MARINE FUEL TANK FIRE RESISTANCE TESTING
TSG is pleased to announce it now offers fire resistance testing for the marine industry. Fuel tank manufacturers supplying the marine industry must certify that their products comply with the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) 24.18.4 Standard, “Tank Fire Resistance Tests”. This procedure is designed to ensure that fuel tanks installed in boating applications will maintain their integrity for a prescribed length of time when exposed to an intense open flame.
ABYC H24.18.4 Tank Fire Resistance Test
Marine Tank Pre-Burn
Fire Resistance Burn
Marine Tank Post-Burn
(Note: The tank in the above sequence of pictures successfully passed the test.)
TSG recently completed installation of a Fire Resistance Test Facility at its complex in Lapeer, Michigan. This facility is capable of handling fuel tanks in a variety of sizes and configurations, from small (under ten gallons) to large (over 100 gallons). Burn temperatures are carefully monitored with an array of thermocouples to ensure the required burn conditions are met. All tests are videotaped and provided to the client as part of the service.
Mr. Mark Lockwood, President and an owner of TSG, remarked on the new capability, “This service represents a logical extension of our business development effort in the marine segment. Our staff worked closely with representatives from the ABYC and NMMA on the design of this test facility, as well as with several of our clients, and we are grateful for the assistance they provided. Our ultimate goal is to offer our marine customers a comprehensive, one-stop shop for all their testing requirements, and this facility is an important component in that strategy.”
Testing Services Group, LLC is a privately held, independent testing laboratory serving customers in the marine, automotive, portable fuel container, agriculture and off-road industries. The Company is accredited with A2LA (certificate no. 1763.01), recognized by the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI) as an approved laboratory for conducting tests to European Union marine standards, and a Ford Q1 supplier.
