SPS 341 & NFPA-55 CO2 SYSTEMS

Liquid

Carbon

Dioxide

Storage

Vessels

CO2 can be dangerous or even deadly! CO2 is very difficult to detect... important to

use detection and alarm equipment. CO2 can settle or collect in low areas. CO2 under pressure can cause damage or

injury. CO2 can cause cold burns or frostbite. CO2 effects can strike without warning.

CO2 Safety

Prolonged or elevated exposure to CO2

can cause adverse and even serious physical effects, including:

Stressful, labored or rapid breathing Severe headaches Faintness Dulled awareness and judgment

Most serious potential physical effects of elevated CO2 exposure:

Unconsciousness Rigidity, tremors or convulsions Asphyxiation Death!!! All of the above may occur without warning

and in the presence of normal levels of oxygen !!!!

Elevated CO2 exposure

There is .04% CO2 concentration in the air we breathe.

Per CGA Pamphlet G-6, the maximum time of exposure is 20 minutes at 3.0% (75 times).

This only takes 22 lbs of CO2 dispensed into a confined room of 6000 ft3 (20' x 38' x 8')!

SPS 341.18 Exemptions from periodic inspections.

(1) EXEMPTED EQUIPMENT. Except as provided in sub. (2), periodic inspections are not required for any of the following:

(f) Pressure vessels having a volume of less than 5 cubic feet and an operating pressure of less than 250 psig.

SPS 341.10 Adoption of standards by reference.

(4) National Fire Protection Association[, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169−7471, telephone 800−344−3555. Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code, NFPA[ 55, 2010 edition.

Register May 2012 No. 677, eff. 6−1−12.

NFPA® 55 Compressed Gases and Cryogenic fluids Code

2010 Edition

This edition of NFPA 55, Compressed Gases and cryogenic Fluids Code, was prepared by the Technical Committee on Industrial and Medical Gases.

It was issued by the Standards Council on May 26, 2009, with an effective date of June 15, 2009, and supersedes all previous editions.

Chapter 13 Insulated Liquid Carbon Dioxide Systems

13.1 General. The storage, use, and handling of liquid carbon dioxide in insulated systems shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 13 and Chapters 1 through 7 as applicable.

Pressure Relief Devices.

13.1.1* Containers used for liquid carbon dioxide shall be equipped with pressure relief devices piped from the uppermost part of the containers and communicating with the vapor space.

13.1.1.1 Physical Protection. 13.1.1.1.1 Pressure relief devices shall be located to

minimize tampering, damage, and obstruction to flow.

13.1.1.1.2 The inlet and outlet of the relief devices shall not be blocked by a valve or plug during normal operation

Vent Pipe Systems.

13.1.1.2 Vent Pipe Systems. Pressure relief devices shall be piped to the outdoors where the discharge will not impinge on the structure, personnel, or means of egress and will not create a hazardous concentration of carbon dioxide.

13.1.1.2.1 Pressure relief devices from portable DOT 4L containers that are not a component of a stationary system shall not be required to meet the requirements of 13.1.1.2.

13.1.1.2.2* Vent piping systems serving pressure relief devices shall be protected from water intrusion to prevent moisture or solid carbon dioxide from collecting and freezing and interfering with the operation of the pressure relief device.

13.1.1.2.3 Vent piping systems serving pressure relief devices shall be designed to prevent backflow restrictions exceeding 10 percent backpressure on the pressure relief device under full flow conditions.

13.1.2 Pressure and Level Indicators.

13.1.2.1 Containers, cylinders, and tanks shall be provided with a pressure gauge and a level gauge or device for indicating the quantity of liquid carbon dioxide.

13.1.2.2 These devices shall be designed for the temperatures and pressures associated with liquid carbon dioxide service.

13.1.2.3 Where containers, cylinders, and tanks are in locations remote from the filling connection, a means to determine when the containers have been filled to their design capacity shall be provided and shall be verifiable from the filling connection.

13.1.3 Piping Systems.

13.1.3.1 Carbon dioxide piping shall be located and supported to protect against damage from Strain on piping and fittings; the effects of expansion, contraction, and vibration; mechanical damage; and heat sources.

13.1.3.2 Piping, tubing, and hoses and fittings shall be designed to a bursting pressure of at least four times the system design pressure.

13.1.4* Materials of Construction. Materials of construction shall be employed for potential exposure to a temperature of -109.3°F (-78.5°C).

Operating Instructions

13.1.5 Operating Instructions. Operating instructions shall account for potential exposure of personnel to extremely low temperatures in accordance with 13.2.3.

13.2 Small Insulated Liquid Carbon Dioxide Indoor Systems.

13.2.1* Container foundations or floors in multistoried buildings shall be designed to support the weight of the system at its full capacity in accordance with the building code.

13.2.2* Rooms or areas where container systems are filled and used indoors or in enclosed outdoor locations shall be provided with a gas detection and alarm system that is capable of detecting and notifying the building occupants of a gas release that creates carbon dioxide vapors in excess of its PEL.

13.2.2.1* Activation of the gas detection system shall initiate an audible alarm within the room or area in which the system is installed.

Small Insulated Liquid Carbon Dioxide Indoor Systems.

13.2.2.2 Subsection 13.2.2 shall not apply to manufacturer locations where containers are filled indoors and distributed for use.

13.2.2.3 Activation of the gas detection system shall sound a local alarm to notify persons responsible for system operation of a hazard condition in the area in which the system is installed.

13.2.3 A warning sign shall be posted at the entrance to the building, room, enclosure, or confined area where the container is located.

Small Insulated Liquid Carbon Dioxide Indoor Systems.

13.2.3.1 The warning sign shall be at least 8 in. (200 mm) wide and 6 in. (150 mm) high and state the following:

CAUTION - CARBON DIOXIDE GAS. Ventilate the area before entering.

A high carbon dioxide (C02) gas concentration in this

area can cause suffocation.

NFPA 55 Chapters 1 thru 7

Chapter 1 Administration Chapter 2 Referenced Publications

– NFPA 704, Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response, 2007 edition.

– ASME A13.1, Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems, 1996.

– ANSI/ASME B31.3, Process Piping, 2008 edition. – Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, “Rules for the Construction

of Unfired Pressure Vessels,” Section VIII, 2007.

Chapter 3 Definitions

3.3.22 Container. 3.3.22.1 Compressed Gas Container. 3.3.26 Cryogenic Fluid. 3.3.47* Gas Room, A separately ventilated, fully enclosed room in

which only compressed gases, cryogenic fluids, associated equipment, and supplies are stored or used.

3.3.59 Maximum Allowable Quantity per Control Area (MAQ). 3.3.76 Small Insulated Liquid Carbon Dioxide System. An

assembly of equipment consisting of one or more insulated carbon dioxide containers, interconnecting piping, pressure regulators, and pressure relief devices. The capacity of individual containers is 1000 pounds of carbon dioxide or less.

3.3.82.1* Portable Tank. 3.3.82.2* Stationary Tank.

Chapter 4 General Requirements

4.1 Permits. Permits shall be obtained in accordance with the requirements of the jurisdiction in which the facility operates. SBD-6314; PTO

4.2.1.1 An emergency plan shall be prepared and updated wherever compressed gases or cryogenic fluids are produced, handled, stored, or used in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity (MAQ) per control area or where required by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Table 6.3.1.1 MAQ of Gases per Control Area (Quantity Thresholds for Gases Requiring Special Provisions)

Unsprinklered Areas Sprinklered Areas

Material

No Gas Cabinet, Gas

Room, or Exhausted Enclosure

Gas Cabinet, Gas Room, or

Exhausted Enclosure

No Gas Cabinet,

Gas Room, or Exhausted Enclosure

Gas Cabinet, Gas Room, or Exhausted Enclosure

Cryogenic fluid

Flammable 0 gal (0 L) 45 gal (170 L) 45 gal (170 L) 45 gal (170 L)* Oxidizing 45 gal (170 L) 90 gal (340 L) 90 gal (340 L) 180 gal (681 L) Inert No limit No limit No limit No limit Inert gas Liquefied No limit No limit No limit No limit Nonliquefied No limit No limit No limit No limit

Chapter 4 General Requirements

4.10.2.3 Identification of Gas Rooms and Cabinets. Rooms or cabinets containing compressed gases shall be conspicuously labeled as follows:

COMPRESSED GAS

Chapter 6 Building-Related Controls

6.1.1.1 Occupancy Requirements. 6.1.1.2 Occupancy Classification. 6.4 Gas Rooms. Gas rooms shall meet the

requirements of 6.4.1 through 6.4.5.

Gas Room Requirements

6.4.1 Pressure Control. Gas rooms shall operate at a negative pressure in relationship to the surrounding area.

6.4.2 Exhaust Ventilation. Gas rooms shall be provided with an exhaust ventilation system.

6.4.5 Construction. Gas rooms shall be constructed in accordance with the building code.

6.4.4 Separation. Gas rooms shall be separated from other occupancies by a minimum of 1-hour fire resistance.

6.4.5 Limitation on Contents. The function of compressed gas rooms shall be limited to storage and use of compressed gases and associated equipment and supplies.

6.11 Hazard Identification Signs.

6.11.1 Location. Hazard identification signs shall be placed at all entrances to locations where compressed gases are produced, stored, used, or handled

6.11.1.1 Ratings shall be assigned in accordance with NFPA 704.

6.11.1.2 The authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to waive 6.11.1 where consistent with safety.

6.11.2 Application. Signage shall be provided as specified in 6.11.2.1 and 6.11.2.2.

6.11.2.1 Signs. Signs shall not be obscured or removed.

6.11.2.2 No Smoking.

Ventilation

6.15 Ventilation. Indoor storage and use areas and storage buildings for compressed gases and cryogenic fluids shall be provided with mechanical exhaust ventilation or natural ventilation, where natural ventilation can be shown to be acceptable for the material as stored.

6.15.1 Mechanical Ventilation. Where mechanical ventilation is provided, the system shall be operational during the time the building or space is occupied.

6.15.3 Mechanical Ventilation Rate. Mechanical ventilation shall be at a rate of not less than 1 ft3/min/ft2 (0.3048 m3/ mm/rn2) of floor area over the area of storage or use.

Ventilation Operation

6.15.4 Continuous Operation. Systems shall operate continuously unless an alternative design is approved by the AHJ.

6.15.5 Shutoff Controls. Where powered ventilation is provided, a manual shutoff switch shall be provided outside the room in a position adjacent to the principal access door to the room or in an approved location.

6.15.6 Manual Shutoff Switch. The switch shall be the break-glass or equivalent type and shall be labeled as follows:

WARNING: VENTILATION SYSTEM EMERGENCY SHUTOFF

Exhaust System

6.15.7 Inlets to the Exhaust System. 6.15.7.1 The exhaust ventilation system design shall

take into account the density of the potential gases released.

6.15.7.2 For gases that are heavier than air, exhaust shall be taken from a point within 12 in. (304.8 mm) of the floor.

6.15.7.3 For gases that are lighter than air, exhaust shall be taken from a point within 12 in. (304.8 mm) of the ceiling

Exhaust System

6.15.8 Floor Level Exhaust. The location of both the exhaust and inlet air openings shall be designed to provide air movement across all portions of the floor or room to prevent the accumulation of vapors.

6.15.9 Recirculation of Exhaust. Exhaust ventilation shall not be recirculated within the room or building if the cylinders, containers, or tanks stored are capable of releasing hazardous gases

6.15.10 Ventilation Discharge. Ventilation systems shall discharge a minimum of 50 ft (15 m) from intakes of air handling systems, air-conditioning equipment, and air compressors.

6.15.11 Air Intakes. Storage and use of compressed gases shall be located not less than 50 ft (15 m) from air intakes. For material-specific requirements, see Sections 7.4 through 7.10.

Chapter 7 Compressed Gases

7.1.5.5 Pressure Relief Devices. 7.1.5.5.1 When required by 7.1.5.5.2, pressure relief devices shall be

provided to protect containers and systems containing compressed gases from rupture in the event of overpressure from thermal exposure.

7.1.5.5.2 Pressure relief devices to protect containers shall be designed and provided in accordance with CGA S-1.1, Pressure Relief Device Standards - Part 1- Cylinders for Compressed Gases, for cylinders; CGA S-1.2, Pressure Relief Device Standards - Part 2 -Cargo and Portable Tanks for Compressed Gases, for portable tanks; and CGA S-1 .3, Pressure Relief Device Standards -Part 3-Stationary Storage Containers for Compressed Gases, for stationary tanks or in accordance with applicable equivalent requirements in the country of use.

Pressure Relief Devices

7.1.5.5.4 The pressure relief device shall have the capacity to prevent the maximum design pressure of the container or system from being exceeded.

7.1.5.5.5 Pressure relief devices shall be arranged to discharge unobstructed to the open air in such a manner as to prevent any impingement of escaping gas upon the container, adjacent structures, or personnel. This requirement shall not apply to DOT specification containers having an internal volume of 2.0 ft3 (0.057 m3) or less.

7.1.5.5.6 Pressure relief devices or vent piping shall be designed or located so that moisture cannot collect and freeze in a manner that would interfere with operation of the device.

7.1.5.5.3 Pressure relief devices shall be sized in accordance with the specifications to which the container was fabricated.

Piping

7.3.1.3 Piping Systems. Piping, tubing, fittings, and related components shall be designed, fabricated, and tested in accordance with the requirements of ANSI/ASME B31.3, Process Piping, or other approved standards.

Security

7.1.8 Security. 7.1.8.1 General. Compressed gas containers,

cylinders, tanks, and systems shall be secured against accidental dislodgement and against access by unauthorized personnel.

7.1.8.2 Security of Areas. Storage, use, and handling areas shall be secured against unauthorized entry.

7.1.8.3 Physical Protection

7.1.8.3.1 Compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks, and systems that could be exposed to physical damage shall be protected.

7.1.8.3.2 Guard posts or other means shall be provided to protect compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks, and systems indoors and outdoors from vehicular damage. (See Section 4.11.)

7.1.8.3.3 Where guard posts are installed, the posts shall meet the following criteria:

– (1) They shall be constructed of steel not less than 4 in. (100 mm) in diameter and concrete-filled.

– (2) They shall be spaced not more than 4 ft (1.2 m) between posts on center.

– (3) They shall be set not less than 3 ft (0.9 m) deep in a concrete footing of not less than a 15 in. (380 mm) diameter.

– (4) They shall be set with the top of the posts not less than 8 ft (0.9 m) above ground.

– (5) They shall be located not less than 5 ft (1.5 m) from the tank.

Securing Compressed Gas Containers, Cylinders, and Tanks.

7.1.8.4 Securing Compressed Gas Containers, Cylinders, and Tanks. Compressed gas containers, cylinders, and tanks in use or in storage shall be secured to prevent them from falling or being knocked over by corralling them and securing them to a cart, framework, or fixed object by use of a restraint, unless otherwise permitted by 7.1.8.4.1 and 7.1.8.4.2.

7.1.8.4.1 Compressed gas containers, cylinders, and tanks in the process of examination, servicing, and refilling shall not be required to be secured.

7.1.8.4.2 At cylinder-filling plants and distributors’ warehouses, the nesting of cylinders shall be permitted as a means to secure cylinders.

   

Weight Gas Liquid Solid

pounds

 (lb)

tons(t)

kilograms

 (kg)

cubic feet

 (scf)

cu meters (Nm3)

gallons

 (gal)

liters

 (l)

cubic feet(cu ft)

1 pound 1.0 0.0005 0.4536 8.741 0.2294 0.11806 0.4469 0.010246

1 short ton 2000.0 1.0 907.2 17483 458.8 236.1 893.9 20.49

1 kilogram 2.205 0.0011023 1.0 19.253 0.5058 0.2603 0.9860 0.226

1 scf gas 0.1144 -- 0.05189 1.0 0.02628 0.013508 0.05113 0.0011723

1 Nm3 gas 4.359 0.00218 1.9772 38.04 1.0 0.5146 1.948 0.04468

1 gal liquid 8.470 0.004235 3.842 74.04 1.9431 1.0 3.785 0.08678

1 liter liquid 2.238 0.0011185 1.0151 19.562 0.5134 0.2642 1.0 0.02293

1 cu ft (solid) 97.56 0.0488 44.25 852.8 22.38 11.518 43.60 1.0

Unit Conversion Data for Carbon Dioxide

Q & A