Pressure Equipment

See Storage and Piping for some relevant information about pressure equipment. Some highlights relevant to experiment setup follow.

Only materials that are compatible with hydrogen should be used for pressure equipment in hydrogen service.

Equipment used at pressures above 105 kPa (15 psig) should be designed and constructed by qualified individuals for use at the expected temperature, pressure, and other operating conditions affecting safety.

Excess flow valves or flow restrictors should be used to control maximum hydrogen flow, particularly when using multiple cylinders connected to a common manifold.

Pressure equipment should be fitted with a pressure relief device (PRD), such as a rupture disc or a relief valve. The PRD should be vented to a safe location.

Equipment should be operated and maintained according to manufacturers’ instructions, the design limitations of the equipment, and applicable codes and regulations.

Properly purge or otherwise evacuate air from all vessels and piping before introducing hydrogen to prevent potential explosive mixtures from occurring. See Purging

Pressure equipment should be inspected and leak-checked regularly. If there is any significant change in the condition of the equipment (e.g., corrosion, cracks, distortion, scale formation, general chemical attack, weakening of the closure, inability of the equipment to maintain pressure), it should be removed from service immediately and not returned to service until approved by a qualified person.

Some equipment, e.g., hoses and flexible tubing, generally should be replaced on a regular schedule.