Korea Introduces Acoustic Emission Testing for Reinspection of Hydrogen Vessel Tanks
2. October 2025The Gas Technical Standards Committee (GTSC) is currently collecting public comments until the 30th on a proposed revision of KGS AC116, the national inspection standard for high-pressure gas storage tanks and pressure vessels. The draft revision introduces non-destructive testing (NDT) methods—specifically acoustic emission testing—for the reinspection of Type-1 pressure vessels used in hydrogen refueling stations. The amendment also clarifies that compressed gas equipment refers to pressure vessels used in hydrogen charging facilities to store gas compressed by processing systems. Pressure vessels used in hydrogen refueling stations usually require KGS factory registration in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
The updated requirements include new inspection items based on KS B 6755 (In-service Inspection of Pressure Vessels), and add NDT as a reinspection criterion exclusively for Type-1 compressed gas equipment. Under the new provisions, acoustic emission testing must be performed three times to determine vessel integrity. If any signals indicating potential defects are detected, further NDT must be conducted to assess the depth of the flaw. To support implementation, a 24-month grace period has been proposed, allowing time for workforce training and development of detailed inspection guidelines. Individuals or organizations wishing to comment on the draft must submit their feedback to the GTSC by the 30th.
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