Devices to prevent the passage of flame into the cargo tanks in tankers: UK21/F015

Adopted EU recommendation FIRE-055. UK approved recommendation on the types of equipment to be certified under UK/3.12: Devices to prevent the passage of flame into the cargo tanks in tankers.

From:
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Published
19 July 2023
Category:
Fire protection equipment
Year adopted:
2021
Reference number:
UK21/F015
Keyword:
FIRE-055

Question

Which types of equipment can be certified under the item UK/3.12: Devices to prevent the passage of flame into the cargo tanks in tankers?

Recommendation

The IMO MSC Circ. 677 (Amended by MSC/Circ. 1009, 1324 and 1325) gives the following definitions:

  • 1.3.1 “Flame Arrester” is a device to prevent the passage of flame in acc. with a specified performance standard.
  • 1.3.2 “Flame Screen” is a device utilising wire mesh to prevent the passage of unconfined flames in acc. with a specified performance standard.
  • 1.3.5 “High Velocity Vent” is a device to prevent the passage of flame…
  • 1.3.6 “Pressure/Vacuum valve” is a device designed to maintain pressure and vacuum in a closed container within present limits.

The standard EN ISO 16852 (the standard is applicable in the version as set out in the valid Implementing Regulation) applies to all “flame arresters which prevent the transmission of a flame” in the presence of flammable gas/air or vapour/air mixtures.

The standard ISO 15364 (the standard is applicable in the version as set out in the valid Implementing Regulation) applies to pressure-vacuum relief valves protecting marine vessel systems, including cargo tanks, which subject to das/vapour pressure beyond the design parameters of the system/tank.

Considering the above, it is recommended to certify the following types of equipment under item UK/3.12: * High velocity valve * Vacuum valve (end of line) to be combined with high velocity valve or low velocity pressure relief valve with flame screen * Flame arrester * Flame screen * Detonation flame arrester * Low velocity pressure relief valve with flame screen

References

  • MSC Circ. 677
  • MSN 1874 as amended
  • The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended

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

Published 19 July 2023
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