Ask X3What does 49 CFR 173.230 (Fuel cell cartridges containing hazardous material) require?
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According to 49 CFR 173.230, fuel cell cartridges containing hazardous material (including when contained in or packed with equipment) must be designed and constructed to prevent fuel leakage under normal conditions of transportation. Specifically, they are subject to the following practical requirements:
* General Design & Testing:
* Liquid fuel cell cartridge designs must pass an internal pressure test at a gauge pressure of 100 kPa (15 psig) without leaking.
* Except for hydrogen in metal hydride cartridges, each design type must pass a 1.2-meter (3.9-foot) drop test onto an unyielding surface in the orientation most likely to cause failure, with no loss of contents. (Cartridges installed in or integral to a fuel cell system are considered "contained in equipment.")
* Division 4.3 or Class 8 Materials: Cartridges designed to contain these materials may contain an activator, provided they are fitted with two independent means to prevent unintended mixing with the fuel during transport.
* Liquefied Flammable Gas Cartridges: Each must:
1. Withstand at least two times the equilibrium pressure of the contents at 55 °C (131 °F) without leaking or bursting;
2. Contain no more than 200 mL of gas with a vapor pressure not exceeding 1,000 kPa (150 psig) at 55 °C (131 °F); and
3. Pass the hot water bath test prescribed in § 173.306(a)(3)(v).
* Hydrogen in Metal Hydride Cartridges: These have specific strict rules, including a water capacity of 120 mL or less, specific pressure and burst limits, mandatory manufacturer filling instructions, permanent markings (charging pressure, serial/ID number, and expiration date), and rigorous design-type tests (drop, fire, and hydrogen cycling tests) plus production leak testing.
* Packaging Requirements:
* Standalone fuel cell cartridges require rigid packagings meeting the packing group II performance level.
* Cartridges contained in or packed with equipment require strong outer packagings (or large equipment can go unpackaged if it offers equivalent protection).
* Packed-with-equipment items need proper cushioning or dividers to prevent shifting damage.
* Cartridges contained in equipment must have their entire fuel cell system protected against short circuits and unintentional activation, and be securely cushioned.
* Aircraft Transport: Additional specific provisions apply for air shipments, such as compliance with § 173.27, prohibitions on charging batteries during transport, adherence to specific IEC standards for passenger aircraft, and specific intermediate packaging rules when packed with equipment.