Hydrogen flame detection is a critical safety requirement for industries adopting hydrogen as part of the global energy transition. Unlike conventional hydrocarbon fires, hydrogen flames are often nearly invisible, burn at extremely high temperatures, and emit very little radiant energy in the visible spectrum. This makes early detection with standard flame-detection technology unreliable or ineffective.
ProDetec supplies advanced hydrogen flame detection solutions, such as the SpyGlass SG50 from Teledyne, that rapidly and reliably identify hydrogen fires across industrial, energy, and infrastructure environments. With over 20 years of experience in industrial safety systems, ProDetec delivers hydrogen flame detectors that combine proven global technology with local Australian engineering, commissioning, and lifecycle support.
As hydrogen infrastructure expands across Australia – from production and storage to transport and end-use – the need for specialised hydrogen flame detectors has never been greater.
Hydrogen presents unique fire and explosion hazards that differ fundamentally from those of traditional fuels. A hydrogen flame burns with very low luminosity, producing minimal smoke and no visible colour in daylight conditions. In many cases, a hydrogen fire cannot be seen with the naked eye until physical damage or secondary effects occur.
Key characteristics that make hydrogen flame detection challenging include:
Because of these properties, conventional flame- or fire-detection systems may fail to detect a hydrogen fire in time. Dedicated hydrogen flame detection technologies are required to detect specific spectral signatures associated with hydrogen combustion.
ProDetec supplies the SpyGlass SG50 IR3 Detector specific for hydrogen applications solutions engineered to address these risks, enabling rapid detection, alarm activation, and system shutdown before escalation.
Modern hydrogen flame detection relies on advanced optical technologies that can detect flame signatures beyond the visible spectrum. ProDetec supports multiple detection technologies, each suited to different hydrogen applications and risk profiles.
UV/IR flame detectors combine ultraviolet and infrared sensors to identify the presence of flame while rejecting false alarms. In hydrogen applications, the UV sensor detects ultraviolet emissions produced during hydrogen combustion, while the IR sensor validates flame behaviour.
UV/IR detectors are often used where hydrogen is mixed with other fuels or where multi-hazard fire risks exist. However, UV-only detection can be affected by arc welding, lightning, or solar radiation, making correct application and positioning critical.
Multi-spectrum IR (IR3) technology is one of the most effective methods for hydrogen flame detection. IR3 detectors analyse multiple infrared wavelengths simultaneously, comparing flame flicker patterns and spectral ratios unique to hydrogen combustion.
Unlike traditional detectors, IR3 hydrogen flame detectors are designed to:
IR3 technology is widely used in hydrogen production plants, refuelling stations, electrolyser facilities, and energy infrastructure, where early detection is critical.
Near-infrared video imaging systems provide visual confirmation of hydrogen flames by converting near-infrared radiation into visible imagery. These systems are commonly used for operator verification, inspection, and situational awareness rather than primary safety shutdown.
While not typically used as a standalone protection measure, near-infrared imaging can complement fixed hydrogen flame detectors in high-risk or complex facilities.
ProDetec supplies a comprehensive range of hydrogen flame detectors engineered for industrial reliability, harsh environments, and regulatory compliance. Our portfolio includes the SpyGlass SG50 from Teledyne designed for continuous monitoring of hydrogen risks across production, storage, transport, and utilisation facilities.
A key solution in our range is the advanced SpyGlass SG50 from Teledyne capable of detecting hydrogen fires within milliseconds, even in bright daylight or high-background environments, with high immunity to false alarms, compared to traditional offerings
Our hydrogen flame detection solutions are suitable for integration with broader safety architectures, including gas detection systems, emergency shutdown logic, and fire and gas control panels. Where hydrogen risks overlap with other hazards, ProDetec designs layered protection strategies that incorporate flame detectors, gas detection, and automated response systems.
For sites already utilising an IR flame detector for hydrocarbon protection, ProDetec provides expert guidance on whether existing technology is suitable for hydrogen or whether dedicated hydrogen flame detectors are required.
Hydrogen flame detection systems must meet stringent international and Australian safety standards. ProDetec ensures all hydrogen flame detectors supplied are fully certified for use in hazardous industrial environments.
Safety Integrity Level (SIL) certification confirms that a hydrogen flame detector performs reliably within safety instrumented systems. ProDetec supplies hydrogen flame detection solutions rated to SIL2 and SIL3, supporting use in critical shutdown and protection applications.
All hydrogen flame detectors supplied by ProDetec are certified for use in explosive atmospheres, with ATEX and IECEx approvals for Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas. This ensures safe deployment in hydrogen processing, storage, and refuelling environments.
ProDetec designs and supplies hydrogen flame detection systems that align with Australian Standards, site safety cases, and regulatory expectations.
Our engineering team ensures correct detector selection, placement, and integration to support compliance with Australian workplace and process safety requirements.
With over two decades of experience in industrial safety systems, ProDetec understands the complexities of flame detection across high-risk environments. Our hydrogen flame detection solutions are engineered based on real-world operating conditions, not theoretical assumptions.
ProDetec maintains long-standing partnerships with world-leading manufacturers, including exclusive relationships with Teledyne Oldham Simtronics, as well as access to a wide range of other manufacturers. This ensures access to proven hydrogen flame detector platforms, ongoing product support, and future-ready detection technologies.
ProDetec provides national coverage with local engineering teams based in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland. From system design and commissioning to maintenance and upgrades, Our hydrogen safety solutions also integrate seamlessly with broader hydrogen energy solutions, supporting Australia’s transition to low-emission energy infrastructure.
Hydrogen flame detectors are most effective when deployed as part of a layered safety strategy. ProDetec integrates hydrogen flame detection with gas detection, alarm systems, and automated shutdown controls to reduce risk exposure.
In hydrogen facilities, flame detection is often complemented by gas detection technologies, including fixed and portable hydrogen sensors. Where applicable, ProDetec also integrates hydrogen flame detection with an infrared hydrocarbon gas detector to manage mixed-fuel risks in transitional energy environments.
This integrated approach ensures that hydrogen leaks, ignition events, and fire escalation are addressed through coordinated detection and response.
Hydrogen presents new opportunities – and new risks. ProDetec delivers proven hydrogen flame detection solutions that provide fast, reliable protection for hydrogen production, storage, and energy infrastructure across Australia.
Whether you are developing new hydrogen facilities or upgrading existing safety systems, ProDetec’s hydrogen flame detectors deliver confidence, compliance, and performance where failure is not an option.
Contact ProDetec today to discuss your hydrogen flame detection requirements and ensure your hydrogen operations are protected by technology engineered for the future.
Hydrogen flames emit very little visible light because hydrogen combustion produces minimal soot or glowing particles. This makes hydrogen fires difficult or impossible to see in daylight without specialised hydrogen flame detection technology.
Detection range depends on the detector type and environment. Advanced IR3 hydrogen flame detectors can detect hydrogen flames from tens of metres away, even in open or outdoor installations.
In most cases, standard hydrocarbon flame detectors are not suitable for hydrogen. ProDetec assesses existing installations and advises whether dedicated hydrogen flame detectors are required to ensure reliable detection.
Modern hydrogen flame detectors provide extremely fast response times, often within milliseconds. Rapid detection is essential to trigger alarms, shutdowns, and suppression systems before damage or injury occurs.
Most hydrogen flame detectors are factory-calibrated and do not require routine field calibration. However, regular inspection, functional testing, and general maintenance are recommended to ensure continued reliability and compliance.
