Informal Group on Gaseous Fueled Vehicles | Session 28 | 12 Sep 2013
Brussels
Agenda Item 7.
Update on other UN regulatory activities related to safety

22. R.110 proposed amendment (CLEPA) ‘Valve Control Stop-Start. (GFV 28-04) and (GFV 28-05)
(No discussion for lack of representation. See the GRSG document referenced as GFV 28-04)

23. Brief report on LNG-TF amendment on Automatic Valve (GFV 28-06)
Mr. Seisler explained that there was a question from the Dutch delegation about the use of an automatic valve mounted on an LNG tank, specified in the amendments to R.110. After much discussion among the LNG Task Force principals it was agreed to provide an amendment to the LNG regulations specifying the need for an automatic shutoff valve on each LNG tank, directly at the fuel outlet so that there is no chance of LNG being captured in any of the piping network outside of the fuel tank. Adoption of this resolution should be concluded at the October 2013 GRPE and will move forward to the WP 29 as part of the proposed and approved amendments.

24. Update on UN WP15 (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) and ADR regulatory issues regarding CNG and LNG safety on ADR-regulated trucks.

Mr. Seisler explained a new situation with the European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Vehicles (ADR) regulations that relate to over-the-road carriage of dangerous goods. There is a conflict in the regulation that currently prohibits gaseous fuels as a propulsion fuel on ADR-certified trucks. On the one hand, the ADR provides an exemption related to the carriage of gases so long as the gas is used for propulsion or operating on-board equipment (Annex A: 1.1.3.2) The provisions in ADR do not apply to the carriage of gases contained in the tanks of a vehicle, performing a transport operation and destined for its propulsion or for the operation of any of its equipment (e.g. refrigerating equipment).

On the other hand, another provision in the regulation specifies that any fuel leaked from the fuel tank should drain to the ground. (Methane (CNG/LNG) is lighter than air and dissipates upward into the atmosphere. LPG fumes are heavier than air but also dissipate relatively quickly.) Annex A: 9.2.4.3 Fuel tanks indicates that: The fuel tanks for supplying the engine of the vehicle shall meet the following requirements: (section a) In the event of any leakage, the fuel shall drain to the ground without coming into contact with hot parts of the vehicle or the load.

The chairman of the LNG Task Force, Paul Dijkhof (KIWA) working with, in particular, NGV Global, will organize a series of safety presentations to the WP 15 task force associated with these ADR vehicles on 22-23 October in Delft. If the WP15 can be made to feel comfortable with the safety of LNG, in particular related to diesel fuel, then they will likely create an amendment the ADR rules that will eliminate the regulatory contradiction in order to allow ADR-registered gaseous fuel vehicles on the road.

Documentation
GFV-28-04 Proposal for amendments to Regulation No. 67 (CLEPA)
GFV-28-05 Proposal for amendments to Regulation No. 110 (CLEPA)
GFV-28-06 Proposal for amendments to the draft Supplement 1 to the 01 series of amendments to Regulation No. 110 (Netherlands)