VERSION ANTERIEURE

Le 30/01/2013 (changement d'indice depuis 09/2012)

WORLDWIDE Test Method

ENGINEERING GMW15449
Materials
STANDARDS Reçu le 16/04/2008

Pressure Testing of Nonmetallic Fuel Tanks

Copie de travail 5.1.1 Sample Quantity. When test is being

1 Scope performed for design verification, a minimum of six
samples per cavity must be tested unless
This standard is used to determine the ability of a otherwise agreed to by GM Engineering. The
nonmetallic fuel tank shell and fuel tank sample quantity for all other usages must be
assemblies to maintain an applied pressure without agreed to by GM Engineering.
leakage.
5.2 Test Sample Preparation.
This standard is called out by GM7473M and
GMW3086. Refer to these standards or the 5.2.1 Fuel Tank Shell. For design verification, full
pertinent technical specification for requirements. dimensional requirements for tank shell must be
measured prior to testing.
Note: This is a component/subsystem level test
only. Nothing in the specification supersedes 5.2.2 Fuel Tank Assemblies. For design
vehicle level requirements. verification of the tank assemblies, a minimum of
the following measurements shall be made prior to
Note: Nothing in this standard supersedes testing:
applicable laws and regulations.
5.2.2.1 Dimensional requirements for machined
Note: In the event of conflict between the English and welded tanks assembly.
and domestic language, the English language shall
take precedence. 5.2.2.2 Dimensional requirements for Module
Reservoir Assembly (MRA) related to the sealing
surface.
2 References
Any deviations to the above requirements must be
Note: Only the latest approved standards are agreed to by GM Engineering prior to testing.
applicable unless otherwise specified.
Note: The inlet check valve restrictor may be
2.1 External Standards/Specifications. removed from the production tank assembly to
None ensure the completion of the pressurization within
the recommended 30 s.
2.2 GM Standards/Specifications.
GM7473M GMW3086 5.2.3 Test Specimen Stabilization. Tank/tank
assembly must be aged a minimum of 48 h prior to
testing.
3 Test Equipment
5.3 Test Procedure. Test must be run at 23 ± 3°C.
3.1 Air line or other equipment capable of
introducing pressure at a constant rate. 5.3.1 Install pressure tap near MRA sender
interface. If gage is used, ensure it can record
3.2 Pressure gage.
maximum obtained pressure. If pressure
3.3 Timer with second hand. transducer is used, recorder should be set at 1 Hz
scan rate.
3.4 Fuel tank fixture.
5.3.2 All connections must be sufficiently sealed to
enable pressure testing.
4 Test Material
5.3.3 For design verification, the tank/tank
4.1 Fuel tank shell or fuel tank assembly.
assembly shall be fixtured in a vehicle
representative buck.
5 Test Method 5.3.4 Fill the tank 100% full with water.
5.1 Summary of Test Method.
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April 2007 Originating Department: North American Engineering Standards Page 1 of 2

GMW15449 GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS

5.3.5 Introduce pressure into the tank through the
inlet check valve until burst. Choose a rate to
complete test within 30 s.
6 Evaluation and Rating
6.1 During the test, record the pressure at the first
evidence of leak.
Acceptance Criteria: Tank must show no
evidence of bursting, splitting or leaking below the
specified pressure.
6.2 Once the sample has burst or the pressure no
longer increases, record the pressure value as
ultimate burst pressure.
6.3 Record time to reach ultimate pressure.
6.4 Photograph any damage and the location of
any leak.
7.5 Include photographs of any damage or areas
where leak was detected per 6.4.
8 Safety
This standard may involve hazardous materials,
operations, and equipment. This standard does not
propose to address all the safety problems
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the
user of the standard to establish appropriate safety
and health practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
9 Notes
9.1 Glossary. Not applicable.
9.2 Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Symbols.
MRA Module Reservoir Assembly

7 Report 10 Coding System

Report for design verification must include the This standard shall be referenced in other
following data. Any deviations from the report documents, drawings, etc. as follows:
requirements must be agreed to by GM
Test per GMW15449
Engineering prior to submission.
7.1 Document tank shell mold information.
11 Release and Revisions
7.2 Dimensional data for tank shell and tank
11.1 Release. This standard originated in October
assembly as required by 5.2.1 and 5.2.2.
2006, replacing GM9320P. It was first approved by
7.3 Record value at first evidence of leak. Identify the Global Plastics Committee in November 2006.
the specified pressure and document if the tank It was first published in April 2007.
meets the acceptance criteria from 6.1.
7.4 Record value for ultimate burst pressure and
time to reach ultimate burst pressure per 6.2 and
6.3.

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Page 2 of 2 April 2007