Overview
ISO 13984:1999 - Liquid hydrogen - Land vehicle fuelling system interface specifies requirements for the design, installation and safe operation of liquid hydrogen (LH2) refuelling and dispensing systems on land vehicles. The standard covers the fuelling-system interface located between the vehicle and the station storage tank, addressing cryogenic and cold gaseous hydrogen handling to reduce the risk of fire and explosion and to protect life and property.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Applies to components that handle liquid hydrogen and cold gaseous hydrogen during dispensing and vehicle return flows.
- Materials and compatibility: Components in contact with LH2 must be compatible with hydrogen and cryogenic temperatures; austenitic stainless steel is specified for piping or equivalent proven materials.
- Piping and joints:
- Permanent joints by welding or brazing; flanged, threaded or screwed joints are not permitted for LH2 service (compression fittings limited to instrumentation/relief devices).
- Bayonet joints recommended for liquid transfer.
- Pipe ends must be reamed; fabrication must not reduce pressure rating.
- Strength and thickness:
- Minimum bursting strength requirements (e.g., ≥ four times design pressure) and formula-based thickness calculations for pressure design are included.
- Design pressure must reflect the most severe expected internal/external pressure and temperature conditions.
- Thermal and cyclic design:
- Consideration of thermal expansion/contraction, metal fatigue from thermal cycling and transient conditions (startup/shutdown).
- Stress-range and cyclic-life factors for displacement stresses and fatigue calculations are specified.
- Insulation and vapour control:
- Insulation must maintain required system properties under fire, heat, water exposure and must be vapour-tight to prevent air condensation and oxygen enrichment.
- Testing, inspection and qualification:
- Visual, pressure, leak testing and NDT procedures; acceptance criteria and inspection personnel qualification are described.
- Safety, maintenance and signage:
- Work area requirements, warning signs, venting to safe discharge points, maintenance and protection against mechanical damage and corrosion.
Applications and users
Who uses ISO 13984:
- Hydrogen fuelling station designers and integrators
- Vehicle OEMs and fuel-tank interface engineers
- Piping and cryogenic system engineers
- Safety and compliance officers, regulatory bodies and inspectors
- Installation, maintenance and NDT personnel
Practical uses:
- Specifying LH2 dispenser-to-vehicle interface details during system design
- Selecting materials, joints and insulation strategies for cryogenic hydrogen service
- Developing testing, inspection and maintenance procedures to meet safety objectives
Related standards
For full implementation, consult the complete ISO 13984:1999 text and any updated national/regional regulations for hydrogen fuelling infrastructure.
