Regulation 31 Boiler feed systemsI1

Every boiler which provides services essential for the safety of the ship and which would be rendered dangerous by the failure of its feed water supply shall be provided with not less than two efficient and separate feed water systems so arranged that either of such systems may be opened for inspection or overhaul without affecting the efficiency of the other. Means shall be provided which will prevent overpressure in any part of the systems.

Every feed check valve, fitting, or pipe through which feed water passes from a pump to such boilers shall be designed and constructed to withstand the maximum working stresses to which it may be subjected, with a factor of safety which is adequate having regard to the material of which it is constructed and the working conditions under which it will be used. Every such valve, fitting, or pipe shall, before being put into service for the first time, be subjected to a hydraulic test suitably in excess of the maximum working pressure of the boiler to which it is connected or of the maximum working pressure to which the feed line may be subjected, whichever shall be the greater, and shall be maintained in an efficient condition. The feed pipes shall be adequately supported.

If in any ship it is possible for oil to enter the feed water system of a boiler, the arrangements for supplying boiler feed water shall provide for the interception of oil in the feed water.

Means shall be provided to test and control the quality of the feed water to boilers.