The European standard “EN 15540 Ships and marine technology - Fire resistance of non-metallic hose assemblies and non-metallic expansion joints - Test methods” describes a test procedure for determining the fire resistance of non-metallic hose assemblies and non-metallic expansion joints with a nominal diameter of up to 150 mm. This procedure can also be used for larger sizes if suitable test bench conditions are achieved.
The described procedure serves to prove whether hose assemblies and non-metallic compensators remain leak-proof even after being exposed to test pressure, following the fire exposure time specified in the standard “EN 15541 Ships and marine technology - Fire resistance of non-metallic hose assemblies and non-metallic compensators - Requirements for test bench”.
Only water is allowed as a test medium. The use of flammable test medium is excluded in order to ensure maximum safety for both operating personnel and the test bench in case of damage to the hose or non-metallic compensator during the test.
In these tests, non-metallic hose assemblies with a minimum hose length of 500 mm are used as test specimens. Each series of non-metallic expansion joints of the same shape and identical construction are tested in their standard configuration. The purchaser and operator of the test bench must agree on which types of connections will be used for the test.
The test sample may be tested with or without fire sleeves, depending on agreement. The designation letter “B” is used for tests without fire sleeves, and the designation letter “F” is used for tests with fire sleeves. If fire sleeves are used, all samples qualifying a series of non-metallic hoses or non-metallic expansion joints are tested with fire sleeves. Before testing, the test sample is stored at ambient temperature for 24 hours.
Type tests are performed on at least three non-metallic hose assemblies or non-metallic expansion joints with different nominal diameters up to 150 mm but the same hose or expansion joint construction. The smallest, middle and largest nominal diameters of each series are tested. For approval of non-metallic expansion joints with a size range over 150 mm, an additional test is carried out with half the largest dimension.
The test is performed on a test bench according to the ISO 15541 standard.
The test specimen shall be mounted on the test bench with the burner tip extending at least 20 mm beyond a hose end fitting so that the fitting and hose are completely enclosed by the flames.
In the case of non-metallic expansion joints, the sample shall be arranged so that the bellows (or other form of expansion joint design) and both end fittings or flanges are parallel to the surface of the burner and completely enclosed by the flames.
The test specimen shall be placed in the centre of the burner surface to provide a flame appearance in accordance with the figures in the annex of the ISO 15541 standard (Annex A). To ensure that the flames reliably surround the test specimen, the minimum burner widths shown in the table shall be observed. After assembly, the test specimen shall be flushed with test medium water for at least 1 minute in order to remove as much air as possible.
The following measured values are determined at the measuring points indicated in the figure:
Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses and evaluation studies that our organization has carried out for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services defined in the standard “EN 15540 Ships and marine technology - Fire resistance of non-metallic hose assemblies and non-metallic expansion joints - Test methods” with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
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