
when oxygen gas is released.
→
Figure 11: Remove the yellow plug and screw the oxygen line adapter in place
Ensure the water tank is topped up every day before using H-Genie®.

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4.3.4. Connect one end of the water gas outlet tube to the water drain outlet and the
other end to a sink or a wastewater receptacle located in the fume hood. Turn
the blue switch to open and watch the water flowing out of the H-Genie®. Pay
particular attention to the bubbles in the water stream. Wait until no more air
bubbles appear in the water stream (this may take a minute) and then close the
blue valve switch. Take the tube out of the water drain outlet and place it in the
water vent outlet. Please ensure the open end of this tube is fastened to avoid
movement when hydrogen gas is released. Top up the water tank.
4.3.5. Attach the stainless steel L-shaped hydrogen vent tube to its respective
connection.
Figure 12: Attached hydrogen vent, oxygen vent and water vent tubes.
Use water drain port with tubing from water vent if needed
Do not impede or block the oxygen gas outlet at the top of the water
reservoir while the machine is switched on. Only use the cap provided
with the machine.
Do not attempt to drain any of the water tank unless the H-Genie®is
switched off.

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4.3.6. Attach the emergency stop button to the connector at the rear of the H-Genie®
and ensure that the button is located in an easily accessible place. Ensure that
a green band is showing underneath the red button. If not, then turn the red
button counter clockwise to release the button.
4.3.7. Make sure to switch the main power switch to the „0”(off) position before
inserting the power cable into the rear of the H-Genie®. Connect the power cable
to the mains power supply as well.
5. Performing a reaction with the H-Genie®
Safety instructions:
Once the installation is complete, switch the main power switch, located at the rear of
the H-Genie®to the „I” (on) position. When the initialisation process is ready to start
the following screen will appear. Press „OK” to begin the H-Genie®’s selftest.
Important! The hydrogen vent tube and the water vent tube will release
hydrogen into the fume hood. Please ensure that the ends of these
pipes are at least 1.5 m away from the outlet of the oxygen outlet to
ensure hydrogen and oxygen do not mix or, if possible, in separate
fume hoods.
The electric cables must be guarded against moisture.
During use the fume hood MUST be switched on, and the fume hood
sash pulled down.
The H-Genie®generates hydrogen internally. In normal operation,
hydrogen will be released from the rear ports. It is essential that
adequate precautions are taken to allow this to be safely ventilated by
a fume hood cabinet.
Ensure that the reactor vessel is connected to the H-Genie®and gas
tight. Check to ensure that there are no leaks.
Please ensure the water reservoir is topped up at all times. It is vital
that the electrolysis cell membrane is kept constantly wet. The cell
must not be allowed to run dry or the cell will immediately and
irreversibly cease to function.

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Figure 13: Self-test is ready to start
The screen will then change to the following, while the system will run through a self-
test in order to check that the internal H-Genie®hydrogen system can build pressure
to the maximum settable limit. Do not switch the H-Genie®off while the system is
initializing. During this time a small amount of hydrogen may sporadically release. This
is normal. The self-test may last as long as 10 minutes.
Figure 14: Initialization screen and Ready screen.
Once the system has finished the self test and the initializing, the main screen will
appear and the term „Ready” will appear in the status bar. You’re ready to get started.
During hydrogen production, the H-Genie®will, from time to time, release the water
extracted from the hydrogen gas out the back of the system. A small amount of
Please note!

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hydrogen may also be released and make a noise. This is completely normal and you
shouldn’t be alarmed.
•The H-Genie®is designed to run on a single tank of water for a minimum of 12
hours at maximum consumption. Before running out of water the below warning
screen will appear. Once the water level of the H-Genie®reaches the critical
level, an error message will appear and the H-Genie®will shut down to ensure
the hydrogen generation cell is not harmed.
Figure 15: Warning and Emergency stop low water tank message
The external vessel attached to the H-Genie®must be at 1 bar or the H-Genie®
will not allow the reaction to proceed.
5.1 Setting a BATCH reaction
5.1.1 Connect your batch reactor to the front of the H-Genie®using the appropriate
tube and connection. Ensure there are no leaks and connections are tight.
5.1.2 Press the BATCH function on the main screen.
Please note!

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Figure 16: Main Screen
5.1.3 Press the button to enter a reaction pressure and hydrogen gas flow rate
value. Press OK after you have set the appropriate value. The or buttons
may be used to raise the set value by + or –1 value.
Figure 17: Batch mode ready to start
5.1.4 Once all the parameters have been set, then press START. The H-Genie®will
now start filling up the batch reactor with hydrogen. The “Actual” value will start
to rise and indicate the external pressure. If this number does not rise or rises
extremely slowly (when taking into account the reactor size and gas flow rate),
then check both the tubing and reactor for leaks.
5.1.5 Once the reactor reaches the set pressure, then the H-Genie®will stop
generating hydrogen and wait. If a fall in pressure is detected (i.e. because of
the consumption of hydrogen in the reaction) then more hydrogen will be
generated. The amount of this hydrogen is logged in the Consumed Hydrogen
section on the Info Screen. If you ever need to reset this amount, then quickly
press STOP and START button.

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5.1.6 Once the reaction iscompleted or you haveno more need of the H-Genie®, then
STOP the H-Genie®. Never disconnect the H-Genie®from the reactor while the
reactor or tubing is under pressure or the H-Genie®is still running.
5.1.7 The H-Genie®will stop automatically after 1 hour if no hydrogen consumption is
detected.
5.1.8 Once the H-Genie®has stopped providing hydrogen, the system will enter a
“Ready” state. After a period of 1 hour without use, the H-Genie®will enter
“Standby” state.
5.1.9 Do not restart the H-Genie®during an ongoing reaction. The self-test will
recognize that the external pressure is higher than the internal pressure and the
H-Genie®will enter Emergency mode.
5.2 Setting a FLOW reaction
5.2.1 Connect the check-valve to the front of the H-Genie®. Ensure that the arrow
on the check-valve is pointing “out” from the H-Genie®. This is the direction
of the hydrogen flow.
5.2.2 Connect your flow reactor to the check-valve using the appropriate tube and
connection. Ensure there are no leaks and connections are tight.
5.2.3 Press the FLOW function on the main screen.
Figure 18: Main Screen
5.2.4 Press the button to enter a reaction pressure and hydrogen gas flow rate
value.

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The set value should be 10 bar above your planned flow reaction pressure
to ensure a positive flow of hydrogen out of the H-Genie®and into the flow
reactor.
5.2.5 Press OK after you have set the appropriate value. The or buttons may
be used to raise the set value by + or –1 value.
Figure 19: FLOW mode ready to start
5.2.6 Once all the parameters have been set, then press START.
5.2.7 Once the H-Genie®has generated the set pressure and the hydrogen is eluting
from the system, pressurize your flow reactor.