API 572- Inspection of pressure vessels
API RP 572, Inspection of Pressure Vessels, is a recommended practice developed and published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) that covers the inspection of pressure vessels, including those with a design pressure under 15 psig, and the standards for their construction and maintenance. In addition, RP 572 also discusses, with relation to pressure vessels, the reasons for inspection, causes of deterioration, the frequency and methods of inspection, methods of repair, and preparation of records and reports.This recommended practice covers a large variety of topics related to the inspection of pressure vessels Including safety precautions, thickness measurements, both internal and external inspections, and special methods of detecting mechanical damage.
Learning Objectives
This recommended practice (RP) supplements API 510 by providing pressure vessel inspectors with information that can improve skills and increase basic knowledge of inspection practices. This RP describes inspection practices for the various types of pressure vessels (e.g. drums, heat exchangers, columns, reactors, air coolers, spheres) used in petroleum refineries and chemical plants. This RP addresses vessel components, inspection planning processes, inspection intervals, methods of inspection and assessment, methods of repair, records and reports. API 510 has requirements and expectations for inspection of pressure vessels.
Audience
Personnel involved in Pressure Vessels, interacting with Inspectors, Quality Managers, Plant Engineer, Supervisors and other interested persons. Individuals responsible for evaluating the mechanical integrity of in-service pressure vessels in process plant applications and Managers responsible for implementing a pressure vessel maintenance program and desire an understanding of applicable evaluation procedures. This class is also designed for pressure equipment inspectors and engineers working in refineries, chemical & industrial plants, gas plants, pipeline terminals, and oil fields.
- Introduction and overview of the applied codes and standards
- Types of pressure vessels: columns, towers, drums, heat exchangers, condensers
- Materials and methods of construction; carbon steel, low-alloy steel, austenitic steels and nitrogen-based alloys
- Reasons for periodic inspection: safety, continuity, efficiency and reliability
- Causes of degradation and deterioration in the materials of pressure vessels: corrosion, erosion, metallurgical changes, thermal stresses, mechanical stresses, faulty material or fabrication techniques
- External inspection of pressure vessels: supports and bolts, insulation and coatings, metallic parts, evidence of corrosion, etc.
- Internal inspection: visual inspection, metallic lining and non-metallic lining
- Special methods for inspection: thickness measurements, in-situ metal analysis, hammer testing, pressure and leak tests& Reports and Records.
