How To Test Hydrogen Concentration Generated In A Bottle? A Step-by-Step Guide

Did you know that H₂ gas, even when infused into water, tends to escape back into the air fairly QUICKLY? That’s why it’s important to check its concentration regularly to make sure your hydrogen water bottle is working effectively and providing all its benefits.

In this article, I’ll show you some simple and reliable ways to test molecular hydrogen levels. Let’s get started!

Using A Digital Tester Meter

A hydrogen tester meter, also known as a hydrogen sensor meter, is a compact electronic device designed to measure the concentration of molecular H₂ gas in liquids. Its specialized tip contains an electrochemical sensor that activates when placed in hydrogen-rich water.

These battery-operated digital meters are easy to find online—I got mine from Amazon, and it’s been incredibly helpful for checking which hydrogen water bottles actually live up to their claims.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to measure dissolved H₂ levels using a portable tester meter. But first, let’s cover a few important precautions.

Precautions

Before using the digital hydrogen meter, following these safety measures can help us fetch accurate readings and prevent accidents and malfunctions.

Check the measurement range supported by the tester. If the concentration of hydrogen exceeds that range, it can potentially damage the sensor or produce inaccurate results.

Inspect the hydrogen water bottle for potential leaks before using the meter to avoid erroneous meter readings.

There must be no open flames or heat sources nearby where we are using the device.

Ensure to store it in a cool, dry, and safe place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, to extend the shelf life of the hydrogen concentration tester and ensure flawless functionality.

Before using the device, check it has sufficient battery power, otherwise it can lead to erroneous readings.

Always refer to the user manual for specific safety instructions, maintenance rules, and troubleshooting guidelines to ensure the longevity and proper functioning of the testing equipment.

Step-By-Step Process

Now that we know the precautions let us move on to the actual steps for evaluating the concentration of molecular gas produced by our hydrogen water bottles.

1. So, first, turn on the hydrogen tester meter; as soon as it powers up, you can see different readings on its small digital display screen (since these meters offer multi-functional).
2. Next, locate the reading for H₂ concentration and check the unit displayed – you can change this unit as per your preference. In most digital testers, you can choose to display in either ppb (parts per billion) or ppm (parts per million). The device is now ready to measure hydrogen concentration.
3. Now, we need to prepare our hydrogen water bottle and carry out one electrolysis cycle to infuse the water with molecular H₂ gas. Let us check the dissolved hydrogen content each time after two cycles – one shorter and then the longer cycle. 
4. At this time, complete the shorter electrolytic cycle. Open the top lid of the bottle and dip the tester meter.
5. You can see the reading (for hydrogen concentration) change rapidly and then stick to a final value which is the current volume of dissolved gas in the bottle.
6. Write it down somewhere for your reference.
7. Next, take it out and carry out another longer electrolysis cycle.
8. Repeat steps 4, 5, and 6.

Note the difference in both readings after the electrolysis cycles. The result after the second cycle should be higher than the first since a longer electrolysis cycle creates a higher concentration of molecular gas in the water.

Here is a short video showcasing the same-

Utilizing Test Reagents

Ready for a little throwback to your school chemistry lab? The next method for testing hydrogen concentration, titration, skips high-tech gadgets in favor of a simple yet fascinating blue liquid—commonly known as a reagent in chemistry.

This reagent, called ‘methylene blue,’ reacts with hydrogen-rich water by neutralizing the H₂ content. As it does, the liquid changes from blue to colorless. The number of drops it takes to completely clear the color indicates the concentration of dissolved H₂.

I’ll walk you through the process step by step in just a moment. But first, let’s cover a few essential precautions to ensure accurate results.

Pre-considerations

Always make sure to wear gloves, protective glasses, and aprons while using the blue reagent, to safeguard yourself against accidental spillage or splashing.

Cover any open surface with paper towels or similar coverings to prevent damage or discoloration.

Make sure to use this blue reagent away from hot surfaces, sources of heat, open flames, and sparks.

Do not drink, eat, or smoke while you work with this chemical reagent.

Be very careful to avoid any contact with your eyes and skin; prolonged skin contact can cause irritation, dryness, redness, and itching.

Remember to wash your hands thoroughly with plenty of water after you are done working with the blue reagent.

Step-By-Step Method

You can carry out the following steps to measure dissolved hydrogen after buying a test reagent kit available online.

1. Prepare hydrogen-rich water in your bottle by carrying out one complete electrolysis cycle.
2. Take a graduated beaker (or use the one that comes with the testing kit) and gently pour hydro-water into it directly from the bottle till the 6 or 10-ml mark.
3. Now, quickly add a single drop of the blue reagent to the hydrogenated water in the beaker, and watch the blue drop turn clear.
4. Keep adding drops of the blue reagent, and carefully count the number of drops.
5. Using a wand, stir gently after adding each drop until the water no longer turns clear. This is the indication that you have reached the titration endpoint; after this point, whenever you add more reagent, the water will remain bluish and no longer turn clear.
6. Write down the total number of drops you added till the liquid stopped becoming colorless (i.e., till we reached the titration endpoint). This is crucial since this count will be used to calculate the volume of dissolved hydrogen in the water.
7. Next, multiply the number of drops you added, with 0.1 to get the concentration of molecular H₂ in mg/liter or ppm.

So, for example, if you added 20 drops, then 20 x 0.1 = 2 mg/liter (ppm) is the concentration of dissolved hydrogen.

Follow these same steps to measure the content of dissolved H₂ after 8 or 10 hours of electrolysis, to get a fair idea about the retention capacity of your hydrogen water bottle. But make sure to work quickly, since H₂ gas rapidly escapes from water over a short time.

Also, every time after testing, make sure to rinse the graduated beaker and wand to remove any residue of the blue reagent. Allowing even the slightest residue buildup can lead to inaccurate readings.

Here is a nice video elaborating on the testing method with the H2Blue reagent-

Other Methods To Test Hydrogen Concentration

The two methods I’ve shared so far are perfect for trying at home. I’ve analyzed them myself and can confidently say you won’t need any fancy equipment or specialized knowledge to get started—it’s hassle-free and straightforward!

Now, there are other ways to measure hydrogen concentration in a bottle, but those involve advanced equipment and industrial-level expertise, making them less practical for home use.

• Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) Meters: These devices measure the reduction potential of water to give an indirect estimate of hydrogen concentration. A lower ORP usually means higher antioxidant potential, hinting at the presence of dissolved H₂ levels.
• Gas Chromatography (GC): This method takes water samples into a lab, where the exact concentration of dissolved hydrogen gas is separated and measured with precision. While this method is extremely accurate and precise, it is time-consuming, costly, and not portable.
• Hydrogen Gas Sensors/Analyzers: Equipped with a specialized sensor, these tools directly measure the dissolved hydrogen concentration in ppm (parts per million) or mg/L (milligrams per liter), offering accurate and reliable readings. But those are expensive and may require calibration.

So, Which Testing Process Is Best And Why?

My first experience with a digital hydrogen concentration tester was, to say the least, unexpected. I quickly learned that these devices aren’t always built for tough conditions. Last year, one of my digital tester meters suddenly started giving inaccurate readings, which was frustrating.

When it worked, my first hydrogen meter impressed me with its ability to detect even trace amounts of molecular H₂ after even 12 hours of electrolysis. Unfortunately, it didn’t last a year. Thankfully, my other two meters are still going strong. For quick and efficient testing, a digital hydrogen tester is a SOLID CHOICE.

On the other hand, the blue reagent method (I use H2Blue) has been a game-changer for home testing. It’s affordable, easy to use, and widely available—but it does have its downsides. Methylene blue, the reagent is toxic and must be handled carefully (safety data sheet).

I learned this the hard way when I spilled a few drops on my hands, which caused an itchy rash (I have a sensitive skin, this may not happen with others) that required a dermatologist visit. Another mishap left my white dining table with blue stains—proof that skipping precautions isn’t worth the risk!

With the right protective gear (gloves), though, this method is as effective as any high-tech alternative. I use it regularly to test the EFFICIENCY of my hydrogen water bottles, especially when fewer bubbles during electrolysis hint at electrode plaque buildup.

Unlike hydrogen sensor meters, the blue reagent isn’t affected by weather conditions and has a long shelf life. While keeping track of the number of drops can be tedious and requires focus, the consistent and accurate results make it my go-to method for testing H₂ concentration at home.

Also Read: How To Make Hydrogen Water At Home?

Pro Tips

While using a tester meter, make sure you examine the calibration before measuring H₂ concentration in hydrogen-rich water, to get accurate readings. If the manufacturer provides instructions in the user manual, follow them to recalibrate if necessary.

If you find the tip of the blue reagent bottle clogged, do not try to unclog it by piercing with a pin or squeezing the bottle hard, because it can be potentially hazardous.

Regardless of using a digital tester or blue reagent, we have to quickly carry out the steps with hydrogenated water, to minimize dissipation of molecular H₂.

Knowing how to assess the hydrogen concentration in a bottle can be incredibly useful for anyone aiming to perfect their hydration routine, including me. It ensures that the water we drink daily maintains its health benefits, quality, and safety while also justifying the investment in hydrogen water bottles.

When I reflect on it, I realize how this practice provides a strong motivation to stay committed to a healthier lifestyle.