Feds Want Feedback on Bonfire Tests for Gas Tank Safety
Published Date: 3/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Transportation wants your thoughts on testing safety devices called pressure relief devices (PRDs) on special gas tanks known as composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs). They’re planning bonfire-style tests to see how well these devices work and want feedback by June 17, 2025. This could lead to new safety rules that affect manufacturers and users, helping keep everyone safer without costing a fortune.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Possible PRD guideline changes and costs
PHMSA is soliciting feedback on how test results could inform future COPV design guidelines, including asking for the cost impacts of using CG-9 or CG-10 PRDs instead of CG-4 or CG-5 and whether allowable PRDs for COPVs used to transport flammable gases should be limited to CG-9 or CG-10; comments are due June 17, 2025.
Planned bonfire tests of COPVs
PHMSA plans bonfire-style tests on fully charged composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) to assess pressure relief devices (PRDs). Tests are specified for Type 3 and Type 4 COPVs (16" outside diameter, 120" length, 5,400-psig test pressure) and will test CG-4, CG-5, CG-9, and CG-10 PRDs with bonfires applied for a minimum of 30 minutes at locations 6" and 10" from PRDs; comments are due June 17, 2025.
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