Fire Testing of Flexible Hose and Non-metallic Pipe

Thane Gilman, P.E.USCG Systems Engineering DivisionCG-5213 Phone (202) 372-1383 Email: thane.gilman@uscg.mil

USCG Regulations (46 CFR 56.60USCG Regulations (46 CFR 56.60--25)25) 56.60-25 contains primary requirements for both non-metallic pipe (plastic pipe) and flexible hose. Applicable primarily to larger vessels subject to 46 CFR Subchapter F (Marine Engineering). Incorporates IMO Resolution A.753(18) for plastic pipe and SAE J1942 for flex hose. Fire test procedures of ISO 15540 for hose are accepted in this section also.

Flexible hose Flexible hose SAE J1942, SAE J1942, Hose and Hose Hose and Hose Assemblies for Marine ApplicationsAssemblies for Marine Applications

SAE J1942 requires fire tests for hose to be installed in fuel or lube oil systems. Hose for hydraulic and water systems are excluded from fire test. J1942 recently accepted similar fire test arrangement to ISO 15540/15541 (30 minute test). 2.5 minute test still allowed. SAE J1942-1, Qualified Hoses for Marine Applications, provides list of hose products meeting J1942

Flexible hose Flexible hose ISO 15540, 15541 and other ISO 15540, 15541 and other standardsstandards

ISO 15540 requires a 30 minute fire test at 800 deg. C, with water flowing through hose. ISO 15541 defines test apparatus. Classification societies IACS Unified Requirements for Piping references ISO 15540 and 15541. IMO SOLAS Ch. II-2, Regulation 4 references ISO 15540 for tests fuel oil piping.

Flexible hose Flexible hose Requirements for smaller Requirements for smaller vessels and boatsvessels and boats

Regulations for fuel system hose on noncommercial, uninspected vessels are found in 33 CFR Section 183.540. USCG Type A1 hose means hose meeting SAE J1527 or UL 1114. USCG Type A2, B1 and B2 in this section also. A1 and A2 must meet fire test in section 183.590 (2.5 minute heptane fire).

Plastic pipe Plastic pipe IMO Resolution A.753(18), IMO Resolution A.753(18), Guidelines for the Application of Plastic Guidelines for the Application of Plastic

Pipes on Ships, Pipes on Ships, Appendix 4Appendix 4System Cat. A

Mach space

Other mach. Space

Cargo pump rooms

Ro-ro cargo holds

Dry cargo holds

Cargo tanks

Control air

L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 NA

Service air

0 0 0 0 0 NA

Brine 0 0 NA 0 0 NA

Low pressure steam

L2 L2 0 0 0 0

L1 60 minute dry test L3 30 minute wet test X must be metallic pipe

L2 30 minute dry test 0 - No fire test required NA not applicable

Plastic pipe Plastic pipe IMO Resolution A.753(18), IMO Resolution A.753(18), USCG Type Approval of Fire Testing USCG Type Approval of Fire Testing

Coast Guard type approval of fire tests for plastic piping conducted by CG-5214, Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division.

Policy File Memo 1-98 (PFM 1-98) still primary governing document for type approval testing of plastic pipe.

ResourcesCoast Guard Office of Design and Engineering Standards:

Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division (CG-5214) website: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214

Coast Guard Marine Safety Blog website: http://cgmarinesafety.blogspot.com/

SAE website: www.sae.org (Search J1942 or J1527)

ISO website: www.iso.ch (Search ISO 15540)

IMO website: www.imo.org

Fire Testing of Flexible Hose and Non-metallic PipeUSCG Regulations (46 CFR 56.60-25)Flexible hose SAE J1942, Hose and Hose Assemblies for Marine ApplicationsFlexible hose ISO 15540, 15541 and other standardsFlexible hose Requirements for smaller vessels and boatsPlastic pipe IMO Resolution A.753(18), Guidelines for the Application of Plastic Pipes on Ships, Appendix 4Plastic pipe IMO Resolution A.753(18), USCG Type Approval of Fire Testing Resources