Safe Storage of Industrial Gases: Reliable Solutions for High-Risk Sectors

The safe storage of industrial gases is one of the most critical challenges for high-risk industries such as chemical, petrochemical, energy, and manufacturing.

Using pressure vessels to store compressed, liquefied, or cryogenic gases requires a rigorous approach in terms of design, material selection, regulatory compliance, and operational management.

In this article, we analyze the main risks associated with industrial gases, the regulatory requirements for safe storage, the most suitable types of vessels, and the added value of Baglioni’s certified solutions.

Storage of Industrial Gases: Risks and Operational Challenges

Industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, and others are essential to countless industrial processes, but they present specific risks linked to their physical and chemical properties.

Key hazards include:

• High pressure: storage under pressure involves explosion risks in the event of vessel failure.
  
• Chemical reactivity: some gases are oxidizing (oxygen), flammable (hydrogen, methane), toxic, or corrosive.
  
• Asphyxiation hazards: inert gases like nitrogen and argon can displace oxygen, reducing breathable air concentration.
  
• Cryogenic risks: liquefied gases at very low temperatures can cause cold burns and increase material brittleness.
  

Risk assessment must therefore consider both gas properties and operating conditions (pressure, temperature, volume, usage frequency), as well as the installation environment, with particular attention to enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

Regulatory Framework for Safe Gas Storage

The storage of industrial gases is governed by a strict regulatory framework, including European directives, national decrees, and harmonized technical standards.

Proper design and management of storage facilities require thorough knowledge of these references, which represent the minimum standard of safety and quality to be met.

Periodic inspections are equally essential to ensure long-term safety. These include hydraulic or pneumatic testing, non-destructive examinations, and visual inspections—scheduled according to vessel category and type of fluid stored.

Safety valves and accessories must also undergo regular checks, in line with regulatory requirements.

Key references include:

• PED 2014/68/EU
  
• SPVD 2014/29/EU
  
• Italian Decree DM 329/04
  
• Harmonized technical standards (EN, ISO)
  

PED 2014/68/EU – Pressure Equipment Directive

The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU is the primary European regulation for the design, manufacture, and conformity assessment of pressure equipment.

It applies to vessels, piping, safety accessories, and other components operating at pressures above 0.5 bar.

PED requires CE marking and conformity assessment according to specific modules, depending on risk category, pressure, volume, and fluid type.

Its purpose is to ensure that all equipment placed on the EU market is safe, reliable, and compatible with its industrial application.

SPVD 2014/29/EU – Simple Pressure Vessels Directive

The Simple Pressure Vessels Directive (SPVD) 2014/29/EU applies to vessels designed for air or nitrogen storage, not exposed to risks of combustion or corrosion.

It is intended for mass-produced equipment with a maximum pressure not exceeding 30 bar and an operating temperature between -50°C and +300°C.

This directive simplifies compliance procedures for manufacturers of standardized, lower-risk vessels, reducing documentation and inspection burdens while maintaining high safety standards.

Italian Decree DM 329/04 – Pressure Equipment Obligations in Italy

Italian Ministerial Decree 1 December 2004 No. 329 sets out requirements for commissioning, periodic inspection, and operational management of pressure equipment within Italy.

Key aspects include:

• Obligation to declare commissioning with INAIL (formerly ISPESL).
  
• Initial and periodic inspections, scheduled according to vessel category and fluid type.
  
• Functional and integrity checks conducted by authorized organizations or Notified Bodies.
  

DM 329/04 serves as the operational reference for safe management of pressure vessels in Italy, integrating European directives with national safety requirements.

Harmonized Technical Standards: EN, ISO

Alongside legislation, harmonized standards provide detailed guidance on materials, design, manufacturing processes, testing methods, and inspections.

Key standards include:

• EN 13445: European standard for unfired pressure vessels.
  
• ISO 11120, ISO 9809, etc.: international standards for cylinders and pressure vessels.
  

Adopting these standards ensures international harmonization, facilitates cross-border commercialization, and provides up-to-date safety benchmarks.

Types of Pressure Vessels for Industrial Gas Storage

The choice of vessel depends on the type of gas, operating pressure, required volume, and environmental conditions.

Main types include:

• Vertical and horizontal carbon steel or stainless steel vessels: ideal for compressed air, nitrogen, oxygen, and other industrial gases. They offer high mechanical strength and are available in a wide range of capacities and pressure ratings.
  
• Special vessels for hydrogen: manufactured with advanced materials and technologies to withstand hydrogen’s high permeability and reactivity.
  

All vessels must be equipped with safety devices (pressure relief valves, gauges, shut-off devices) and identification plates specifying essential data such as maximum allowable pressure, volume, year of manufacture, and CE marking.

Safe Gas Storage: Our Certified Solutions

Relying on certified vessels is essential to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and operational continuity in industrial facilities.

Baglioni stands out as a trusted partner in the supply of high-quality pressure vessels, designed and manufactured in compliance with the world’s most stringent international standards.

Our certifications include:

• PED 2014/68/EU: compliance for the European market.
  
• ASME: access to markets in the USA, Canada, and over 100 countries.
  
• ISO, EAC, DNV, NB, CHINA, EN, ABS: certifications for specific markets and applications.
  

(See the full list on our dedicated [Certifications page]).

Each of our vessels is designed to guarantee:

• Structural reliability: selected materials, qualified welds, non-destructive testing, and rigorous inspections.
  
• Customization: a wide range of configurations, accessories, and surface treatments tailored to each sector’s needs.
  
• Technical support: assistance in selecting the most suitable vessel, managing documentation, and commissioning.
  

We provide safe storage solutions for industrial gases across all major sectors, ensuring full compliance with current regulations and maximum operational efficiency.

Want to know more? Contact us!