Inert gas systems components: UK21/F022

Adopted EU recommendation FIRE-069. UK approved recommendation on the clarification of inert gas system components.

From:
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Published
19 July 2023
Category:
Fire protection equipment
Year adopted:
2021
Reference number:
UK21/F022
Keyword:
FIRE-069

Question

Resolution MSC.367(93) gives detailed requirements for nitrogen generator systems. Should N2-compressors be considered equal to IGG-blowers with regards to certification? Which components should be covered and certified under UK/3.42 (inert gas systems components)?

Recommendation

N2-compressors and other IG-equipment shall be delivered with a UK approval certificate.

Equipment that should be regarded as “Inert gas systems components” under UK/3.42

Number Component FSS Code Chapter 15 (section) Testing standard
1 Inert gas fans/blowers 2.3.1.4 (MSC/Circ.353 items 3.4, 3.5 and 9.3)
2 Inert gas generators 2.3.1.1 Functional testing incl. control, monitoring and alarm.
3 Inert gas scrubbers 2.3.1.1 (MSC/Circ.353 items 3.2, 3.3 and 9.2)
4 Sea water pumps for scrubber 2.3.1.3 Pressure testing of pump housing. Capacity testing based on head-capacity curve.
5 Nitrogen generators (being equivalent to IGG) 2.4; 2.4.1.3 Functional testing incl. control, monitoring and alarm. O2-content and max capacity. [footnote 1]
6 Nitrogen air compressor (equivalent to blowers) 2.4.1.1; 2.4.1.3 Certification is required when serving an Inert gas plant required by SOLAS. See certification requirements separately at the bottom of this document. [footnote 2]
7 Inert gas control and monitoring system (to include DBB-arrangement, if fitted) 2.2.4.5; 2.4.2 Functional testing and alarms. Ref. 9.7.
8 Any pressure vessels (p*v>1.5) 2.4.1.4 Pressure testing. NDT. Functional testing.
9 Double block and bleed valve arrangement (being equivalent to deck water seal) 2.2.2.6; 2.2.3.1.2 Functional testing and alarms. Ref. 9.7.
10 Pressure/Vacuum-breaker 2.2.3.2.4 Capacity and activation pressures at various heels and trim.
11 Deck water seal 2.2.3.1.2 (MSC/Circ.353 items 3.6.2. and 9.4)
12 Sea water pumps for deck water seal 2.2.3.1.4 Pressure testing of pump housing. Capacity testing based on head-capacity curve.
13 Cooling water pumps for compressors (normally air cooled)   Pressure testing of pump housing. Capacity testing based on head-capacity curve.
14 Non-return valves 2.2.3.1.3 (MSC/Circ.353 items 3.7 and 9.5)
15 Gas regulating valve 2.3.1.2 (MSC/Circ.353 items 3.10 and 9.7)
Object Certificate type Issued by Certification standard Additional description
Compressor PC Society    
Crankshaft MC Manufacturer    
Connecting rod TR Manufacturer   Material
Cylinder with head TR Manufacturer   Material
Rotors MC Manufacturer    
Rotor casing Manufacturer    

References

  • MSN 1874 as amended
  • The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended
  • MSC.367(93)

Items affected

  • UK/3.42, Inert gas systems

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

  1. Minimum one N2 generator with capacity from the upper quantile and with capacity from the lower quantile should be tested. ↩

  2. Certification requirements for compressors serving an inert gas plant required by SOLAS. ↩

Updates to this page

Published 19 July 2023
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