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63.4 Cryogenic Fluids
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This section shall apply to all cryogenic fluids, including those fluids regulated elsewhere in this Code, except that where specific requirements are provided in Sections 63.5, 63.7, or 63.11, those specific requirements shall apply in accordance with the applicable chapter. [55:8.1]
Storage, use, and handling of cryogenic fluids shall be in accordance with Chapters 1 through 6 of NFPA 55 and Section 63.4 as applicable. [55:8.1.1]
Containers employed for the storage or use of cryogenic fluids shall be designed, fabricated, tested, marked (stamped), and maintained in accordance with DOT regulations; Transport Canada (TC), Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations; the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, "Rules for the Construction of Unfired Pressure Vessels"; or regulations of other administering agencies. [55:8.2]
Aboveground tanks for the storage of cryogenic fluids shall be in accordance with 63.4.2.1. [55:8.2.1]
The inner vessel of storage tanks in cryogenic fluid service shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Section VIII, Division 1 of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and shall be vacuum jacketed in accordance with 63.4.2.1.2. [55:8.2.1.1]
The vacuum jacket used as an outer vessel for storage tanks in cryogenic fluid service shall be of welded steel construction designed to withstand the maximum internal and external pressure to which it will be subjected under operating conditions to include conditions of emergency pressure relief of the annular space between the inner vessel and the outer vessel. [55:8.2.1.2.1]
The jacket shall be designed to withstand a minimum collapsing pressure differential of 30 psi (207 kPa). [55:8.2.1.2.2]
A connection shall be provided on the exterior of the vacuum jacket to allow measurement of the pressure within the annular space between the inner vessel and the outer vessel. [55:8.2.1.2.3.1]
The connection shall be fitted with a bellows- sealed or diaphragm-type valve equipped with a vacuum gauge tube that is shielded to protect against damage from impact. [55:8.2.1.2.3.2]
Containers, equipment, and devices that are not in compliance with recognized standards for design and construction shall be permitted if approved by the AHJ upon presentation of evidence that they are designed and constructed for safe operation. [55:8.2.2.1]
The following data shall be submitted to the AHJ with reference to the deviation from the standard with the application for approval:
- Type and use of container, equipment, or device
- Material to be stored, used, or transported
- Description showing dimensions and materials used in construction
- Design pressure, maximum operating pressure, and test pressure
- Type, size, and setting of pressure relief devices
[55:8.2.2.2]
Stationary tanks shall be provided with concrete or masonry foundations or structural steel supports on firm concrete or masonry foundations, and the requirements of 63.4.2.3.1 through 63.4.2.3.5 also shall apply. [55:8.2.3]
Stationary tanks shall be supported to prevent the concentration of excessive loads on the supporting portion of the shell. [55:8.2.3.1]
Foundations for horizontal containers shall be constructed to accommodate expansion and contraction of the container. [55:8.2.3.2]
Foundations shall be provided to support the weight of vaporizers or heat exchangers. [55:8.2.3.3.1]
Foundations shall be designed to withstand soil and frost conditions as well as the anticipated seismic, snow, wind, and hydrostatic loading under operating conditions. [55:8.2.3.3.2]
Where drainage systems, terrain, or surfaces beneath stationary tanks are arranged in a manner that can subject stationary tank foundations or supports to temperatures below —130°F (—90°C), the foundations or supports shall be constructed of materials that are capable of withstanding the low-temperature effects of cryogenic fluid spillage. [55:8.2.3.4]
Portions of stationary tanks in contact with foundations or saddles shall be painted to protect against corrosion. [55:8.2.3.5]
Pressure relief devices shall be provided to protect containers and systems containing cryogenic fluids from rupture in the event of overpressure. [55:8.2.4.1.1]
Pressure relief devices shall be designed in accordance with CGA S-1.1, Pressure Relief Device Standards — Part 1 — Cylinders for Compressed Gases, and CGA S-1.2, Pressure Relief Device Standards — Part 2 — Cargo and Portable Tanks for Compressed Gases, for portable tanks; and CGA S-1.3, Pressure Relief Device Standards — Part 3 — Stationary Storage Containers for Compressed Gases, for stationary tanks. [55:8.2.4.1.2]
Portable containers that are open to the atmosphere and are designed to contain cryogenic fluids at atmospheric pressure shall not be required to be equipped with pressure relief devices. [55:8.2.4.2]
Heat exchangers, vaporizers, insulation casings surrounding containers, vessels, and coaxial piping systems in which liquefied cryogenic fluids could be trapped due to leakage from the primary container shall be provided with a pressure relief device. [55:8.2.4.3]
Pressure relief devices shall be sized in accordance with the specifications to which the container was fabricated. [55:8.2.4.4.1]
Pressure relief devices shall be located such that they are accessible for inspection and repair. [55:8.2.4.5]
Pressure relief devices shall be arranged to discharge unobstructed to the open air in such a manner as to prevent impingement of escaping gas on personnel, containers, equipment, and adjacent structures or its entrance into enclosed spaces. [55:8.2.4.6.1]
The arrangement of the discharge from pressure relief devices from DOT-specified containers with an internal water volume of 2.0 scf (0.057 Nm3) or less shall be incorporated in the design of the container. [55:8.2.4.6.2.1]
Additional safeguards regarding placement or arrangement shall not be required. [55:8.2.4.6.2.2]
Shutoff valves installed between pressure relief devices and containers shall be in accordance with 63.4.2.4.7. [55:8.2.4.7.1]
Shutoff valves shall not be installed between pressure relief devices and containers unless the valves or their use meet the requirements of 63.4.2.4.7.2.1 or 63.4.2.4.7.2.2. [55:8.2.4.7.2]
Shutoff valves shall be locked in the open position, and their use shall be limited to service-related work performed by the supplier under the requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. [55:8.2.4.7.2.1]
Pressure relief devices shall not be subjected to cryogenic fluid temperatures except when operating. [55:8.2.4.8]
Pressure relief vent piping systems shall be constructed and arranged to direct the flow of gas to a safe location and in accordance with 63.4.3. [55:8.3.1]
Pressure relief device vent piping shall have a cross-sectional area not less than that of the pressure relief device vent opening and shall be arranged so as not to restrict the flow of escaping gas. [55:8.3.2]
Pressure relief device vent piping and drains in vent lines shall be arranged so that escaping gas discharges unobstructed to the open air and does not impinge on personnel, containers, equipment, and adjacent structures or enter enclosed spaces. [55:8.3.3]
Pressure relief device vent lines shall be installed in a manner that excludes or removes moisture and condensation to prevent malfunction of the pressure relief device due to freezing or ice accumulation. [55:8.3.4]
Controls shall be provided to prevent overfilling of stationary containers. [55:8.3.5]
Cryogenic containers and systems shall be marked in accordance with nationally recognized standards and in accordance with 63.4.4. [55:8.4.1]
Portable cryogenic containers shall be marked in accordance with CGA C-7, Guide to the Preparation of Precautionary Labeling and Marking of Compressed Gas Containers. [55:8.4.1.1.1]
Stationary tanks shall be marked in accordance with NFPA 704. [55:8.4.1.2]
Visible hazard identification signs shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 704 at entrances to buildings or areas in which cryogenic fluids are stored, handled, or used. [55:8.4.1.3]
Stationary containers shall be placarded with the identity of their contents to indicate the name of the material contained. [55:8.4.2]
Stationary containers shall be marked with the manufacturing specification and maximum allowable working pressure on a permanent nameplate. [55:8.4.3]
The nameplate shall be installed on the container in an accessible location. [55:8.4.3.1]
The nameplate shall be marked in accordance with nationally recognized standards. [55:8.4.3.2]
Container inlet and outlet connections, liquid-level limit controls, valves, and pressure gauges shall be identified using one of the methods prescribed by 63.4.4.4.1.1 through 63.4.4.4.1.2. [55:8.4.4.1]
They shall be marked with a permanent tag or label identifying their function. [55:8.4.4.1.1]
When a schematic drawing is provided, it shall be attached to the container and maintained in a legible condition. [55:8.4.4.1.2.1]
Emergency shutoff valves on stationary containers shall be identified, visible, and indicated by means of a sign. [55:8.4.6]
Bulk cryogenic fluid systems in medical gas applications at health care facilities shall be in accordance with Section 63.4, 63.1.1.4(3), and the material-specific requirements of Chapter 9 of NFPA 55 as applicable. [55:8.5.1]
Bulk cryogenic fluid systems shall be in accordance with the following provisions as applicable:
- Where located in a court, systems shall be in accordance with 63.4.13.2.7.2.
- Where located indoors, systems shall be in accordance with 63.4.14.11.1.
- Systems shall be installed by personnel qualified in accordance with CGA M-1, Guide for Medical Gas Installations at Consumer Sites, or ASSE 6015, Professional Qualification Standard for Bulk Medical Gas Systems Installers.
- Systems shall be installed in compliance with Food and Drug Administration Current Good Manufacturing Practices as found in 21 CFR 210 and 21 CFR 211.
[55:8.5.1.1]
Bulk cryogenic fluid systems shall be anchored with foundations in accordance with the provisions of CGA M-1, Guide for Medical Gas Installations at Consumer Sites. [55:8.5.1.3]
Bulk cryogenic fluid systems shall consist of the following:
- One or more main supply vessel(s), whose capacity shall be determined after consideration of the customer usage requirements, delivery schedules, proximity of the facility to alternative supplies, and the emergency plan
- A contents gauge on each of the main vessel(s)
- A reserve supply sized for greater than an average day's supply, with the size of vessel or number of cylinders being determined after consideration of delivery schedules, proximity of the facility to alternative supplies, and the facility's emergency plan
- At least two main vessel relief valves and rupture discs installed downstream of a three-way (three-port) valve
- A check valve located in the primary supply piping upstream of the intersection with a secondary supply or reserve supply
[55:8.5.1.4]
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