High velocity vent valves: UK21/F021
Adopted EU recommendation FIRE-068. UK approved recommendation on the testing standards for high velocity vent valves.
Question
Which flame tests of testing standard EN ISO 16852:2010 and 2016 shall be carried out for high velocity vent valves (HVVVs), if they are only intended for tankers with an inert gas system?
Recommendation
ISO16852 (both versions, 2010 and 2016) considers inerting to be equivalent to stopping the flow (§5.2). Therefore, for tankers fitted with an inert gas system, the endurance burning test (§9.3 in ISO16852:2010 and §9.2.4 in ISO 16852:2016) on high velocity vent valves may be waived.
In any case, flame transmission test (§9.2 in ISO16852:2010 and §9.2.1 in ISO 16852:2016) shall be carried out.
Explanatory note
In-line deflagration flame arrestors are not covered by this recommendation (FIRE-068).
The requirements for HVVVs (called dynamic flame arrestors) in ISO16852:2010 & 2016 complies with MSC/Circ.677:
| Description | ISO16852:2010 [footnote 1] | ISO16852:2016 [footnote 2] | MSC/Circ.677 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance burn test is not required when the tanker is fitted with an inert gas system | §5.2 | §5.2 | §1.2.2 |
| Flash back test/flame transmission test | §9.2 | §9.2.1 and §9.2.2 | §3.3.3.1 (§3.2.2.1) |
| Endurance burn test (only intended for non inerted tankers) | §9.3 | §9.2.4 | §3.3.3.2 (§3.2.3) |
It is required to add on the valve marking plate what kind of test has been carried out. Additionally, that information shall be added in the valve Type Examination certificate and/or in the electronic tagging (if applied). In case a buyer wants to have “extended safety”, then it is possible to purchase a valve that has been subjected to endurance burn testing if the project considers this is required even if an inert gas system is placed onboard.
EN 16852, ITEM 12.2.1.2. “Warning information” includes the information of burning test.
Exceptions related to the IBC-code for cargoes shall apply.
References
- MSN 1874 as amended
- The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended
- MSC/Circ.677
Items affected
- UK/3.12, Devices to prevent the passage of flame into the cargo tanks in tankers
More information
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/21
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
Telephone: +44 (0) 203 817 2000
Email: MEQA@mcga.gov.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/mca