Chapter 2 Section 4

SECTION 4 OTHER TESTS

1 Scope
This section covers requirements for testing of tightness and structural tests.

2 Testing of tightness

2.1 General
2.1.1 All tanks shall be tested for tightness. The test may be performed as a hydraulic test using water.
Alternatively, tightness may be confirmed by use of compressed air and an efficient indicating liquid.
Guidance note:
Void spaces not part of the structural integrity in the accidental limit state (ALS), may normally be omitted from this tightness test.
A void space is defined as a confined space typically not intended to carry liquid cargo, ballast or fuel. Gas tightness of e.g. boundaries
between cofferdams/pump room and adjacent non-hazardous area, may be subject to appropriate methods when especially agreed
upon.

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2.1.2 Tightness test by compressed air and an effective indicating liquid shall be carried out before
protective coating has been applied.
Guidance note:
A thin layer (< 50 µm) of primer with documented chemical composition may be applied prior to testing.
Tightness may also be confirmed by the following methods:
- vacuum testing of individual welds
- injection of air into root gap of fillet welds (fillet air test).
Tightness testing of continuous automatic and multipass semi-automatic weld processes in butt welds of plated boundaries may be
omitted.

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2.1.3 If compressed air compressed air and an efficient indicating liquid are used, the air pressure shall
not exceed 0.2 bar, and shall be reduced to a smaller value, but not less than 0.15 bar before inspection.
The method shall give clear indications even of small leaks.
Guidance note:
Care should be taken so that the pressure in the tank does not exceed 0.2 bar above atmospheric pressure because of unexpected
raise in ambient temperature, falling atmospheric pressure or otherwise. The pressure shall be measured by an accurate method,
such as a U-shaped tube with water. Means should be provided to release pressure in emergency case.

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2.1.4 If water is applied, the pressure shall not be less than 25 kN/m2 at the top of the tank. The outside
of the tank shall be dry and clean.

2.1.5 For hose testing, the hose pressure shall be at least 200 kN/m2 and applied at a maximum distance
of 1.5 m. The nozzle inside diameter shall be at least 12.0 mm.

3 Structural tests

3.1 General
3.1.1 At least one of several identical tanks shall undergo a structural test. The test shall by agreement be
carried out by applying water.
Guidance note:
When agreed the structural test may be omitted for a series of sister vessels.
Protective coating may be applied before a structural test is carried out.

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3.1.2 Bulkheads between tanks arranged to carry different liquids shall be hydraulically tested from at
least one side.

Offshore standard, DNVGL-OS-C401 – Edition July 2015 Page 60

Fabrication and testing of offshore structures
DNV GL AS
 Chapter 2 Section 4
3.1.3 The test pressure height shall be taken as the design pressure height for load case a) as defined in
the relevant offshore object standard.
The pressure shall be maintained for at least 20 minutes. The filling rate shall be restricted to avoid
excessive dynamic design pressure.

3.1.4 The structural test is considered successful if no significant deformations or other damages have
developed during the test.

3.1.5 Closing appliances for access openings etc. in decks, bulkheads etc. which shall be watertight, shall
be separately tested before installation. Structural testing of other parts outside tanks may be required.

3.1.6 If structural tests reveal weaknesses in the structure, further testing should be assessed.

Offshore standard, DNVGL-OS-C401 – Edition July 2015 Page 61

Fabrication and testing of offshore structures
DNV GL AS