Section 5 Piping systems
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022 - Part 7 Other Ship Types and Systems - Chapter 6 Arrangements for Offshore Loading - Section 5 Piping systems

Section 5 Piping systems

5.1 Materials

5.1.1 All materials used in the piping systems are to be suitable for use with the intended cargoes and ambient weather conditions, and are to comply with the relevant requirements of Pt 5, Ch 12 Piping Design Requirements and the applicable requirements of the Rules for the Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials, July 2022 .

5.2 Piping system design

5.2.1 All piping, valves and fittings are to be suitable for the design operating and environmental conditions.

5.2.2 The piping is to comply with the requirements for manufacture, testing and certification of Class II piping systems.

5.2.3 The pipelines and associated piping systems and equipment forward and/or aft of the cargo area are to have only full penetration butt welded joints, except at the loading station where valve connections may be flanged. The pipes are not to pass through enclosed spaces and are to be, as far as possible, self-draining.

5.2.4 Means of mechanical isolation are to be provided in the cargo area, where any pipes used for cargo handling are branched off from the cargo system. Such isolation is to be as near as possible to the boundary of the aftmost, in the case of stern loading, or forwardmost, in the case of bow loading, cargo tank bulkhead and within the cargo area.

5.2.5 A manually operated shut-off terminal valve is to be provided at the manifold. In addition, a blank flange, or equivalent arrangement, is to be provided at the bow and/or stern pipe line end connection.

5.2.6 The terminal pipe, valves and other fittings to which the cargo hose is directly connected are to be of steel or other approved ductile material. They are to be of robust construction, adequately supported and suitable for the stated design conditions. Attention is drawn to the Recommendations for Oil Tanker Manifolds and Associated Equipment, published by OCIMF.

5.2.7 Means of emptying, cleaning, inerting and gas-freeing the pipe lines used for cargo handling are to be provided. The venting arrangements are to be located in the cargo deck area. Isolation similar to that described in Pt 7, Ch 6, 5.2 Piping system design 5.2.4 is also to be provided.

5.2.8 A drip tray of adequate size, together with means of drainage, are to be provided at the manifold. Suitable spray shields are to be fitted in way of the terminal manifolds where leakage may occur at valves and pipe joints.

5.2.9 Zones on open deck within 3 m of loading manifolds or pipe joints, and within 3 m of the spillage drip tray, are to be regarded as hazardous with regard to machinery or other equipment which could constitute a possible source of ignition, see also Pt 6, Ch 2, 14.2 Hazardous areas and Pt 6, Ch 2, 14.10 Requirements for tankers intended for the carriage in bulk.

5.2.10 Air vent pipes to the tanks and enclosed spaces, and mechanical ventilation outlets are to be located as far as possible, but in no case less than 3 m, from the terminal manifold or the nearest barrier of the spillage drip tray, whichever is closer.

5.3 Piping system testing and non-destructive examination

5.3.1 Testing and non-destructive examination of the piping system is to comply with the relevant requirements for Class II piping.


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