CSA SPE-2.1.3:20

This is the first edition of CSA SPE-2.1.3, Best practices for defueling, decommissioning, and disposal of compressed hydrogen gas vehicle fuel containers.

This Document is part of the CSA SPE-2.1 Series. It is planned to be published under the same cover as the CSA SPE-2.1 Series in a subsequent edition.

CSA Group acknowledges that the development of this Document was made possible, in part, by the financial support of Natural Resources Canada.

Scope:

1.1 General

This Document contains requirements for the safe removal and disposal of compressed hydrogen gas (CHG) containers from hydrogen gas vehicle (HGV) service when the container

a) has reached its end of life as indicated by the date on the container label;

b) has been condemned in accordance with visual inspection guidelines;

c) is no longer of value to an owner; or

d) has been deemed a public nuisance or imminent hazard by the local authority (abandoned, confiscated, or seized containers).

It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the CHG containers on the vehicle are defueled and removed by a qualified agency at the end of the container life (EOL). Once the container has been removed, the custodian of the container is responsible to dispose of the container safely. Note: Owners should obtain paperwork to document transfer of custody.

1.2 Procedure overview

In general, the best practice for disposal of all condemned containers requires adherence to the following procedures:

a) Safely defuel and purge the contents.

b) Remove the valve and other fittings.

c) Retain identification markings (e.g., manufacturer, model, and serial number), but obliterate markings related to regulatory approval (e.g., “DOT”, “TC”, and “HGV2”).

d) Destroy the container.

e) Properly discard the container.

1.3 Container type

HGV 2 high-pressure containers are designated as follows:

a) Type 1. Metal.

b) Type 2. Resin impregnated continuous filament with metal liner, with the liner having a minimum burst pressure of 125% of nominal working pressure. This container is hoop-wrapped.

c) Type 3. Resin impregnated continuous filament with metal liner. This container is full-wrapped.

d) Type 4. Resin impregnated continuous filament with a non-metallic liner.

1.4 Terminology

In this Document, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Document; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Document. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

1.5 Units of measurement

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Document. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.