Criticality: High Progress: Not Addressed Score: 40 DOT Relevance: §192.627
Description of Key Area
The tapping of pipelines
under pressure is addressed in Subpart L (Operations) of 49 CFR 192. The Code
states that “each tap made on a pipeline under pressure must be performed by a
crew qualified to make hot taps.”
Discussion of Criticality
Operator qualification
for crews to make taps on hydrogen pipes and pipelines must be established.
This is a critical area because of pressure considerations. If, during the
tapping process, proper procedures are not followed there is a potential for an
uncontrolled release of gas.
Discussion of Progress
No information found.
Recommendations
Confirm whether or not
this topic will be addressed by ASME B31.12. Standards for tapping hydrogen
pipelines under pressure must be established and incorporated by reference into
the federal code. These standards must include specific tapping processes and
methods, as well as tooling or equipment to be used. Tapping should be
conducted under “no-blow” conditions. The term “hot taps” should be defined. In
general, there must be operator qualification standards for hydrogen work.
These standards should be based on current standards but there may be specific
tasks to be added for hot tapping of hydrogen pipelines.
