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UN Classification of Hydrides
by Karen Miller, National Hydrogen Association
Jeff Grant, Codes and Standards Specialist at Ballard Power Systems, has been working with the UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods in order to include charged metal hydride storage systems. Having these systems internationally classified enables manufacturers a way of shipping these systems more easily. Currently, there is no classification that is applicable, nor is there a recognized standard for a charged metal hydride storage system design.
As a member of the NHA’s Codes and Standards Committee, Working Group 2: Metal Hydrides, Mr. Grant has kept the working group updated on the efforts to have these systems classified. An informal paper on the classification of metal hydride storage systems was presented by Linda Hume-Sastre of Transport Canada in June to the Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Although the response was favorable, several comments were received from member countries that are currently being addressed, the most contentious being the inclusion of a mandatory subsidiary risk, addressing the potential flammability, self-heating, and water reactive characteristics of the hydride under various states of charge.
Mr. Grant has solicited comments the NHA WG2 membership, and provided this input to the Canadian delegation, on the path to reaching an industry consensus. The next meeting of the UN sub-committee is in December 2002, where the formal proposal will be put to a vote.
For more information on this activity, contact Jeff Grant, Codes & Standards Specialist, Ballard Power Systems, Phone: 604-453-3578, E-mail: jeff.grant@ballard.com.
On a related topic, NHA Working Group 2 has recently submitted a New Work Item Proposal (NWIP) on metal hydrides to ISO/TC 197. This NWIP is currently being balloted. If approved, a new international working group of experts will be formed to develop an international standard, based on the NWIP draft and expertise of the member countries participating.
For more information on this activity, contact Debbie Angerman, U.S. TAG Administrator, ISO/TC 197, Compressed Gas Association, 4221 Walney Road, 5th Floor, Chantilly, VA 20151. Phone: 703-788-2724, Fax: 703-961-1831, E-mail: dangerman@cganet.com.
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