AIR BOTTLE INSPECTION

When an air bottle is subjected for inspection: (a) Why does internal inspection needed. (b) What are the parts to be inspected. (c) What are the tests ,if it is not able to enter (d) How can the pressure test be carried out. Why internal inspection needed. The air bottle should be inspected at every one-year and mountings should be overhauled at every two years. According to the C.S.M survey program , it is to be surveyed in every 5 years cycle. When air bottle is charged , oil and moisture are carry over with compressed hot air and condensed Oil particles become oxidation and acid formation may occur . These effects lead to corrosion and pitting on internal surfaces. Therefore , air bottle internal inspection is required. Corrosion and pitting are usually occur on the top & bottom end of the reservoir , around the valve openings and in the part of cold areas. If the air reservoir is adjacent to the ships side, which is often colder than the other parts of the engine room, corrosion or pitting can be expected on the inside cold surface of the reservoir adjacent to the ships side. Parts to be inspected. The following parts fitted on air bottle to be thoroughly cleaned , overhauled and inspected. Main stop valve , Air filling valve , Safety valve , Drain valve Valve seat to be inspected for good air tightness , corrosion, erosion Soundness of valve spindle and springs to be checked by hammer test. Man hole door , joint facing , door studs & nuts , radial clearance between door and frame to be inspected for corrosion and pitting. Correct coating on internal surface , condition of corrosion and pitting to be inspected. Fatique cracking , Lamination , Indentation and local bulging to be inspected.

Test for air bottle if cannot enter If the air bottle is not able to enter to performed internal inspection , it must be done hydraulic test. The test pressure should be 1.25 times of the working pressure and maintain for 10 minutes duration.

Pressure Test To make the pressure test , the receiver have to be thoroughly cleaned . Do not use the toxic or inflammable agents The valve chest to be removed and a blank plate having a screwed hole in the centre to be jointed up One end of high-pressure flexible pipe is joined to the screwed hole of the plate and the other end of the pipe is to be connected with hydraulic hand pump discharge. Fill the water into the receiver until water oozing out from the air vent , to ensure that no air is trapped inside. Then close the vent valve and , gradually raised up the hydraulic pressure up to the stated test pressure. The test pressure should be 1.25 times of working pressure and it should be maintained for 10 minutes duration , in accord with the Class Requirements. During which , the surveyor will carry out thorough examination for any defects.

Cho Myint First Engineer M.F.S.L