Inert gas systems components: UK21/F022
Adopted EU recommendation FIRE-069. UK approved recommendation on the clarification of inert gas system components.
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
Published 19 July 2023