Comments from NGV Global on the proposals from Italy (GRSG-112-28) and Germany (GRSG-112-33) regarding the testing and inspection of CNG cylinders.

39. The expert from Germany introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/17 to improve the specifications for the installation and inspection of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders or of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tanks and their accessories. GRSG welcomed the proposal and noted that WP.29 and the Administrative Committee of the 1997 Agreement were expected to consider and adopt ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/134 on a new UN Rule on Periodical Technical Inspections of motor vehicles using CNG and/or LNG in their propulsion system. The proposal from Germany received a number of comments, especially on the need to align the recommendations for the periodical technical inspections of such vehicles with the specifications for the re-qualification of the CNG cylinders or LNG tanks. GRSG noted the comments received by the experts from NGV Global (GRSG-113-03) and OICA (GRSG-113-20).

Proposal to improve provisions for the visual inspection of CNG cylinders, LNG tanks, and their accessories. Germany has proposed (document GRSG-112-33) the prohibition of components or parts of protective housing which must be disassembled during inspection. Italy has proposed (document GRSG-112-28) that visual inspection of cylinders Include access inside any protective covers of the cylinders. Based upon field experience, OICA believes that corrosion damage between support straps, brackets, and pads and the cylinder can be readily identified during visual inspection. Such corrosion requires cylinder replacement. Therefore, OICA proposes clarifications to inspection procedures to address the German and Italian concerns.

39. The expert from Germany introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/17 to improve the specifications for the installation and inspection of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders or of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tanks and their accessories. GRSG welcomed the proposal and noted that WP.29 and the Administrative Committee of the 1997 Agreement were expected to consider and adopt ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/134 on a new UN Rule on Periodical Technical Inspections of motor vehicles using CNG and/or LNG in their propulsion system. The proposal from Germany received a number of comments, especially on the need to align the recommendations for the periodical technical inspections of such vehicles with the specifications for the re-qualification of the CNG cylinders or LNG tanks. GRSG noted the comments received by the experts from NGV Global (GRSG-113-03) and OICA (GRSG-113-20).

Proposal for a new series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 110 to improve the specifications for the installation and inspection of CNG cylinders and of LNG tanks and their accessories. This proposal addresses incidents caused by cylinder corrosion. The proposal aims to reinforce the requirements for adequate cylinder protection and for sufficient access to the cylinder and its accessories to allow regular visual inspection.

39. The expert from Germany introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/17 to improve the specifications for the installation and inspection of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders or of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tanks and their accessories. GRSG welcomed the proposal and noted that WP.29 and the Administrative Committee of the 1997 Agreement were expected to consider and adopt ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/134 on a new UN Rule on Periodical Technical Inspections of motor vehicles using CNG and/or LNG in their propulsion system. The proposal from Germany received a number of comments, especially on the need to align the recommendations for the periodical technical inspections of such vehicles with the specifications for the re-qualification of the CNG cylinders or LNG tanks. GRSG noted the comments received by the experts from NGV Global (GRSG-113-03) and OICA (GRSG-113-20).

40. The expert from Italy proposed to amend in Annex 3A of the Regulation the test requirements for the periodic requalification of CNG cylinders to avoid structural failures during their service life (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/29). The expert from the Netherlands raised his concern on the access by inspection centres to detailed provisions for the inspection of such cylinders. Thus, he underlined the need that cylinder manufacturers should make available cylinder inspection manuals. GRSG welcomed the offer by Germany to take the lead of a Task Force to review ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/17 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/29. It was agreed to also involve the International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee (CITA) in the discussion and to resume consideration of this subject at its next GRSG session in April 2018.

28. The expert from Germany introduced GRSG-114-10 on the outcome of the task force on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/17 which was on improving the provisions for installing and inspecting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tanks and their accessories. The expert from Italy preferred a more accurate inspection of such containers without the removal of structural parts (GRSG-114-19). After discussion, GRSG agreed to add design requirements that allow easy periodical technical inspections. The expert from the Netherlands requested that container manufacturers provide more detailed recommendations for periodical technical inspections and for periodic requalification tests, and requested that these recommendations be stored and made available for all inspections.

30. Finally, GRSG considered a revised proposal (GRSG-114-10-Rev.1) and adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/17 as reproduced below. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal to WP.29 and AC.1 as draft Supplement 1 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 110 for consideration at their November 2018 sessions.

Insert a new paragraph 18.1.6.1., to read: