7 Tests
7.1 Tightness test
Every tank shall be tightness tested by its manufacturer to the maximum test pressure indicated on the tank label without evidence of leakage.
7.2 Hydraulic pressure/strength test
7.2.1 A representative sample of the tank type shall be internally hydraulic pressure tested with all its accessories by the manufacturer at 1,5 times the test pressure indicated on the tank label but not less than 20 kPa, whichever is the greatest.
During the test the tank must be completely filled with liquid. For thermoplastic tanks the temperature of the liquid shall be at least 50℃
The pressure shall be gradually increased and shall be maintained one minute for metallic tanks and 5 h for thermoplastic tanks. During this time the tank shell must not crack or leak; however it may be permanently deformed.
7.2.2 Leakage test other than the pressure drop method shall be used.
7.2.3 Thermoplastic tanks shall, prior to this test, be stored with test liquid C in accordance with ISO 1817 for at least 28 days at an ambient temperature of not less than + 21℃. The hydraulic pressure/strength test shall be performed immediatly after emptying the test liquid out of the tank.
7.3 Pressure-impulse test for petrol tanks
7.3.1 A representative sample of the tank type shall not exhibit any leak or other signs of failure after 25,000 cycles of pressue-impulses.
7.3.2 Pressure-impulse test of thermoplastic tanks shall be conducted on the tank sample that have been filled with test liquid C in accordance with ISO 1817 and stored for at least 28 days at an ambient temperature of not less than + 21℃.
7.3.3 The tank sample fully filled with water shall be mounted using support, chocks or brackets, either furnished with the tank or as intended to be used in a boat installation.
7.3.4 The tank sample shall be attached to a regulated source of pressure of either air, nitrogen or water. The control mechanism of the pressure source is then to be set to cause pressure in the sample, measured at its top most surface, to vary from 0-20-0 kPa at a rate of not more than 15 cycles per minute.
7.3.5 After completed pressure-impulse test, the tank shall be tested to and meet the requirements according to 7.2.
This test shall be conducted to qualify tanks if the actual installation conditions are not known.
7.4 General fire resistance test of non-metallic tanks
7.4.1 The area in which the test shall be conducted shall be free from draughts but shall allow a free inflow of air during the test.
7.4.2 Perform a pressure test according to 7.2. The tank to be tested shall show no leakage. Release the test pressure.
7.4.3 Centre, position and fasten the tank in the same orientation as intended in the craft. Lowest point of the tank vertically 75 mm above the liquid surface of a pan with sides extending 150 mm beyond the vertical sides of the tank to be tested.
The pan shall accommodate enough heptane to burn continuously for at least 2,5 min.
