You are here: Archives > March 2011 > NIST NIST Seeks Industry Experience to Advance Weights and Measures Work Juana Williams, NIST During the National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Codes & Standards Coordinating Committee monthly web-based meeting held on March 2, Juana Williams (NIST Weights and Measures Division (WMD)) provided a comprehensive update on the significant progress being made on weights and measures requirements and corresponding test procedures which will support commercial applications of hydrogen refueling dispensers. NIST WMD is interested in hearing from industry and other sectors with regard to their experiences with performance testing hydrogen dispensers. Please forward any additional information you are aware of on test methods (to include master meter and Pressure Volume Temperature methods as well as gravimetric test data on topics such as practicality, cost, equipment, safety, etc.) by March 30, 2011 to Marc Buttler (NIST WMD) by email at: marc.buttler@nist.gov. NIST WMD is in the planning phase of a tentative meeting on this topic. This information is necessary in order to refine and develop examination procedure outlines (EPOs) and guidelines for test methods recognized by the NIST Handbook 44 tentative hydrogen code. Test procedures based on the code are used to type evaluate and then approve devices for commercial use and to perform subsequent inspections and tests devices for continued commercial use. Things are moving quickly, with two upcoming meetings to note: On March 23, 2011, the NCWM National Type Evaluation Technical Committee-Measuring Sector Subgroup will meet to complete its review of the draft Hydrogen Gas-Measuring Devices Checklist. The checklist includes general criteria for (1) the design of the measuring, indicating, and recording elements, (2) operation of the discharge components and systems that are card or cash activated, and (3) marking requirements. The next step will be for the Subgroup to distribute an updated draft checklist to the U.S. National Work Group for the Development of Commercial Hydrogen Measurement Standards for its review and comments. The Subgroup plans to submit a final draft of the checklist to the Measuring Sector for its approval in late September/early October 2011. On May 18, 2011, NIST Weights and Measures Division will provide a presentation on “Commercial Hydrogen Measurement” to the Central Weights and Measures Association Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids, MI. The purpose of this event is to familiarize state, county, and local weights and measures officials and industry with the NIST Handbook 44 Hydrogen Gas Measuring Devices-Tentative Code and ongoing work on hydrogen - measuring devices test procedures, fuel quality specification and test procedures, refueling equipment, fuel cell vehicles, safety, properties, and other relevant facts. Those who have experience with dispensing hydrogen are urged to contact Marc Buttler at marc.buttler@nist.gov or Juana Williams at juana.williams@nist.gov.