Section 9 Pumping and piping systems for the process plant

9.1.1 Arrangements are to be made in the process plant spaces, in order that substances which are flammable, toxic or are likely to present a hazard due to reaction when mixed are kept separate.

9.2.1 Process plant piping systems are to be designed and constructed in accordance with agreed codes and specifications normally used for similar plants in land installations, suitably modified and/or adapted where necessary to suit the marine environment.

9.2.2 Sections of piping which may contain hazardous liquids or gases and which can be isolated are to be suitably protected, see Pt 7, Ch 2, 8.3 Safety devices 8.3.2.

9.3.1 Lubricating oil and fuel oil pipes, fittings, associated equipment, fuel oil burning arrangements and their materials of construction are to comply with the requirements of Pt 5, Ch 14 Machinery Piping Systems, where applicable.

9.4.1 The gas fuel supply systems are to comply with the requirements of the relevant Sections of the Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Ships for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk, July 2022, where applicable.

9.4.2 Provision to shut off the gas is to be made in the gas firing supply lines immediately before the lines enter the compartment in which the equipment is installed. The shut-off arrangements are to be of the double block and vent type, and are to be operable at the equipment or the equipment control position and at a position in a safe area remote from the equipment.

9.5.1 Details of air and sounding pipes to tanks containing chemical products are to be submitted for approval.

9.6.1 The arrangements for the storage on board ship, and the disposal of bilge and effluent from the process plant spaces, are to be submitted for consideration, and due recognition is to be given to the requirements of the appropriate National Authority.

9.6.2 Bilge and effluent pumping and piping systems in the process plant spaces are to be constructed of material suitable for the substances processed or produced or any combination of the substances which might result from accidental admixture.

9.6.3 Arrangements are to be provided for the control of the bilge and effluent pumping and piping system installed in the process plant spaces from within these spaces and also from a position outside the spaces.

9.6.4 The bilge and effluent pumping and piping systems handling hazardous materials should, wherever possible, be installed in the space associated with the particular hazard. Spaces containing pumps and piping systems that take their suction from a hazardous space may also be considered as hazardous spaces where a pipeline is not of an all-welded construction without flanges, valve glands and bolted connections, etc. and the pumps are not totally enclosed.

9.6.5 Where, during operation, process plant spaces contain or are likely to contain hazardous and/or toxic substances, they are to be kept separate and distinct from the ship's main bilge pumping and piping system. This does not, however, preclude the use of the ship's main bilge system when the process plant is shutdown, gas freed or otherwise made safe.

9.6.6 Pumping and piping systems for the ship services and process plant are to be constructed and installed to the Surveyor's satisfaction.