Gaseous hydrogen — Fuelling stations — Part 8: Fuel quality control

This document specifies the protocol for ensuring the quality of the gaseous hydrogen at hydrogen distribution facilities and hydrogen fuelling stations for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells for road vehicles.

Hydrogène gazeux — Stations de remplissage — Partie 8: Contrôle qualité du carburant

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Status
Published
Publication Date
21-Oct-2019
Current Stage
9092 - International Standard to be revised
Completion Date
19-Oct-2021
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ISO 19880-8:2019(E) Deleted: /FDIS
ISO 19880-8:2019(E) Deleted: /FDIS
ISO TC 197/WG 28
Gaseous hydrogen — Fuelling stations — Part 8: Fuel quality control
Hydrogène gazeux — Stations de recharge — Partie 8: Contrôle qualité du carburant
Deleted: FDIS stage¶
© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved i

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ISO/FDI 19880-8:2019(E) Deleted: FDIS
© ISO 2019
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or
utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be
requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO's member body in the country of the
requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH‐1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E‐mail copyright@iso.org
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland.
ii © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

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ISO 19880-8:2019(E) Deleted: /FDIS
Contents
Foreword . 7
Introduction. 8
1  Scope . 1
2  Normative references . 1
3  Terms and definitions . 1
4  Abbreviated terms . 3
5  Hydrogen specifications . 4
6  Quality control approaches . 4
7  Potential sources of impurities . 4
8  Hydrogen quality assurance methodology . 4
Table 1 — Occurrence classes for an impurity . 6
Table 2 — Severity classes for an impurity . 6
Table 3 — Combined risk assessment . 7
Table 4 — Impact of impurities on fuel cell powertrain . 9
9  Routine quality control . 9
10  Non-routine quality control . 10
11  Remedial measures and reporting . 10
Annex A (Informative) Impact of impurities on fuel cell powertrains . 11
A.1  General . 11
A.2  Inert gases . 11
A.3  Oxygen . 11
A.4  Carbon dioxide . 11
A.5  Carbon monoxide . 11
A.6  Me tha ne . 12
A.7  Water . 12
A.8  Total sulphur compounds . 12
A.9  Ammonia . 12
A.10  Total hydrocarbons . 12
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ISO/FDI 19880-8:2019(E) Deleted: FDIS
A.11  Formaldehyde . 12
A.12  Formic acid . 13
A.13  Halogenated compounds . 13
A.14  Helium . 13
A.15  Solid and liquid particulates (aerosols) . 13
Annex B (informative) Example of risk assessment . 15
B.1  Centralized production, pipeline transportation . 15
B.2  Steam methane reformation . 15
B.2.1  General . 15
B.2.2  Purification by pressure swing adsorption . 15
Table B.1 — Probability of occurrence for off-site SMR . 16
Table B.2 — Probability of occurrence for pipeline . 18
Table B.3 — Probability of occurrence for fuelling station to be source of impurities . 19
Table B.4 — Combined risk assessment . 20
B.3  Alkaline electrolysis . 22
Annex C (informative) Example of Japanese hydrogen quality guidelines . 24
C.1  General . 24
C.2  Approaches to administration of Japanese quality control guidelines . 24
C.3  Hydrogen production methods, hydrogen purification methods and hydrogen
transportation methods . 24
C.3.1  Hydrogen production methods . 24
C.3.2  Hydrogen purification methods . 25
C.3.3  Hydrogen transportation methods . 25
C.4  Constituents requiring analysis (potential sources of contaminants) . 25
C.4.1  General . 25
C.4.2  All hydrogen production methods . 25
Table C.1— Constituents requiring an analysis for all production methods . 25
C.4.3  Specific hydrogen production methods . 26
Table C.2 — Constituents requiring an analysis for specific production methods . 26
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ISO 19880-8:2019(E) Deleted: /FDIS
C.5  Constituents that do not require analysis . 27
Table C.3 — Constituents that do not require an analysis . 27
C.6  Administration of quality control . 27
C.6.1  Frequency of routine analysis . 27
C.6.1.1  Routine analysis at a centralized production and distribution facility . 27
C.6.1.2  Routine analysis at fuelling station . 27
C.6.1.2.1  Off-site fuelling station . 27
C.6.1.2.2  On-site fuelling station . 27
C.6.2  Frequency of non-routine analysis . 28
C.7  Administration of analysis and monitoring records . 28
C.7.1  Forms for analysis and monitoring records and reports . 28
C.7.2  Safekeeping and recording . 28
C.8  Routine analysis work . 28
C.9  Non-routine analysis work . 28
C.10  Approaches to particulates requirements . 28
Table C.5 — Non-routine analysis work . 32
Annex D (informative) Typical hydrogen fuelling station supply chain . 34
D.1  General . 34
Figure D.1 — Example of a typical fuelling station supply chain. 34
roduction. 34
D.2  P
D.2.1  General . 34
D.2.2  Reforming . 34
Table D.1 — Impurities potentially present in H produced by SMR . 34
2
D.2.3  Alkaline electrolysis . 35
Table D.2— Impurities potentially present in H produced by alkaline electrolysis . 35
2
D.2.4  Proton exchange membrane electrolysis . 35
Table D.3 — Impurities potentially present in H produced by PEM electrolysis . 35
2
D.2.5  By-products . 35
D.2.6  New production methods . 35
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ISO/FDI 19880-8:2019(E) Deleted: FDIS
D.3  Transportation . 35
D.3.1  General . 35
D.3.2  Pipeline . 36
Table D.4 — Impurities potentially introduced during Pipeline Transportation . 36
D.3.3  Filling center and tube trailer . 36
Table D.5 — Impurities potentially introduced during centralized distribution and tube trailer
transportation . 36
D.4  Hydrogen fuelling station . 37
Table D.6 — Impurities potentially introduced at fuelling station . 37
D.5  Particulates . 37
Annex E (informative) Routine hydrogen quality analysis . 38
E.1  Off-site production . 38
E.2  Transportation . 38
E.2.1  Storage and transportation of compressed hydrogen . 38
E.2.2  Storage and transportation of liquid hydrogen . 38
E.2.3  Pipeline transport . 38
E.3  Hydrogen fuelling station . 38
E.3.1  Delivered hydrogen . 38
E.3.2  On-site hydrogen generation . 38
E.3.3  Hydrogen fuelling station contaminants . 39
Bibliography . 40
vi © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

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ISO 19880-8:2019(E) Deleted: /FDIS
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national
standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally
carried out through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a
technical committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee.
International organizations, governmental and non‐governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in
the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all
matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee TC 197, Hydrogen technologies.
A list of all parts in the ISO 19880 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved vii

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ISO/FDI 19880-8:2019(E) Deleted: FDIS
Introduction
This document was developed to specify how the quality of gaseous hydrogen fuel for road vehicles
which use PEM fuel cells can be assured. The document discusses hydrogen quality control approaches
for routine and non‐routine conditions, as well as quality assurance plans. It is based upon best
practices and experience from the gaseous fuels and automotive industry. ISO 21087 describes the
requirements for analytical methods to measure the level of contaminants found in the gaseous
hydrogen fuel.
viii © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

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ISO 19880-8:2019(E) Deleted: /FDIS
Gaseous hydrogen — Fuelling stations — Part 8: Fuel quality
control
1 Scope
This document specifies the protocol for ensuring the quality of the gaseous hydrogen at hydrogen
distribution facilities and hydrogen fuelling stations for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells for
road vehicles.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 19880‐1, Gaseous hydrogen — Fuelling stations — Part 1: General requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
authority having jurisdiction
AHJ
organization, office or individual responsible for approving a facility along with an equipment, an
installation, or a procedure
3.2
indicator species
one or more constituents (3.3) in the gas stream which can signal the presence of other chemical
constituents because it has the highest probability of presence in a fuel produced by a given process
3.3
constituent
component (or compound) found within a hydrogen fuel mixture
3.4
contaminant
impurity (3.9) that adversely affects the components within the fuel cell system (3.6) or the hydrogen
storage system
Note 1 to entry: An adverse effect can be reversible or irreversible.
3.5
filter
equipment to remove undesired particulates (3.15) from the hydrogen
3.6
fuel cell system
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ISO/FDI 19880-8:2019(E) Deleted: FDIS
power system used for the generation of electricity on a fuel cell vehicle (3.7), typically containing the
following subsystems: fuel cell stack, air processing, fuel processing, thermal management, and water
management
3.7
fuel cell vehicle
FCV
vehicle which stores hydrogen on‐board and uses a fuel cell system (3.6) to generate electricity for
propulsion
3.8
fuelling station
facility for the dispensing of compressed hydrogen vehicle fuel, including the supply of hydrogen, and
hydrogen compression, storage, and dispensing systems
Note 1 to entry: Fuelling station is often referred to as hydrogen fuelling station or hydrogen filling station.
3.9
impurity
non‐hydrogen component in the gas stream
3.10
irreversible damage
irreversible effect
effect, which results in a permanent degradation of the fuel cell power system performance that cannot
be restored by practical changes of operational conditions and/or gas composition
3.11
monitoring
act of measuring the constituents (3.3) of a hydrogen stream or process controls of a hydrogen
production system on a continuous or semi‐continuous basis by on‐site equipment
3.12
non-routine, adjective
not in accordance with established procedures
3.13
on-site supply
hydrogen fuel supplying system with a hydrogen production system in the same site
3.14
off-site supply
hydrogen fuel supplying system without a hydrogen production system in the same site, receiving
hydrogen fuel which is produced out of the site
3.15
particulate
solid or liquid such as oil mist that can be entrained somewhere in the delivery, storage, or transfer of
the hydrogen fuel entering a fuel cell system (3.6)
3.16
purifier
equipment to remove undesired constituents (3.3) from the hydrogen
Note 1 to entry: Hydrogen purifiers may comprise purification vessels, dryers, filters (3.5), and separators.
2 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

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ISO 19880-8:2019(E) Deleted: /FDIS
3.17
quality assurance
part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled
3.18
quality control
part of quality management focused on fulfilling quality requirements
3.19
quality plan
documentation of quality management
3.20
reversible damage
reversible effect
effect, which results in a non‐permanent degradation of the fuel cell power system performance that
can be restored by practical changes of operational conditions and/or gas composition
3.21
risk
combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity (3.26) of that harm,
encompassing both the uncertainty about and severity of the harm
3.22
risk assessment
determination of quantitative or qualitative value of risk (3.21) related to a specific situation and a
recognized threat also called a hazard
3.23
risk level
assessed magnitude of the risk (3.21)
3.24
routine, adjective
in accordance with established procedures
3.25
sampling
act of capturing a measured amount of hydrogen for chemical analysis by external equipment
3.26
severity
measure of the possible consequences for fuel cell cars if filled with H containing higher level of
2
impurities (3.9) than the threshold value
4 Abbreviated terms
Abbreviated term Definition
Halogens total halogenated compounds
HDS hydrodesulphurization
PEM proton exchange membrane
PSA pressure swing adsorption
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ISO/FDI 19880-8:2019(E) Deleted: FDIS
SC severity class
SMR steam methane reforming
THC total hydrocarbons
TS total sulphur compounds
TSA temperature swing adsorption
5 Hydrogen specifications
The quality requirements of hydrogen fuel dispensed to PEM fuel cells for road vehicles are listed in
ISO 14687‐2.
6 Quality control approaches
6.1 General
There are two common methods to control the quality of hydrogen at a fuelling station, by spot
sampling and continuous monitoring. These methods can be used individually or together to ensure
hydrogen quality levels.
6.2 Sampling
Spot sampling at a fuelling station involves capturing a measured amount for chemical analysis.
Sampling is used to perform an accurate and comprehensive analysis of impurities which is done
externally, typically at a laboratory. Since the sampling process involves drawing a sample of gas, it is
typically done on a periodic basis and requires specialized sampling equipment and personnel to
operate it. Sampling procedures shall conform to ISO 19880‐1. The advantage of spot sampling is that a
more detailed laboratory analysis can be conducted on the sample. The disadvantage of spot sampling is
that it is not continuous and results in a detail analysis of a single point in time.
6.3 Monitoring
A fuelling station can have real time monitoring of the hydrogen gas stream for one or more impurities
on a continuous or semi‐continuous basis. A critical impurity can be monitored to ensure it does not
exceed a critical level, or monitoring of indicator species are used to alert of potential issues with the
hydrogen production or purification process. Monitoring equipment is installed in line with the
hydrogen gas stream and shall meet the process requirements of the fuelling station, as well as be
calibrated on a periodic basis. Continuous monitoring compliments spot sampling by offsetting the
disadvantages.
7 Potential sources of impurities
For a given fuelling station, the contaminants listed in the hydrogen specification referred to in Clause 5
may or may not be potentially present. There are several parts of the supply chain where impurities can
be introduced. The potential impurities in each step of the supply chain are described in Annex D.
When a contaminant is classified as potentially present, it shall be taken into account in the quality
assurance methodology (risk assessment or prescriptive approach) described in Clause 8.
8 Hydrogen quality assurance methodology
8.1 General
A quality assurance plan for the entire supply chain shall be created to ensure that the hydrogen quality
will meet the requirements listed in Clause 5. The methodology used to develop the quality assurance
4 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

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ISO 19880-8:2019(E) Deleted: /FDIS
plan can vary but shall include one of the two approaches described in this document. The general
description of these two approaches are described in 8.2 and 8.3. Examples of these approaches 1)
prescriptive approach and 2) risk assessment for hydrogen quality, are presented in Annexes A, B and
C, respectively. The quality assurance plan for the fuelling station shall include the following to ensure
hydrogen quality is properly maintained:
— identification of potential impurities;
— methods to control and remove these impurities;
— sampling impurities and frequency;
— monitoring of impurities or process controls;
— description of solid and liquid particulate filters;
— cleanliness and maintenance procedures.
It is important to understand that quality should be
...

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 19880-8
First edition
2019-10
Gaseous hydrogen — Fuelling
stations —
Part 8:
Fuel quality control
Hydrogène gazeux — Stations de remplissage —
Partie 8: Contrôle qualité du carburant
Reference number
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
©
ISO 2019

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2019
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Fax: +41 22 749 09 47
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Abbreviated terms . 3
5 Hydrogen specifications . 4
6 Quality control approaches . 4
6.1 General . 4
6.2 Sampling . 4
6.3 Monitoring . 4
7 Potential sources of impurities . 4
8 Hydrogen quality assurance methodology . 4
8.1 General . 4
8.2 Prescriptive methodology . 5
8.3 Risk assessment methodology . 5
8.4 Impact of impurities on fuel cell powertrain . 7
9 Routine quality control . 8
10 Non-routine quality control . 8
11 Remedial measures and reporting . 9
Annex A (Informative) Impact of impurities on fuel cell powertrains .10
Annex B (informative) Example of risk assessment .14
Annex C (informative) Example of Japanese hydrogen quality guidelines .24
Annex D (informative) Typical hydrogen fuelling station supply chain .33
Annex E (informative) Routine hydrogen quality analysis .37
Bibliography .39
© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved iii

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ISO 19880-8:2019(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee TC 197, Hydrogen technologies.
A list of all parts in the ISO 19880 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO 19880-8:2019(E)

Introduction
This document was developed to specify how the quality of gaseous hydrogen fuel for road vehicles
which use PEM fuel cells can be assured. The document discusses hydrogen quality control approaches
for routine and non-routine conditions, as well as quality assurance plans. It is based upon best practices
and experience from the gaseous fuels and automotive industry. ISO 21087 describes the requirements
for analytical methods to measure the level of contaminants found in the gaseous hydrogen fuel.
© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved v

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 19880-8:2019(E)
Gaseous hydrogen — Fuelling stations —
Part 8:
Fuel quality control
1 Scope
This document specifies the protocol for ensuring the quality of the gaseous hydrogen at hydrogen
distribution facilities and hydrogen fuelling stations for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells
for road vehicles.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 19880-1, Gaseous hydrogen — Fuelling stations — Part 1: General requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
authority having jurisdiction
AHJ
organization, office or individual responsible for approving a facility along with an equipment, an
installation, or a procedure
3.2
indicator species
one or more constituents (3.3) in the gas stream which can signal the presence of other chemical
constituents because it has the highest probability of presence in a fuel produced by a given process
3.3
constituent
component (or compound) found within a hydrogen fuel mixture
3.4
contaminant
impurity (3.9) that adversely affects the components within the fuel cell system (3.6) or the hydrogen
storage system
Note 1 to entry: An adverse effect can be reversible or irreversible.
3.5
filter
equipment to remove undesired particulates (3.15) from the hydrogen
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ISO 19880-8:2019(E)

3.6
fuel cell system
power system used for the generation of electricity on a fuel cell vehicle (3.7), typically containing the
following subsystems: fuel cell stack, air processing, fuel processing, thermal management, and water
management
3.7
fuel cell vehicle
FCV
vehicle which stores hydrogen on-board and uses a fuel cell system (3.6) to generate electricity for
propulsion
3.8
fuelling station
facility for the dispensing of compressed hydrogen vehicle fuel, including the supply of hydrogen, and
hydrogen compression, storage, and dispensing systems
Note 1 to entry: Fuelling station is often referred to as hydrogen fuelling station or hydrogen filling station.
3.9
impurity
non-hydrogen component in the gas stream
3.10
irreversible damage
irreversible effect
effect, which results in a permanent degradation of the fuel cell power system performance that cannot
be restored by practical changes of operational conditions and/or gas composition
3.11
monitoring
act of measuring the constituents (3.3) of a hydrogen stream or process controls of a hydrogen
production system on a continuous or semi-continuous basis by on-site equipment
3.12
non-routine, adjective
not in accordance with established procedures
3.13
on-site supply
hydrogen fuel supplying system with a hydrogen production system in the same site
3.14
off-site supply
hydrogen fuel supplying system without a hydrogen production system in the same site, receiving
hydrogen fuel which is produced out of the site
3.15
particulate
solid or liquid such as oil mist that can be entrained somewhere in the delivery, storage, or transfer of
the hydrogen fuel entering a fuel cell system (3.6)
3.16
purifier
equipment to remove undesired constituents (3.3) from the hydrogen
Note 1 to entry: Hydrogen purifiers may comprise purification vessels, dryers, filters (3.5), and separators.
3.17
quality assurance
part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled
2 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

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ISO 19880-8:2019(E)

3.18
quality control
part of quality management focused on fulfilling quality requirements
3.19
quality plan
documentation of quality management
3.20
reversible damage
reversible effect
effect, which results in a non-permanent degradation of the fuel cell power system performance that
can be restored by practical changes of operational conditions and/or gas composition
3.21
risk
combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity (3.26) of that harm, encompassing
both the uncertainty about and severity of the harm
3.22
risk assessment
determination of quantitative or qualitative value of risk (3.21) related to a specific situation and a
recognized threat also called a hazard
3.23
risk level
assessed magnitude of the risk (3.21)
3.24
routine, adjective
in accordance with established procedures
3.25
sampling
act of capturing a measured amount of hydrogen for chemical analysis by external equipment
3.26
severity
measure of the possible consequences for fuel cell cars if filled with H containing higher level of
2
impurities (3.9) than the threshold value
4 Abbreviated terms
Abbreviated term Definition
Halogens total halogenated compounds
HDS hydrodesulphurization
PEM proton exchange membrane
PSA pressure swing adsorption
SC severity class
SMR steam methane reforming
THC total hydrocarbons
TS total sulphur compounds
TSA temperature swing adsorption
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ISO 19880-8:2019(E)

5 Hydrogen specifications
The quality requirements of hydrogen fuel dispensed to PEM fuel cells for road vehicles are listed in
ISO 14687-2.
6 Quality control approaches
6.1 General
There are two common methods to control the quality of hydrogen at a fuelling station, by spot sampling
and continuous monitoring. These methods can be used individually or together to ensure hydrogen
quality levels.
6.2 Sampling
Spot sampling at a fuelling station involves capturing a measured amount for chemical analysis.
Sampling is used to perform an accurate and comprehensive analysis of impurities which is done
externally, typically at a laboratory. Since the sampling process involves drawing a sample of gas, it
is typically done on a periodic basis and requires specialized sampling equipment and personnel to
operate it. Sampling procedures shall conform to ISO 19880-1. The advantage of spot sampling is that a
more detailed laboratory analysis can be conducted on the sample. The disadvantage of spot sampling
is that it is not continuous and results in a detail analysis of a single point in time.
6.3 Monitoring
A fuelling station can have real time monitoring of the hydrogen gas stream for one or more impurities
on a continuous or semi-continuous basis. A critical impurity can be monitored to ensure it does not
exceed a critical level, or monitoring of indicator species are used to alert of potential issues with
the hydrogen production or purification process. Monitoring equipment is installed in line with the
hydrogen gas stream and shall meet the process requirements of the fuelling station, as well as be
calibrated on a periodic basis. Continuous monitoring compliments spot sampling by offsetting the
disadvantages.
7 Potential sources of impurities
For a given fuelling station, the contaminants listed in the hydrogen specification referred to in Clause 5
may or may not be potentially present. There are several parts of the supply chain where impurities can
be introduced. The potential impurities in each step of the supply chain are described in Annex D.
When a contaminant is classified as potentially present, it shall be taken into account in the quality
assurance methodology (risk assessment or prescriptive approach) described in Clause 8.
8 Hydrogen quality assurance methodology
8.1 General
A quality assurance plan for the entire supply chain shall be created to ensure that the hydrogen
quality will meet the requirements listed in Clause 5. The methodology used to develop the quality
assurance plan can vary but shall include one of the two approaches described in this document. The
general description of these two approaches are described in 8.2 and 8.3. Examples of these approaches
1) prescriptive approach and 2) risk assessment for hydrogen quality, are presented in Annexes A, B
and C, respectively. The quality assurance plan for the fuelling station shall include the following to
ensure hydrogen quality is properly maintained:
— identification of potential impurities;
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— methods to control and remove these impurities;
— sampling impurities and frequency;
— monitoring of impurities or process controls;
— description of solid and liquid particulate filters;
— cleanliness and maintenance procedures.
It is important to understand that quality should be maintained throughout the complete supply chain
of the product (from production source to fuelling station nozzle), such that the impurities that are
given in the specification remain below the threshold values.
Each component of the supply chain shall be investigated taking into account the already existing
barriers for a given contaminant.
NOTE An effective quality control approach can further ensure the quality of the hydrogen by providing
a proactive means to identify and control potential quality issues which can include sampling and monitoring.
Additionally, use of quality assurance can improve the decision making if a quality problem arises.
8.2 Prescriptive methodology
The prescriptive approach to hydrogen quality assurance considers potential sources of contaminants
and establishes a fixed protocol for analysing and addressing potential contaminants. The prescriptive
approach can be applied for the clearly identified supply chain.
The prescriptive quality assurance plan shall be determined taking into account all hydrogen
production methods, hydrogen transportation methods and non-routine procedures which exists in
the area where the assurance plan is applicable.
NOTE Annex C presents Japanese hydrogen quality guidelines which is an example of a prescriptive quality
assurance plan.
8.3 Risk assessment methodology
The risk assessment approach determines the probability to have each impurity above the threshold
values of specifications given in Clause 5 and evaluates severity of each impurity for the fuel cell vehicle
(see Annex A). As an aid to clearly defining the risk(s) for risk assessment purposes, three fundamental
questions are often helpful:
— What can go wrong: which event can cause the impurities to be above the threshold value?
— What is the likelihood (probability of occurrence expressed relative to the number of fuelling
events) that impurities can be above the threshold value?
— What are the consequences (severity) for the fuel cell vehicle?
In doing an effective risk assessment, the robustness of the data set is important because it determines
the quality of the output. Revealing assumptions and reasonable sources of uncertainty will enhance
confidence in this output and/or help identify its limitations. The output of the risk assessment is a
qualitative description of a range of risk. To determine the probability of the occurrence that impurities
in hydrogen exceed the threshold value, Table 1 defines the occurrence classes.
Table 1 — Occurrence classes for an impurity
Occurrence class Class name Description Occurrence or frequency
Very unlikely Contaminant above threshold
0 (Practically never been observed for this type Never
impossible) of source in the industry
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Table 1 (continued)
Occurrence class Class name Description Occurrence or frequency
Known to occur in the industry
1 Very rare for the type of source/Supply 1 per 1 000 000 fuellings
chain considered
Has occurred more than once/
2 Rare 1 per 100 000 fuellings
year in the Industry
Has occurred repeatedly for
3 Possible this type of source at a specific 1 out of 10 000 fuellings
location
4 Frequent Occurs on a regular basis Often
If the occurrence class is unknown, then the risk assessment shall assume the worst case. In addition,
the experience of the hydrogen supplier, station manufacturer/installer should be taken into account
when performing the risk analysis.
The range of severity classes (level of damage for vehicle) is defined in Table 2.
Table 2 — Severity classes for an impurity
Impact categories
Severity
Performance Hardware Hardware
FCV performance impact or damage
class
impact impact impact
temporary permanent
0 — No impact No No No
— Minor impact Yes No No
— Temporary loss of power
1
— No impact on hardware
— Vehicle still operates
— Reversible damage Yes or No Yes No
— Requires specific light maintenance
2
procedure
— Vehicle still operates
— Reversible damage Yes Yes No
— Requires specific immediate
3 maintenance procedure
— Gradual power loss that does not
compromise safety
— Power loss or Vehicle Stop that
compromises safety
a
4 Yes No
Yes
— Irreversible damage
— Requires major repair procedure (e.g.
No Yes
stack change)
a
Any damage, whether permanent or temporary, which compromises safety will be categorized as SC 4, otherwise
temporary damage will be categorized as SC 1, 2 or 3.
The final risk is defined by the acceptability table (Table 3) which combines results from Tables 1 and 2:
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Table 3 — Combined risk assessment
Severity
Probability per one
Occurrence
fuelling
0 1 2 3 4
Frequent: Often 4 + * * * *
−4
Possible: 10 3 + o * * *
−5
Rare: 10 2 + + o * *
−6
Very Rare: 10 1 + + + o *
Practically Impossible 0 + + + + +
+ o *
Acceptable risk area: Existing Further investigation is Unacceptable risk;
Key
controls sufficient needed: existing barriers additional control or
or control may not be barriers required
enough
NOTE 1 It is possible that contamination of a vehicle at severity class 1 or 2 is not noticeable immediately,
thereby making it difficult to identify the source of the contamination.
If a vehicle is found to have hydrogen with contamination that exceeds the specification in Clause 5 and
the source is unknown, the procedures in Clause 11 shall be followed.
For each impurity of the specification and for a given fuelling station (including the supply chain of
hydrogen), a risk assessment shall be applied to define the global risk.
NOTE 2 Risk control includes decision making to reduce and/or accept risks. The purpose of risk control is to
reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
The amount of effort used for risk control should be proportional to the significance of the risk. Decision
makers might use different processes, including benefit-cost analysis, for understanding the optimal
level of risk control. Risk control can focus on the following questions:
— Is the risk above an acceptable level?
— What can be done to reduce or eliminate risks?
— What is the appropriate balance among benefits, risks and resources?
For each level of risk, a decision shall be taken in order to either refuse the risk and find mitigation or
barriers to reduce it, or accept the risk level as it is. Risk reduction focuses on processes for mitigation or
avoidance of quality risk when it exceeds an acceptable level (“o” or “*” zone in Table 3). Risk reduction
typically includes actions taken to mitigate the severity and/or probability of occurrence. However, this
document only deals with the mitigation of probability of occurrence.
8.4 Impact of impurities on fuel cell powertrain
It is necessary to evaluate the possible consequences on a fuel cell car if each impurity exceeds the
ISO 14687-2 threshold value. The impact for the car will depend on the concentration of the contaminant.
Table 4 shows a summary of the concentration-based impact of the impurities on the fuel cell. The
contaminants and their chemical formulas are given in the first two columns of Table 4.
An estimation of the exceeded concentration above the ISO 14687-2 threshold value for each impurity
is named “Level 1” and is given in column 5. According to this concentration a severity class is given in
column 4 for each impurity. This severity class covers the impact of this impurity above the threshold
value up to this limit.
If higher concentrations that exceed Level 1 can be reached, the severity class is given in column 6.
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Table 4 — Impact of impurities on fuel cell powertrain
Severity class Severity class
ISO 14687-2 (from (greater than
Impurity Level 1 value
a
threshold value ISO 14687-2 Level 1
to Level 1) threshold)
[μmol/mol] [μmol/mol]
Total non-H gases 300 1 UD UD
2
Total nitrogen and N , Ar
2
b a
100 1 300 4
argon
c
Oxygen O 5 UD UD 4
2
Carbon dioxide CO 2 1 3 4
2
d
Carbon monoxide CO 0,2 2-3 1 4
Methane CH 100 1 300 4
4
Water H O 5 4 5 4
2
Total sulphur H S
2
0,004 4 >0,004 4
compounds basis
Ammonia NH 0,1 4 >0,1 4
3
Total hydrocarbons CH
4 d
2 1-4 >2 4
basis
d
Formaldehyde CH O 0,01 2-3 1 4
2
d
Formic acid HCOOH 0,2 2-3 1 4
Halogens 0,05 4 >0,05 4
Helium He 300 1 300 4
Maximum particulate
concentration (liquid 1 mg/kg 4 >1 mg/kg 4
e
and solid)
Key
UD:  Undertermined
a
The threshold value is according to hydrogen specification of ISO 14687-2.
b
At the time of publication, the revision of the threshold limit for inert gases (N +Ar+He) is undergoing. When the
2
threshold limit is changed from 100 μmol/mol to 300 μmol/mol, severity class for inert gases in a range of 100 μmol/mol to
300 μmol/mol will be 0.
c
Data is lacking to confirm the Level 1 concentration and severity class for oxygen;, therefore, the most conservative
approach of severity class 4 should be taken unless demonstrated otherwise.
d
A higher value is to be considered for risk assessment approach until more specific data is available.
e
Particulates are based upon mass density mg/kg.
9 Routine quality control
Routine analysis is performed on a periodic basis once every specified time period or once for each lot
or batch. The methodology selected in the hydrogen quality assurance plan determines the type and
frequency of the routine analysis. A prescriptive methodology may be used as described in 8.1 or a risk
assessment methodology may be used (8.2). Information on the routine analysis for each step of the
supply chain is provided in Annex E.
10 Non-routine quality control
The hydrogen quality plan shall identify any non-routine conditions and subsequent required actions.
Some common non-routine conditions include the following:
— a new production system is constructed at a production site or a new fuelling station is first
commissioned;
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— the production system at a production site or fuelling station is modified;
— a routine or non-routine open inspection, repair, catalyst exchange, or the like is performed on a
production system at the production site or fuelling station;
— any severe malfunctions of a transportation system of compressed hydrogen, liquid hydrogen, and
hydrogen pipeline occur;
— a question concerning quality is raised when, for example, there is a problem with a vehicle because
of hydrogen supplied at the production site or fuelling station, and a claim is received from a user
directly or indirectly;
— an issue concerning quality emerges when, for example, a voluntary audit raises the possibility that
quality control is not administered properly; or
— analysis is deemed necessary for testing, research, or any other purposes.
11 Remedial measures and reporting
If a fuelling station dispenses hydrogen which does not meet the requirements in Clause 5, the fuelling
station operator shall immediately prevent any further dispensing until repaired, and notify the station
owner/operator as soon as possible, as well as the authorities having jurisdiction. The fuelling station
owner/operator shall also review and update quality assurance methodologies to prevent future
contamination.
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Annex A
(Informative)

Impact of impurities on fuel cell powertrains
...

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