Fuel
Systems
Tests
CAUTION
THE FOLLOWING TEST PROCEDURES
ARE NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT DETAILS TO PROPERLY
CONDUCT THE REQUIRED TESTS.
THE INFORMATION IS PROVIDED
TO FAMILIARIZE THE USER OF THIS GUIDELINE
WITH THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TESTS AND TO DIAGRAM IN SCHEMATIC
FORM SOME OF THE TEST CONSIDERATIONS.
FOR FULL DETAILS, REFER
TO THE APPROPRIATE PROCEDURE PROVIDED IN
APPENDIX A.
NOTE: A COMPLETE
COPY OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD COMPLIANCE TEST
PROCEDURES — FUEL SYSTEM STANDARD TEST PROCEDURE,
IS PROVIDED IN APPENDIX A OF THE FUEL GUIDE. |
FEDERAL LAW
183.580 - Static pressure test for
fuel tanks
A fuel tank is tested by performing the
following procedures in the following order:
(a) Fill the tank with air or inert gas
to the pressure marked on the tank label under Sec.
183.514(b)(5).
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In most installations, it is almost impossible
to completely inspect all surfaces of a tank. Therefore, this
test should be performed before the tank is installed. Testing
the tank before installation should result in the discovery
of defects in the tank that could result in drastic disassembly
of the boat, if such test was performed after installation.
The tank should be empty for this test. Testing
pressure can be supplied by pressurized air or compressed
inert gas. The tank’s rated testing pressure is marked
on the tank, but in no case will it be below 3psig.
During the test, the sides, top and bottom
of the tank should be accessible. All openings except the
one used to admit the pressure should be sealed.
A regulated source of pressure, a gauge or
manometer, a pop-off or relief valve and a shut-off valve
will be needed. The gauge should have a range of less than
three times the test pressure. The relief valve should be
set for less than the maximum gauge pressure to prevent harm
to the gauge and as a safety measure for testing personnel.
When the tank has been pressurized to its rating,
it should be isolated from the pressure source by closing
the shut-off valve.
Note:
A complete copy of the United States Coast Guard Compliance
Test Procedures - Fuel System Standard Test Procedure, is
provided in Appendix A of the
Fuel Guide.
FIGURE
37 - Typical Fuel Tank Pressure Test
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