This chapter shall govern the storage, handling and use of cryogenic fluids.
Cryogenic fluids shall be stored, handled and used in accordance with
this chapter, except that liquefied natural gas (LNG) shall comply with the requirements of
FC5506 only. Containers that contain any amount of cryogenic fluid, including
containers that are partially full or have residual gas, shall be considered as full for the purposes
of the requirements of this chapter.
Oxidizing cryogenic fluids, including
oxygen, shall additionally comply with the requirements of NFPA 55 and FC Chapter 63,
as applicable.
Flammable cryogenic fluids, including
hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide, shall additionally comply with the requirements of
NFPA 55 and FC Chapter 58, as applicable.
Inert cryogenic fluids, including argon, helium
and nitrogen, shall additionally comply with the requirements of CGA P-18.
The storage, handling and use of cryogenic fluids shall be
supervised as set forth in FC 5501.4.1 through 5501.4.3.
Handling and use of cryogenic fluid in quantities
requiring a permit shall be performed under the personal supervision of a person holding a
certificate of fitness.
The installation and maintenance of
cryogenic containers and of systems containing cryogenic fluids, including the repair of such
systems, shall be conducted under the personal supervision of a person holding a certificate of
fitness.
Storage of cryogenic fluids in quantities requiring a permit shall
be under the general supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness.
It shall be unlawful to fill a container with a flammable cryogenic
fluid except for containers mounted on a hydrogen-powered motor vehicle and used for motive
power as authorized by FC2309.1.1(1).
The following terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as
used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings set forth in FC202.
CRYOGENIC CONTAINER.
CRYOGENIC FLUID.
FLAMMABLE CRYOGENIC FLUID.
LOW-PRESSURE CONTAINER.
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WORKING PRESSURE (MAWP).
CRYOGENIC CONTAINER.
CRYOGENIC FLUID.
FLAMMABLE CRYOGENIC FLUID.
LOW-PRESSURE CONTAINER.
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WORKING PRESSURE (MAWP).
Cryogenic containers shall comply with the requirements of FC 5503.1.1 through 5503.1.3.3 and FC Chapter 50.
Cryogenic containers shall be designed,
constructed, operated and maintained in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Code or United States Department of Transportation regulations, or as otherwise approved.
Cryogenic containers shall be provided with pressure gauges. The maximum face reading for dial-type gauges shall not be less than 133 percent nor more than 250 percent of the MAWP of the cryogenic container.
Cryogenic containers shall be provided with a liquid level-indicating device. It shall be unlawful to use cryogenic containers with glass liquid level gauges in direct contact with the contents of such containers.
Stationary cryogenic containers located in areas of special flood hazard or on the premises of Group I-2 occupancies that are hospitals in shaded X-Zones (as defined in Section G201.2 of Appendix G of the Building Code) shall comply with Section G307.5 of the Building Code.
Cryogenic containers shall be installed upon substantial concrete or masonry foundations or structural steel supports on firm concrete or
masonry foundations. Cryogenic containers shall be supported to prevent the concentration of excessive loads on the supporting portion of the shell. Foundations for horizontal cryogenic
containers shall be constructed to accommodate expansion and contraction of the cryogenic
container. Foundations shall be provided to support the weight of vaporizers and heat
exchangers.
When cryogenic container foundations or supports are subject to exposure to temperatures below -130°F (-89.9°C), the foundations
or supports shall be constructed of materials to withstand the low-temperature effects of
cryogenic fluid spillage.
Portions of cryogenic containers in contact
with foundations or saddles shall be painted to protect against corrosion. Precautions shall
be taken to avoid or minimize corrosion due to galvanic action.
Fill connection supports shall be designed and maintained to withstand the repeated application of force required to connect and disconnect hoses of cargo tanks.
Pressure relief devices shall be provided in accordance
with FC 5503.2.1 through 5503.2.6 to protect cryogenic containers and
systems containing cryogenic fluids from rupture in the event of overpressure. Pressure relief
devices shall be designed in accordance with CGA S-1.1, CGA S-1.2 and CGA S-1.3.
Cryogenic containers shall be provided with
pressure relief devices. Precautions shall be taken to prevent overpressurization of atmospheric
tanks. Such pressure relief devices shall communicate with the vapor space of the container,
not the cryogenic fluid.
Heat exchangers, vaporizers, insulation casings surrounding cryogenic containers, and sections of coaxial or single wall piping systems in which liquefied cryogenic fluids could be trapped because of leakage from cryogenic containers or isolation by valves shall be provided with pressure relief
devices.
Pressure relief devices shall be sized in accordance with the
specifications to which the cryogenic container was fabricated. The relief devices shall have
sufficient capacity to prevent the MAWP of the cryogenic container or system from being
exceeded. It shall be unlawful to use pressure relief devices that are not clearly marked by the
manufacturer with their set pressure.
Pressure relief devices shall be located such that they are
readily accessible for inspection, repair and other maintenance.
Pressure relief devices shall be arranged to discharge
unobstructed, at rated capacity, to the outdoors in such a manner as to prevent escaping gas
from impinging on personnel, cryogenic containers, equipment and adjacent structures or from entering enclosed spaces.
Exception:
United States Department of Transportation specification cryogenic containers
with an internal volume of 2 cubic feet (0.057 m3) or less.
Shutoff valves shall not be installed between pressure relief devices and cryogenic containers.
Exception:
A shutoff valve is allowed on cryogenic containers equipped with multiple
pressure-relief device installations where the design and arrangement of the valves provide
sufficient relief capacity for the pressure relief devices to prevent the MAWP of the
cryogenic container or system from being exceeded at all times.
Pressure-relief vent-piping systems shall be constructed and arranged so as to remain functional and direct the flow of gas to a safe location in accordance with FC 5503.3.1 and 5503.3.2.
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.
Pressure-relief-device vent piping and drains in vent lines
shall be arranged so that escaping gas will discharge unobstructed to the outdoors and not
impinge on personnel, containers, equipment, foundations and adjacent structures or enter
enclosed spaces. Pressure-relief-device vent lines shall be installed in such a manner to exclude or remove moisture and condensation and prevent malfunction of the pressure relief device because of freezing or ice accumulation or other types of obstruction.
Visible hazard identification signs in accordance with NFPA 704 shall be provided at entrances to areas in which cryogenic fluids are stored,
handled or used.
Stationary and portable cryogenic containers
shall be clearly marked with the name of the cryogenic fluid contained therein. Stationary
aboveground cryogenic containers shall be placarded in accordance with FC 5003.5
and 5003.6. Portable cryogenic containers shall be identified in accordance with CGA C-7.
Stationary cryogenic containers
shall be identified with a permanent nameplate indicating the manufacturing specification and
MAWP. The nameplate shall be installed on the cryogenic container in an accessible location.
The nameplate shall be marked in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
or the regulations of the United States Department of Transportation, as set forth in 49 CFR
Parts 100-180.
Cryogenic container
inlet and outlet connections, liquid level indicating devices, liquid level limit controls, valves,
pressure gauges, regulators, and safety devices shall be marked with a permanent tag or label
identifying their function or identified by a schematic drawing designating their function and
whether they are connected to the vapor or liquid space of the cryogenic container. Where a
schematic drawing is provided, it shall be permanently attached to the cryogenic container and
maintained in a legible condition.
Piping systems shall be identified in accordance with FC5303.2.3.
Emergency shutoff valves shall be identified by posting a durable sign at a conspicuous location at or near the valve.
Cryogenic containers and systems shall be secured and
protected against physical damage and tampering in accordance with FC5003.9.2,
and FC 5503.5.2 through 5503.5.4.
Stationary containers shall be secured
to foundations in accordance with the Building Code. Portable cryogenic containers shall be
secured to prevent movement from contact, vibration or seismic activity. Nesting shall be an
acceptable means of securing cryogenic containers. Cryogenic containers shall not be secured
to plumbing pipes or electrical conduits.
Vaporizers, heat exchangers and similar
equipment shall be anchored to a suitable foundation. Connecting piping shall be sufficiently
flexible to provide for the effects of expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
Cryogenic containers, piping, valves, pressure relief
devices, regulating equipment and other appurtenances which could be exposed to physical
damage and tampering shall be protected by posts or other approved means.
Electrical wiring and equipment shall comply with the requirements of the Electrical Code and FC 5503.6.1 and 5503.6.2.
Cryogenic containers and systems shall not be located where they could become part of an electrical circuit.
Cryogenic containers and systems
shall not be used for electrical grounding. When electrical grounding and bonding is required,
the grounding and bonding system shall comply with the requirements of the Electrical Code.
The grounding system shall be protected against corrosion, including corrosion caused by stray
electric currents or galvanic action.
Service, repair, modification or removal of valves, pressure
relief devices or other cryogenic container appurtenances, shall comply with the requirements of
FC 5503.7.1 and 5503.7.2 and the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code,
Section VIII or the regulations of the United States Department of Transportation, as set forth in
49 CFR Parts 100-180, as applicable.
Cryogenic containers that have been removed from service shall be repaired or disposed of lawfully.
Cryogenic containers and systems shall be inspected by competent personnel at least once a month.
Cryogenic containers shall not be used for any purpose other
than as a container for the product that it is designed to contain.
Leaking, damaged or corroded cryogenic
containers shall be immediately removed from service. Leaking, damaged or corroded systems
shall be replaced, repaired or disposed of lawfully in accordance with FC5503.7.
Lighting shall be provided for equipment such as control valves,
gauges, regulators, vaporizers and heat exchangers and operating facilities such as walkways and
gates ancillary to stationary cryogenic container installations.
Storage of cryogenic containers shall be in accordance with this section.
Cryogenic containers shall be installed in accordance with the provisions applicable to the type of cryogenic fluid stored and this section.
Cryogenic containers shall be in accordance with FC5503.1.
Cryogenic containers stored
indoors shall be located in buildings, rooms or areas constructed in accordance with the
Building Code.
Storage areas for cryogenic containers shall be ventilated in accordance with the Mechanical Code.
Outdoor storage of cryogenic containers shall be in accordance with FC 5504.3.1 through 5504.3.1.2.5.
Cryogenic containers and
systems in storage or use shall be separated from materials and conditions which pose exposure
hazards to or from each other in accordance with FC 5504.3.1.1 through
5504.3.1.1.5.
Stationary cryogenic containers shall be separated from exposure hazards in accordance with the minimum separation distances set forth in FC Table 5504.3.1.1.
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
| EXPOSURE | MINIMUM DISTANCE (feet) |
| Buildings, regardless of construction type | 1, or minimum required for service access |
| Building exit | 10 |
| Building openings other than building exits | 1 |
| Air intakes | 10 |
| Lot lines | 5 |
| Group A occupancies and other public gathering places | 50 |
| Nonambulatory patient areas | 50 |
| Combustible waste or vegetation | 15 |
| Other hazardous materials | In accordance with FC Chapter 50 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
Fill connections for stationary
cryogenic containers shall not be positioned closer to exposure hazards than the
minimum distances required for stationary cryogenic containers. Fill connections for
stationary cryogenic containers shall be located and maintained to afford cargo tank
operator access to valves and indicators on the cryogenic containers and cargo tank.
The surface of
the area on which stationary cryogenic containers are placed, including the surface of
the area located below the point where connections are made for the purpose of filling
such cryogenic containers, shall be compatible with the cryogenic fluid in the cryogenic
container. The surface shall be capable of withstanding temperatures of cryogenic fluid
that may be released during normal filling operations, without cracking, shifting or
other impact upon the stability of the installation.
Containers of cryogenic fluids shall not be stored or used within diked areas containing other hazardous materials.
It shall be unlawful to install
stationary cryogenic containers on the roof of any building or structure.
Stationary cryogenic
containers, vaporizers, heat exchangers and connecting piping located in areas subject
to flooding shall be securely anchored or elevated to prevent separation of the cryogenic
containers and related equipment from foundations or supports.
The area surrounding stationary cryogenic containers shall be provided with a means to prevent accidental discharge of cryogenic
fluid from endangering personnel, cryogenic containers, equipment and adjacent
structures or to enter enclosed spaces. The stationary cryogenic container shall not be
placed where spilled or discharged fluid will be retained around the cryogenic
container.
Exception:
These drainage requirements shall not apply when it is determined by
the commissioner that the cryogenic container does not constitute a hazard, upon
consideration of special features such as crushed rock utilized as a heat sink,
topographical conditions, nature of occupancy, proximity to structures on the same
or adjacent property, and the capacity and construction of cryogenic containers and
character of cryogenic fluid to be stored.
Outdoor storage of portable
cryogenic containers shall comply with the requirements of FC5503 and this
section.
Portable cryogenic containers shall be separated from exposure hazards in accordance with FC Table 5504.3.1.2.1.
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
| EXPOSURE | MINIMUM DISTANCE (feet) |
| Building exits | 10 |
| Building openings other than building exits | 1 |
| Air intakes | 10 |
| Lot lines | 5 |
| Combustible waste or vegetation | 15 |
| Other hazardous materials | In accordance with FC Chapter 50 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
Cryogenic
containers shall be placed on surfaces that are compatible with the cryogenic fluid in
the cryogenic container.
The area surrounding portable cryogenic
containers shall be provided with a means to prevent accidental discharge of fluids from
endangering adjacent containers, buildings, equipment or adjoining property.
Exception:
These requirements shall not apply when it is determined by the commissioner that the cryogenic container does not constitute a hazard.
Portable cryogenic containers located in areas subject to flooding shall be properly secured to prevent movement.
Cryogenic containers shall be positioned such that the pressure relief valve discharge is directed away from any building exit.
Piping, tubing, valves, joints and fittings used in cryogenic systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with the material-specific provisions of FC 5501.3.1, 5501.3.2, 5501.3.3 and 5505.1.2.1 through 5505.1.2.6.
Joints on cryogenic container piping and tubing shall be threaded, welded, silver brazed or flanged.
Valves and piping components
shall be suitable for the intended use at the temperatures of the application and shall be
designed and constructed to withstand the maximum pressure at the minimum temperature
to which they will be subjected. Valves shall be oriented so that the stem is above the
horizontal plane and discharge is directed away from supporting elements.
Shutoff valves
shall be provided on all cryogenic container connections except for pressure relief
devices. Shutoff valves shall be readily accessible and located as close as practical to
the cryogenic container. Manually-operated shutoff valves shall be designed and
installed to minimize accidental opening and closing.
Exception:
Valves before pressure relief devices shall be installed in accordance with FC5503.2.6.
Shutoff valves shall be installed
in piping containing cryogenic fluids where needed to limit the volume of liquid
discharged in the event of piping or equipment failure. Pressure relief valves shall be
installed on all sections of piping systems where liquid is capable of being trapped (see
FC5503.2). Shutoff valves shall be installed so that piping components can
be isolated for maintenance. Check valves shall be installed on discharge lines where
pumps or other pressure-increasing equipment operate in parallel.
Piping systems shall be
supported and protected from physical damage. Piping passing through floors or walls shall
be protected from damage caused by movement of the floors or walls.
Aboveground piping that is subject to
corrosion because of exposure to corrosive atmospheres, shall be constructed of materials
to resist the corrosive environment or otherwise protected against corrosion. Underground
piping shall be protected against corrosion.
Piping systems shall be tested and proven free of leaks
after installation as required by the standards to which they were designed and constructed.
Test pressures shall not be less than 150 percent of the MAWP when hydraulic testing is
conducted or 110 percent when testing is conducted pneumatically.
Indoor use of cryogenic fluids shall comply with the material-specific
requirements of FC 5501.3.1 through 5501.3.3.
Outdoor use of cryogenic fluids shall comply with the material specific requirements of FC 5501.3.1, 5501.3.2, 5501.3.3, 5505.3.1 and 5505.3.2.
Distances from property lines, buildings and exposure hazards shall comply with the requirements of FC5504.3 and the material specific requirements of FC 5501.3.1 through 5501.3.3.
Approved manual or automatic emergency
shutoff valves shall be provided to shut off the cryogenic fluid supply in case of emergency.
An emergency shutoff valve shall be located at the source of supply and at the point where the
system enters the building.
Filling and dispensing of cryogenic fluids shall comply with the requirements of FC 5505.4.1 through 5505.4.4.
Dispensing of cryogenic fluids shall be conducted in
approved locations. Dispensing indoors shall be conducted in areas constructed in accordance
with the construction codes, including the Building Code.
Indoor areas where cryogenic fluids are dispensed
shall be ventilated in accordance with the Mechanical Code in a manner that captures any
vapor at the point of generation.
Oxygen sensors equipped with an audible alarm
shall be provided in dispensing areas to continuously monitor the level of oxygen in
the area. The alarm shall actuate when oxygen concentration drops below 19.5 percent.
Piping systems utilized for filling or dispensing of cryogenic fluids shall be designed and constructed in accordance with FC5505.1.2.
Loading or unloading areas shall
be designed and maintained in accordance with the standards referenced in FC
5501.3.1 through 5501.3.3. Loading and unloading areas shall additionally comply
with the requirements of FC 5504.3.1 through 5504.3.1.2.5 and shall
be capable of withstanding the weight of the fully loaded cargo tank.
Vehicle loading and
unloading operations shall be conducted in an approved manner in accordance with the
standards referenced in FC 5501.3.1 through 5501.3.3.
Limit procedures shall be established to prevent overfilling of stationary cryogenic containers during filling operations.
It shall be unlawful to fill cryogenic containers with flammable cryogenic fluid.
Handling of cryogenic containers shall be in accordance with this section.
Cryogenic containers shall be moved using an
approved method. Where cryogenic containers are moved by cart, hand truck or other mobile
device, such carts, hand trucks or devices shall be designed for the secure movement of
containers, including a means of restraining the containers.
Pressurized portable cryogenic containers
shall be moved with all operable valves in a closed position. Cryogenic containers designed
for use at atmospheric conditions shall be moved with appropriate loose fitting covers in place
to prevent spillage.
Stationary cryogenic containers shall
not be moved while containing cryogenic fluid. Handling of cryogenic containers shall be in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
LNG installations and facilities
lawfully existing on the effective date of this code shall be designed, installed, operated and
maintained in accordance with this code, the rules and the regulations of the United States
Department of Transportation, as set forth in 49 CFR Part 193, except as otherwise provided in FC
102.3, 102.4 and 102.5.
Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, rule or regulation, any storage tank erected prior to the effective date of this code which has
not been used for the storage of liquefied natural gas for a period in excess of 2 years from the
date of completion of the construction of the tank structure shall be recertified by the various city
agencies in the same manner as if filing design and installation documents of a new tank before a
certificate of occupancy be issued if the tank is to be placed in service.