(116a) Cng and Hydrogen Vehicle Fuel Tank Failure Incidents, Testing, and Preventive Measures

The design, construction, testing, and inspection of Compressed Natural Gas fuel tanks and hydrogen fuel tanks, along with the requirement for a Pressure Relief Device (PRD) have succeeded in limiting the number of catastrophic tank failures to date in the U.S. This paper will describe the fuel tank standards and tank testing intended to minimize such tank failures. The emphasis will be on the fire exposure testing conducted in accord with the standard, and the tests conducted to determine the consequences of pressurized tank failure. The paper will also contain anecdotal descriptions of the reported U.S. and European tank failure incidents associated with tank deterioration during accidents, vehicle fires, and exposure to severe road hazards and corrosive chemicals. Possible revisions to the fuel tank standards and to tank construction and vehicle installation to prevent future incidents are also included in the paper.