5.13 Testing requirements
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Maritime Safety Committee - Resolution MSC.370(93) – Amendments to The International Code for The Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases In Bulk (IGC Code) – (Adopted on 22 May 2014) - Annex - Amendments to The International Code for The Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases In Bulk (IGC Code) - Chapter 5 — Process Pressure Vessels and Liquid, Vapour and Pressure Piping Systems - 5.13 Testing requirements

5.13 Testing requirements

  5.13.1 Type testing of piping components

  5.13.1.1 Valvesfootnote

 Each type of valve intended to be used at a working temperature below -55°C shall be subject to the following type tests:

  • .1 each size and type of valve shall be subjected to seat tightness testing over the full range of operating pressures for bi-directional flow and temperatures, at intervals, up to the rated design pressure of the valve. Allowable leakage rates shall be to the requirements of the Administration or recognized organization acting on its behalf. During the testing, satisfactory operation of the valve shall be verified;

  • .2 the flow or capacity shall be certified to a recognized standard for each size and type of valve;

  • .3 pressurized components shall be pressure tested to at least 1.5 times the rated pressure; and

  • .4 for emergency shutdown valves, with materials having melting temperatures lower than 925°C, the type testing shall include a fire test to a standard acceptable to the Administration.

  5.13.1.2 Expansion bellows

 The following type tests shall be performed on each type of expansion bellows intended for use on cargo piping outside the cargo tank and where required by the Administration or recognized organization acting on its behalf, on those installed within the cargo tanks:

  • .1 elements of the bellows, not pre-compressed, shall be pressure tested at not less than five times the design pressure without bursting. The duration of the test shall not be less than 5 min;

  • .2 a pressure test shall be performed on a type expansion joint, complete with all the accessories such as flanges, stays and articulations, at the minimum design temperature and twice the design pressure at the extreme displacement conditions recommended by the manufacturer, without permanent deformation;

  • .3 a cyclic test (thermal movements) shall be performed on a complete expansion joint, which shall withstand at least as many cycles under the conditions of pressure, temperature, axial movement, rotational movement and transverse movement as it will encounter in actual service. Testing at ambient temperature is permitted when this testing is at least as severe as testing at the service temperature; and

  • .4 a cyclic fatigue test (ship deformation) shall be performed on a complete expansion joint, without internal pressure, by simulating the bellows movement corresponding to a compensated pipe length, for at least 2,000,000 cycles at a frequency not higher than 5 Hz. This test is only required when, due to the piping arrangement, ship deformation loads are actually experienced.

  5.13.2 System testing requirements

  5.13.2.1 The requirements of this section shall apply to piping inside and outside the cargo tanks.

  5.13.2.2 After assembly, all cargo and process piping shall be subjected to a strength test with a suitable fluid. The test pressure shall be at least 1.5 times the design pressure (1.25 times the design pressure where the test fluid is compressible) for liquid lines and 1.5 times the maximum system working pressure (1.25 times the maximum system working pressure where the test fluid is compressible) for vapour lines. When piping systems or parts of systems are completely manufactured and equipped with all fittings, the test may be conducted prior to installation on board the ship. Joints welded on board shall be tested to at least 1.5 times the design pressure.

  5.13.2.3 After assembly on board, each cargo and process piping system shall be subjected to a leak test using air, or other suitable medium, to a pressure depending on the leak detection method applied.

  5.13.2.4 In double wall gas-fuel piping systems, the outer pipe or duct shall also be pressure tested to show that it can withstand the expected maximum pressure at gas pipe rupture.

  5.13.2.5 All piping systems, including valves, fittings and associated equipment for handling cargo or vapours, shall be tested under normal operating conditions not later than at the first loading operation, in accordance with recognized standards.

  5.13.3 Emergency shutdown valves

 The closing characteristics of emergency shutdown valves used in liquid cargo piping systems shall be tested to demonstrate compliance with 18.10.2.1.3. This testing may be carried out on board after installation.

Parent topic: Chapter 5 — Process Pressure Vessels and Liquid, Vapour and Pressure Piping Systems
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