Design approval

The competent authority or its authorized body shall issue a design approval certificate for any new
design of a portable tank. This certificate shall attest that a portable tank has been surveyed by that
authority, is suitable for its intended purpose and meets the requirements of this Chapter. When a
series of portable tanks are manufactured without change in the design, the certificate shall be valid
for the entire series. The certificate shall refer to the prototype test report, the refrigerated liquefied
gases allowed to be carried, the materials of construction of the shell and jacket and an approval
number. The approval number shall consist of the distinguishing sign or mark of the State in whose
territory the approval was granted, indicated by the distinguishing sign for use in international road
traffic2, and a registration number. Any alternative arrangements according to 6.7.1.2 shall be
indicated on the certificate. A design approval may serve for the approval of smaller portable tanks
made of materials of the same kind and thickness, by the same fabrication techniques and with
identical supports, equivalent closures and other appurtenances.

The prototype test report for the design approval shall include at least the following:
(a) The results of the applicable frame-work test specified in ISO 1496-3:1995;
(b) The results of the initial inspection and test in 6.7.4.14.3; and
(c) The results of the impact test in 6.7.4.14.1, when applicable.

Inspection and testing

Portable tanks meeting the definition of container in the International Convention for Safe Containers
(CSC), 1972, as amended, shall not be used unless they are successfully qualified by subjecting a
representative prototype of each design to the Dynamic, Longitudinal Impact Test prescribed in the
Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part IV, Section 41.
 
2 Distinguishing sign of the State of registration used on motor vehicles and trailers in international road traffic,
e.g. in accordance with the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic of 1949 or the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of
1968.

The tank and items of equipment of each portable tank shall be inspected and tested before being put
into service for the first time (initial inspection and test) and thereafter at not more than five-year
intervals (5 year periodic inspection and test) with an intermediate periodic inspection and test (2.5
year periodic inspection and test) midway between the 5 year periodic inspections and tests. The 2.5
year inspection and test may be performed within 3 months of the specified date. An exceptional
inspection and test shall be performed regardless of the last periodic inspection and test when
necessary according to 6.7.4.14.7.

The initial inspection and test of a portable tank shall include a check of the design characteristics, an
internal and external examination of the portable tank shell and its fittings with due regard to the
refrigerated liquefied gases to be carried, and a pressure test referring to the test pressures according to
6.7.4.3.2. The pressure test may be performed as a hydraulic test or by using another liquid or gas with
the agreement of the competent authority or its authorized body. Before the portable tank is placed
into service, a leakproofness test and a check of the satisfactory operation of all service equipment
shall also be performed. When the shell and its fittings have been pressure-tested separately, they shall
be subjected together after assembly to a leakproofness test. All welds subject to full stress level shall
be inspected during the initial test by radiographic, ultrasonic, or another suitable non-destructive test
method. This does not apply to the jacket.

The 5 and 2.5 year periodic inspections and tests shall include an external examination of the portable
tank and its fittings with due regard to the refrigerated liquefied gases carried, a leakproofness test, a
check of the satisfactory operation of all service equipment and a vacuum reading, when applicable. In
the case of non-vacuum insulated tanks, the jacket and insulation shall be removed during the 2.5 year
and the 5 year periodic inspections and tests but only to the extent necessary for a reliable appraisal.

(Deleted)

A portable tank may not be filled and offered for carriage after the date of expiry of the last 5 year or
2.5 year periodic inspection and test as required by 6.7.4.14.2. However a portable tank filled prior to
the date of expiry of the last periodic inspection and test may be carried for a period not to exceed
three months beyond the date of expiry of the last periodic test or inspection. In addition, a portable
tank may be carried after the date of expiry of the last periodic test and inspection:
(a) After emptying but before cleaning, for purposes of performing the next required test or
inspection prior to refilling; and
(b) Unless otherwise approved by the competent authority, for a period not to exceed six months
beyond the date of expiry of the last periodic test or inspection, in order to allow the return of
dangerous goods for proper disposal or recycling. Reference to this exemption shall be
mentioned in the transport document.

The exceptional inspection and test is necessary when the portable tank shows evidence of damaged
or corroded areas, leakage, or any other conditions that indicate a deficiency that could affect the
integrity of the portable tank. The extent of the exceptional inspection and test shall depend on the
amount of damage or deterioration of the portable tank. It shall include at least the 2.5 year inspection
and test according to 6.7.4.14.4.

The internal examination during the initial inspection and test shall ensure that the shell is inspected
for pitting, corrosion, or abrasions, dents, distortions, defects in welds or any other conditions, that
might render the portable tank unsafe for carriage.

The external examination shall ensure that:
(a) The external piping, valves, pressurizing/cooling systems when applicable and gaskets are
inspected for corroded areas, defects, or any other conditions, including leakage, that might
render the portable tank unsafe for filling, discharge or carriage;
(b) There is no leakage at any manhole covers or gaskets;
(c) Missing or loose bolts or nuts on any flanged connection or blank flange are replaced or
tightened;
(d) All emergency devices and valves are free from corrosion, distortion and any damage or defect
that could prevent their normal operation. Remote closure devices and self-closing stop-valves
shall be operated to demonstrate proper operation;
(e) Required marks on the portable tank are legible and in accordance with the applicable
requirements; and
(f) The framework, the supports and the arrangements for lifting the portable tank are in
satisfactory condition.

 

The inspections and tests in 6.7.4.14.1, 6.7.4.14.3, 6.7.4.14.4 and 6.7.4.14.7 shall be performed or
witnessed by an expert approved by the competent authority or its authorized body. When the pressure
test is a part of the inspection and test, the test pressure shall be the one indicated on the data plate of
the portable tank. While under pressure, the portable tank shall be inspected for any leaks in the shell,
piping or equipment.

In all cases when cutting, burning or welding operations on the shell of a portable tank have been
effected, that work shall be to the approval of the competent authority or its authorized body taking
into account the pressure vessel code used for the construction of the shell. A pressure test to the
original test pressure shall be performed after the work is completed.
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