Section 11 Thermal oil systems
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Inland Waterways Ships, July 2022 - Part 5 Main and Auxiliary Machinery - Chapter 12 Machinery Piping Systems - Section 11 Thermal oil systems

Section 11 Thermal oil systems

11.1 General

11.1.1 The requirements of this Section are applicable to thermal oil systems heated by oil fired appliances intended for heating of cargo.

11.1.2 Exhaust gas heating arrangements and heating arrangements intended for own propulsion will be specially considered.

11.1.3 The arrangements for storage, distribution and utilisation of thermal oil under pressure are to comply with the requirements detailed in this Section. The requirements of Pt 5, Ch 12, 1 General requirements, Pt 5, Ch 12, 2 Fuel oil - General requirements, Pt 5, Ch 12, 3 Fuel oil burning arrangements and Pt 5, Ch 12, 4 Fuel oil pumps, pipes, fittings, tanks, etc. are to be complied with in so far as they are applicable. In all cases, the following are to apply:

11.1.4 An approved type of thermal oil is to be used. The proposed thermal oil should be stated, giving flash point (>55°C), fire point, auto-ignition temperature and maximum operating temperature.

11.2 Piping

11.2.1 Joints in thermal oil systems are preferably to be of welded construction, where used the number of flanged joints is to be kept to a minimum.

11.2.2 Expansion joints of an approved type or bends are to be provided, where necessary, in the thermal oil pipe lines. Moreover, the thermal oil pipes are to be suitably supported and anchored.

11.2.3 All air release pipes in the system should be fitted with self-closing cocks and led to the expansion tank.

11.2.4 Suitable strainers should be fitted on the suction side of the circulating pumps to filter out any carbonised oil.

11.2.5 Copper and copper alloys are suspect able for catalytic action with thermal oil and should not be used.

11.2.6 Thermal oil pipes are not to be led through accommodation or service spaces. For service spaces situated inside the dangerous zone of tankers, see Pt 5, Ch 13, 1.9 Bulkhead penetrations 1.9.4.

11.2.7 Hydraulic tests and non-destructive examination on pipes and fittings are to comply with Pt 5, Ch 10, 8 Hydraulic tests on pipes and fittings and Pt 5, Ch 14, 6 Non-Destructive Examination respectively, as applicable.

11.2.8 Pipe penetrations through bulkheads or decks outside the cargo area are to be insulated.

11.3 Expansion tank arrangement

11.3.1 A positive pressure in the heating coils exceeding the external pressure is to be maintained under all conditions of service irrespective of the type of cargo to be carried. This can be achieved by means of an atmospheric expansion tank situated at sufficient height or by pressurising the expansion tank with an inert gas or compressed air. Arrangements for atmospheric expansion tanks are to comply with Pt 5, Ch 12, 11.3 Expansion tank arrangement 11.3.3 and arrangements for pressurized expansion tanks are to comply with Pt 5, Ch 12, 11.3 Expansion tank arrangement 11.3.6.

11.3.2 For the minimum required pressure in the expansion tank or, alternatively, the minimum required height above the installation, see Pt 5, Ch 13, 7.4 Heating circuits 7.4.8.

11.3.3 Means of approved type are to be provided to ascertain the level in the thermal oil expansion tank.

11.3.4 The expansion/header tank is to be fitted with both high and low level alarms. At low level alarm, the circulation pump is to be stopped automatically and the thermal oil heater is to be shut down.

11.3.5 The vent pipe from the expansion tank is to be led to a safe position on the open deck.

11.3.6 For expansion tanks provided with an inert gas padding, it is to be guaranteed that sufficient inert gas will be available to maintain the pressure in the expansion vessel under all conditions of service.

11.3.7 For expansion tanks pressurised by compressed air, it is to be guaranteed that the temperature of the thermal oil in the expansion tank is not to exceed 50°C in order to avoid oxidation of the thermal oil.

11.3.8 The expansion vessel is to be provided with a pressure indication and alarm for the minimum pressure. At low pressure alarm, the circulation pump is to be stopped automatically and the thermal oil boiler is to be shut down.

11.3.9 A pressurised expansion vessel is to be protected against over pressure by a relief valve, the discharge of which is to be led to a safe position on the open deck.

11.3.10 As an alternative to the quick closing valve as per Pt 5, Ch 12, 11.1 General 11.1.3, a quick drainage arrangement can be installed as per Pt 5, Ch 12, 11.3 Expansion tank arrangement 11.3.11 .

11.3.11 The expansion tank is to be provided with an quick opening valve remotely controlled from outside the space in which the expansion tank is situated.

11.3.12 The thermal oil dump tank shall have sufficient capacity to accumulate the contents of the expansion tank.

11.3.13 Actuating of the quick opening valve is to initiate stopping of the circulating pump(s) and shut down of the thermal oil heater.

11.4 Thermal oil heater arrangements

11.4.1 Alarms and safeguards are to be fitted in accordance with Pt 6, Ch 1 Control Engineering Systems.

11.4.2 A thermostatic control or cut-out actuated by the circulating thermal oil temperature, failure of the circulating thermal oil pumps and ‘flame out’, is to be incorporated in the oil fired thermal oil heater burner system.

11.4.3 The oil fired thermal oil heater is to be fitted with temperature sensors and alarms for fire detection.

11.4.4 For requirements of fuel oil burning arrangements, see Pt 5, Ch 12, 3 Fuel oil burning arrangements.

11.5 Cross-references

11.5.1 For air and sounding pipes and gauge glasses, see Pt 5, Ch 11, 10 Air and sounding pipes.

For separation of lubricating oil tanks from fuel tanks, see

Pt 3, Ch 3 Structural Design. For thermal oil system requirements for oil and

chemical tankers, see Pt 5, Ch 13, 7 Cargo heating arrangements.


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