See H2Tools, Best Practices: Purging, for a description of different purging approaches for hydrogen systems.

There are several resources that can help review designs, such as the Hydrogen Safety Panel and other outside consultants that are members of the Center for Hydrogen Safety.

In general, indoor storage should be limited and the use of hydrogen indoors should be the least necessary. Look to store flammable gases outdoors in dedicated protected area when practicable. Check to see what adopted building and fire codes in your jurisdiction say. NFPA 2, Hydrogen Technology Code, Sections 6.4.1 and 16.3 prescribe requirements to limit hydrogen storage and use in…

In laboratories, 316 stainless steel tubing is frequently the first choice for small flow and pressures less than 2800 psi (19 MPa). See Best Practices: Material Compatibility for hydrogen compatibility with various materials. Always work within manufacturer’s pressure ratings adjusted for temperature. Read and follow…

Rupture discs open very rapidly. Historically, rupture discs opening at high pressure (1000 psig and above) have caused the most damage due to deflagration/detonation. Timing a rupture disc would not be possible. Additionally, how would you have a pilot light on a moving tube trailer? Even with a pilot light at the end of the stack may blow out due to the initial high velocity.

See…

Vent stacks must be designed for a fire at the outlet. The mesh is designed to ensure no blockage of the vent stack by animals/insects. 

Additionally, the mesh must be designed for pressure drop to ensure code-compliant back pressure on the relief devices.

Yes, numerous incidents have occurred where frozen air (which contains oxygen) has built up within a hydrogen process or vent system. These incidents with vent systems incorporate more than just a vent stack, but include a vent system consisting of additional atmospheric equipment (such as a tank) where the equipment stays cold and allows air into the system in contact with a cold hydrogen…

Heat tracing can be used as a safeguard against freezing. However, it must be understood that: 

• The heat trace system uses a utility supply so may not always be operational.
• The electrical equipment must be properly classified for the area, which can be challenging for the Div 1 classification for vent stack outlets.
• The heat tracing might be damaged by vent…

Purging is not recommended as a continuous part of vent stack operation. However, maintenance activity is a transient event and it’s prudent and recommended to purge a vent system prior to performing maintenance. It’s always possible that hydrogen could be leaking internally from a valve or other component and therefore create a hazard. Of particular note, care must be taken that proper…

We are not aware of a study for blended NG/H2. However, for high concentrations of NG, the vent system should be similar to NG, which still recommends a vent system as NG is less dense than air. For nearly pure hydrogen the recommendations of this presentation are in effect.