{"operation":"document","citation":"15-0022","title":"Mihama Corporation — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"2015-07-29","effective_on":null,"summary":"15-0022 response to Mihama Corporation concerning 173.304.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-15-0022.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-15-0022.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-15-0022","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2015/150022.pdf","body":"<<<PAGE 1>>>\n\nof Transportation\nU.S. Department\n1200 New Jersey Avenue SE\nWashington. DC 20590\nPipeline and Hazardous\nAdministration\nMaterials Safety\nJUL 2 9 2015\nMs. Andrea Kornbluth\nRegional Counsel, North America\nMihama Corporation\nD0 Bellevue Pkwy Ste 18(\nWilmington, DE 19809\nReference No. 15-0022\nDear Ms. Kornbluth:\nThis is response to your December 30, 2014 e-mail requesting clarification of the Hazardous\nMaterials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to Department of\nTransportation (DOT) specification 39 (DOT-39) cylinders. In your letter, you reference a\nWorthington Cylinder Corporation petition (P-1622) that requested changes to the HMR\nrelated to the size limit for DOT-39 cylinders containing liquefied flammable gases. You\nstate that you are unable to purchase standard size DOT-39 cylinders for use with refrigerant\ngases such as R-32. However, you are aware of cylinders currently being imported into the\nJapanese market from China on the basis of approval from the Authorized Testing Inc.'s\nChinese offices. You state these cylinders are being certified without reference to the type of\ngas they will contain. You ask if it is an acceptable practice under the HMR to use these\nDOT-39 specification cylinders with a 793 cubic inch capacity certified in this way to ship\nUN 3252, refrigerant gas R32, classified as a 2.1 flammable gas.\nGenerally, R-32 refrigerant gases are classified as Liquefied Division 2.1 gases. The\nPipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) does not believe it is a\nsafe practice to ship 2.1 liquefied flammable gases in a DOT-39 cylinder exceeding 75 cubic\ninches.\nPrior to 2002, § 173.304(a)(3), Note 9 appeared in the HMR and limited liquefied flammable\ngases in DOT-39 cylinders to a size of 75 cubic inches. In an October 20, 1998 (HM-220D)\n[63 FR 58460] Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), PHMSA proposed to limit all\nliquetied flammable gases in DOT-39 cylinders to 75 cubic inches. This NPRM proposed to\nremove Note 9 trom §173.304(a)(3) and apply the 75 cubic inch size limit on DOT-39\ncylinders to all liquefied compressed gases (not just flammable) in 173.304(a)(3). PHMSA\nreceived several comments in opposition to extending the 75 cubic inch limit on DOT-39\ncylinders to all liquefied compressed gases. PHMSA then published a Final Rule on August\n8, 2002 (HM-220D) [67 FR 51625] and, based on comments received from the regulated\ncommunity, decided not to expand the 75 cubic inch limit on DOT-39 cylinders containing\n\n<<<PAGE 2>>>\n\nliquefied compressed gases. However, in the process of publishing the Final Rule, PHMSA\ninadvertently deleted Note 9 in § 173.304a that limited liquefied flammable gases in DOT-39\ncylinders to 75 cubic inches. It was never the intention of PHMSA to remove the 75 cubic\ninch limit for liquefied flammable gases in DOT-39 specification cylinders. PHMSA did\nreceive and accept a petition (P-1622) from Worthington Cylinders to address this error in a\nfuture rulemaking.\nI hope this satisfies your request.\nSincerely,\nlenn roster\nT. Glenn Foster\nChief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention Branch\nStandards and Rulemaking Division\n2\n\n<<<PAGE 3>>>\n\n•\nAndraws\n178.45\n)\nGoodall, Shante CTR (PHMSA)\nspecification 39\nFrom:\nNickels, Matthew (PHMSA)\nnon neusable cylinders\nSent:\nWednesday, January 28, 2015 6:02 PM\n15-0022\nTo:\nHazmat Interps\nSubject:\nFW: DOT-39 Cylinder Question\nAttachments:\n140929Material Control.pdf; ComplianceCert.pdf; Cylinder filling certificateR32.pdf\nHey Shante/Alice,\nPlease submit this for a formal letter of interpretation. It involves DOT Petition P-1622 (Mr. Andrews might know), and potentially a\nprevious international harmonization rulemaking (PHH-13 person).\nThanks,\nMatt\n-----Original Message--\nFrom: Andrea Kornbluth [mailto:akornbluth@mihama.com]\nSent: Friday, January 16, 2015 11:11 AM\nTo: Foster, Glenn (PHMSA)\nSubject: DOT-39 Cylinder Question\nDear Mr. Foster,\nMy company is a supplier of U.S.-made DOT-39 NRCs in Japan. We understand from documents such as\nDOT Petition P-1622, etc. that the DOT is reviewing its rules on the use of NRCs for newer refrigerants\nwith lower flammability limits, and that there are safety concerns with the rules as they are currently\nwritten. As a result, we are unable to purchase standard-size NRCs for use with gases such as R-32 at\nthe moment.\nHowever, these products are currently being imported into the Japanese market from China, on the\nbasis of approval from Authorized Testing Inc. 's Chinese offices. (Please see the attached\ndocuments.) Authorized Testing is certifying cylinders without reference to the type of gas that they will\ncontain. We were told that they don't look at what might be silkscreened onto the cylinder, either.\nWe would like to know if this is an acceptable practice, and if cylinders certified in this way can be\nconsidered safe for use with R-32.\nYour input would be very much appreciated.\nThank you,\nAndrea Kornbluth\nRegional Counsel, North America\nMihama Corporation\n646-524-7686\nakornbluth@mihama.com\n1\n\n<<<PAGE 4>>>\n\nReport NO.: XLD1302\nAUTHORIZED TESTING, INC.\nRIVERSIDE, CA\nCERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE\nSPECIFICATION DOT-39 CYLINDERS\nDate: January 25, 2013\nManufactured for:\nWuyi Xilinde Import And Export Department\nLocated at:\nBaihuashan Industrial Zone, Wuyi, 321200, Zhejiang, China.\nManufactured by:\nLocated at:\nWuyi Xilinde Machinery Manufacture Co.,Ltd\nBaihuashan Industrial Zone,Wuyi, 321200, Zhejiang, China.\nDOT Specification:\nDOT-39 (49CFR§178.65)\nDOT Registration 'M' Number is M 0708.\nSize: 9.57 inches outside diameter by 16.54 inches long. Minimum wall thickness: 0.0472 inches.\nCalculated Wall Stress: 43,085 psi\nQuantity: 24000\nDesign Test Pressure: 500 psi Marked Service Pressure: 400 psi\nInternal Volume: 793 cubic inches (nominal).\nModel Number:\nRC13-3.45\nProduction Code: XLD1302\nThese containers were made by process of joining two press drawn domes by a circumferential furnace brazing\nwith all permissible attachments were furnace brazed to the vessel body.\nThe metal used was identified by heat or analysis number as shown on the \"Record of Chemical Analysis of\nMaterial for Cylinders\" attached hereto.\nlaminations, and other defects, which might prove injurious to the strength of the cylinder. The processes of\nAll materials and each cylinder were inspected. All accepted material was found free from seams, cracks,\nmanuracture and heat treatment (if any) were observed and found acceptable.\nWhere applicable, all tests prescribed in the following specifications) were made in the presence of the inspector.\nI hereby certify that I have determined that cylinders described on this report comply with the requirements of U.S.\nDepartment of Transportation Specification DOT-39.\nMy record of tests and inspection for each lot covered by this report is attached hereto.\nInspectors Name (print)\nLI DE QING\nDate: January 25, 2013\nInspectors Signature\nLi to ling\nAuthorized Testing, Inc.\nDOT-39 Report\n\n<<<PAGE 5>>>\n\nReport NO.: XLD1302\nAUTHORIZED TESTING, INC.\nRIVERSIDE, CA\nRECORD OF CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF MATERIAL FOR DOT-39 CYLINDERS\nDate: January 25, 2013\nManufactured for:\nWuyi Xilinde Import And Export Department\nManufactured by:\nWuyi Xilinde Machinery Manufacture Co.,Ltd\nMaterial: DC04 (ST14), (DQSK)\nMill Heat\nType\nXLD Cast\nNumber\nAnalysis\nCode\nManufacturing (Shift) Lots\nP\nS\nMn\nZC130120-1,3,5,7,9,11\nLADLE\nZCC13005\nZC130121-1,3,5,7,9,11\nZC130123-1,3,5,7,9,11,13\nZC130122-1,3,5,7,9,11\n0.02\n0.012\n0.006\n0.18\n537412\nZC130120-1,3,5,7,9, 11\nCHECK\nZCC13005\nZC130122-1,3,5,7,9,11\nZC130121-1,3,5,7,9,11\n0.023\n0.014\n0.012\n0.256\nZC130123-1,3,5,7,9,11,13\nMaterial Manufacturer and mill analysis by: Baoshan Iron & Steel Co.,Ltd\nNo.885 Fujin Road,Baoshan District 201900 Shanghai.P.R.China\nCheck Chemical Analysis by: Zhejiang Sifang Group Co. Ltd.\nThe originals of the certified mill analysis are in the files of the manufacturers.\nThe above analyses have been verified to comply with material authorized by the specification.\nInspectors Name (print):\nLI DE QING\nDate:\nJanuary 25, 2013\nAUTHORIZED\nRESTING INC\nInspectors Signature:\nL Do Qing\nAuthorized Testing, Inc.\nDOT-39 Report\n\n<<<PAGE 6>>>\n\nReport NO.:XLD1302\nAUTHORIZED TESTING, INC.\nRECORD OF PHYSICAL TESTS FOR COMPLETED DOT-39 CYLINDERS\nRIVERSIDE, CA\nDate: January 25, 2013\nManufactured for:\nWuyi Xilinde Import And Export Department\nManufactured by:\nWuyi Xilinde Machinery Manufacture Co., Ltd\nMaterial: DC04(ST14), (DQSK)\nNumber\nLot\nQuantity\nLot\nBurst\nLot Test\nFlattening Test\nPressure\nAll Cylinders\nVisual\nPressure (psi)\n@ 6t\nTest\nZC130120-1\n998\n1008\nInspection\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130120-3\n999\n1018\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130120-5\n998\n1015\nPASSED\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130120-7\n999\n1034\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130120-9\n999\n1019\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130120-11\n999\n1013\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130121-1\n997\n1018\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130121-3\n999\n1015\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130121-5\n998\n1016\nPASSED\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130121-7\n998\n1010\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130121-9\n999\n1039\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130121-11\n999\n1026\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130122-1\n998\n1016\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130122-3\n999\n1032\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130122-5\n999\n1022\nPASSED\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130122-7\n999\n1013\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130122-9\n998\n1022\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130122-11\n998\n1031\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130123-1\n998\n1039\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130123-3\n999\n1010\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC 130123-5\n999\n1035\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130123-7\n998\n1013\nPASSED\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130123-9\n999\n1064\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130123-11\n998\n1016\nPASSED\nPASSED\nZC130123-13\n36\n1018\nPASSED\nPASSED\nInspectors Name (print)\nLI DE QING\nDate:\nJanuary 25, 2013\nInspectors Signature\nI be ling\nAuthorized Testing, Inc.\nDOT-39 Report\n\n<<<PAGE 7>>>\n\nati/XILINDE-13.01\nBG STEEL\nBG STEEL\nBG STEEL\nBG STEEL\nBG STEEL\nBG STEEL\nBG STEEL\nBG STEEL\nBG STEEL\nBG STEEL\nMill\nSteel\nAUTHORIZED TESTING, ING.\n537412\n537412\n537412\n537412\n537412\n537412\n537412\n537412\n537412\n537412\nHeat No.\n461035702\n461035701\n461035602\n461035601\n461035502\n461035501\n461035402\n461035401\n461035302\n461035301\nNo.\nCoil\nBGSAL1209250085700\nBGSAL1209250085700\nBGSAL1209250085700\nBGSAL1209250085700\nBGSAL1209250085700\nBGSAL1209250085700\nBGSAL1209250085700\nBGSAL1209250085700\nBGSAL1209250085700\nBGSAL1209250085700\nCert. No.\nSteel Mill\n2013-1-15\n2013-1-15\n2013-1-15\n2013-1-15\n2013-1-15\n2013-1-15\n2013-1-15\n2013-1-15\n2013-1-15\n2013-1-15\nReceived\nDate\nDOT-39\nMATERIAL CONTROL LOG\n2013-1-22\n2013-1-21\n2013-1-21\n2013-1-21\n2013-1-21\n2013-1-20\n2013-1-20\n2013-1-20\n2013-1-20\n2013-1-20\nReleased\nDate\n2013-1-22\n2013-1-22\n2013-1-21\n2013-1-21\n2013-1-21\n2013-1-21\n2013-1-20\n2013-1-20\n2013-1-20\n2013-1-20\nManufactured\nDate/Shift\n2.215T/465\n12.730T/2673\n12.700T/2667\n12.250T/2572\n12.280T/2578\n12.510T/2627\n12.730T/2673\n12.400T/2604\n12.250T/2572\n12.410T/2606\nManufactured\nQuantity\nZCC13005\nZCC13005\nZCC13005\nZCC13005\nZCC13005\nZCC13005\nZCC13005\nZCC13005\nZCC13005\nZCC13005\nSteel Lot No.\nXILINDE\nComments\nXLD1302\n\n<<<PAGE 8>>>\n\nZHEJIANG YONGHE REFRIGERANT CO., LTD.\nADDRESS: NO. E-025 DONG GANG INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT QUZHOU, ZHEJIANG, CHINA\nCYLINDER FILLING CERTIFICATE\nDATE:\nINVOCIE No.:\nB/L No.:\nVESSEL/VOY.:\nCOMPANY NAME: ZHEJIANG YONGHE REFRIGERANT CO.,LTD.\nPRPDUCTION: REFRIGERANT GAS R-32\nQUANTITY: 280CYLINDERS (N.W.:) 1960KGS\nPRESSURE: 1.7MPA AT25°C\nTEMPERATURE:25°C\nCYLINDER:DOT CYLINDERS:7.0KG\nQUANTITY: 280CYLINDERS\nCYLINDER DOT NO: 280CYL ZC130122-1\nZHEJIANG 10X\nZHEJIANG YONGHE REFRIGERANT CO., LTD.","truncated":false,"body_characters":11273}