Lloyd’s Register has issued a class news alert following a fatal incident involving a ship’s steam system, highlighting critical risks associated with steam hammer and expansion-joint failures.
According to the report, two fatalities occurred when an expansion fitting in a steam pipeline failed catastrophically. The failure was linked to steam hammer, a high-pressure shock phenomenon caused when steam enters a cold section of pipe containing condensate. The sudden condensation generates impact forces that can rupture fittings and cause severe mechanical damage.
Subsequent inspections of similar systems on other vessels revealed multiple concerns:
- Expansion fittings installed beyond manufacturer limits for axial alignment and compression tolerances.
- Components concealed beneath insulation or lagging, preventing direct inspection.
- Pipe sections adjacent to expansion fittings lacking adequate support, resulting in stress concentration and misalignment risks.
Lloyd’s Register advised shipowners and operators to implement several immediate actions to prevent similar incidents:
- Clearly identify all expansion fittings in steam-system schematics and verify they operate within manufacturer specifications.
- Ensure pipework around fittings is properly supported and allows for safe thermal movement.
- Modify insulation or lagging arrangements where necessary to enable visual inspection of underlying components.
- Confirm that all fittings are compatible with steam service and that the direction of flow matches manufacturer guidance.
- Provide thorough operational training for personnel handling steam systems, particularly those starting or reheating systems after idle periods.
The alert emphasises that steam hammer remains a significant safety hazard if condensate is not effectively drained before steam admission. Proper maintenance, inspection access, and operational control are essential to ensure the safe integrity of onboard steam systems.
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Source: Lloyd’s Register
