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Pressure Limiting and Regulating Stations: Inspection, Testing, Reliefs, etc. (17.10)

Criticality: Medium
Progress: Addressed, Not Adequately
Score: 12
DOT Relevance: §192.739 – §192.743

Description of Key Area

Sections 192.739 to 192.743 of Subpart M (Maintenance) of 49 CFR 192 address pressure limiting and regulating stations. The equipment at the stations must be inspected at certain and regular time intervals to make sure that their condition is adequate and can support the capacity required. The equipment must also be checked to make sure that it is set at the correct pressure. Sometimes, the regulating stations must be equipped with telemetering or recording pressure gauges to indicate the gas pressure in the district. If there is an indication of an abnormally high or low pressure, corrective measures are taken. Pressure relief devices must be tested “in place” at regular intervals.

Discussion of Criticality

For hydrogen pipeline purposes, relief devices are important. Regulations as to the frequency of inspection must be determined. The necessity of telemetering to indicate gas pressure on the hydrogen pipeline must be determined. Necessary steps must be put in place when there are indications of abnormally high or low pressure in the hydrogen system. The frequency of testing needs to be confirmed.

Discussion of Progress

This topic will be addressed by ASME B31.12.

Recommendations

Standards must be established relating to hydrogen regulating stations and pressure limiting systems. These standards must be incorporated by reference into the federal code.