A "drop and swap" delivery system using tube trailers is a common and accepted method of supply for both industrial and fueling station applications. While NFPA 2 - 2023, paragraph 10.6.3.5 states, "The use of hose in a hydrogen dispensing system shall be limited to vehicle fueling hose," this is intended for the dispenser itself, not the entire fueling station. This does not limit the use of…
Many methods are used to mitigate the risk of a tube trailer hose loss of containment incident. Examples that otherwise exceed code requirements are provided below. These have been deployed in various combinations depending on the risk analysis for a particular system:
1. As of January 2024, we are not aware of any public data on incidents or investigations where a hydrogen fired steam boiler exploded.
2. The potential for detonations within a boiler tube would depend on both the equivalence ratio of the hydrogen present and the diameter of the boiler tube.
a. At a minimum, if the circumference of the tube is…
The Panel recommends performing a pressure test at 110% of design pressure. This requirement should be applied to all systems regardless of construction type since the intent is to ensure pressure integrity and proper installation. All fitting types have modes of failure during installation. For example, there are numerous examples where compression fittings have had ferrules installed…
The HSP recommends against the use of glycols for pressure tests due to the difficulty of adequately removing all glycol that might be left in a system after a hydrotest. The HSP recommends a pneumatic test at 110% of the system maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP), which is acceptable by code. Due to an increased danger with pneumatics vs hydrotesting, establish a pressure test zone for…
Yes, these would be ignitable mixtures. In this case, it does not appear complicated geometry is involved, so 1200 psig pipe should be more than adequate to protect against internal deflagration. The most likely scenario is a "backfire," similar to a car, where ignition occurs too soon and shoots out the open end of the pipe. Consider using an inline deflagration flash arrestor on the…
Gaseous hydrogen can be stored forever as long as the system integrity is maintained. However, liquid hydrogen is “use it or lose it” and will boil from system heat leak and build pressure unless it is used or vented. This is not usually an issue for continuous use or low-pressure applications which can use hydrogen gas pressure directly from the tank.
For intermittent or high…
Hydrogen affects the mechanical properties of most materials. For example, hydrogen reduces the
fracture toughness and increases the fatigue crack growth rate in steels. There is a significant amount of
research, analytical work, and codes and standards development being undertaken to improve our
understanding of how these materials can be utilized in pipelines. The results of the…
Because cast irons are relatively brittle materials, they should generally be avoided in industrial and
transmission pipeline applications. In low pressure applications like residential distribution piping
systems, the use of cast irons is probably acceptable.
Acceptability of materials is highly dependent on the specific application. Applied stress levels, exposure to contaminants, the operating temperature, the partial pressure, and number and magnitude of material stress cycles are some of the factors that affect material selection. Guidance is provided within documents such as ISO 11114, Gas cylinders - Compatibility of cylinder and valve…
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