Iso 19880 - 8 - 2019
Iso 19880 - 8 - 2019
Iso 19880 - 8 - 2019
OCTOBRE 2019
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AFNOR (Code siret : 55204695506065) ISO 19880-8:20192019-10
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INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 19880-8
First edition
2019-10
Reference number
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
© ISO 2019
AFNOR (Code siret : 55204695506065) ISO 19880-8:20192019-10
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ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
Contents Page
Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... iv
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................v
1 Scope.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Normative references....................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
4 Abbreviated terms............................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
5 Hydrogen specifications................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
6 Quality control approaches........................................................................................................................................................................ 4
6.1 General............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
6.2 Sampling........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
6.3 Monitoring................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
7 Potential sources of impurities.............................................................................................................................................................. 4
8 Hydrogen quality assurance methodology................................................................................................................................ 4
8.1 General............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
8.2 Prescriptive methodology.............................................................................................................................................................. 5
8.3 Risk assessment methodology................................................................................................................................................... 5
8.4 Impact of impurities on fuel cell powertrain................................................................................................................. 7
9 Routine quality control................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
10 Non-routine quality control....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
11 Remedial measures and reporting..................................................................................................................................................... 9
Annex A (Informative) Impact of impurities on fuel cell powertrains............................................................................10
Annex B (informative) Example of risk assessment...........................................................................................................................14
Annex C (informative) Example of Japanese hydrogen quality guidelines.................................................................24
Annex D (informative) Typical hydrogen fuelling station supply chain........................................................................33
Annex E (informative) Routine hydrogen quality analysis..........................................................................................................37
Bibliography.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 39
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
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ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www.iso.org/
iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee TC 197, Hydrogen technologies.
A list of all parts in the ISO 19880 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
Introduction
This document was developed to specify how the quality of gaseous hydrogen fuel for road vehicles
which use PEM fuel cells can be assured. The document discusses hydrogen quality control approaches
for routine and non-routine conditions, as well as quality assurance plans. It is based upon best practices
and experience from the gaseous fuels and automotive industry. ISO 21087 describes the requirements
for analytical methods to measure the level of contaminants found in the gaseous hydrogen fuel.
1 Scope
This document specifies the protocol for ensuring the quality of the gaseous hydrogen at hydrogen
distribution facilities and hydrogen fuelling stations for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells
for road vehicles.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 19880-1, Gaseous hydrogen — Fuelling stations — Part 1: General requirements
3.5
filter
equipment to remove undesired particulates (3.15) from the hydrogen
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
3.6
fuel cell system
power system used for the generation of electricity on a fuel cell vehicle (3.7), typically containing the
following subsystems: fuel cell stack, air processing, fuel processing, thermal management, and water
management
3.7
fuel cell vehicle
FCV
vehicle which stores hydrogen on-board and uses a fuel cell system (3.6) to generate electricity for
propulsion
3.8
fuelling station
facility for the dispensing of compressed hydrogen vehicle fuel, including the supply of hydrogen, and
hydrogen compression, storage, and dispensing systems
Note 1 to entry: Fuelling station is often referred to as hydrogen fuelling station or hydrogen filling station.
3.9
impurity
non-hydrogen component in the gas stream
3.10
irreversible damage
irreversible effect
effect, which results in a permanent degradation of the fuel cell power system performance that cannot
be restored by practical changes of operational conditions and/or gas composition
3.11
monitoring
act of measuring the constituents (3.3) of a hydrogen stream or process controls of a hydrogen
production system on a continuous or semi-continuous basis by on-site equipment
3.12
non-routine, adjective
not in accordance with established procedures
3.13
on-site supply
hydrogen fuel supplying system with a hydrogen production system in the same site
3.14
off-site supply
hydrogen fuel supplying system without a hydrogen production system in the same site, receiving
hydrogen fuel which is produced out of the site
3.15
particulate
solid or liquid such as oil mist that can be entrained somewhere in the delivery, storage, or transfer of
the hydrogen fuel entering a fuel cell system (3.6)
3.16
purifier
equipment to remove undesired constituents (3.3) from the hydrogen
Note 1 to entry: Hydrogen purifiers may comprise purification vessels, dryers, filters (3.5), and separators.
3.17
quality assurance
part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
3.18
quality control
part of quality management focused on fulfilling quality requirements
3.19
quality plan
documentation of quality management
3.20
reversible damage
reversible effect
effect, which results in a non-permanent degradation of the fuel cell power system performance that
can be restored by practical changes of operational conditions and/or gas composition
3.21
risk
combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity (3.26) of that harm, encompassing
both the uncertainty about and severity of the harm
3.22
risk assessment
determination of quantitative or qualitative value of risk (3.21) related to a specific situation and a
recognized threat also called a hazard
3.23
risk level
assessed magnitude of the risk (3.21)
3.24
routine, adjective
in accordance with established procedures
3.25
sampling
act of capturing a measured amount of hydrogen for chemical analysis by external equipment
3.26
severity
measure of the possible consequences for fuel cell cars if filled with H2 containing higher level of
impurities (3.9) than the threshold value
4 Abbreviated terms
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
5 Hydrogen specifications
The quality requirements of hydrogen fuel dispensed to PEM fuel cells for road vehicles are listed in
ISO 14687-2.
6.1 General
There are two common methods to control the quality of hydrogen at a fuelling station, by spot sampling
and continuous monitoring. These methods can be used individually or together to ensure hydrogen
quality levels.
6.2 Sampling
Spot sampling at a fuelling station involves capturing a measured amount for chemical analysis.
Sampling is used to perform an accurate and comprehensive analysis of impurities which is done
externally, typically at a laboratory. Since the sampling process involves drawing a sample of gas, it
is typically done on a periodic basis and requires specialized sampling equipment and personnel to
operate it. Sampling procedures shall conform to ISO 19880-1. The advantage of spot sampling is that a
more detailed laboratory analysis can be conducted on the sample. The disadvantage of spot sampling
is that it is not continuous and results in a detail analysis of a single point in time.
6.3 Monitoring
A fuelling station can have real time monitoring of the hydrogen gas stream for one or more impurities
on a continuous or semi-continuous basis. A critical impurity can be monitored to ensure it does not
exceed a critical level, or monitoring of indicator species are used to alert of potential issues with
the hydrogen production or purification process. Monitoring equipment is installed in line with the
hydrogen gas stream and shall meet the process requirements of the fuelling station, as well as be
calibrated on a periodic basis. Continuous monitoring compliments spot sampling by offsetting the
disadvantages.
8.1 General
A quality assurance plan for the entire supply chain shall be created to ensure that the hydrogen
quality will meet the requirements listed in Clause 5. The methodology used to develop the quality
assurance plan can vary but shall include one of the two approaches described in this document. The
general description of these two approaches are described in 8.2 and 8.3. Examples of these approaches
1) prescriptive approach and 2) risk assessment for hydrogen quality, are presented in Annexes A, B
and C, respectively. The quality assurance plan for the fuelling station shall include the following to
ensure hydrogen quality is properly maintained:
— identification of potential impurities;
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
Table 1 (continued)
Occurrence class Class name Description Occurrence or frequency
Known to occur in the industry
1 Very rare for the type of source/Supply 1 per 1 000 000 fuellings
chain considered
Has occurred more than once/
2 Rare 1 per 100 000 fuellings
year in the Industry
Has occurred repeatedly for
3 Possible this type of source at a specific 1 out of 10 000 fuellings
location
4 Frequent Occurs on a regular basis Often
If the occurrence class is unknown, then the risk assessment shall assume the worst case. In addition,
the experience of the hydrogen supplier, station manufacturer/installer should be taken into account
when performing the risk analysis.
The range of severity classes (level of damage for vehicle) is defined in Table 2.
The final risk is defined by the acceptability table (Table 3) which combines results from Tables 1 and 2:
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
NOTE 1 It is possible that contamination of a vehicle at severity class 1 or 2 is not noticeable immediately,
thereby making it difficult to identify the source of the contamination.
If a vehicle is found to have hydrogen with contamination that exceeds the specification in Clause 5 and
the source is unknown, the procedures in Clause 11 shall be followed.
For each impurity of the specification and for a given fuelling station (including the supply chain of
hydrogen), a risk assessment shall be applied to define the global risk.
NOTE 2 Risk control includes decision making to reduce and/or accept risks. The purpose of risk control is to
reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
The amount of effort used for risk control should be proportional to the significance of the risk. Decision
makers might use different processes, including benefit-cost analysis, for understanding the optimal
level of risk control. Risk control can focus on the following questions:
— Is the risk above an acceptable level?
— What can be done to reduce or eliminate risks?
— What is the appropriate balance among benefits, risks and resources?
For each level of risk, a decision shall be taken in order to either refuse the risk and find mitigation or
barriers to reduce it, or accept the risk level as it is. Risk reduction focuses on processes for mitigation or
avoidance of quality risk when it exceeds an acceptable level (“o” or “*” zone in Table 3). Risk reduction
typically includes actions taken to mitigate the severity and/or probability of occurrence. However, this
document only deals with the mitigation of probability of occurrence.
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
Annex A
(Informative)
A.1 General
This annex gives a brief description of the impact of impurities on the stack, fuel cell components, and
the complete fuel cell powertrain. Detailed information can be found in the relevant literature and
journal publications. It shall be noted that this annex refers to known impurities and their effects on
the fuel cell powertrain at the time of publication. It cannot be excluded that other impurities exist.
Furthermore, in most cases only the impact of a single impurity has been investigated and there is still
the need for fundamental research regarding the impact of a combination of the different impurities on
the fuel cell powertrain.
A.3 Oxygen
Oxygen may have a detrimental effect on the fuel cell anode, but the concentration where this effect
occurs is not fully known. Higher levels of oxygen may have an impact on metal hydride storage
materials.
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
of CO on performance is a strong concern. The lower catalyst loadings needed for cost optimization and
longer hydrogen protection times especially lead to more severe poisoning effects. Therefore, CO needs
to be kept at very low levels in hydrogen fuel.
A.6 Methane
Methane is one of the very few hydrocarbons that does not contaminate PEM fuel cells. It does not react
with the catalyst, so dilution is the major effect that shall be considered with methane gas.
A.7 Water
Water is an issue for hydrogen dispensing systems, in the on-board vehicle tank system or fuel cell
components due to the formation of ice. Excess water can exist in a liquid state and can cause corrosion
of metallic components. Low quantities could lead to severe impacts on the components. Furthermore,
water affects the function of the stack. Water provides a transport mechanism for water-soluble
impurities, especially as a solvent for cations like Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cs+ and NH4+ when present as an
aerosol. The cations absorb to and block the functional groups of the ionomer thereby reducing the
proton conductivity of the membrane. Water is only a concern for the stack in very large quantities. It
can lead to water management issues that may limit the current and increase in over-potential. Water
should remain gaseous throughout the operating conditions of system. It is believed that water affects
the metal hydride life cycle due to exothermic reactions.
A.9 Ammonia
Ammonia contamination causes some irreversible fuel cell performance degradation by reducing
the proton conductivity of the ionomer. NH3 migrates into the membrane and reacts with protons to
NH4+ which then absorb to and block the functional groups of the ionomer. The level of deterioration
depends on both the NH3 concentration and exposure time. Performance decay is also attributed to the
adsorption of ammonia on the catalyst surface blocking the active sites.
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
A.11 Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde has a similar effect on fuel cell performance as carbon monoxide. The adsorption
process of formaldehyde on the catalyst is the same as for CO followed by an immediate conversion of
the CH2O to CO + H2. The adsorption of the produced CO on the catalyst layer leads to a reduction of the
catalytic surface area which decreases the cell performance. Contamination due to formaldehyde can
be recovered by changing the cell voltage and by purging with pure hydrogen. Therefore, formaldehyde
can be considered as a reversible contaminant with the same impact on the fuel cell as for CO. Lower
catalyst loadings are particularly susceptible to catalyst poisoning contaminants.
A.14 Helium
The main effect due to the presence of helium is to lower the cell potential due to the dilution effect of
the inert species (dilution of the hydrogen gas) and inertial (diffusion) effects. It should be considered
that hydrogen sensors show interference with helium. Higher inert gas concentrations may also affect
the venting and recycle blower control. Current stack designs are not adversely affected by higher inert
gas concentrations. Nevertheless, higher inert gas concentrations will lead to power losses, increased
fuel consumption, and loss of fuel cell efficiency.
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
be provided by the hydrogen fuelling station to hinder these operating fluids from contaminating the
vehicle fuel cell powertrain.
The contamination due to aerosols is of extreme importance as illustrated by the following example
using SnO2, the oxide of the tetravalent tin as a model substance. This heavy metal oxide is present in the
solid state of matter with a molar mass of MSnO2 = 150,69 g ∙ mol−1 and a density of ρSnO2 = 6,95 g ∙ cm−3
at 20 °C. Under the assumption of a spherical particle shape with a diameter of dparticle = 0,1 µm and
under consideration of the Avogadro Constant NA = 6,022 ∙ 1023 mol−1 the number of SnO2-molecules
nSnO2 in the particle can be calculated as follows:
π ⋅ dparticle3 ⋅ ρSnO
nSnO = 2
⋅ NA (A.1)
2 6 ⋅ 1015 ⋅ MSnO
2
These 14,5 million SnO2 molecules can lead to irreversible impacts in microelectronic structures.
Therefore it is necessary to filter out any solid and liquid particles close to the fuelling nozzle to prevent
any impact on the fuel cell powertrain.
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
Annex B
(informative)
Inert gas
μmol/mol
AFNOR (Code siret : 55204695506065)
N2
Present in natural gas and syngas — PSA
Inert gas
PSA malfunction — Double analysis PSA outlet <100 μmol/mol
100
Ar
Only ATR and POx present in O2 — PSA. Not sized to remove Ar. Ar content may be higher if H2 comes from ATR, POX
2
typical 0,6 % in syngas from ATR or feeds with high Ar content
O2
Not present in syngas. O2 is unsta-
ble in the condition of reforming
5 — PSA cannot be used with significant O2 content for safety reasons 0
and shift reactions. Combines with
H2, CO CH4
CO2
— PSA adsorption strength of MS, activated carbon, silicagel higher for CO2 than CO.
2 Present in syngas (%) 0
CO
A CO content lower than 10μmol/mol insures a CO2 content lower than 2 μmol/mol
Normal operation below threshold.
0,2 — Double analysis at the PSA outlet + trip if the CO>1-10 μmol/mol at PSA outlet 4
Occasional peaks at μmol/mol level
— In most cases CO is sizing the PSA, therefore CO<10 μmol/
C H4 100 Present in syngas at % level mol ==> C H4 < 100 μmol/mol 2
depending on users' specification (Europe pipeline 2 μmol/mol).
H2O
— PSA adsorbed in alumina and MS adsorption strength higher than CO2.
5 Syngas saturated in H2O 0
A CO content lower than 10 μmol/mol insures a H2O content lower than 5 μmol/mol.
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ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
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ISO 19880-8:20192019-10
Table B.1 (continued)
16
Probabil-
Possible causes ity
Impurity Threshold Typical barriers employed in this process
For the source studied with
barriers
μmol/mol
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
— Typical dilution factor 2,5 (1mole natural gas produces 2,5 mole H2)
TS
stage. In case of breakthrough, process condition cannot be achieved
0,004 TS from natural gas — Reformer catalyst poisoning by sulphur is irreversible. Sulphur trapped at this 0
stage. In case of breakthrough, process condition cannot be achieved
— PSA adsorption of H2S before CO, CO2, species
NH3
— PSA adsorption strength of alumina and molecular sieve higher than CO. A CO
0,1 Traces present in syngas 0
THC
content lower than 10μmol/mol insures a NH3 content lower than 0,1 μmol/mol
Traces of C2+ after reforming — PSA C2 C3, C4, C5+adsorbed by activated carbon layer. A CO content lower than
2 0
reaction 10 μmol/mol insures a THC (C H4 excluded) content lower than 2 μmol/mol
HCHO
— PSA. Formaldehyde adsorption strength of alumina and molecular sieve higher
May be present in syngas. than CO. A CO content lower than 10 μmol/mol insures a HCHO content lower than
0,01 1
essentially liquid 0,1 μmol/mol. To guarantee 0,01 μmol/mol would require more experience of
measuring at those levels
HCOOH
— PSA. Formic adsorption strength of alumina and molecular sieve higher than
May be present in syngas
0,2 CO. A CO content lower than 10 μmol/mol insures a HCOOH content lower than 0
essentially liquid
0,2 μmol/mol
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Halogens
— Reformer catalyst poisoning by Cl irreversible. Cl trapped at this stage I break
0,05 Present in natural gas 0
through, process condition cannot be achieved
He
Not present in natural gas in N Europe
300 (<10 μmol/mol). Passes through the 0
whole process. Dilution factor 2,5
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ISO 19880-8:20192019-10
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ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
When the study has been conducted for each step within the supply chain (i.e. production, distribution,
and fuelling) the highest probability is selected as the compounded probability. Table B.4 gives an
example.
To define the severity class of each impurity as it is presented in Table B.4, some assumptions are made
concerning the impurity levels above the threshold value. These impurity levels are assumed to be
reached for a short period of time.
20
ISO specification Supply chain probability Residual
Severity Prob- Se-
Production Pipeline Fuelling Compounded Additional risk Criti-
Impurity Threshold Severity Criticality reduction abili- veri-
SMR distribution station probability reduction measures cality
measures ty ty
μmol/mol
3 1 o +
Systematic N2 analysis after shutdown
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
Inert gas
3 1 3 before resuming operation or specific None 1 1
N2
2 1 + +
100 purging procedure
AFNOR (Code siret : 55204695506065)
Inert gas
2 0 + +
2 0 0 None 2 1
Ar
0 1 + +
O2 5 0 1 2 None 2 0
CO2 2 0 0 0 None 0 1
4 2 * +
CO absorber at fuelling station design
margin 100 % + operation procedure
CO 0,2 4 0 0 None 1 2
for replacement when H2 quantity puri-
2 1 + +
fied = 50 % of design capacity.
CH4 100 2 0 0 None 2 1
Check H2O at commissioning and after
1 4 * +
maintenance involving opening of vessels
H 2O 5 0 0 1 or piping. Measurement shall be done at None 0 4
appropriate location downstream of the
considered vessel or piping
Check TS at commissioning and after
1 4 * +
maintenance involving parts modifi-
TS 0,004 0 0 1 cation (piping, valves, seals, gaskets). None 0 4
Not required for part replaced by identical
0 4 + +
component
NH3 0,1 0 0 0 None 0 4
Oil/grease cleaning at commissioning
2 4 + +
and after maintenance. Compressor sur-
THC 2 0 0 2 veillance depending on compressor tech- None 0 4
nology (coalescing filter) THC analysis or
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1 2 + +
μmol/mol
0 2 + +
AFNOR (Code siret : 55204695506065)
0 1 +
Halogens 0,05 0 0 1 None 0 4
cies shall be defined) or after maintenance
+ o *
He 300 0 0 0 None 0 1 +
Key Acceptable risk area: existing controls Further investigation is needed: existing Unacceptable risk; additional control or
sufficient barriers or control may not be enough barriers required
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ISO 19880-8:20192019-10
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ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
Annex C
(informative)
C.1 General
This annex is a condensed version of the Japanese quality control guidelines developed in Japan and is
intended to be an example of a prescriptive approach to hydrogen quality assurance.
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
As a general rule, the product quality of a plant is consistent regardless of the size of its production
system, as long as the input and the operating conditions are consistent. If there are no changes in the
input and the operating conditions over a long period of time, only one quality analysis shall be needed
per operation period. On the other hand, if there are changes in the input and the operating conditions,
a quality analysis shall be needed for each condition.
When the input and the operating conditions have not changed and if it can be assured that the
possibility of contamination is eliminated by the good operation and control of the distribution facility
by, for example, continuously monitoring the indicator species before shipping, the test frequency may
be reduced to as low as once per year.
Hydrogen received by an off-site fuelling station is subject to a routine analysis for the chemical
constituents that have not been covered by the centralized hydrogen production and distribution
facility and for those that may infiltrate the gas after it is accepted by the fuelling station. For individual
contaminant species that may enter after fuelling station acceptance, the frequency of analysis may be
reduced to as low as once per year, provided that the possibility of infiltration is deemed eliminated by
having a good operation and control program at the fuelling station, such as a purge procedure.
While sampling is to be, as a rule, made at the end of a nozzle, it may be conducted upstream of the
fuelling nozzle to the extent that no changes occur to the quality of hydrogen.
When a hydrogen generator (such as reformer or H2O electrolysis apparatus) is operated in the daily
start and shut mode, the quality of the hydrogen gas produced fluctuates on a daily basis. Such operation
therefore calls for one analysis per day. However, the frequency of analysis may be reduced to as low as
once per year, provided that the possibility of infiltration is deemed eliminated by the good operation
and control of the fuelling station, such as when accumulators are filled after the indicator species is
continuously monitored for quality control on a daily basis following the start-up of the generator.
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
While sampling is to be, as a rule, made at the end of a nozzle, it may be conducted upstream of the
fuelling nozzle to the extent that no changes occur to the quality of hydrogen.
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
Annex D
(informative)
D.1 General
This annex describes the potential impurities in each step of the supply chain. An example of a typical
fuelling station supply chain is given in Figure D.1.
D.2 Production
D.2.1 General
The contaminants that may be introduced at production depend on the production technology and
on the barriers and control implemented. Only gaseous impurities are considered in each production
method subclause below. Particulates are considered separately in D.4. For Tables D.1 to D.6, the
following definitions are used for the "possibility of impurity over threshold":
— Possible: The impurities have been observed during non-routine operation or fault conditions.
— Improbable: The impurities have not been observed during non-routine operation nor fault
conditions.
D.2.2 Reforming
Reforming is the most common H2 production method today. It uses various types of feedstocks, such
as, natural gas, biogas, naphtha, methanol, and NH3 (see Table D.1). The feedstock is usually converted
into a synthetic gas (Syngas), and shift reacted to produce more H2 and CO2, then purified. The most
common purification way is by pressure swing adsorption (PSA).
The contaminants potentially present in the hydrogen are dependent on the process technology and on
the purification. It should be investigated on a case by case basis for each production source.
Annex B on centralized steam methane reforming (SMR) of natural gas with PSA purification gives an
example on how to investigate the potential contaminants related to a very widely-used H2 production
route. Table D 1 is the result:
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
NOTE As per the rationale in ISO 14687-2 (see B.2), the presence of water soluble contaminants such as
K+ and Na+, which could be present as an aerosol, can be controlled by process control of the level of water
contamination precluding the presence of water in liquid form.
D.2.5 By-products
Hydrogen may be obtained through purification of H2 rich effluent by-product of chemical/
petrochemical industry. Given the large variety of potential feeds to be purified and processes involved,
a specific dedicated analysis should be carried out for each source to identify the potential contaminants
and associated probabilities.
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
D.3 Transportation
D.3.1 General
This clause relates to additional contaminants that may be introduced in the H2 during transportation.
D.3.2 Pipeline
When transported in pipelines, H2 is usually at relatively high pressure (>40 bar). Contamination can
be due to intentional and unintentional causes (see Table D.4). An example of an intentional cause would
be the “odorization” of the fuel. An example of an unintentional cause would be condensate.
During maintenance, the potential sources of contamination are:
— N2 if insufficiently purged after maintenance;
— H2O if insufficiently dried after maintenance.
Normal criteria for N2 purging after maintenance is O2 below 2 %. This is what is required for safety
reasons before allowing to fill the system with H2. If H2 purging is done to reach 100 μmol/mol N2
before putting into operation, the O2 levels will be less than 2 μmol/mol. If improper purging occurs,
and the O2 levels exceed 5 μmol/mol, then the N2 levels will be greater than 250 μmol/mol. This implies
that the probabilities to exceed threshold due to poor purging are in the same order of magnitude for
both O2 and N2.
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
Table D.5 — Impurities potentially introduced during centralized distribution and tube trailer
transportation
Possibility of impurity
Gaseous impurities
over threshold
Possible N2, O2
Improbable CO2, CO, CH4, He, H2O, TS, NH3, THC, HCHO, HCOOH, Halogens
D.5 Particulates
Particulates may enter the hydrogen at each level of the supply chain. By default, they should be
considered as "possible" for each of them, except if specific design measures (filtering) permit to
demonstrate the opposite. Particulates can include solid or liquid materials and can occur due to
improper cleaning (metal burrs, cleaning fluid, etc.), abrasion, condensation, etc., especially in the
fuelling station. Use of cutting oils during the process could lead to contamination particulates
(construction debris if insufficiently cleaned after maintenance). The filter requirements are specified
in ISO 19880-1.
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
Annex E
(informative)
E.2 Transportation
E.2.1 Storage and transportation of compressed hydrogen
When hydrogen produced at a centralized production site is transported by compressing and filling it
into transport cylinders, there is minimal risk that its components are altered by chemical reactions.
However, one cannot rule out the possibility of contamination by residual or condensed contaminants
that are present in the cylinders in the first place. This could occur with (for example) new cylinders or
following an inspection. The quality assurance plan will take this into account and ensure the quality of
delivered compressed gas hydrogen for all feedstocks by (for example) a routine analysis.
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
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ISO 19880-8:2019(E)