5.5.1 The requirements of this
section apply to piping inside and outside the cargo tanks. However,
the Administration may accept relaxations from these requirements
for piping inside cargo tanks and open-ended piping.
5.5.2 After assembly, all cargo
and process piping should be subjected to a hydrostatic test to at
least 1.5 times the design pressure. When piping systems or parts
of systems are completely manufactured and equipped with all fittings,
the hydrostatic test may be conducted prior to installation aboard
ship. Joints welded on board should be hydrostatically tested to at
least 1.5 times the design pressure. Where water cannot be tolerated
and the piping cannot be dried prior to putting the system into service,
proposals for alternative testing fluids or testing means should be
submitted to the Administration for approval.
5.5.3 After assembly on board,
each cargo and process piping system should be subjected to a leak
test using air, halides, or other suitable medium to a pressure depending
on the leak detection method applied.
5.5.4 All piping systems including
valves, fittings and associated equipment for handling cargo or vapours
should be tested under normal operating conditions not later than
at the first loading operation.