CNG Codes, Standards, and Compliance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under 49 CFR Part 192, who has primary regulatory authority over natural gas pipeline safety leading up to a CNG fueling station?
- OSHA
- EPA
- PHMSA (Correct answer)
- FERC
Correct answer: PHMSA
PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) regulates natural gas pipeline safety under 49 CFR Part 192.
Question 2: Which SAE standard covers the CNG vehicle receptacle (fueling connection) used in North America?
- SAE J1616 (Correct answer)
- SAE J2343
- SAE J1772
- SAE J2601
Correct answer: SAE J1616
SAE J1616 specifies the recommended practice for compressed natural gas vehicle fueling connection devices.
Question 3: An operator discovers a CNG dispenser hose with visible outer jacket damage. Under NFPA 52, the correct action is to:
- Continue using it until the next scheduled inspection
- Tag it out of service and replace it immediately (Correct answer)
- Wrap the damaged area with duct tape and monitor it
- Reduce the dispensing pressure by 10% and continue operation
Correct answer: Tag it out of service and replace it immediately
NFPA 52 requires that damaged fueling hoses be immediately removed from service to prevent a hazardous failure.
Question 4: What is the minimum separation distance NFPA 52 requires between a CNG fueling island and a property line?
- 5 feet
- 10 feet (Correct answer)
- 15 feet
- 20 feet
Correct answer: 10 feet
NFPA 52 requires a minimum 10-foot separation between CNG fueling islands and property lines or adjacent structures.
Question 5: Under EPA regulations, which CNG fueling stations must conduct a risk management plan (RMP)?
- All CNG stations regardless of size
- Stations storing more than 10,000 lbs of natural gas
- Stations exceeding the Clean Air Act Section 112(r) threshold quantity for flammable gases (Correct answer)
- Only CNG stations serving public transit fleets
Correct answer: Stations exceeding the Clean Air Act Section 112(r) threshold quantity for flammable gases
EPA's RMP rule (40 CFR Part 68) applies to facilities that hold regulated substances above threshold quantities per Clean Air Act Section 112(r).
Question 6: NFPA 52 requires that CNG compression equipment be located at least how far from any building opening or air intake?
- 5 feet
- 10 feet (Correct answer)
- 15 feet
- 25 feet
Correct answer: 10 feet
NFPA 52 specifies a 10-foot minimum distance from CNG compression equipment to building openings and air intakes to prevent gas accumulation inside.
Question 7: Which standard governs the design and construction of CNG pressure vessels used in stationary storage at fueling stations?
- NFPA 52
- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII (Correct answer)
- DOT 49 CFR Part 178
- API 650
Correct answer: ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII
Stationary CNG storage vessels must be constructed per ASME BPVC Section VIII, Division 1 or Division 3 for high-pressure applications.
CNG Codes, Standards, and Compliance 3
Under 49 CFR Part 192, who has primary regulatory authority over natural gas pipeline safety leading up to a CNG fueling station?