As industries transition toward more eco-friendly practices, hydrogen and oxygen have emerged as key components in many technologies. However, ensuring the authenticity and tracing the origins of these gases are crucial for maintaining integrity and trust in the supply chain.
The patent filed by TOTALENERGIES ONETECH introduces a novel method for certifying the origin of hydrogen-based and oxygen-based flows, aiming to address these concerns.
The patented method begins with generating a produced flow of dihydrogen and/or its derivatives, or dioxygen, from an initial flow. This step involves the technical process of producing these gases for various applications, ensuring that they meet the necessary quality and safety standards required in their respective industries.
Isotope Tagging for Identification
A critical part of the certification process involves tagging the hydrogen or oxygen flows with a specific amount of stable isotopes. The selected isotopes for this process include deuterium, tritium, 18O, and 17O. By introducing these isotopes into the initial or produced flow, the gases are marked uniquely, allowing for the precise identification of their origins. This isotope tagging serves as a powerful tool for tracking and verifying the authenticity of the gas supply.
Once the gases have been tagged, the next step is to measure the concentration of the isotopes in both the initial and produced flows. This measurement results in the determination of a primary isotope ratio. The accurate measurement of this ratio is vital, as it forms the basis for subsequent identification and certification processes. Advanced analytical techniques are employed to ensure the precision and reliability of these measurements.
Unique Identification and Data Storage
After obtaining the primary isotope ratio, this information is combined with a unique identifier to create comprehensive identification information. This data is then securely stored on a distant server, ensuring that it can be accessed and verified by relevant parties throughout the supply chain. By maintaining a reliable and secure database, the method provides an additional layer of transparency and traceability, which is essential for regulatory compliance and consumer trust.
