The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has issued a circular mandating the use of calibrated gauges to inspect the Internal Excess Flow Check Valve (IEFCV) and its coupling during the annual and periodic inspection of mobile pressure vessels.
This urgent measure follows recent road accidents where the IEFCV became dislodged from the mobile pressure vessel, resulting in fire or explosion. These vessels are typically licensed in Form LS-2 of the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016, and carry flammable or toxic substances.
New Inspection Mandates for IEFCV Safety
The circular directs competent persons, Third Party Inspection Agencies (TPIAs), and oil marketing companies (OMCs) to implement the following stricter inspection procedures:
Mandatory Gauge Use
While issuing Rule 18 (annual) and Rule 19 (periodic) certificates for non-cryogenic mobile pressure vessels, the IEFCV and its coupling must be checked using a calibrated ring gauge and plug gauge. This ensures the precise fit and integrity of the threads.
Rejection Criteria
- If the IEFCV threads are found unfit for use, the valve must be rejected and replaced with a new IEFCV.
- If the coupling threads are found unfit for use, the mobile pressure vessel must be advised for replacement of the coupling at a fabrication shop approved by PESO.
Pre-Filling Visual Check (OMCs)
Oil Marketing Companies are specifically advised to visually check the IEFCV joint before filling compressed gas in the mobile pressure vessels. If the IEFCV joint is found to be insecure, filling must be stopped immediately, consistent with condition 7 of the Form LS-2 license.
These enhanced safety measures are deemed necessary to prevent dislodgement of the IEFCV during transport, thereby mitigating the risk of catastrophic accidents involving fire and explosion.