Aluminum in CNG Service (NFPA 52)
Aluminum in CNG Service (NFPA 52)
(OP)
Does anyone have any idea why Clause 4.8.4(4) of NFPA 52 specifically prohibits the use of aluminum for pipe, tubing and fittings in CNG service ?
I don't have any experience with CNG service but from what research I have conducted, aluminum is a good choice for product compatibility, it has the required low temperature properties, it is conductive (so static buildup is not an issue), and it appears to be the preferred and normal material for constructing fuel cylinders(and is accepted by NFPA for fuel cylinders).
The only thing I've been able to come up with is a possible concern with the low melting point of aluminum but I don't think that's it?
Any help appreciated ...
I don't have any experience with CNG service but from what research I have conducted, aluminum is a good choice for product compatibility, it has the required low temperature properties, it is conductive (so static buildup is not an issue), and it appears to be the preferred and normal material for constructing fuel cylinders(and is accepted by NFPA for fuel cylinders).
The only thing I've been able to come up with is a possible concern with the low melting point of aluminum but I don't think that's it?
Any help appreciated ...





RE: Aluminum in CNG Service (NFPA 52)
We operated about 20 forklifts on CNG using the beer keg type steel cylinder. There may have been some Al cylinders early on but the latest are steel. These all have brass valves, either plane or Nickel plated, with all SS flex hose.
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RE: Aluminum in CNG Service (NFPA 52)
pipe, tubing and fittings in CNG service not storage cylinders
RE: Aluminum in CNG Service (NFPA 52)
I realized that he was looking at fittings and/or tubing. The reason that I brought up the cylinders is the ammount of effort needed to insure leak before failure, which would be hard to do with Al tubing. It has Ben my experience that Al tubing fails by producing "fish mouth" at the failure, not good.
I added the link as I would bet you the require information is there either by direct reference or in one the many standards listed. Worst comes to worst one could contact the right governing body and ask for a clarification.
RE: Aluminum in CNG Service (NFPA 52)