ICC Hearing Results
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

As you know, the Hydrogen Industry Panel on Codes (HIPOC) developed several code change proposals for the International Fire Code, and coordinated with other groups to harmonize similar proposals.

HIPOC worked with the Compressed Gas Association and the National Association of State Fire Marshals to agree to proposed code change language for the International Fire Code. These changes harmonize the separation distance requirements for bulk hydrogen storage throughout the US Model Codes, using the methodologies developed by Sandia National Laboratory and industry over the past several years. These coordinated code change proposals were recommended for approval by the International Fire Code Committee during the Public Hearings held in October 2009.

The HIPOC submitted two proposals, F176 and F214, and coordinated proposals with other stakeholder groups.  Other proposals relevant for hydrogen technologies include F174, F175, F177, and F215. In advance of the hearings, proponents for the similar proposals developed a strategy for modifying several of them in order to eliminate the need for the others. This provided a clear pathway to achieving the desired results with fewer code changes, and, more importantly, it demonstrated industry consensus in the technical merits of the proposed changes to the code.

Here are the results of the Public Hearings:

  • F174 – Approved as modified.
  • F175 – Disapproved. This proposal was from CSA America and sought to reference documents that are not yet published as ANSI-approved standards. The NHA will assist CSA International to further develop a proposal to allow approvals in lieu of listing where the listing standards are still under development.
  • F176 – Withdrawn by the proponent in favor of F214 and F215.
  • F177 – Withdrawn by the proponent in favor of F214 and F215.
  • F214 – Approved as modified.
  • F215 – Approved as modified.

It is important to understand that this Public Hearing is not the end of the process. There will be a further public review of the results of this hearing. Proposals receiving comments during this stage will be heard at the Final Action Hearings scheduled for October 28 – November 1, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

CORRECTION
Since this article was originally published, we've learned that the ICC Final Action Hearings schedule is not as we thought. The paragraph above should read: 

It is important to understand that this Public Hearing is not the end of the process. There will be a further public review of the results of this hearing. Proposals receiving comments during this stage will be heard at the Final Action Hearings scheduled for May 14-23, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. Public Comments are due February 8, 2010.

Here is a revised ICC schedule, provided by the Chair of the IFC Committee:

The exact wording of the modifications will be available from ICC when the Report of the Public Hearing is published, which is expected to occur on December 16, 2009. The NHA will publish a link to the monograph and public comment forms in the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Safety Reportwhen these are available from ICC. In addition, the NHA will review the Final Action Agenda to determine whether public comments are received on the hydrogen-related proposals and work with HIPOC throughout the public comment period and Final Action Hearings, if necessary.

Results of the 2009 ISO/TC 197 Plenary
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

The 2009 Plenary Meeting of ISO/TC 197 was held on October 14 in Seoul, Korea. There were 8 countries (Korea, China, UK, Canada, USA, Brazil, France, and Japan) with 27 representatives in attendance.

The Plenary provides an opportunity to review the progress of the work items and agree to target dates for future stages of development of the documents. The following summaries are provided, based on notes taken at the meeting:

  • Working Group 5 is targeting 2009-10 for a Draft International Standard. The work item is ISO 17268: Compressed hydrogen land vehicle connection devices.  The working group has agreed to a 70 MPa profile and decided to delete the 50 MPa profile at this time as it is not being actively used (and will likely have to be upgraded if/when there is interest in 50MPa systems).   A change to title and scope as shown in the report of the Secretariat was approved.

  • Working Group 6 is being re-structured.  At that time, work will re-start with regard to development of an International Standard for hydrogen vehicle tanks.

  • Working Group 8 continues to develop the International Standard for ISO 22734-2 Hydrogen generators using water electrolysis process — Part 2: Residential applications.  There is a 2009-11 target date for a Draft International Standard.

  • The target date for the Final Draft International Standard ISO 16110-2 for hydrogen generation by fuel processors is 2009-10. This is currently in process.

  • ISO 16111 by Working Group 10 was published.  It is now used in the Orange Book as the basis for the approval of hydrogen stored in metal hydride storage (UN3468).  Canada is likely to submit a New Work Item Proposal (NWIP) for “micro” reversible metal hydrides based on ISO 16111.  This work would be picked up by WG10.

  • Committee Draft 20100 on filling stations was released for comment on October 6.  This Committee Draft does not reflect final recommendations from Task Group 1 and Task Group 2 with regard to setback distances and dispenser requirements. In addition to resolving the setback distances, Task Group 1 will address hydrogen venting, definition of hazardous locations (zones) and improve definition of requirements for LH2.

    The scope of this document is being modified to capture indoor (warehouse) fueling.  A new Task Group will be formed to address the added protective measures for this situation.

    Working Group 11 targets the Draft International Standard by 2010-11.
  • Working Group 12 on hydrogen fuel quality is targeting 2010-10 for a Draft International Standard.  This working group met on October 12-13 to continue their efforts.

  • Working Group 13 is developing ISO 26142 on hydrogen detectors. The Final Draft International Standard is targeted for 2009-11.

  • NWIPs are being circulated for stationary hydrogen quality (Japan) and stationary storage vessels (France).

  • There was a brief discussion of the need for component standards in the Compressed Hydrogen Storage Systems on vehicles.   ISO/TC22 would have the lead.  The US discussed the HGV standards being developed in North America for this purpose. The Chair suggested that the US-TAG should confirm CSA’s intent to promote HGV standards for this purpose and, if so, the delivery dates.

    The Chair noted the possibility of forming an “advisory group” on pressure vessels in the near future.  This group would provide external, as well as internal, guidance on standards.

    The ad hoc group on hydrogen vehicle fuel system is performing a technical consultation, and has published the findings of the review on existing standards.

Membership changes of note:  Austria became an O-Member (formerly P-member); Brazil upgraded from O-membership to P-membership.

The next ISO/TC 197 Plenary Meeting will be held around May 16-21, 2010 in Essen. This coincides with the 2010 World Hydrogen Energy Conference.

6th International Short Course and Advanced Research Workshop
Regulations, Codes and Standards
January 25-29, 2010 - Belfast, UK

It is our pleasure to invite you to the 6th International short course and advanced research workshop in the popular series "Progress in Hydrogen Safety." The topic of the 6th course is "Regulations, codes and standards." The brochure and registration form can be found at: hysafer.ulster.ac.uk/phs. 

This promises to be an exciting event for industrialists, professionals, researchers and those who are interested in developing hydrogen as an energy carrier as regulations, codes and standards are significant to establishing a market receptive environment for commercialising hydrogen-based products and systems. The course includes International and domestic keynote speakers who will present their expertise and experience in the emerging field of regulations, codes and standards for the hydrogen economy.

Who Should Attend?
The International short course and advanced research workshop is an innovative event for researchers, professionals and industrialists alike and is ideally suited to those who wish to meet the growing demand for specialised professionals in academia and industry in hydrogen safety engineering, to help meet the needs of the economy and promote wealth creation and commercialise hydrogen products and systems. 

The course is an ideal educational and networking opportunity, for those working in industries and services, such as: aerospace, process industries, energy industry, civil works, transport and distribution, fire and rescue services, regulatory authorities, teaching and research institutes, various industrialist co operations, enterprise agencies, councils consultancies and those who have an interest in working with hydrogen in this new and rapidly advancing field. 

Registration
The course is flexible and can be attended on individual days to suit your working pattern. 

Act now and receive an Early bird discount! Book before 11th December and save 10%! Register today athysafer.ulster.ac.uk/phs.

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