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In the U.S., there is no specific national requirement for fuel cell test equipment to be certified. There may be requirements from the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Local building codes will likely point to compliance with NFPA 2/55 for the hydrogen and other gas supply systems, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code for vessels, ASME B31 piping codes for piping, and National…

Category: Miscellaneous
Keywords: Fuel Cells, Laboratory, Certification, AHJ

Because a small spark can ignite hydrogen-air mixtures, precautions such as using spark-resistant tools is one method that can be considered to reduce the probability of an ignition. However, there is little evidence that spark-resistant tools make a significant difference.   


Spark-resistant tools are made of nonferrous materials that are inherently weaker than the steels…

Category: Miscellaneous
Keywords: Spark-resistant, Spark-proof, Non-Sparking, Tools

It depends on the construction and location of the lights. Assuming the typical practice of using non-classified lighting on vehicles, operation of those lights during a delivery could provide an ignition source if located within the classified area near the delivery or venting activity. A more modern LED lighting systems may present a lower risk.

Category: Miscellaneous
Keywords: Delivery, Ignition, Lights, Hazards, Flashing

Equation 6.3.1.1 in CGA S1.3 is based on modeling to API methods described in: Heitner, T. Trautmauis, and M. Morrissey, “Relieving Requirements for Gas Filled Vessels Exposed to Fire,” 1983 Proceedings-Refining Department, Volume 62, American Petroleum Institute, Washington, D.C., pp. 112-122.

This method considers the transient nature of the vessel warming in combination with the…

Category: Pressure Relief Devices
Keywords: Pressure Relief Device, Relief valve, Rupture Disc, Orifice size

API 520, Sizing, Selection, and Installation of Pressure-relieving Devices Part I - Sizing and Selection, was written for use in the process industries in gas and liquid service.

CGA S1.3, Pressure Relief Device Standards-Part 3-Stationary Storage Containers for Compressed Gases was written for fixed equipment in gas service.

Which standard to use depends on the choice by the owner…

Category: Pressure Relief Devices
Keywords: Pressure Relief Device, Relief valve, Rupture Disc, Orifice size, CGA, API

Pressure relief systems may use reclosing devices like relief valves, non-reclosing devices like rupture discs, or a combination of both in parallel. Some systems may also be equipped with emergency blowdown systems that are operated by control systems. Selection of the proper devices is dependent on the system design and relative hazards. Variables that affect the selection include the type…

Category: Pressure Relief Devices
Keywords: Pressure Relief Device, Relief valve, Rupture Disc, System Design, Installation
Category: Miscellaneous
Keywords: Ignite, Static Charge, Electrolyzer, Ignition, Electrical Classification, Release, Vent Stack, Vent, Atmosphere, Flare, Fire, Separation Distance, Flame Arrestor, Toroidal Ring, Airfield, Pipeline, Materials, Compatibility, Cast Iron, Piping, Leak, Gas detector, Calibration Detector, Portable, Outdoors, Truck, Attributes, Set Point, Extinguish, Explosion, Deluge, Relief, TPRD, Indoors, Threshold, Natural Gas, Blending, Material Compatibility, Odorant, PRD, Pressure, Mobile, Helium, Fueling Station, Railroad, Train, Oxygen, Overpressure, Korea, Composite, Tank, Cylinder, Laboratory, Odor, Fuel Cells, Conversion, Delayed Ignition, Jet Fire, Hazards Analysis, Jacketed, Barriers, Liquid, Residential, Furnace, Risk, Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE), Emergency Response, Deflagration, Detonation, Training, Underground, Storage, Tube Trailer, Fueling Station, Gasoline, Diesel, Electric Charging, Rupture Panel, Instruments, Valves, Actuator, Procedure, Dispersion, Model

The answer could be no devices at all, just a TPRD, just a PRD, or both. It depends on the potential overpressure scenarios identified during a hazard assessment. TPRDs typically are not used on ASME pressure vessels since they are not ASME compliant devices and since  system siting provides protection from engulfing fires. However, TPRDs are frequently used in portable applications for…

Category: Pressure Relief Devices
Keywords: Pressure, Relief, System Design

It depends on the service. Variables include disk design, corrosion resistance, number of cycles, and how to close the operating pressure is to the rupture disc set pressure. One approach is to ask the manufacturer for their recommendation. Typical practice for U.S. Department of Transportation vessels and discs is to replace them at the tube requalification (i.e., every 5 to 10 years in the U…

Category: Pressure Relief Devices
Keywords: Pressure, Relief, Rupture Disc, Replacement

Based on the question, it’s not clear if the reference to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) has been proven or is only suspected. It can be difficult to identify the nature of the cracks (SCC vs H2 embrittlement without analysis and microscopy). In addition, the question does not mention that the cylinders contain hydrogen gas, but it’s assumed since it was submitted to the Panel. 

Category: Pressure Relief Devices
Keywords: Pressure, Relief, Device, Material Selection, System Design
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