Quantity and Pressure limitation

This LAP¨refers to the quantity and pressure limitations. It underlines what are the requirements and limitations in terms of pressure and quantity of hydrogen for hydrogen transport. Finally, it shows if it is possible to increase the pressure/quantity, and if yes which authority is competent, what is the process to follow, how long does it takes and what are the costs associated if known.

Glossary:

Quantity and Pressure limitation represent the maximum quantity and/or pressure of gases which is allowed to be transported.

Pan-European Assessment:

There is no limitation in terms of pressure, (mostly transported at around 200-300 bars) In terms of quantity, the limitation is connected to the maximum weight the truck can transport.

select country:

Is it a barrier?

Yes

Type of Barrier

Operational barrier

Assessment Severity

Assessment

It is an inherent issue for the transport of hazardous flammable / explosive gasses and the industrial gas firms (BOC Linde, Air Products, etc) indicate that quantity and pressure of transported H2 are a trade–off against cost of introducing and running new equipment against operational planning for HRS supply (and supply to industrial users). However new entrants and those looking to offer mobile re–fuelling have found this to be complex, time consuming and expensive. Time and cost to create new vehicle based H2 transport systems with different (higher) volumes/pressures.

Questions:

Question 1 What are the pressure requirements and limitations accepted for hydrogen transport by road?

There are no specific pressure limits to H2 in transportable H2 cylinders (with the provison that the cylinders fit within the accepted envelope for a standard goods vehicle) – provided that the cylinder and pressure regulator valve meets required pressure Directive standards / ISO standards and are CE marked. For the UK the Pressure Equipment Regulations apply to the design, manufacture, conformity assessment and periodic reassessment of transportable cylinders, tubes, cryogenic vessels and tanks for transporting gases; also covers associated valves and includes both refillable and non–refillable cylinders.

Question 2 What are the quantity requirements and limitations accepted for hydrogen transport by road?

There are no specific quantity limitations for the UK. The known upper volume transported is by refrigerated liguid H2 tanker that moves between Rotterdam and the FC bus depot in Leyton east London by Air Products with 3500kg of H2 per trailer delivery. The Air Products high pressure tube trailers delivers 720kg of H2 at 500 bar.

Describe the comparable technology and its relevance with regard to hydrogen

Similar hazardous gasses

National legislation:

UK – Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Receptacles Regulations 2009 (CDG Regs) – restructured to create the majority of duties by direct reference to ADR. They were amended in 2011, mainly to take account of changes to the Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive
Carries over the ADR legal coverage such that hazardous materials can be transported domestically, and internationally, in wheeled vehicles, provided that conditions be met for the product packaging and labelling; and that the construction, equipment, and use of vehicles for the transport is compliant with VCA and HSE ensuring conditions are met and vehicles and equipment are compliant
Carriage of Dangerous Goods Manual – Regulatory & Enforcement Environment – HSE
VCA Dangerous Goods Office (UK certification authority for pressure receptacles in accordance with ADR, TPED and the UK carriage regulation)s
UK carriage requirements
National Legislation (adopted by parliament)
Compliance requirements under VCA Dangerous Goods Office

EU Legislation:

ADR European Agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by roads.
hazardous materials may in general be transported internationally in wheeled vehicles, provided that conditions be met for the product packaging and labelling; and that the construction, equipment, and use of vehicles for the transport is compliant:
ADR European Agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by roads.ADR European Agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by roads.
ISO/DIS 17519 (EN) Gas cylinders – Refillable, permanently mounted composite tubes for transportation
Specifies the minimum requirements for the material, design construction and workmanship, manufacturing processes, examination and testing at time of manufacture of an assembly of permanently mounted composite tube(s) in a frame with associated components.