Safety Requirements for Hydrogen Use
Hydrogen has been used in various industries such as chemicals, metallurgy, petroleum and aerospace, and is widely recognized as one of the main clean fuels in the future. In order to ensure the safety of hydrogen use, the Chinese Government promulgated the Safety Technical Regulations for Hydrogen Use GB4962-1985.
This safety technical regulations for hydrogen use consists of a total of 14 chapters and an appendix. All regulations for the application and handling of hydrogen must be strictly followed, including the selection and design of equipment, construction and installation, operation, maintenance and management.
The first chapter is general provisions. This provision mainly stipulates the scope of application and the meanings of expression in this regulations. The regulations applied to non-pressurized gaseous hydrogen and liquefied hydrogen, but hydrogen liquid with a pressure of not more than 0.1MPa (equal to atmospheric pressure) is not included.
The second chapter is the safety requirements of hydrogen selection and design equipment. For example, when using the pressure regulating device, the initial expansion ratio and pressure regulating ratio should meet the requirements; when using the pressure reducing valve, the valve materials should comply with the regulations.
The third chapter is construction and installation requirements. It mainly stipulates that when loading and unloading hydrogen vessels and equipment, the anti-static measures should be taken effectively, and the grounding resistance should meet the requirements; when welding, we should pay attention to the protection of hydrogen cylinders and pipes, etc.
The fourth chapter is the operating requirements. For the operation of hydrogen cylinders and the construction of hydrogen stations, it mainly stipulates that it is forbidden to fill and transport the cylinder in the workshop whose temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius; when operating, it is prohibited within 6m from the blasting site.
The fifth chapter is the when filling and letting out hydrogen, the filling should be carried out transferring from airtight containers, pressure type tanks and pipeline transportation; first use the vents gases for weigh, then use the equipment for weighing transshipment.
The sixth chapter is the inspection regulations. It mainly stipulates that the pressure containers should be tested every two years in principle; the general pressure containers should be inspected at least once a year; when doing a test, the main parameters should be recorded.
The seventh chapter is maintenance regulations. It mainly stipulates that regular maintenance should be carried out on hydrogen pressure containers, process equipment and instrument and detection equipment.
The eighth chapter is the announcement and management of hydrogen. It mainly stipulates that personnel related to hydrogen should receive safety training and obtain safety qualifications; safety safety management personnel should be set up and hydrogen safety production regulations should be formulated; safety education should be given by personnel in charge.
The ninth chapter is the storage and on-site transport requirements of hydrogen. It mainly stipulates the number of cylinders that can be stored in a storehouse, the number of cylinders for on-site transport, the locations of storage and the precautions for storage and transport.
The tenth chapter is the regulations for inspections and record-keeping for hydrogen operations. It mainly stipulates that the inspection work for safety elements such as firefighters, gas detectors and pipelines should be carried out; safety record should be kept and inspected by the technical supervisors.
The eleventh chapter is the requirements for the use of miscellaneous pipes and utensils. It mainly stipulates that when using miscellaneous pipes, the seal should be reliable; when using miscellaneous utensils, the size and quality should meet the requirements.
The twelfth chapter is the requirements for the handling of accidents. It mainly stipulates that when an accident occurs, first make an emergency shutdown and notify the safety personnel; when the accident is over, reinstate the equipment; notify the leaders in time and give preliminary investigation reports.
The thirteenth chapter is the application requirements of anti-theft alarm system. It mainly stipulates that when setting up the anti-theft alarm system for hydrogen, the design should satisfy the required requirements, and when equip the remote control device, it shall be inspected and accepted by professional and technical personnel.
The fourteenth chapter is additional provisions. This provision mainly stipulates that the safety technical regulations for hydrogen use GB4962-1985 replaces the safety technical regulations for hydrogen use GB4960-1984.
The appendix is the form for filling and recording of inspection.
In conclusion, the GB4962-1985 safety technical regulations for hydrogen use provides comprehensive and strict regulations for hydrogen application, selection and design of equipments, construction and installation, operation, maintenance and management, etc. Following these regulations is essential to ensure the safety of hydrogen use.
