The aim of division 3.5 is to make the storage and transport of gases and other dangerous goods safe and efficient. To this end, we research, test and advise on various aspects of gas storage systems and dangerous goods tanks. The term gas storage systems includes all pressurised vessels for gases, but refers in particular to pressure receptacles and gas storage systems for propellants, as well as stationary storage systems if these are used for a gas as an energy carrier - especially hydrogen. Dangerous goods tanks include tank containers, portable tanks, tank vehicles, multiple-element gas containers, bulk containers, mixed loading vehicles, suction-pressure tanks and portable FRP tanks.

The approval in accordance with transparent regulations with possibly worldwide acceptance and the guarantee of safety in operation are the essential preconditions for the trouble-free use of any hazardous goods containment. Ensuring this is a central task of the division in each of its functions, whether as a competent authority, as a notified body for valve components or in market surveillance. Market surveillance relates to applications and containments that are not within the scope for approval of the competent authority. All of this leads to comprehensive contributions to standardisation and reliable, high-quality advice of the federal administration.

We conduct research into the safety and probabilistic risk assessment of containment systems. The focus is on pressure receptacles, gas storage systems in vehicles and gas tanks in the transport of dangerous goods, with an emphasis on new construction methods and materials. In the context of the market ramp-up of hydrogen, the focus is on compressed and cryogenic hydrogen as an energy carrier with regard to safety in production as well as usage and especially in storage. Together with our living lab ‘hydrogen filling station’, these are our contributions to the H2Safety@BAM competence centre.

further information

Dr.-Ing. Georg Mair, Division Tanks for Dangerous Goods and Accident Mechanics, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)

Contact Dr.-Ing. Georg Mair