46 C.F.R. Subpart 61.15—Periodic Tests of Piping Systems
Title 46 - Shipping
In conducting hydrostatic tests on piping, the required test pressure shall be maintained for a sufficient length of time to permit an inspection to be made of all joints and connections. The setting of the relief valve or safety valve will be considered as establishing the maximum allowable working pressure of the system. [CGFR 68–82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGD 95–012, 60 FR 48050, Sept. 18, 1995] (a) Main steam piping shall be subjected to a hydrostatic test equal to 1 (b) All steam piping subject to pressure from the main boiler should be subjected to a hydrostatic test at a pressure of 1 (c) The setting of safety and relief valves installed in piping systems shall be checked by the marine inspector at each inspection for certification for vessels whose Certificates of Inspection are renewed each year. For other vessels, the setting must be checked twice within any 5-year period, and no more than 3 years may elapse between any check and its immediate predecessor. [CGFR 68–82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGD 73–248, 39 FR 30839, Aug. 26, 1974; CGD 83–043, 60 FR 24782, May 10, 1995; USCG–1999–4976, 65 FR 6500, Feb. 9, 2000] (a) Leak tests as described in paragraph (b) of this section shall be conducted at least once each month, at each inspection for certification, and at each periodic inspection. The tests required at monthly intervals shall be conducted by a licensed officer of the vessel or qualified personnel acceptable to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. The owner, master, or person in charge of the vessel shall keep records of such tests showing the dates when performed and the name(s) of the person(s) and/or company conducting the tests. Such records shall be made available to the marine inspector upon request and shall be kept for the period of validity of the vessel's current certificate of inspection. Where practicable, these records should be kept in or with the vessel's logbook. (b) Test system for leakage in accordance with the following procedure: With appliance valve closed, the master shutoff valve on the appliance open, and with one cylinder valve open, not pressure in gage. Close cylinder valve. The pressure should remain constant for at least 10 minutes. If the pressure drops, locate leakage by application of liquid detergent or soapy water solution at all connections. Never use flame to check for leaks. Repeat test for each cylinder in a multicylinder system. [CGFR 68–82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by USCG–1999–4976, 65 FR 6500, Feb. 9, 2000] (a) Nonmetallic expansion joints must be examined externally at each inspection for certification and periodic inspection for signs of excessive wear, fatigue, deterioration, physical damage, misalignment, improper flange-to-flange spacing, and leakage. A complete internal examination must be conducted when an external examination reveals excessive wear or other signs of deterioration or damage. (b) A nonmetallic expansion joint must be replaced 10 years after it has been placed into service if it is located in a system which penetrates the side of the vessel and both the penetration and the nonmetallic expansion joint are located below the deepest load waterline. The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection may grant an extension of the ten year replacement to coincide with the vessel's next drydocking. [CGD 77–140, 54 FR 40615, Oct. 2, 1989, as amended by CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51202, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG–1999–4976, 65 FR 6501, Feb. 9, 2000] (a) All other piping systems shall be examined under working conditions as required by the marine inspector.
Title 46: Shipping
PART 61—PERIODIC TESTS AND INSPECTIONS
Subpart 61.15—Periodic Tests of Piping Systems
§ 61.15-1 Scope.
§ 61.15-5 Steam piping.
§ 61.15-10 Liquefied petroleum gas piping for heating and cooking.
§ 61.15-12 Nonmetallic expansion joints.
§ 61.15-15 Other piping.
