Storage and Transfer of Hydrogen

Operating procedures should ensure that:

• the system is properly leak tight and fully operational before use

  example: a quantitative leak check procedure is used

• unwanted mixing of hydrogen with an oxidizer is prevented

  example: procedures should be in place for purging or otherwise removing air from a system before introducing hydrogen

• the system is operated within design limits for temperature, pressure, and stress

  example: detailed cooldown procedures for a cryogenic system should be outlined in operating procedures to prevent excessive thermal stresses

• handling (loading and unloading) precautions are followed for reactive or dangerous substances used in a hydrogen system

  example: use of pyrophoric compounds such as metal hydrides