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Section 704 (IFGC) Piping, Use and Handling

Fuel Gas Code 2021 of Alabama > 7 Gaseous Hydrogen Systems > 704 (IFGC) Piping, Use and Handling

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704.1 Applicability

Use and handling of containers, cylinders, tanks and hydrogen gas systems shall comply with this section. Gaseous hydrogen systems, equipment and machinery shall be listed or approved.

Compressed gas system controls shall be designed to prevent materials from entering or leaving process or reaction systems at other than the intended time, rate or path. Automatic controls shall be designed to be fail safe in accordance with accepted engineering practice.

704.1.2 Piping Systems

Piping, tubing, valves and fittings conveying gaseous hydrogen shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 704.1.2.1 through 704.1.2.5.1, Chapter 50 of the International Fire Code, and ASME B31.12. Cast-iron pipe, valves and fittings shall not be used.

704.1.2.1 Sizing

Gaseous hydrogen piping shall be sized in accordance with approved engineering methods.

704.1.2.2 Identification of Hydrogen Piping Systems

Hydrogen piping systems shall be marked in accordance with ANSI A13.1. Markings used for piping systems shall consist of the name of the contents and shall include a direction-of-flow arrow. Markings shall be provided at all of the following locations:

At each valve.
At wall, floor and ceiling penetrations.
At each change of direction.
At intervals not exceeding 20 feet (6096 mm).

704.1.2.3 Piping Design and Construction

Piping and tubing materials shall be 300 series stainless steel or materials listed or approved for hydrogen service and the use intended through the full range of operating conditions to which they will be subjected. Piping systems shall be designed and constructed to provide allowance for expansion, contraction, vibration, settlement and fire exposure.

704.1.2.3.1 Prohibited Locations

Piping shall not be installed in or through a circulating air duct; clothes chute; chimney or gas vent; ventilating duct; dumbwaiter; or elevator shaft. Piping shall not be concealed or covered by the surface of any wall, floor or ceiling.

704.1.2.3.2 Interior Piping

Except for through penetrations, piping located inside of buildings shall be installed in exposed locations and provided with ready access for visual inspection.

704.1.2.3.3 Underground Piping

Underground piping, including joints and fittings, shall be protected from corrosion and installed in accordance with approved engineered methods.

704.1.2.3.4 Piping Through Foundation Wall

Underground piping shall not penetrate the outer foundation or basement wall of a building.

704.1.2.3.5 Protection Against Physical Damage

Where piping other than stainless steel piping, stainless steel tubing or black steel is installed through holes or notches in wood studs, joists, rafters or similar members less than 1¹/₂ inches (38 mm) from the nearest edge of the member, the pipe shall be protected by shield plates. Shield plates shall be a minimum of ¹/₁₆-inch-thick (1.6 mm) steel, shall cover the area of the pipe where the member is notched or bored and shall extend a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) above sole plates, below top plates and to each side of a stud, joist or rafter.

704.1.2.3.6 Piping Outdoors

Piping installed above ground, outdoors, shall be securely supported and located where it will be protected from physical damage. Piping passing through an exterior wall of a building shall be encased in a protective pipe sleeve. The annular space between the piping and the sleeve shall be sealed from the inside such that the sleeve is ventilated to the outdoors. Where passing through an exterior wall of a building, the piping shall be protected against corrosion by coating or wrapping with an inert material. Below-ground piping shall be protected against corrosion.

704.1.2.3.7 Settlement

Piping passing through concrete or masonry walls shall be protected against differential settlement.

704.1.2.4 Joints

Joints in piping and tubing in hydrogen service shall be listed as complying with ASME B31.3 to include the use of welded, brazed, flared, socket, slip and compression fittings. Gaskets and seal-ants used in hydrogen service shall be listed as complying with ASME B31.12. Threaded and flanged connections shall not be used in areas other than hydrogen cutoff rooms and outdoors.

704.1.2.4.1 Brazed Joints

Brazing alloys shall have a melting point greater than 1,000°F (538°C).

704.1.2.4.2 Electrical Continuity

Mechanical joints shall maintain electrical continuity through the joint or a bonding jumper shall be installed around the joint.

704.1.2.5 Valves and Piping Components

Valves, regulators and piping components shall be listed or approved for hydrogen service, shall be provided with access and shall be designed and constructed to with-stand the maximum pressure to which such components will be subjected.

704.1.2.5.1 Shutoff Valves on Storage Containers and Tanks

Shutoff valves shall be provided on all storage container and tank connections except for pressure relief devices. Shutoff valves shall be provided with ready access.

704.2 Upright Use

Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks, except those with a water volume less than 1.3 gallons (5 L) and those designed for use in a horizontal position, shall be used in an upright position with the valve end up. An upright position shall include conditions where the container, cylinder or tank axis is inclined as much as 45 degrees (0.79 rad) from the vertical.

704.3 Material-Specific Regulations

In addition to the requirements of this section, indoor and outdoor use of hydrogen compressed gas shall comply with the material-specific provisions of Chapters 53 and 58 of the International Fire Code.