EN 12817:2019

LPG Equipment and accessories - Inspection and requalification of LPG pressure vessels up to and including 13 m³

This document specifies requirements for:
a)   routine inspection, periodic inspection and requalification of fixed LPG pressure vessels of sizes from 150 l up to and including 13 m3, and associated fittings;
b)   marking pressure vessels and/or keeping records, as appropriate, as a result of routine inspection, periodic inspection and requalification.
This document excludes refrigerated storage.

Flüssiggas-Geräte und Ausrüstungsteile - Inspektion und wiederkehrende Prüfung von Druckbehältern für Flüssiggas (LPG) mit einem Fassungsraum bis einschließlich 13 m³

Diese Europäische Norm legt Anforderungen fest für:
a)   die regelmäßige Überprüfung, wiederkehrende Prüfung und erneute Qualifizierung von ortsfesten LPG-Lager-Druckbehältern mit einem Fassungsraum ab 150 l bis einschließlich 13 m3 sowie der zugehörigen Ausrüstung;
b)   die Kennzeichnung von Druckbehältern und/oder Aufbewahrung der Aufzeichnungen über Ergebnisse aus der regelmäßigen Überprüfung, wiederkehrenden Prüfung und erneuten Qualifizierung, soweit angemessen.
Diese Europäische Norm gilt nicht für die tiefkalte Lagerung.

Équipements et accessoires GPL - Inspection et requalification des réservoirs de capacité inférieure ou égale à 13 m³ pour gaz de pétrole liquéfiés (GPL)

La présente Norme européenne spécifie les exigences concernant les points suivants :
a)   l’inspection de routine, l’inspection périodique et la requalification des réservoirs fixes de stockage de gaz de pétrole liquéfiés, d’une capacité comprise entre 150 l et 13 m3 inclus, et des équipements associés ;
b)   le marquage des réservoirs et/ou les informations à conserver, en tant que de besoin, au terme de l’inspection de routine, de l’inspection périodique et de la requalification.
La présente Norme européenne exclut les stockages réfrigérés.

Oprema in pribor za utekočinjeni naftni plin (UNP) - Pregledi in periodični preskusi tlačnih posod za UNP s prostornino do vključno 13 m³

Ta evropski standard določa zahteve za:
a) redne preglede, periodične preglede in periodične preskuse fiksnih rezervoarjev za hranjenje utekočinjenega naftnega plina (UNP) s prostornino od 150 l do vključno 13 m³ ter povezanih fitingov;
b) označevanje rezervoarjev in/ali vodenje evidence, kot je primerno, kot rezultat rednih pregledov, periodičnih pregledov in periodičnih preskusov.
Ta evropski standard ne zajema hlajenega shranjevanja.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 12-Mar-2019
• Withdrawal Date: 29-Sep-2019
• ICS: 23.020.35 - Gas cylinders
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 286 - Liquefied petroleum gas equipment and accessories
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 286/WG 7 - Operational requirements - Transportable LPG cylinders and static LPG tanks
• Current Stage: 9060 - Closure of 2 Year Review Enquiry - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 02-Sep-2024
• Completion Date: 02-Sep-2024
• Ref Project: SIST EN 12817:2019 - LPG Equipment and accessories - Inspection and requalification of LPG pressure vessels up to and including 13 m³

Relations

• Replaces: EN 12817:2010 - LPG Equipment and accessories - Inspection and requalification of LPG tanks up to and including 13 m³
• Effective Date: 20-Mar-2019

Overview

EN 12817:2019 (CEN) defines requirements for the inspection and requalification of fixed LPG pressure vessels from 150 L up to and including 13 m³, and their associated fittings. The standard covers routine and periodic inspections, requalification procedures, marking and record-keeping resulting from inspections. Refrigerated storage is explicitly excluded. EN 12817:2019 supersedes EN 12817:2010 and is intended for use across CEN member states.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability: Fixed LPG pressure vessels (150 L to 13 m³), associated fittings; exclusion of refrigerated storage.
• Inspection types:
  • Routine inspection - frequent visual and functional checks.
  • Periodic inspection - scheduled, more detailed examinations.
  • Requalification - formal testing to confirm continued fitness-for-service (separate provisions for aboveground and underground vessels).
• Testing methods and technologies:
  • Hydraulic pressure testing (Annex B) for integrity validation.
  • Acoustic emission testing (Annex C, normative) for detection of active defects.
  • Ultrasonic thickness testing (Annex D) for corrosion and wall-loss assessment.
  • Sampling and statistical assessment methods (Annex E) for batch evaluation.
  • External camera monitoring and cathodic protection checks for underground vessels (Annexes F–H).
• Inspection of fittings and safety devices: valves, pressure relief valves, gauges, bonding, studs/fasteners, pipework, coatings, piers and foundations.
• Safety and unsafe-condition criteria: precautions, leak response and handling of unsafe vessels.
• Competence and records: minimum competence levels for routine, periodic and requalification personnel; detailed pressure vessel data and reporting requirements; marking or record updates after inspections.

Practical applications and who uses it

EN 12817:2019 is used by:

• LPG terminal and storage operators for planned maintenance and statutory compliance.
• Inspection and testing organizations performing routine, periodic and requalification work on LPG tanks.
• Maintenance and mechanical engineers assessing structural integrity, corrosion and leak risks.
• Safety managers and asset owners implementing written inspection schemes.
• Certification bodies and regulators referencing harmonized CEN requirements for conformity and enforcement.

Benefits:

• Increases safety and reliability of LPG installations.
• Standardizes inspection methods (acoustic emission, UT, hydraulic testing).
• Supports asset life management, risk reduction and regulatory compliance.

Related standards

• Supersedes EN 12817:2010 (as stated in the standard).
• EN 12817:2019 references normative and informative annexes for test procedures and evaluation; consult the full CEN text for normative references and cross-referenced standards when implementing compliance programs.

Keywords: EN 12817:2019, LPG pressure vessels inspection, requalification of LPG tanks, periodic inspection, acoustic emission testing, ultrasonic thickness testing, hydraulic pressure test, underground LPG tanks.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2019
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 12817:2010
Oprema in pribor za utekočinjeni naftni plin (UNP) - Pregledi in periodični preskusi
tlačnih posod za UNP s prostornino do vključno 13 m³
LPG Equipment and accessories - Inspection and requalification of LPG pressure
vessels up to and including 13 m³
Flüssiggas-Geräte und -Ausrüstungsteile - Überprüfung und erneute Qualifizierung von
Behältern für Flüssiggas (LPG) mit einem Fassungsraum bis einschließlich 13 m³
Équipements et accessoires GPL - Inspection et requalification des réservoirs de
capacité inférieure ou égale à 13 m³ pour gaz de pétrole liquéfiés (GPL)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 12817:2019
ICS:
23.020.32 Tlačne posode Pressure vessels
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 12817
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
March 2019
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 23.020.35 Supersedes EN 12817:2010
English Version
LPG Equipment and accessories - Inspection and
requalification of LPG pressure vessels up to and including
13 m³
Équipements et accessoires GPL - Inspection et Flüssiggas-Geräte und Ausrüstungsteile - Inspektion
requalification des réservoirs de capacité inférieure ou und wiederkehrende Prüfung von Druckbehältern für
égale à 13 m³ pour gaz de pétrole liquéfiés (GPL) Flüssiggas (LPG) mit einem Fassungsraum bis
einschließlich 13 m³
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 9 December 2018.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2019 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12817:2019 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 5
Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Safety . 8
4.1 Safety precautions . 8
4.2 Unsafe conditions . 8
4.3 Leaks . 8
5 Written scheme . 9
6 Pressure vessel inspection, requalification and recommissioning . 10
6.1 Routine inspection . 10
6.2 Periodic inspection . 10
6.3 Requalification . 10
6.3.1 Requalification for aboveground pressure vessels . 10
6.3.2 Requalification for underground pressure vessels . 11
6.4 Recommissioning . 12
7 Inspection of pressure vessel and pressure vessel fittings. 12
7.1 Pressure vessel . 12
7.2 Pressure vessel fittings and immediate pipework. 12
7.3 Valve cover . 12
7.4 Bonding . 12
7.5 Pressure relief valve . 12
7.6 Pressure gauge . 13
7.7 Contents gauges . 13
7.8 Shut-off valves . 13
7.9 Studs, bolts, nuts, and washers . 13
7.10 Corrosion protection system . 13
7.11 Piers and foundations for aboveground pressure vessels . 13
8 Competence . 14
8.1 General . 14
8.2 Routine inspection competence. 14
8.3 Periodic inspection competence. 14
8.4 Requalification competence . 14
9 Records . 14
9.1 Pressure vessel data . 14
9.2 Reports . 14
Annex A (informative) Visual inspection . 15
A.1 Internal and external visual inspections . 15
A.2 Inspection techniques . 15
A.2.1 External visual inspection . 15
A.2.2 Internal visual inspection . 15
A.2.3 Records . 15
A.3 Additional inspection . 16
Annex B (informative) Hydraulic pressure test . 17
Annex C (normative) Acoustic emission testing . 18
C.1 Scope . 18
C.2 Testing procedure . 18
C.3 Instrumentation . 18
C.3.1 Sensors . 18
C.3.2 Acquisition and evaluation system . 18
C.4 Testing . 18
C.4.1 Test instruction . 18
C.4.2 Safety precautions . 18
C.4.3 Sensor location . 19
C.4.3.1 Overground pressure vessels . 19
C.4.3.2 Underground pressure vessels . 19
C.4.4 Pressurization . 20
C.5 Data evaluation and analysis . 21
C.5.1 Evaluation criteria . 21
C.5.2 Real time control and stop criteria . 21
C.5.3 Post analysis . 21
C.5.4 Pressure vessel grading . 21
C.6 Data storage and reporting . 22
Annex D (informative) Ultrasonic thickness test . 23
D.1 General . 23
D.2 Apparatus setting . 23
D.3 Control measurement . 23
D.4 Shell thickness measurements . 23
D.5 End thickness measurements . 23
D.6 Interpretation . 23
D.7 Rejection criteria . 23
Annex E (informative) Assessment of pressure vessels by sampling . 24
E.1 General . 24
E.2 Homogeneous batch . 24
E.3 Selection of samples . 24
E.4 Sample selection . 25
E.5 Inspection period . 25
E.6 Presentation of results and decisions . 25
E.7 Pass criteria . 25
E.8 Example calculation of a sample . 25
Annex F (informative) External monitoring by camera for underground pressure vessels . 27
F.1 General . 27
F.2 Inspection procedure . 27
F.3 Interpretation of results . 27
F.4 Records . 27
Annex G (informative) Monitoring cathodic protection with sacrificial anodes for
underground pressure vessels . 28
G.1 General . 28
G.2 Records . 28
G.3 Procedure. 28
G.4 Measurement of the galvanic current . 28
G.5 Measurement of the potential difference of the pressure vessel to the reference
electrode . 28
G.6 Results . 29
Annex H (informative) Evaluation of coating condition of underground pressure vessels
(cathodic protection by impressed current) . 30
H.1 General . 30
H.2 Apparatus . 30
H.3 Conditions . 30
H.4 Isolation resistance of the coating . 30
H.4.1 Procedure. 30
H.4.2 Calculation . 31
H.5 Results . 31
H.6 Checking intervals . 31
Annex I (informative) Corrosion monitoring by moisture and condensation detection for
underground pressure vessels . 32
I.1 General . 32
I.2 Equipment characteristics . 32
I.3 Monitoring . 32
I.4 Interpretation . 32
Annex J (informative) A-deviations . 33
Bibliography . 34

European foreword
This document (EN 12817:2019) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 286 “Liquefied
petroleum gas equipment and accessories”, the secretariat of which is held by NSAI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by September 2019, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by September 2019.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 12817:2010.
EN 12817:2010 was thereby technically revised.
In using this document, prepared in the field of application of Article 153 of the treaty on the functioning
of the European Union, users are aware that standards have no formal legal relationship with Directives
that may have been made under Article 153 of the treaty on the functioning of the European Union. In
addition, national legislation in the Member states may contain more stringent requirements than the
minimum requirements of a Directive based on Article 153. Information on the relationship between the
national legislation implementing Directives based on Article 153 and this EN may be given in a national
foreword of the national standard implementing this EN.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
the United Kingdom.
Introduction
Inspection and requalification regimes for pressure vessels up to and including 13 m have developed in
various countries in different ways that range from defined to variable inspection periods with
requalification regimes achieved by various methods. This document for inspection and requalification
is based on European countries’ legislation and codes of practice and industry codes of practice. In
addition, use of LPG in different applications has encouraged the industry to approach the requirements
for inspection and requalification in different ways for each application.
This document calls for the use of substances and procedures that can be injurious to health if adequate
precautions are not taken. It refers to technical suitability and does not absolve the user from legal
obligations relating to health and safety at any stage.
Protection of the environment is a key political issue in Europe and elsewhere; for CEN/TC 286 this is
covered in CEN/TS 16765 [1], and this Technical Specification should be read in conjunction with this
standard.
It has been assumed in the drafting of this document that execution of its provisions is entrusted to
appropriately qualified and experienced people.
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements for:
a) routine inspection, periodic inspection and requalification of fixed LPG pressure vessels of sizes from
150 l up to and including 13 m , and associated fittings;
b) marking pressure vessels and/or keeping records, as appropriate, as a result of routine inspection,
periodic inspection and requalification.
This document excludes refrigerated storage.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1330-9, Non-destructive testing – Terminology – Part 9: Terms used in acoustic emission testing
EN 13477-1, Non-destructive testing - Acoustic emission - Equipment characterisation – Part 1: Equipment
description
EN 13477-2, Non-destructive testing - Acoustic emission - Equipment characterisation – Part 2: Verification
of operating characteristic
EN 13554, Non-destructive testing - Acoustic emission testing - General principles
EN 14129, LPG Equipment and accessories - Pressure relief valves for LPG pressure vessels
EN 14584, Non-destructive testing - Acoustic emission testing - Examination of metallic pressure equipment
during proof testing - Planar location of AE sources
EN 16631, LPG equipment and accessories - Pressure relief valves for LPG pressure vessels - Reconditioning
requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
periodic inspection
external inspection of the visible parts of a pressure vessel and its fittings at defined intervals
3.2
routine inspection
external inspection of the visible parts of a pressure vessel and its fittings, carried out more frequently
than periodic inspections
3.3
requalification
test carried out at defined intervals, as part of the scheme, to confirm that a pressure vessel is fit for a
further period of service
3.4
inspection body
independent inspection and testing body approved by the competent authority
3.5
competent person
person which by combination of appropriate qualification, training, experience, and resources, is able to
make objective judgments on the subject
3.6
competent authority
authority or authorities or any other body or bodies designated as such in each State and in each specific
case in accordance with domestic law
3.7
commissioning
preparation for safe service
3.8
decommissioning
removing from service and preparing safely for inspection/test
3.9
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
LPG
low pressure liquefied gas composed of one or more light hydrocarbons which are assigned to UN 1011,
UN 1075, UN 1965, UN 1969 or UN 1978 only and which consists mainly of propane, propene, butane,
butane isomers, butene with traces of other hydrocarbon gases
4 Safety
4.1 Safety precautions
Appropriate safety precautions shall be taken during decommissioning, commissioning and
inspection/requalification of a pressure vessel and its fittings.
4.2 Unsafe conditions
Any unsafe condition observed by a competent person on the site of an LPG storage pressure vessel shall
be reported to the person responsible for safe operation of the pressure vessel/site, as appropriate, and
action taken.
4.3 Leaks
Any leak discovered from the pressure vessel or its fittings shall be reported immediately to the person
responsible for safe operation of the pressure vessel.
Action to make a pressure vessel or its fittings safe shall be taken by a competent person.
NOTE Methods for detecting leaks include:
— visual inspection;
— smell;
— listening;
— use of gas detectors;
— leak detection fluid.
5 Written scheme
5.1 Each pressure vessel and its fittings shall be included in a written scheme, prepared by a competent
person, containing inspection and testing information, taking into account the requirements of Clauses 6
to 8.
5.2 If duties are shared between different parties, the written scheme shall clearly identify the
respective areas of responsibility.
5.3 Intervals between inspections shall be parts of the written scheme and shall be determined by
consideration of the following:
— the design specification of the pressure vessel and its equipment;
— the corrosion protection system on the pressure vessel;
— the system used to ensure that the LPG quality conforms to its specifications/standards, and that it
does not contain components damaging to the material of the pressure vessel or its fittings;
— the maintenance program of the pressure vessel.
NOTE The requirements for the written scheme can also be determined by national regulations.
5.4 The written scheme shall contain the following information:
— the maximum interval between inspections;
— the parts to be inspected;
— the nature of the inspection;
— the critical parts that, if modified or repaired, shall be inspected by a competent person/body before
they can be put back into service;
— the requirements for pressure relief valves (see 7.5.1);
— the name of the competent person preparing the written scheme;
— the date of issue of the written scheme.
6 Pressure vessel inspection, requalification and recommissioning
6.1 Routine inspection
6.1.1 Each pressure vessel and its fittings shall be routinely inspected at intervals defined in the written
scheme.
6.1.2 Routine inspections shall include visual inspections at the time of filling the pressure vessel.
6.1.3 Routine inspections shall include 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5.2, 7.5.3, 7.7 and 7.11.
6.2 Periodic inspection
6.2.1 Each pressure vessel and its fittings shall be periodically inspected at intervals defined in the
written scheme.
6.2.2 Periodic inspections shall include 7.5.1, 7.5.3, 7.6, 7.8, 7.9 and 7.10.
6.2.3 For aboveground pressure vessels, a visual inspection of external surfaces shall be carried out
(see Annex A). If pressure vessels are provided with fixed passive fire protection, which prevents the full
external visual inspection according to Annex A, the written scheme shall specify alternative techniques
to identify the presence of defects (e.g. the presence of corrosion).
NOTE Periodic inspection can also be referred to as intermediate inspection.
6.3 Requalification
6.3.1 Requalification for aboveground pressure vessels
Requalification intervals shall be specified in the written scheme. Requalification shall include 7.5.1, 7.9
and conform to either:
a) individual requalification of each pressure vessel, including an external visual inspection and at least
one of the following:
1) an internal visual inspection (see Annex A);
2) a hydraulic pressure test (see Annex B);
3) an acoustic emission test (see Annex C);
4) thickness checks (see Annex D);
5) other method agreed by the competent authority;
b) requalification of a production batch by sampling, for serially produced pressure vessels (Annex E).
Pressure vessel samples shall be subjected to an external visual inspection (see Annex A), and to the
following tests:
— an internal visual inspection (see Annex A); and
— a hydraulic pressure test (see Annex B); and
— an ultrasonic thickness test (see Annex D); and
— an X-ray or ultrasonic check on welds, comparable to inspections carried out at the time of
manufacture;
or
— an acoustic emission test (see Annex C).
6.3.2 Requalification for underground pressure vessels
Requalification intervals shall be specified in the written scheme. Requalification shall include 7.5.1 and
conform to either a) or b):
a) Individual requalification of each pressure vessel shall include at least one test from group 1 and one
test from group 2 of Table 1.
Table 1 — Requalification tests
Group 1 Group 2
Internal visual inspection (see Annex A) External visual inspection (i.e. excavation)
Hydraulic pressure test (see Annex B) External monitoring by camera, etc. (see Annex F)
Acoustic emission test (see Annex C) Cathodic protection monitoring (see Annex G or Annex H)
Ultrasonic thickness test (Annex D) Moisture detection (see Annex I)
Other equivalent method Other equivalent method

For pressure vessels provided with means of protection other than cathodic, when an acoustic emission
test is performed, an external visual inspection of directly accessible parts of the shell and the pressure
vessel fittings can be done instead of the tests described in group 2.
b) Requalification of a production batch of pressure vessels by sampling shall be undertaken according
to a sampling method agreed by an inspection body (an example of a sampling method is given in
Annex E).
Pressure vessels from the sample which are returned from customers, shall be submitted to the following
tests before any repair or refurbishment:
— an external visual inspection (see Annex A).
Plus one or more of the following tests as required by the written scheme:
— an internal visual inspection (see Annex A); or
— a hydraulic pressure test (see Annex B) or
— an ultrasonic thickness test (see Annex D); or
— an X-ray or ultrasonic check on welds, comparable to inspections carried out at the time of
manufacture.
The other pressure vessels from the sample, selected at random in the production batch, shall be
submitted to an acoustic emission test on site (see Annex C).
NOTE 1 For pressure vessel provided with means of cathodic protection, the external visual inspection can be
replaced by cathodic protection monitoring (see Annex G or Annex H).
NOTE 2 For pressure vessels provided with means of protection other than cathodic, when an acoustic emission
test is performed, an external visual inspection of directly accessible parts of the shell and the pressure vessel
fittings can be done.
6.4 Recommissioning
At recommissioning, after periodic inspection and requalification, leak checks shall be carried out at
connections. Gaskets that have been removed when breaking connections shall not be reused.
When underground pressure vessels are excavated for inspection, the anchoring system shall be checked
prior to commissioning.
7 Inspection of pressure vessel and pressure vessel fittings
7.1 Pressure vessel
Aboveground pressure vessels shall be checked for external corrosion or visible damage. If pressure
vessels are provided with fixed passive fire protection, which prevents the full external visual inspection
according to Annex A, the written scheme shall specify alternative techniques to identify the presence of
defects (e.g. the presence of corrosion).
For underground pressure vessels, only the visible part of the pressure vessel shall be checked for
external corrosion or visible damage.
7.2 Pressure vessel fittings and immediate pipework
The fittings and immediate pipework shall be inspected for the following and rectified as necessary:
— corrosion;
— damage;
— inoperative or leaking filler valves;
— worn or damaged filler valve thread or connection.
7.3 Valve cover
There shall be a check that valve covers, if fitted, are in place, undamaged, and able to be locked.
7.4 Bonding
7.4.1 The electrical bonding between the pressure vessel and earth point shall be visually checked,
where fitted.
7.4.2 There shall be a check that the road tanker bonding tag is undamaged (if applicable).
7.5 Pressure relief valve
7.5.1 There shall be either:
a) a test of the set pressure of the pressure relief valve and, for an external pressure relief valve, a check
on the condition of the spring; or
b) the pressure relief valve shall be replaced with a new valve according to EN 14129 or a reconditioned
valve according to EN 16631; or
c) a specific requalification procedure by sampling according to the written scheme approved by a
competent authority.
WARNING — Do not remove a pressure relief valve from a pressure relief valve manifold or check device
while a pressure vessel is under pressure, unless a serviceable replacement is available for immediate
fitting. Do not remove a pressure relief valve mounted in a pressure vessel under pressure unless the type
and construction of the check device can be identified and the manufacturer's instructions for safe
removal are complied with. Some check devices or pressure relief valves include positive means of
confirming that the check device has closed before the pressure relief valve is unscrewed to an otherwise
dangerous stage.
7.5.2 The pressure relief valve drain hole, if provided, shall be checked to ensure it is clear.
7.5.3 Stack pipes shall be inspected for corrosion. The pressure relief valve shall also be externally
inspected if corrosion is found in the stack pipe. There shall be a check that rain caps are present and in
good condition.
7.6 Pressure gauge
The pressure gauge, if fitted, shall be calibrated or metrological verified or replaced.
7.7 Contents gauges
Gauging devices or contents gauges that bleed to the atmosphere (e.g. rotary tubes, fixed liquid level
gauge or slip tubes) shall be tested for correct function when filling the pressure vessel. Other types of
contents gauges shall be checked as required (e.g. during product transfer to or from the pressure vessel).
7.8 Shut-off valves
Shut-off valves shall be tested for correct function.
WARNING — When checking the function of a shut-off valve, do not shut off the gas supply unless the
user has been informed. Do not restore a gas supply before checking that the gas appliance shut-off valves
are closed.
Blanked or plugged valves shall be checked for external leakage.
7.9 Studs, bolts, nuts, and washers
Studs, bolts, nuts, and washers shall be checked for damage or corrosion and replaced if required.
7.10 Corrosion protection system
Any check required for the selected corrosion protection system, as detailed in the written scheme, shall
be carried out.
7.11 Piers and foundations for aboveground pressure vessels
The condition of piers and foundations shall be checked to ensure that they are sound with no visible
damage or uneven settlement. Anchoring bolts shall be visually inspected for deterioration, where fitted
and accessible.
8 Competence
8.1 General
Guidance on the competences required to perform routine inspection, periodic inspection and
requalification are detailed in 8.2 to 8.4.
NOTE It is advised to consider definitions of the competence to do inspections/requalification per national
legislations.
8.2 Routine inspection competence
Persons shall be deemed competent to carry out routine inspections if they have received appropriate
training to carry out the requirements of 6.1 and to prepare a report.
8.3 Periodic inspection competence
Persons shall be deemed competent to carry out periodic inspections if:
— they are competent to carry out routine inspections (see 8.1); and
— they are part of an inspection team with the appropriate background, training and qualification, or
have worked with or within the LPG industry, performing the relevant task, and have a good general
knowledge of LPG and its operating environment; or
— they are part of an accredited inspection body.
The relevant attributes shall be documented.
8.4 Requalification competence
Persons shall be deemed competent to requalify a pressure vessel if they are competent to carry out
periodic inspection and if they possess detailed knowledge of the technique(s) used in requalification
with relevant training and certification.
9 Records
9.1 Pressure vessel data
If the pressure vessel identification plate or tag is illegible, it shall be cleaned, repaired or replaced as
appropriate.
All information on the pressure vessel data plate or tag or documentation shall be updated, as
appropriate, after periodic inspection or requalification.
9.2 Reports
A routine inspection report shall be issued if required by the written scheme.
A report shall be produced following a periodic inspection or requalification.
If a pressure vessel fails a routine inspection, periodic inspection or requalification, a report shall be
prepared as part of a formal follow-up system.
Annex A
(informative)
Visual inspection
A.1 Internal and external visual inspections
The aim of internal and external visual inspection is to detect surface defects on the pressure vessel shell,
including:
— deterioration of coating (where visible for underground pressure vessels);
— corrosion;
— cracks, dents, gouges, lamination and bulges.
A.2 Inspection techniques
A.2.1 External visual inspection
External surfaces should be clean and dry. The condition of the coating should be checked and a note
made of any corrosion, imperfections, or mechanical damage.
The inspection should be carried out visually, using, if required, the following:
— a beam of light directed along the surface of the pressure vessel to indicate imperfections by shadow;
— a straight edge placed along the surface to show the extent of a defect;
— a depth gauge to determine the depth of corrosion, dents or gouges;
— a magnifying glass for detailed inspections;
— a mirror.
A.2.2 Internal visual inspection
The pressure vessel should be clean, dry and free from foreign matter.
Checks for corrosion and mechanical damage should be undertaken using an endoscope, camera or other
means.
If it is possible for a person to enter the pressure vessel, then the inspection techniques detailed in A.2.1
can be used for the internal visual inspection.
A.2.3 Records
Defects shall be noted in the pressure vessel record and in the inspection report. Deterioration in
recorded defects should be assessed at the next inspection.
A.3 Additional inspection
A.3.1 Additional inspections can be required to confirm the suitability of a pressure vessel for further
service.
A.3.2 Written instructions for additional inspections of a pressure vessel should be prepared by a
competent person.
A.3.3 Written instructions and results of additional inspections should be kept in the pressure vessel
record.
Annex B
(informative)
Hydraulic pressure test
B.1 The hydraulic pressure test should be performed in accordance with this annex. All fittings should
be removed before testing.
Water should normally be used as the test fluid. During the test, the water temperature should not fall
below 7 °C.
The pressure vessel should be properly vented before the test pressure is applied to prevent formation
of air pockets.
B.2 The test pressure for the pressure vessel should be as specified on the data plate or documentation.
The test pressure can be lower if required by the competent person.
B.3 The pressure in the pressure vessel should be gradually increased up to the test pressure, and the
pressure vessel isolated from the pressurizing system. The pressure in the pressure vessel should be
maintained for sufficient time to assess the pressure vessel, but not le
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