National Standard for Hydrogen Containers
by Julie Cairns, CSA America, Inc.


CSA America, working with the Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition, is developing standards coverage for hydrogen containers. Its Joint Technical Advisory Group on Standards for Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Fuel Containers (ANSI/CSA NGV2) has supervised the preparation and revision of standards for compressed natural gas (CNG) containers for the past twelve years. CSA America, with the encouragement of industry and government, is expanding the scope of this standard to address containers for compressed hydrogen. A broad representation from the hydrogen industry sector was invited and attended the first meeting on February 11-12, 2003 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Agenda:

• Adoption of standards coverage for compressed hydrogen vehicle containers using the current NGV2 standard as a basis;
  
  
• Coordination of the NGV2/H2 activity with CSA B51, ISO DIS 11439 and NFPA 52 code activities;
  
  
• Expanding coverage to include fueling station storage cylinders; and
  
  
• Review and consideration of revisions concerning UV exposure, environmental testing, bonfire testing, requalification of containers, and drop testing;

CSA America, Inc. is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a Standards Development Organization (SDO). CSA America, Inc. develops safety standards for gas equipment, gas piping systems and controls, stationary, residential and portable fuel cells and hydrogen generation, and related energy sectors in the U.S. market, and participates in other National and International standards activities. 

CSA America, Inc. provides administrative support to more than 40 committees, subcommittees and working groups that develop and maintain safety and design standards. These safety design standards cover construction, safe operation, performance, laboratory test methods, utilization, maintenance and nomenclature. CSA America, Inc. is engaged in harmonizing U.S. and Canadian safety standards so that products can be marketed in both the U.S. and Canada.

For additional information on this project please contact Julie Cairns, CSA America, Inc., at 216-524-4990, Ext. 8213 or julie.cairns@csa-america.org.