ASTM D7323-21

Standard Practice for Handling, Transportation, and Storage of IG-100 (Nitrogen)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice provides requirements for the handling, transportation, and storage of IG-100 encountered in distribution through both commercial and military channels. It is intended to ensure that IG-100 is handled, transported, and stored in such a way that its physical property virtues are not degraded. Transport may be by various means, such as, but not limited to, highway, rail and water.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers guidance and direction to suppliers, purchasers, and users in the handling, transportation, and storage of IG-100 (nitrogen).  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2021
• ICS: 23.020.30 - Pressure vessels, gas cylinders
• Technical Committee: D26 - Halogenated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents
• Drafting Committee: D26.09 - Fire Extinguishing Agents

Overview

ASTM D7323-21, Standard Practice for Handling, Transportation, and Storage of IG-100 (Nitrogen), provides comprehensive guidelines to ensure the integrity and safety of IG-100-an inert gas (pure nitrogen) widely used for fire suppression and hazard mitigation. Developed by ASTM International, this standard targets all stakeholders involved in the distribution of IG-100, including suppliers, purchasers, and end-users across both commercial and military sectors. Its primary focus is to help maintain the quality and functional properties of IG-100 throughout its handling, transportation, and storage lifecycle.

Key Topics

• Safe Handling of IG-100:

  • Personnel handling IG-100 must be trained according to Compressed Gas Association (CGA) publications and pertinent federal regulations.
  • Operations must be conducted in well-ventilated, nonsmoking, and heater-free environments to minimize the risk of unsafe nitrogen concentrations.
  • Cylinders must be handled and stored properly to avoid contamination and deterioration.

• Transportation Requirements:

  • All transportation must comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
  • IG-100 cylinders must be protected from excessive vibration, mechanical shock, freezing, or high temperatures during transit.
  • Transported cylinders must adhere to pressure requirements and be clearly labeled for identification and emergency response.

• Storage Best Practices:

  • Storage of IG-100 should protect cylinders from environmental damage, contamination, and unauthorized access.
  • Storage facilities must be designed for the safety and stability of pressurized vessels, including provisions for insulation and appropriate pressure release mechanisms.
  • Regular inspection and hydrostatic testing of cylinders are mandatory to assure ongoing compliance and safety.

• Regulatory Compliance:

  • The standard references key CGA and CFR documents for further requirements on labeling, testing, and classification to support legal compliance for hazardous materials handling.

Applications

The provisions of ASTM D7323-21 are vital wherever IG-100 (nitrogen) is used for clean agent fire suppression, explosion hazard suppression, or as an inerting agent. Key applications include:

• Industrial fire suppression systems: Protecting sensitive equipment or materials from fire without leaving residue.
• Military distribution and operations: Ensuring safe logistics in both field and garrison environments.
• Commercial distribution: Handling IG-100 cylinders in manufacturing, storage, and shipping sectors.
• Recycling and reclamation: Safe transfer of IG-100 between storage, use sites, and recycling or disposal facilities.
• Specialized transport and logistics: Complying with regulations for over-the-road, rail, and maritime shipment of compressed gases.

Adhering to this standard assures organizations of meeting critical safety, quality, and legal requirements when working with nitrogen-based inert gases.

Related Standards

For comprehensive compliance and safety, reference the following key documents in conjunction with ASTM D7323-21:

• CGA Standards:

  • C-1: Methods for Pressure Testing Compressed Gas Cylinders
  • C-6: Visual Inspection of Steel Compressed Gas Cylinders
  • C-7: Precautionary Labeling and Marking of Compressed Gas Containers
  • P-1: Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers

• U.S. Federal Regulations (CFR):

  • 40 CFR 82.106: EPA Warning Statement Requirements
  • 49 CFR 172: Hazardous Materials Table, Communications, Emergency Response, and Training
  • 49 CFR 173 & 178: Requirements for Shipping, Packaging Specifications
  • 49 CFR 180: Maintenance and Requalification of Packagings

By consistently aligning operations with ASTM D7323-21 and its referenced standards, organizations reinforce best practices in safety, reliability, and regulatory adherence when handling IG-100 (nitrogen) in fire suppression and inerting applications.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D7323 − 21
Standard Practice for
Handling, Transportation, and Storage of IG-100 (Nitrogen)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7323; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope gency Response Information, Training Requirements, and
Security Plans
1.1 This practice covers guidance and direction to suppliers,
49 CFR Part 172.101 Purpose and Use of Hazardous Mate-
purchasers, and users in the handling, transportation, and
rials Table
storage of IG-100 (nitrogen).
49 CFR Part 173 Shippers—General Requirements for Ship-
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
ments and Packagings
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
49 CFR Part 178 Specifications for Packagings
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
49 CFR Part 180 Continuing Qualification and Maintenance
and are not considered standard.
of Packagings
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.1 containers, n—storage vessels for IG-100.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.2 cylinders, n—containers of IG-100.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.3 IG-100 (nitrogen), n—compound used to inert or
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
suppress a fire or explosion hazard.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.4 insulated, adj—placed in an isolated situation to pro-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
tect and prevent the transfer of damage.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Significance and Use
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 This practice provides requirements for the handling,
transportation, and storage of IG-100 encountered in distribu-
2.1 CGA Standards:
tion through both commercial and military channels. It is
C-1 Methods for Pressure Testing Compressed Gas Cylin-
intended to ensure that IG-100 is handled, transported, and
ders
stored in such a way that its physical property virtues are not
C-6 Standards for Visual Inspection of Steel Compressed
degraded. Transport may be by various means, such as, but not
Gas Cylinders
limited to, highway, rail and water.
C-7 Guide to Classification and Labeling of Compressed
Gases
5. Practice
P-1 Standard for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in
5.1 To ensure safe handling, loading, unloading, storing,
Containers
and transporting of material, personnel shall be trained in the
2.2 U.S. Government Standards:
CGApublicationsandCFRregulationsaslistedinSections2.1
49 CFR Part 172 Hazardous Materials Table, Special
and 2.2, respectively.
Provisions, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emer-
5.2 Handling:
1 5.2.1 Handling shall be in accordance with CGA Publica-
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D26 on Haloge-
nated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents and is the direct responsi-
tion P-1 and as specified by the manufacturer.
bility of Subcommittee D26.09 on Fire Extinguishing Agents.
5.2.1.1 Personnel who handle or store, or both, cylinders of
Current edition approved June 1, 2021. Published June 2021. Originally
IG-100 shall be trained properly to recognize and identify the
approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D7323 – 13. DOI:
characteristics of the product and the proper methods of safely
10.1520/D7323-21.
Available from Compressed GasAssociation, 8484 Westpark Drive, Suite 220,
handling full, partially full, and empty cylinders.
McLean, VA 22102, https://www.cganet.com.
5.2.2 All IG-100 transfers between storage containers and
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) documents are available from U.S.
recycling processes shall be performed by personnel trained in
Government Publishing Office (GPO), 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC
20401, https://www.gpo.gov. handling procedures.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7323 − 21
5.2.3 The IG-100 recycling and transfer processes shall be Fig. 2 illustrate the effect of temperature on cylinders filled
in conjunction with the equipment specified by the manufac- with IG-100.
tu
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7323 − 13 D7323 − 21
Standard Practice for
Handling, Transportation, and Storage of IG-100 (Nitrogen)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7323; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers guidance and direction to suppliers, purchasers, and users in the handling, transportation, and storage of
IG-100 (nitrogen).
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 CGA Standards:
C-1 Methods for Pressure Testing Compressed Gas Cylinders
C-6 Standards for Visual Inspection of Steel Compressed Gas Cylinders
C-7 Guide to Preparation of Precautionary Labeling and Marking of Compressed Gas ContainersClassification and Labeling of
Compressed Gases
P-1 Standard for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers
2.2 U.S. Government Standards, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR):Standards:
CFR Title 40, Part 82.106 Environmental Protection Agency, Warning Statement Requirements
49 CFR Title 49, Part 172 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Hazardous Materials Table, Special Provisions, Hazardous
Materials Communications, Emergency Response Information, and Training RequirementsTraining Requirements, and
Security Plans
49 CFR Title 49, Part 172.101 U.S. DOT, TablesPurpose and Use of Hazardous Materials and Special ProvisionsTable
49 CFR Title 49, Part 173 U.S. DOT Specification, Shippers-General Shippers—General Requirements for ShippingShipments
and PackagingPackagings
49 CFR Title 49, Part 178 U.S. DOT Specification, Specifications for PackagingPackagings
49 CFR Title 49, Part 180 U.S. DOT, Continuing Qualification and Maintenance of Packagings
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D26 on Halogenated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D26.09 on Fire Extinguishing Agents.
Current edition approved March 15, 2013June 1, 2021. Published April 2013June 2021. Originally approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 20072013 as D7323
– 07.13. DOI: 10.1520/D7323-13.10.1520/D7323-21.
Available from Compressed Gas Association.Association, 8484 Westpark Drive, Suite 220, McLean, VA 22102, https://www.cganet.com.
Available Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) documents are available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC
20036.Publishing Office (GPO), 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401, https://www.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7323 − 21
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 containers—containers, n—storage vessels for IG-100.
3.1.2 cylinders—cylinders, n—containers of IG-100.
3.1.3 IG-100 (nitrogen)—(nitrogen), n—compound used to inert or suppress a fire or explosion hazard.
3.1.4 insulated—insulated, adj—placed in an isolated situation to protect and prevent the transfer of damage.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice provides requirements for the handling, transportation, and storage of IG-100 encountered in distribution through
both commercial and military channels. It is intended to ensure that IG-100 is handled, transported, and stored in such a way that
its physical property virtues are not degraded. Transport may be by various means, such as, but not limited to, highway, rail and
water.
5. Practice
5.1 To ensure safe handling, loading, unloading, storing, and transporting of material, personnel shall be trained in the CGA
publications and CFR regulations as listed in Sections 2.1 and 2.2, respectively.
5.2 Handling:
5.2.1 Handling shall be in accordance with CGA P-1.Publication P-1 and as specified by the manufacturer.
5.2.1.1 Personnel who handle or store, or both, cylinders of IG-100 shall be trained properly to recognize and identify the
characteristics of the product and the proper methods of safely handling full, partially full, and empty cylinders.
5.2.2 All IG-100 transfers between storage containers and recycling processes shall be performed by personnel trained in handling
...