Dispenser Nozzle Freezing During Hydrogen Refueling
This entry refer to a series of events occurred before the date given, which corresponds to the publication of the evidences at the Int. Conference on Hydrogen Safety 2015. The nozzle/receptacle connection froze when refuelling the on-board hydrogen storage system at the lowest precooling temperature of -40 C. However, freezing did not cause apparatus damage nor hydrogen leakage. The nozzle/receptacle is thus able to fuel safely even if the nozzle/receptacle is stuck due to ice.
Event Date
January 1, 2015
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
The low temperature of the hydrogen caused the water vapor in the atmosphere to freeze around the nozzle-receptacle connection. Under specific environmental conditions creating high humidity, the quantity of ice forming does not allow for decoupling of the connection after the refueling.
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
nozzle - receptacle connection
Storage/Process Medium
Location description
Inhabited Area
Operational Condition
Pre-event Summary
Under certain environmental conditions, air humidity can precipitate as ice around the nozzles/receptacle connection.
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
The results of the research presented at the ICHS2015 confirmed that the possibility of hydrogen leakage or damage to the apparatus during nozzles/receptacle connection freezing is low and that it is safe. Freezing at the hydrogen station will only prolong fuelling time. The standards prescribing nozzle - receptacle designs were adapted.
Event Nature
Emergency Action
It would be enough to wait for the melting of the ice.
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
paper 346 presented at the Int. Conference onHydrogenSafety ICHS2015