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Vent stacks must be designed for a fire at the outlet. The mesh is designed to ensure no blockage of the vent stack by animals/insects. 

Additionally, the mesh must be designed for pressure drop to ensure code-compliant back pressure on the relief devices.

Category: System Design
Keywords: Vent Stack, Mesh, Pressure, Pressure Relief Device

Rupture discs open very rapidly. Historically, rupture discs opening at high pressure (1000 psig and above) have caused the most damage due to deflagration/detonation. Timing a rupture disc would not be possible. Additionally, how would you have a pilot light on a moving tube trailer? Even with a pilot light at the end of the stack may blow out due to the initial high velocity.

See…

Category: System Design
Keywords: Venting, Auto-Ignition, Rupture Disc

In laboratories, 316 stainless steel tubing is frequently the first choice for small flow and pressures less than 2800 psi (19 MPa). See Best Practices: Material Compatibility for hydrogen compatibility with various materials. Always work within manufacturer’s pressure ratings adjusted for temperature. Read and follow…

Category: System Design
Keywords: Piping, Fitting, Mixed Gas, Temperature

Outside storage is generally considered safer and is required for large amounts of gas. Stationary storage should be located outside at a safe distance from structures and ventilation intakes, and protected from vehicle impact. 

Hydrogen storage separation distance requirements are typically based on the quantity and pressure of the hydrogen or the piping diameter, depending on the…

Category: Hazards Analysis
Keywords: Safety, Outdoors, Storage, Requirements, NFPA 2

Sprinkler systems and other fire suppression means are prescribed per building and fire codes to limit fire spread to other materials. In the case of a hydrogen leak and fire, it is best practice to isolate the hydrogen source, and let any residual hydrogen gas burn out. Even if the initial fire is extinguished, additional leaking hydrogen may accumulate and ignite with the potential for an…

Category: Hazards Analysis
Keywords: Fire Protection, Codes, Leak, Explosion

There are several resources that can help review designs, such as the Hydrogen Safety Panel and other outside consultants that are members of the Center for Hydrogen Safety.

Category: System Design
Keywords: Testing, System Design

See H2Tools, Best Practices: Purging, for a description of different purging approaches for hydrogen systems.

Category: System Design
Keywords: Purge, Requirements, System Design

If the concentration of hydrogen is less than the Lower Flammability Limit (LFL) of 4% in an inert gas, it is unlikely that a leak of this gas mix will form a flammable mixture as it dilutes into air. For example, industry uses ‘forming gas’, a mixture of 4 to 5% H2 in nitrogen, as an oxide reducing agent in materials processing furnaces and soldering operations. This mixture can also be used…

Category: Hazards Analysis
Keywords: Mixed Gas, Detector, Gas detector, Leak, Lower Flammability Limit (LFL)

The key concern with any hydrogen release is the risk of creating a flammable mixture. There should be no environmental issues if you properly vent hydrogen to a safe area where it is diluted in air below the flammability limit before contacting an ignition source. Very small quantities of hydrogen are frequently releasing into a fume hood. Releases have to be small enough so that the vent air…

Category: Hazards Analysis
Keywords: Mixed Gas, Environment, Flammability, Lower Flammability Limit (LFL), Vent Stack, NFPA 2

Using tools inside a fume hood that may have a flammable gas mixture should be prohibited. A properly operating hood of the right capacity should keep the mixture of hydrogen in air inside the hood below the Lower Flammability Limit (LFL) of hydrogen further reducing any risk. 

If the use of tools is necessary, the source of hydrogen should be isolated before the work begins even if…

Category: Hazards Analysis
Keywords: Mixed Gas, Lower Flammability Limit (LFL), Leak, Spark-resistant
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