FOM-7.4	Fleet Operations Manual FOM Bunker Line Pressure Testing	Doc No.: FOM 7.4 Revision: 01 Date: 15 Oct 2024 Issued by: DPA Approved by: MD

Test Pressure

Bunker lines are required to be tested to 1.5 times the allowable operating pressure by applying a constant hydrostatic load. Pressure for testing to be taken from pipeline material pressure ratings in specifications provided in vessel’s pipeline drawing, and should be noted in the bunker plan.

Test Method

Either of following methods may be used for building the pressure gradually to the test pressure, and holding for 5 to 10 minutes:

• Using Fuel Oil Transfer Pump to fill up bunker lines with oil up to the manifold.
• Using portable hydraulic pump to fill up the bunker line with water by a hose connected at the manifold.

Recording

• Entries to be made in Deck Logbook.
• Deck bunker lines are also required to be stencilled with the date of last pressure test together with the pressure maintained (in kg/cm² or bar).

Precautions

• Carry out risk assessment before doing pressure testing.
• All deck scuppers must be plugged and oil spill gears kept ready on deck.
• Adequate ship staff available to monitor any leakages from bunker lines.
• Ensure all pressure gauges on the line and pump are well calibrated.
• Tanks should be well isolated prior commencement to ensure that the line contents do not contaminate the tanks.
• Draining and disposal of the contents in the bunker lines after the pressure testing should be closely controlled.
  • Oil should be drained back only to the tank holding the same grade of oil, and minimum bunker.
  • Water should be drained back to an empty tank, from where it can be transferred to a waste oil / sludge tank for disposal by compliant means.
• Purge the lines using valves at the manifold.
• FO transfer pump being a positive-displacement type pump, it should be ensured that the line doesn’t get over pressurised. Pressure should be very slowly built up under close monitoring, and pump should be stopped as soon as the test pressure is reached.