Properly Storing Hydrogen - Thermo Scientific TSQ 9000 Hardware Manual

Properly Storing Hydrogen

Thermo Scientific
• Hydrogen Cylinder—Hydrogen can be delivered in standard laboratory gas bottles or
cylinders. These cylinders have a limited amount of hydrogen in them and are a safe way
to transport and store hydrogen. However, compressed hydrogen gas cylinders, like all
compressed gas cylinders, must be secured in an upright position, ideally with a
non-combustible chain or cable. If the cylinder falls over, the valve can be knocked off
and the pressurized cylinder can take off like a rocket, which leads to the release of
hydrogen and possibly an explosion, severe injury, or death. Never crack a hydrogen
cylinder valve to remove dust or dirt from fittings prior to attaching a regulator, as there is
a risk of self-ignition.
Storing and handling compressed hydrogen gas and cryogenic liquid hydrogen present
potential health and safety hazards. Using proper storage and handling techniques is essential
to maintaining a safe work environment.
Use the following guidelines when storing hydrogen:
• Store spare hydrogen gas cylinders outside and away from doors, windows, building air
intake vents, structures, and vehicle routes. This precaution applies when the hydrogen is
or is not in use. Indoor storage of spare hydrogen cylinders has special requirements,
which is beyond the scope of this document. Documentation for each vessel should
include a description of the vessel, a list of available drawings or other documents, the
most recent inspection results, and the responsible person's name.
• Prevent spare cylinders from toppling by wrapping them with chains. The chains should
also be protected against corrosion and excessive heat.
• Separate spare hydrogen cylinders from oxidizing gases (such as oxygen) with a 5 ft
(1.5 m) tall fire barrier with a half-hour fire rating or place the cylinders at least 20 ft
(6 m) apart.
• When moving hydrogen cylinders:
– Remove the regulator and replace the cylinder valve cap before moving.
– Move cylinders on cylinder carts or with other appropriate transport devices.
– Never roll or drop a cylinder and never lift a cylinder by its protective cap.
• Bulk hydrogen systems include either gaseous or liquid hydrogen in fixed installations; in
some gas systems a semi-permanent trailer (tube trailer) can be used. Storage vessels for
compressed hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen should be designed, constructed, tested, and
maintained in accordance with applicable codes and standards. Bulk hydrogen systems
represent a level of complexity again which is beyond the scope of this document;
however some general guidelines are provided.
Preface
Hydrogen Safety Precautions
TSQ 9000 Hardware Manual xxiii