1 GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1 Scope

This regulation stipulates the mandatory technical requirements and management requirements that must be complied with in the investment, construction, renovation, and upgrading of petroleum and gas supply works.

1.2 Applicable Entities

This regulation applies to organizations and individuals involved in the investment, construction, renovation, and operation of petroleum and gas supply works.

1.3 Referenced Documents

The referenced documents below are essential for the application of this regulation. In cases where the referenced documents are amended, supplemented, or replaced, the latest versions shall apply.

QCVN 01:2021/BXD, National Technical Regulation on Construction Planning;

QCVN 02:2022/BXD, National Technical Regulation on Natural Condition Data for Construction;

QCVN 29:2010/BTNMT, National Technical Regulation on Wastewater of Petroleum Storage and Retail Stores;

QCVN 01:2020/BCT, National Technical Regulation on Design Requirements for Petroleum Retail Stores;

QCVN 02:2020/BCT, National Technical Regulation on Safety of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Storage Tanks;

QCVN 10:2012/BCT, National Technical Regulation on Safety of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Stations;

QCVN 01:2019/BCA, National Technical Regulation on Fire Protection and Fighting Systems for Gas Storage Facilities.

1.4 Terms and Definitions

In this regulation, the following terms are understood as follows:

1.4.1

Petroleum retail store

A place where retail sales of petroleum through fuel dispensers for road and waterway vehicles take place. Petroleum retail stores can combine the business of bottled liquefied petroleum gas, lubricating oils and greases, and provide utility services for people and vehicles participating in traffic.

1.4.2

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

A petroleum-based hydrocarbon product with the main components being propane (C3H8) or butane (C4H10) or a mixture of both, in English: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (abbreviated as LPG). At normal temperature and pressure, these hydrocarbons are in a gaseous state, and when compressed to a certain pressure or cooled to a suitable temperature, they change to a liquid state.

1.4.3

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

A gaseous hydrocarbon product compressed at high pressure, with the main component being methane (chemical formula CH4).

1.4.4

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

A liquid hydrocarbon product derived from natural gas with the main component being methane (chemical formula: CH4), in English: Liquefied Natural Gas (abbreviated as LNG); at normal temperature and pressure, LNG is in a gaseous state, and when cooled to a certain temperature, LNG changes to a liquid state.

1.4.5

Gas cylinders

Portable storage devices for LPG (less than 150 L), CNG, LNG with a small volume.

1.4.6

Gas storage tanks

Fixed tanks used to store gas fuels (LPG, CNG, LNG).

1.4.7

Fuel tanks (LPG, CNG, LNG) on vehicles (LPG, CNG, LNG tanker trucks)

Tanks used to store fuel (LPG, CNG, LNG) on vehicles.

1.4.8

Maximum allowable working pressure

The maximum pressure at which the equipment or tank can withstand and not exceed the stress

………………..

1.4.14

Acceptable risk level

Acceptable risk level is the allowable level of risk for the protected object.

2 TECHNICAL PROVISIONS

2.1 General Requirements

2.1.1 Petroleum and gas supply works must be determined right from the planning stage to ensure stable, safe, and efficient supply of petroleum and gas, meeting the energy needs of the project in accordance with the requirements on technical infrastructure planning specified in QCVN 01:2021/BXD. Requirements on land fund and location of fixed petroleum retail stores and gas stations must comply with the provisions of QCVN 01:2021/BXD. The selection of technologies, materials, equipment, and accessories must ensure the use of advanced technologies that meet the requirements of fire and explosion safety, lightning protection, static electricity prevention, and environmental protection.

2.1.2 The data selected as the basis for designing petroleum and gas supply works must be updated, taking into account climate change scenarios, demand forecasts during the project’s operation period, and complying with the provisions of QCVN 02:2022/BXD.

2.1.3 The structure and materials of petroleum and gas supply works must ensure load-bearing capacity, stability, and fire and explosion safety throughout the service life of the works under the impact of loads, natural conditions, and corrosive effects of the surrounding environment, and the impact of operation. Data on natural conditions must comply with the provisions of QCVN 02:2022/BXD.

2.2 Petroleum Retail Stores

2.2.1 The location of petroleum retail stores must comply with the provisions of QCVN 01:2021/BXD and QCVN 01:2020/BCT.

2.2.2 The technology and equipment of petroleum retail stores must comply with the provisions of QCVN 01:2020/BCT.

2.2.3 Petroleum retail stores must meet the general requirements for fire and explosion safety and must have a fire protection and fighting plan approved according to regulations.

2.2.4 Petroleum retail stores must be equipped with a sufficient number of appropriate initial fire extinguishers for firefighting according to regulations. The arrangement of fixed fire protection and fighting equipment must comply with QCVN 01:2020/BCT.

2.2.5 Buildings of petroleum retail stores

2.2.5.1 The construction distance of store buildings to other items and the fire resistance class of the sales area structure and other construction items must comply with QCVN 01:2020/BCT.

2.2.5.2 Petroleum retail stores adjacent to other construction works must have enclosed walls complying with QCVN 01:2020/BCT.

2.2.5.3 For petroleum retail stores that sell bottled liquefied petroleum gas in the store area, they must comply with safety regulations.

2.2.6 Petroleum storage tanks

2.2.6.1 The location, distance, and material specifications of storage tanks must comply with QCVN 01:2020/BCT.

2.2.6.2 It is not allowed to install floating petroleum storage tanks on the ground.

2.2.7 Water supply and drainage system of petroleum retail stores

2.2.7.1 Petroleum retail stores must be supplied with sufficient domestic water and firefighting water. The supply source and water supply pipelines must comply with the provisions of QCVN 01:2020/BCT.

2.2.7.2 Oil-contaminated wastewater from stores must be collected in accordance with the provisions of QCVN 01:2020/BCT and treated in compliance with QCVN 29:2010/BTNMT.

2.2.7.3 Tools and wastes contaminated with oil must be classified, stored, collected, transported, and treated in accordance with regulations on hazardous waste management.

2.2.8 Petroleum retail stores with electric vehicle charging stations must comply with regulations on hazardous area classification according to QCVN 01:2020/BCT and relevant electrical safety standards.

2.3 Gas Supply Works

2.3.1 Urban gas supply demand

The urban gas supply system must ensure continuous supply to meet the demand and pressure of users under normal operating conditions and during peak hours, taking into account the needs of each type of user (residential, commercial, industrial) and potential future development needs.

2.3.2 Design regulations for gas distribution systems from outside the gas station to gas-using works

2.3.2.1 Distribution pipelines are calculated from the outer boundary of the gas station to the base of the gas-using works, excluding pipelines inside buildings or gas-using works. The working pressure of distribution pipelines must not exceed 7 bar. Pipelines and other works on gas supply pipelines with a pressure greater than 7 bar must comply with current regulations on Safety of Onshore Oil and Gas Works.

2.3.2.2 It is allowed to design the distribution system according to the following pressure levels:

– Low pressure less than or equal to 0.1 bar;

– Medium pressure from greater than 0.1 bar to less than or equal to 2 bar;

– Above medium pressure from greater than 2 bar to less than or equal to 7 bar.

2.3.2.3 Design regulations for gas supply networks

2.3.2.3.1 It is allowed to design the distribution system in the form of a looped network or a parallel network.

2.3.2.3.2 The gas supply system must be zoned and divided into districts with the ability to isolate from each other by isolation valve clusters and standby valve clusters to ensure the ability to isolate an area while still being able to continuously supply other areas when an area needs to be temporarily suspended for maintenance, repair, inspection, or due to fire and explosion incidents.

2.3.2 Gas stations are classified according to the gas sources used:

– LPG stations;

– CNG stations;

– LNG stations;

– Pressure reducing stations (if the supply source is taken from high-pressure gas transmission pipelines).

2.3.4 The safety distance from gas stations to protected objects outside must comply with the provisions of relevant specialized standards suitable for each type of gas storage. In all cases, the location of gas stations must be agreed upon by the Fire Police in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting.

2.3.5 LPG Stations

2.3.5.1 Cylinder storage: LPG stations using cylinder storage must comply with the requirements for LPG stations with cylinder manifold systems specified in QCVN 10:2012/BCT.

2.3.5.2 Tank storage: LPG stations using tank storage must comply with the requirements for LPG stations with storage tanks specified in QCVN 10:2012/BCT.

2.3.5.3 Provisions on safety distances from LPG stations to protected objects must comply with the provisions of QCVN 10:2012/BCT.

2.3.6 CNG Stations

2.3.6.1 CNG stations must be arranged with sufficient safety distances to protected objects according to specialized standards depending on the capacity. In all cases, the distance from CNG storage tanks to pedestrian walkways must not be less than 15 m, to residential buildings not less than 25 m, to important public works not less than 50 m.

2.3.6.2 CNG stations must arrange an isolation area for parking CNG tanker trucks serving the supply of CNG to the station. The isolation area for CNG tanker trucks must ensure convenient entry and exit, and ensure safety for people and other items of the station.

2.3.6.3 CNG stations with multiple fixed cylinder storage

2.3.6.3.1 When using multiple storage clusters placed next to each other, the distance between storage clusters must not be less than 2 m; if using vertically placed CNG cylinder clusters, the cylinder clusters must be limited in size to not larger than 1.1 m in width, 5.5 m in length, and 1.6 m in height; if using horizontally placed CNG cylinder clusters, the cylinder clusters must be limited in size to not larger than 1.8 m in height, 7 m in length, and the width equal to one cylinder but not larger than 2 m.

2.3.6.3.2 The cylinders must be placed in one direction to ensure easy access.

2.3.6.3.3 When horizontal storage clusters are placed parallel to each other, the cylinder accessories must be arranged so that they do not face the accessories of other cylinders.

2.3.6.3.4 The distance between horizontally placed cylinders in each cluster must not be less than 30 mm.

2.3.6.3.5 Requirements for pipelines, fittings, tanks, and gas cylinders: Pipelines and pipeline fittings, storage tanks, and cylinders must meet the technical requirements of the applied standards.

2.3.7 LNG Stations

2.3.7.1 The layout of buildings, technological equipment, and other items and parts must ensure sufficient conditions for the operation, security monitoring, safety, maintenance, and incident handling of LNG storage facilities. Buildings, equipment, and other items and parts must be considered for appropriate arrangement according to the main wind direction in the area and the location of spark sources.

2.3.7.2 The location of LNG stations must be arranged with sufficient safety distances to protected objects, in compliance with the provisions of Table 1.

Table 1 – Safety distances from LNG tanks to protected objects and distances between tanks

2.3.8 Pressure reducing station (if the supply source is taken from a high pressure gas pipeline)

2.3.8.1 The design pressure of the system upstream of the pressure reducing station must be greater than or equal to the maximum operating pressure of the system located before the station. The design pressure of the system downstream of the pressure reducing station must be greater than or equal to the maximum operating pressure of the system located after the station.

2.3.8.2 Buildings and equipment must be arranged to ensure safe isolation, inspection, maintenance and testing. The system must be equipped with sufficient isolation valves, purging valves and venting points to allow system depressurization or inspection when needed.

2.3.8.3 Arrange safety systems to protect downstream equipment of the pressure reducing station in case the pressure reducing equipment fails to operate.

2.3.8.4 Ensure the system meets reliability and operational performance requirements, taking into account operational safety requirements, ability to connect to temporary supply systems to ensure continuous supply, equipment failure and redundancy.

2.3.8.5 The possibility of gas venting through the operating control system to the external environment must be minimized. Gas emission points to the outside must be located in well-ventilated places meeting regulations on safe distances to power lines, communication lines, and sources of electrical sparks.

2.3.9 Regulations for pipelines

2.3.9.1 General regulations:

– Land area for gas supply stations and gas distribution pipelines must be planned and arranged according to urban needs;

– Do not plan gas pipelines with a maximum working pressure greater than 7 bar passing through urban inner city areas;

– Gas distribution pipeline planning must take into account the integrated shared use in technical trenches or tunnels;

– For pipelines with a maximum working pressure less than or equal to 7 bar, the maximum gas velocity in the pipeline must not exceed 30 m/s;

– Gas pipelines must be buried; above-ground (exposed) pipelines are only used in special cases when crossing rivers, lakes, ravines, streams, or other man-made structures. For underground steel pipes, corrosion protection measures must be taken. Buried gas pipeline sections crossing roads with motor vehicles must be laid in protective sleeves;

– The structure of the pipeline must be able to withstand the loads of gas pressure in the pipeline, pipe weight, weight of pipeline accessories, soil pressure, water pressure, train and automobile loads, buoyancy forces, other main loads; effects of temperature changes, vibrations or earthquakes, wave shocks, tides, loads from structures imposed by other items on the pipeline and stresses caused by secondary loads;

– Along buried gas pipelines, milestones and signs indicating pressure level and contact phone number in case of abnormal pipeline incidents must be placed.

2.3.9.2 Buried pipelines in urban areas

2.3.9.2.1 Valves must be arranged on pipelines at the following positions: before connecting to the pipeline supplying buildings; before and after pressure reducing valves; before and after pipeline sections crossing rivers, railways or intersecting with other project items whose activities may affect the stability of the intersecting pipeline section. Valve arrangement must ensure the ability to isolate each area for maintenance and repair (gas venting, installation and tightness testing) or handling in case of incidents.

2.3.9.2.2 For pipelines buried under sidewalks, the minimum distance from the top outer surface of the pipeline to the road surface must not be less than 0.6 m.

2.3.9.2.3 For pipelines buried under streets or buried across roads with motor vehicles, the minimum distance from the top outer surface of the pipeline to the road surface must not be less than 0.8 m.

2.3.9.2.4 In case the required pipe burial depth cannot be met, protection must be enhanced by placing the pipeline in sleeves or external protective structures.

2.3.9.2.5 Buried gas pipelines must ensure a distance of not less than 0.3 m to the nearest domestic water supply, power supply, and communication pipelines.

2.3.9.3 For pipelines parallel to railways

2.3.9.3.1 The distance from the outer surface of the pipe to the centerline of the rail must not be less than 4 m.

2.3.9.3.2 It is not mandatory to apply the above distance regulation when the railway is adjacent to the road in case:

– The pipeline is located in a position not affected by train loads;

– The pipeline is protected by appropriate protective structures to avoid being affected by train loads;

– Railway loads have been considered and incorporated into the pipeline structural calculations.

2.3.9.4 Pipelines intersecting with railways

2.3.9.4.1 Gas supply pipelines are allowed to be buried across railways or arranged on overpasses.

2.3.9.4.2 The minimum distance from the top outer surface of the pipeline protected by a sleeve to the railway rail must not be less than 1.7 m.

2.3.9.5 Pipelines crossing rivers

2.3.9.5.1 When pipelines cross rivers, it is allowed to place the pipeline on a bridge. In case it is not possible to place the pipeline on a bridge, it is allowed to place the pipeline right below the bridge, ensuring the distance from the outer surface of the pipeline to the specified river bed depth is not less than 4 m. This distance is not less than 2.5 m when the pipeline crosses waterways.

2.3.9.5.2 When pipelines cross rivers or waterways, the pipeline must be enclosed in a protective sleeve or appropriate protective structure according to the gas pressure level used and have measures to prevent destruction due to buoyancy forces caused by the sleeve/protective structure or ship anchoring.

2.3.9.6 Pipelines shared with other technical infrastructure works must comply with QCVN 7-3:2023/BXD and relevant specialized regulations.

2.4 Power supply and lightning protection systems

2.4.1 Power supply

2.4.1.1 The system of wires, power cables and electrical equipment for petrol stations and gas stations must comply with QCVN 01:2012/BCT and QCVN 01:2020/BCT.

2.4.1.2 It is allowed to use small size generators as backup power sources. The exhaust pipe of the generator must have a spark arrester and thermal insulation.

2.4.1.3 Power cables installed in petrol stations and gas stations must ensure fire and explosion prevention and safety in accordance with hazardous area classification; do not place power cables together in trenches with petrol pipelines.

2.4.1.4 The grounding system of petrol stations and gas stations must have a grounding resistance not exceeding 4 Ω. All non-current carrying metal parts of electrical equipment and pump columns must be connected to the safety grounding system.

2.4.2 Lightning protection

2.4.2.1 The tank cluster must be designed with direct lightning protection, when the vent valves are placed high and not within the lightning protection zone of the surrounding structures, direct lightning protection for the vent valves must be provided by grounding-bonded lightning rods, the lightning rod tip must be at least 5 m away from the vent valve.

2.4.2.2 Other construction items of petrol stations and gas stations must all have a direct lightning protection system.

2.4.2.3 The grounding system for direct lightning protection must have a grounding resistance not exceeding 10 Ω.

2.4.2.4 At the positions of filling petrol, gas into tanks, cylinders of petrol stations, gas stations, electrostatic grounding must be provided with the supply vehicles.

2.4.2.5 For induced lightning and electrostatic protection, steel tanks are required to have at least two metal wires per tank welded and connected to the induced lightning and electrostatic protection grounding system. The grounding resistance of this system must not exceed 10 Ω.

2.4.2.6 The safety grounding system must have a grounding resistance value not exceeding 4 Ω. All non-current carrying metal parts of electrical equipment and pump columns must be safety grounded.

2.4.2.7 The grounding system must be 5 m away from the direct lightning protection grounding system (distance in the ground).

2.4.2.8 When combining the safety grounding system with the direct lightning protection grounding system, the grounding resistance value is required not to exceed 1 Ω.

2.5 Maintenance

Petrol and gas supply works and work items must be periodically maintained, repaired or replaced throughout their service life to ensure their designed functions.

3 IMPLEMENTATION

3.1 Transitional Provisions

3.1.1 For construction investment projects approved before the effective date of this regulation, implementation shall continue in accordance with the regulations at the time of approval; the investment decision maker has the right to choose to apply this regulation.

3.1.2 Construction investment projects approved from the effective date of this regulation shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of this regulation.

3.2 State management agencies in charge of construction in localities are responsible for organizing the inspection of compliance with this regulation in the formulation, appraisal, approval and management of construction designs.

3.3 The Ministry of Construction is responsible for disseminating and guiding the application of this regulation to relevant entities. During the implementation of this regulation, if there are any problems, all comments should be sent to the Technical Infrastructure Department, Ministry of Construction for guidance and resolution.