8 6 11
8 6 11
8 6 11
Were the Master and officers familiar with the company procedures for the regular
inspection and maintenance of cargo and vapour pipeline insulation and expansion
arrangements, and were these arrangements in satisfactory condition?
Short Question Text
Cargo and vapour pipeline insulation and expansion arrangements
Vessel Types
LPG, LNG
ROVIQ Sequence
Cargo Control Room, Main Deck
Publications
IMO: ISM Code
IMO: IGC Code
ICS: Tanker Safety Guide (Gas) - Third Edition
Objective
To ensure cargo and vapour line insulation and expansion arrangements are regularly inspected and
properly maintained.
Industry Guidance
Bellows may be used to accommodate thermal contraction and expansion in a number of applications including:
If used properly, bellows pieces are very durable, but they are vulnerable to misuse and for this reason expansion
loops and offsets may be used instead. If bellows are intended to be fitted, the design will take careful account of
pressure, temperature, diameters, pipe layout and movements. All associated parts, including anchor points and
supports, are vital to safe operation within design limits.
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• When pressure tests are carried out, bellows should be prevented from extending beyond design limits in
order to avoid damage or possible bellows failure; and
• Temporary tie-bars or constraints should be removed before cargo service and replaced with normal
constraints.
Pipeline supports may be of a number of designs. They provide secure mountings which support pipework and
prevent transverse movement, but will ensure correct alignment and, at the same time, permit expansion and
contraction of pipes without imposing stress.
All supports or anchor points should be correctly assembled and securing devices should be locked securely. Some
designs require bolts to be fully tightened but in others clearance is provided. The arrangement should be checked
before reassembly. If relative movement is to be provided, all moving surfaces should be clean and, if necessary,
lubricated.
In some designs, pipework may be supported by load bearing insulating chocks. The correct type of material should
be used, and pieces found to be missing should be replaced to prevent transverse movement and damage.
If the system or part of it is being pressure tested, special care is necessary to ensure that adequate support is given,
and that any side forces which may be created are controlled. Sudden pressurisation or depressurization of the
system should be avoided.
A3.14 Insulation
Insulation materials intended for use with cold cargoes are easily damaged by high temperatures.
All insulation should be protected against deterioration or mechanical damage in order to preserve the integrity of the
ship’s structure and, at the same time, prevent a level of cargo boil off which could exceed plant capacity.
Insulation boundaries should be adequately vapour/water sealed to prevent corrosion of the adjoining material. The
sealing should be inspected periodically. During maintenance, care should be taken to exclude moisture which may
be absorbed by the insulation and reduce its effectiveness.
Occasionally repairs to insulation may be required. Insulation materials should be regarded as flammable and be
protected from flames or sparks, with proper firefighting precautions taken. The material may also be toxic and
personnel working with it may therefore require additional protection. Adequate ventilation during work should be
provided.
TMSA KPI 4.1.1 requires that each vessel in the fleet is covered by a planned maintenance system and spare parts
inventory which reflects the company’s maintenance strategy. The company identifies all equipment and machinery
required to be included in the planned maintenance system, for example:
10.1 The Company should establish procedures to ensure that the ship is maintained in conformity with the
provisions of the relevant rules and regulations and with any additional requirements which may be established by the
Company.
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Provision shall be made to protect the piping, piping system and components and cargo tanks from excessive
stresses due to thermal movement and from the movements of the tank and hull structure. The preferred method
outside the cargo tanks is by means of offsets, bends or loops, but multi-layered bellows may be used if offsets,
bends or loops are not practicable.
Low temperature piping shall be thermally isolated from the adjacent hull structure, where necessary, to prevent the
temperature of the hull from falling below the design temperature of the hull material. Where liquid piping is
dismantled regularly, or where liquid leakage may be anticipated, such as at shore connections and at pump seals,
protection for the hull beneath shall be provided.
Where bellows and expansion joints are provided in accordance with 5.7.1, the following requirements apply:
5.12.3.1 Cargo piping systems shall be provided with a thermal insulation system as required to minimise heat leak
into the cargo during transfer operations and to protect personnel from direct contact with cold surfaces.
5.12.3.2 Where applicable, due to location or environmental conditions insulation materials shall have suitable
properties of resistance to fire and flame spread and shall be adequately protected against penetration of water
vapour and mechanical damage.
5.12.4 Where the cargo piping system is of a material susceptible to stress corrosion cracking in the presence of salt-
laden atmosphere, adequate measures to avoid this occurring shall be taken by considering material selection,
protection of exposure to salty water and/or readiness for inspection.
Inspection Guidance
The vessel operator should have developed procedures for the inspection and maintenance of cargo and vapour
pipeline insulation and expansion arrangements. Inspections should cover all cargo and vapour lines and include:
More comprehensive inspections of pipeline insulation involving techniques such as profile radiography, ultrasonic
spot readings, and/or insulation removal may be performed during repair periods.
Records should be maintained of inspections and include details of any repairs made to insulation or expansion
arrangements.
These procedures and associated records may form part of the vessel’s maintenance plan.
• Sight, and where necessary review, the company procedures for the regular inspection and maintenance of
cargo and vapour pipeline insulation and expansion arrangements.
• Review the records of the regular inspection and maintenance of cargo and vapour pipeline insulation and
expansion arrangements.
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• During the inspection of the main deck inspect the cargo and vapour pipeline insulation, where fitted, and
expansion arrangements.
• Where necessary, compare the observed condition with the records of inspection and maintenance of the
cargo and vapour pipeline insulation and expansion arrangements.
Expected Evidence
• The company procedures for the regular inspection and maintenance of cargo and vapour pipeline insulation
and expansion arrangements.
• Records of the regular inspection and maintenance of cargo and vapour pipeline insulation and expansion
arrangements.
• There were no company procedures for the regular inspection and maintenance of cargo and vapour
pipeline insulation and expansion arrangements.
• Inspection and maintenance of cargo and vapour pipeline insulation and expansion arrangements had not
been carried out in accordance with the company procedures.
• A section of cargo or vapour pipeline insulation had been removed and not replaced.
• Cargo or vapour pipeline insulation was cracked or otherwise damaged (give details).
• Icing on pipework insulation indicated a local failure of the insulation.
• There was evidence of corrosion on the pipework underneath the insulation.
• Bellows were found to be defective in some respect e.g. mechanical damage, cracks, corrosion, pin-hole
leaks, or signs of excessive wear.
• Bellows were fitted with temporary tie-bars or constraints.
• A flexible sleeve was missing from a bellows where previously fitted.
• Pipelines were not free to move within their clamps.
• Pipe workload bearing insulating chocks were:
o Constructed of the incorrect material.
o Wholly or partly missing.
• Cargo and/or vapour pipeline insulation arrangements were defective in any respect.
• Cargo and/or vapour pipeline expansion arrangements were defective any respect.
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