NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITIES Code Related Modifications For NGVs In Existing Maintenance Facilities

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1 DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITIES Code Related Modifications For NGVs In Existing Maintenance Facilities Steve Arnold, P.E. - Engineering Vice President Brian Bogar, P.E. - Senior Design Manager

2 TODAYS AGENDA Overview of applicable codes Code Requirements Guidelines Cost Saving Ideas

3 ET ENVIRONMENTAL First CNG project completed in 2004 Approximately 75 NGV safe shops (Bristol, PA) Team dedicated to turn-key Design/Build CNG projects 12 offices 37

4 Applicable Codes Partial list of codes and standards: 2009 I-Codes IBC, IECC, IEBC, IFC, IFGC, IMC, IPC National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA 70 National Electric Code (NEC) NFPA 30A Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages NFPA 52 Vehicular Gaseous Fuel Systems Code Municipal / Local requirements and amendments

5 MAINTENANCE FACILITES GARAGE RETROFITS FOR NGVs Every shop is unique Consult a professional Code compliance is only one component Operations Training

6 WHO APPLIES & ENFORCES THE CODE? Qualified Design Professional prepares permit documents (P.E.) Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) State Review Local Building Dept and Fire official Code Interpretations?

7 MAJOR vs. MINOR REPAIR GARAGE MAJOR REPAIR GARAGE engine overhauls, painting, body and fender work, and repairs that require draining of the motor vehicle fuel tank MINOR REPAIR GARAGE lubrication, inspection, and minor maintenance work, such as engine tune-ups, replacement of parts, fluid changes, brake system repairs, tire rotation, and similar maintenance IFC - informal Minor definition work is not performed on the fuel system and is limited to exchange of parts and maintenance requiring no open flame or welding.

8 MAJOR REPAIR GARAGE EVALUATION 1) Ventilation 2) Gas Detection 3) Heating Systems 4) Electrical Systems and Components 5) Other Considerations Migration of Gas Existing Conditions and Code Triggers LNG Venting and Spill Mitigation

9 NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY VENTILATION TWO DISTINCT VENTING CRITERIA 1) PURGE VENTING Only required for NGV s, not Diesel or Gasoline Vehicles 2) AIR QUALITY FOR OCCUPIED SPACES Same for Natural Gas, Diesel, and Gasoline

10 NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY VENTILATION IMC Venting Repair garages for the repair of vehicles which use CNG, LNG or other lighter-than-air motor fuels shall be provided with an approved mechanical ventilation system.

11 NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY VENTILATION Approved system includes: 5 air changes per hour (ACH) Continuous operation or interlocked to gas detection CNG garages are also compliant with ventilation interlocked to lights Uniform airflow outlets at high point, inlets at floor

12 NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY VENTILATION Ventilation Compliance Strategies: Continuous ventilation with bottom to top air flow -or- Interlock to detection system so purge ventilation will operate only when gas is detected. This will reduce heating load and operational costs.

13 NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY DETECTION Where repairing NGVs fueled by non-odorized gas, such as LNG, a gas detection system is required Detection is required in pits for LNG Detection can be used to control purge ventilation Reference: NFPA 30A Section & IBC

14 NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY Compliance Strategy: DETECTION Install detection system for CNG compliance to reduce heating load Activate at 25% LEL Maintenance and calibration Detectors are required to trigger audio/visual signal, deactivate heating, and activate mechanical venting if interlocked

15 NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY HEATERS Where major repairs are conducted on NGVs, open flame heaters or heating equipment with surface temperatures in excess of 750º F shall not be permitted in areas subject to ignitable concentrations of gas.

16 NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY HEATERS Compliance Strategies: Removal of appliances with pilot or open flame Replace with compliant heaters Typically low intensity radiant heaters rated for the hazardous location Steam, hot water, forced air if designed properly Other ignition sources pressure washers, used oil burners

17 NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY

18 NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY ELECTRICAL Classified Zone In major repair garages where NGVs are repaired or stored, the area with 18 of the ceiling shall be designated a Class 1, Division 2 hazardous location

19 NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY ELECTRICAL Classified zones con t 18 at the floor is also Class 1 Div. 2 for Gasoline / Diesel Vehicles Maintenance pits are classified areas but with the same criteria as Diesel and Gasoline Shops

20 NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY ELECTRICAL Ventilation Exception: NFPA 30A and NEC allow ventilation to mitigate the ceiling classified area. - Criteria differ (4ACH vs 1 cfm/sf)

21 NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY ELECTRICAL Compliance Strategies Relocate electrical outside classified zone Use equipment and wiring permitted in classified zone Declassify with ventilation

22 NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY ADJACENT OCCUPANCIES Enclosed rooms for [NGVs] should prohibit the transmission of gases to other areas of the building. Compliance Strategies: Positive pressure in adjacent occupancy Separation wall sealed to prevent transmission of gas

23 Existing Building & Conditions IEBC is in use in 39 states (PA has adopted) Identify triggers for current code compliance Alteration Level and Change in Occupancy

24 Existing Buildings & Conditions Building Alteration Level 2 is common Change of Occupancy is applicable. = change in level of activity that involves a change in the application of the code Must comply with new code provisions specifically for NGVs Energy Conservation unaltered portions not required to comply with energy codes Structural 5% rule Fire Protection Automatic Sprinkler Triggers

25 LNG ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO CONSIDER Provisions should be made to prohibit LNG from entering drain conveyance system Vent capture? Overhead cranes Confirm motors and contactors are not within classified ceiling space

26 NGV MAINTENANCE FACILITY HEAT < 750 F and no open flames VENTILATION Required at 5 ACH Gas Detection required for LNG Interlocked to Lighting CNG Only (NA tot LNG) Continuous Interlocked to Gas Detection ELECTRICAL Classified Ceiling Area or Ventilation GAS DETECTION

27 MINOR REPAIR GARAGES MINOR REPAIR GARAGE = lubrication, inspection, tune-ups, replacement of parts, fluid changes, brakes, tires, and similar routine maintenance NGV Minor Repair Garages are exempt from many but not all of the code provisions.

28 MINOR REPAIR GARAGES Electrical Ceiling Classified Areas Exempt, ceiling is unclassified Heating and Sources of Ignition Exempt from 750 F and open flame requirement Ventilation 5 ACH required by International Mechanical Code Ventilation Exception in IFC Gas Detection Required for LNG May be used for ventilation controls (CNG)

29 MINOR REPAIR GARAGES Electrical - Ceiling Unclassified Gas Detection required for LNG Heat No 750 F and open flame requirements Ventilation IMC - Required at 5 ACH IFC Exempt from Ventilation Req Interlocked to lighting CNG Only (NA to LNG) Continuous Interlocked to Gas Detection

30 WI SEO Guidelines Document Background State outreach programs identified a barrier to growth of the NGV market Purpose Provide industry guidance on maintenance shop code and safety requirements Encourage consistent code interpretation Guideline Document and Webinar Replay

31 Cost Saving Strategies Use a partition wall to separate NGV repair areas Hire experienced design professionals and contractors Select HVAC system considering operational costs Seek out financial incentives (State energy programs, grants, utility programs, etc.)

32 QUESTIONS? STEVE ARNOLD, P.E. (708) BRIAN BOGAR, P.E. (860)