Section 9 Inspection and testing on completion

9.1.1 On completion of construction and all appropriate safety checks, the acceptance tests prescribed in Pt 7, Ch 10, 9.2 Acceptance tests are to be carried out. Their purpose is to verify the correct functioning of the installation and its ability to maintain the air throughput required for the assignment of the intended class notation.

9.1.2 The proposed test schedules, including methods of testing and details of the test equipment to be provided are to be submitted to Clasifications Register before the tests commence. The proposed test methods are to be appropriate for the design of the system installed and are to include such acceptance criteria as:

1. Volume of air to be supplied and/or exhausted at each container cell location.

2. Maximum allowable deviation from this air volume.

3. Maximum allowable pressure within the hold space when the system is under normal operating conditions.

9.1.3 Trials of the air distribution system within the hold spaces are to be witnessed by Clasifications Register surveyors before the ship is put into service and prior to the CRC notation certificate being issued. These trials are to be in addition to any tests which may have been carried out whilst commissioning the system.

9.2.1 The acceptance tests (see also Pt 7, Ch 10, 9.2 Acceptance tests 9.2.2 and Pt 7, Ch 10, 9.2 Acceptance tests 9.2.3) are to comprise the following:

1. Control and alarm systems are to be tested to demonstrate that they operate correctly, see also Pt 6, Ch 1, 2.3 Alarm systems, general requirements.

2. The accuracy, calibration and functioning of all instrumentation is to be verified.

3. For supply air systems: Verification of each supply fan's output when running at maximum speed. Verification of the air discharge rate and operation of any distribution arrangements at each individual container cell location. During the test, all supply fans serving the hold space are to be operated simultaneously, thus replicating normal operating conditions. If a common or multiple supply fan distribution system is fitted, then the arrangements are to be verified; firstly, with all supply fans in operation and, secondly, with any one fan out of action.

4. For exhaust air systems: Verification of each exhaust fan's output when running at maximum speed. The volume of air being extracted from each individual container cell location is to be verified with each exhaust fan running at maximum speed. All exhaust fans serving the same hold space are to be operated simultaneously thus replicating normal operating conditions.

5. For combined supply and exhaust air systems: Verification of each supply and exhaust fan's output when both are running at maximum speed. The volume of air being supplied and extracted from each individual container cell location is to be verified. All fans serving the same hold space are to be operated simultaneously thus replicating normal operating conditions.

6. If the supply and/or exhaust ductwork is prefabricated and installed in one piece testing at the manufacturer's works may be accepted provided the following are considered:

   • Any change in the supply and/or exhaust fan(s) output due to differences in electricity supply.
   • Any de-rating of the fan throughput due to a back pressure or partial vacuum occurring within the hold space during normal operating conditions.
   • Verification of the test results is to be undertaken in a single hold space.

7. Where the air volume required to meet the class notation cannot be verified during testing for practical reasons, assignment of the notation is to be deferred until it is demonstrated that the system is able to achieve the specified air throughput within each hold space during a loaded passage.

9.2.2 Where a number of identical fan and ductwork installations are constructed and fitted within each hold space, the acceptance trials required in Pt 7, Ch 10, 9.2 Acceptance tests 9.2.1 need only be carried out in two separate hold spaces, provided that the results are satisfactory.

9.2.3 Where the same system is installed on a number of identical sister ships for the same Owner and by the same shipyard, the testing in accordance with Pt 7, Ch 10, 9.2 Acceptance tests 9.2.1 will only be required on the first ship of the series, provided that the results are satisfactory.

9.2.4 The effect of exhausting warm hold space ventilation air on the operation of the integral air-cooled condensers of deck stowed containers is to be established under normal operational conditions. The discharge from hold space discharges is to be suitably modified if necessary.

9.3.1 Cooling water piping that is welded in situ is to be hydraulically strength tested at 1,5 times the design pressure, but in no case less than 0,35 MPa.

9.3.2 A distribution test is to be carried out to ensure that even fresh water distribution to each container as well as sufficient flow is achieved. As the fresh water system may be somewhat complicated, this test should be carried out with care, using all possible combinations of fresh water pumps installed.

9.3.3 If required, the distribution test can be carried out without containers, utilising flexible hoses for connecting the water supply and return pipes together. The return valves should be partly closed or flexible pipe may be crimped to represent the condenser pressure drop. Water flow meters are to be installed at the highest and the lowest container levels to verify equal water flow.

9.3.4 The capacity of each pump should be measured by a flow meter with an accuracy of ±3 per cent. Alternatively, this capacity could be obtained from the manufacturer's curves if the static pressure difference across a pump under test conditions is measured.

9.3.5 Sea-water pumps and heat exchangers are normally subjected to a functional test only.