Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies fire test methods for assessing the fire performance of water-filled plastic pipes and fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) pipes. The test can be conducted in light of the Guidelines for the application of plastic pipes on ships IMO assembly resolution A.753(18) as amended.

Purpose

Plastic pipes and fibre reinforced plastic pipes (FRP pipes) are widely used in various fields including transport media e.g. ships, crafts, vehicles and structures (on land and ocean) on the benefit of high corrosion resistance and light weight. These plastic pipes and FRP pipes is combustible. Therefore, the evaluation of flammability of plastic pipes and FRP pipes is crucial. IMO A.753(18) gives short explanation how to conduct fire performance test on water-filled plastic pipes and FRP pipes. However, it does not give detailed specification on how to conduct the test. Therefore, a standard which provides the detailed specification on how to conduct the test is anticipated. The intention of this standard is to give such specification.

The use of plastic and FRP pipes instead of steel pipes will make ships, crafts and structure light weight and this results in the reduction of fuel and energy consumption of these crafts and structures, thus reduction of Green House Gas emission to meet the UN SDGs 13.