ISO 16904-2016 PDF

Full title and description

Petroleum and natural gas industries — Design and testing of LNG marine transfer arms for conventional onshore terminals. This International Standard specifies minimum design, safety, inspection and testing requirements for liquefied natural gas (LNG) marine transfer arms used at conventional onshore LNG terminals handling LNG carriers engaged in international trade; it may also provide guidance for coastal and offshore operations.

Abstract

ISO 16904:2016 sets out requirements and recommended practices for the mechanical and structural design, safety features, inspection and testing procedures for LNG ship-to-shore marine transfer arms. The standard covers arm configuration and dimensions, swivel joints and bearings, sealing arrangements, structural supports and accessories, basic requirements for power and control systems, and minimum test and inspection routines to ensure safe LNG transfer between ship and shore. It is intended as a supplement to applicable national/regional regulations and to ISO 28460.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed)
• Publication date: 12 February 2016
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 75.180.01 (Equipment for petroleum and natural gas industries)
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016)
• Number of pages: 67

Scope

ISO 16904:2016 applies to the design, minimum safety requirements and inspection and testing procedures for LNG marine transfer arms intended for conventional onshore terminals transferring LNG between ship and shore. It includes guidance on arm geometry and clearances, structural design and balancing, swivel joints and sealing, bearing systems, structural bearings protection, accessories (supports, jacks, platforms, vapour recovery lines, insulation), and commissioning/periodic testing. The standard is supplementary to national/regional regulations and to ISO 28460 and is not required to be applied retrospectively to existing facilities.

Key topics and requirements

• Design basis: product line diameters, design loads, thermal and pressure considerations for cryogenic LNG service.
• Arm configuration, length, clearances and balancing requirements to accommodate ship motions and safe connection/disconnection.
• Swivel joints and sealing arrangements: construction, sealing systems, leak detection and maintenance access.
• Structural bearings and bearing protection, including grease sampling and maintenance provisions.
• Accessories and safety devices: adjustable supports/jacks, stowage/locking devices, ladders and platforms, vapour recovery and nitrogen lines, thermal insulation.
• Requirements for power and control systems (high-level coverage), including functional safety considerations for emergency release and isolation.
• Inspection, commissioning and routine testing procedures for mechanical integrity and leak-tightness, and acceptance test criteria.
• Requirements are supplemental to applicable local regulations and other normative references; the standard does not replace detailed fabrication standards for all fittings and components.

Typical use and users

Used by LNG terminal owners and operators, marine and cryogenic pipeline engineers, transfer arm manufacturers, design consultants, naval architects, classification societies, testing and inspection bodies, and regulators to develop, assess and approve ship-to-shore LNG transfer equipment and procedures for onshore terminals.

Related standards

Normative and related documents commonly referenced with ISO 16904 include ISO 28460 (related transfer arm/pipework requirements), applicable national/regional regulations for LNG terminals, and industry standards for piping flanges and welding (for example ASME B16.5 and ASME Section IX are often cited in practice). IEC 60034-5 and other electrical/rotating-equipment standards may be referenced for motor/protection design where relevant. European/adopted national versions (EN ISO 16904) and earlier national standards for LNG loading arms (e.g., EN 1474-1) are related historically.

Keywords

LNG, marine transfer arm, ship-to-shore, loading arm, cryogenic transfer, onshore terminal, design, testing, inspection, swivel joint, bearing, sealing, ISO 16904, ISO 28460.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 16904:2016 is an international standard that specifies design, safety, inspection and testing requirements for LNG marine transfer arms used at conventional onshore terminals.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers arm configuration and dimensions, structural design and balancing, swivel joints and seals, bearing systems and protection, accessories, basic power/control considerations, and inspection/acceptance testing procedures to ensure safe LNG transfer between ship and shore.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: LNG terminal owners/operators, transfer-arm manufacturers, marine and piping engineers, classification societies, regulators, and inspection/testing organizations use it for design approval, procurement and safe operation of transfer arms.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 16904:2016 was published in February 2016 and is the current edition; it has undergone ISO’s periodic review process and is published/confirmed rather than being listed as withdrawn or superseded.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 16904 is part of the broader set of standards and guidance for petroleum and natural gas industries (ISO/TC 67) addressing transfer systems and terminal equipment; it is often used alongside ISO 28460 and other piping, welding and electrical standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: LNG, marine transfer arm, loading arm, cryogenic transfer, onshore terminal, design, testing, inspection, swivel joint, bearing, sealing.