FAA Technical Specification Sheet.pdf

FAA Technical Specifications Sheet

Hydrogen leaks in hydrogen-powered aircraft pose a significant aviation safety concern. To address this issue, the Hydrogen Safety Team within the Fuels and Energy Section (ANG-E283) of the FAA

William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace is seeking to purchase a highly sensitive, accurate, and lightweight micro gas chromatograph (Micro-GC) for detecting hydrogen leaks. Any interested entity must meet or exceed all of the EXACT minimum specifications listed below for the

Micro-GC to be used in aircraft applications:

1. Sensitivity: The Micro-GC must have high sensitivity for hydrogen detection, with a detection limit of less than 10 parts per million (ppm) level.

2. Multiple Point Measurements: As hydrogen leaks can result from multiple places and accumulate in various locations within hydrogen-powered aircraft, the Micro-GC must be capable of automatically measuring hydrogen leaks in two locations simultaneously. With automatic sampling valves, the Micro-GC must be able to determine hydrogen concentrations at least twenty (20) different locations.

3. Measurement Speed: Hydrogen leak detection using the Micro-GC must be completed in less than three (3) minutes per measurement to meet the safety requirements.

4. Impurity Measurement: Since impurity gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx) are harmful and others may be involved in hydrogen leak detection, the Micro-

GC must have a second channel for measurements of ppm concentrations of carbon monoxide CO) and nitrogen oxides.

5. Training: The product manufacturer must provide both operational and application training for FAA lab engineers. The manufacturer must provide telephone assistance for any product questions the FAA may have.

6. Warranty: A one-year warranty must be provided. The warranty must start immediately after installation and operation training have been completed. The warranty must provide for part repair or replacement and include software maintenance updates at no cost to the FAA.