Working

Together

API 570

PIPING INSPECTION CODE:

In-service Inspection
Rating
Repair

Alteration of Piping Systems

API 570
SCOPE
TERMS & DEFINITIONS
INSPECTION PLANS

INTERVAL / FREQUENCY & EXTENT OF

INSPECTION
INSPECTION DATA EVALUATION, ANALYSIS &

RECORDING

API 570
S C O P E COVERS INSPECTION. . .

RATING, REPAIR, ALTERATION PROCEDURES FOR

METALLIC & FIBERGLASS REINFORCED PLASTIC (FRP)

PIPING SYSTEMS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED PRESSURE

RELIEVING DEVICES THAT HAVE BEEN PLACED IN-

SERVICE

API 570
S C O P E - INTENT

Specify the in-service inspection and condition-monitoring

program that is needed to determine the integrity of piping.

API 570
SCOPE - INCLUDED FLUID SERVICES

APPLIES TO PIPING SYSTEMS FOR:

PROCESS FLUIDS
HYDROCARBONS
SIMILAR FLAMABLE OR TOXIC FLUID SERVICES

API 570

SCOPE

OPTIONAL PIPING SYSTEMS & FLUID SERVICES

API 570
SCOPE - FITNESS FOR SERVICE & RISK BASED INSPECTION
(RBI)
API 579 Provides detailed assessment procedures for specific types
of damage that are referenced in this code.

The inspection code recognizes RBI concepts for determining

inspection intervals.

API 580 provides guidelines for conducting a risk based assessment.

API 570
TERMS & DEFINITIONS

Authorized Piping Inspector: is an employee of an authorized

inspection agency who is qualified and certified to perform the function

specified in API 570. An NDE examiner is not required to be an

authorized piping inspector

API 570
TERMS & DEFINITIONS
Condition Monitoring Locations CMLs: Designated areas on
piping systems where periodic examinations are conducted

Corrosion Rate: The rate of metal loss due to erosion

erosion/corrosion or the chemical reaction(s) with the environment,
either internal and /or external.

API 570
TERMS & DEFINITIONS
Damage Mechanism: Any type of deterioration that can affect the
integrity of piping (e.g. corrosion, cracking, erosion, dents, and other
mechanical, physical or chemical impacts). See API 571 for a

comprehensive list and description of damage mechanisms.

Deadlegs: Components of piping system that normally have no

significant flow.

API 570
TERMS & DEFINITIONS
External Inspection: A visual inspection performed from the outside of a

piping system to find conditions that could impact the piping systems ability
to maintain pressure integrity or conditions that compromise the integrity of
the coating and insulation covering, the supporting structures and
attachments

Fitness For Service Evaluation: A methodology whereby flaws and

other deterioration/damage contained within piping systems are assessed in

order to determine the structural integrity of the piping for continued service.

API 570
TERMS & DEFINITIONS
General Corrosion: Corrosion that is distributed more or less uniformly
over the surface of the piping, as opposed to being localized in nature.

In Service Inspection: All inspection activities associated with piping

after it has been initially placed in service

Inspection: The external, internal, or on-stream evaluation (or any

combination of the three) of piping condition conducted by the authorized
inspector or his/her designee.

API 570
TERMS & DEFINITIONS
Inspection Plan: A documented plan for detailing the scope, methods and
timing of the inspection activities for piping systems, which may include

recommended repair, and/or maintenance.

Localized Corrosion: Deterioration, e.g. corrosion that is confined to a
limited area of the metal surface.
Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP): The maximum
internal pressure permitted in the piping system for continued operation at

the most severe condition of coincident internal or external pressure and

temperature (minimum or maximum) expected during service.

API 570
TERMS & DEFINITIONS
Minimum Required Thickness: The thickness without corrosion
allowance for each component of a piping system based on the appropriate
design code calculations and code allowable stress that consider pressure,
mechanical and structural loadings.

On Stream Inspection: An inspection performed from the outside of

piping systems while they are on-stream using NDE procedures to establish
the suitability of the pressure boundary for continued operation.

API 570
TERMS & DEFINITIONS
Risk Based Inspection (RBI): A risk assessment and risk management
process that is focused on inspection planning for piping systems for loss of
containment in processing facilities, which considers both the probability of
failure and consequence of failure due to material deterioration.

Soil-To-Air Interface: An area in which external corrosion may occur on

partially buried pipe.

API 570

TERMS & DEFINITIONS

Structural Minimum Thickness: Minimum thickness without corrosion

allowance, based on structural and other loadings.

API 570
INSPECTION PLANS
Development of an Inspection Plan

An inspection plan shall be established for all piping systems within the
scope of this code.
The inspection plan is developed from the analysis of several sources of

data.

API 570
INSPECTION PLANS
Minimum Contents of an Inspection Plan

Define the type(s) of inspection needed, e.g. internal, external, on-stream

Identify the next inspection date for each inspection type
Describe the inspection methods and NDE techniques
Describe the extent and locations of inspection and NDE at CMLs

API 570

RBI

RBI can be used to determine inspection intervals and the type and
extent of future inspection/examinations.

API 570
RBI

Probability Assessment

The probability assessment shall be in accordance with API 580 and

shall be based on all forms of damage that could reasonably be
expected to affect equipment in any particular service.

API 570

RBI

Consequence Assessment

The consequence of a release is dependent on type and amount of

process fluid contained in the equipment

API 570
RBI
Frequency of RBI Assessment
The assessment shall be updated after each equipment inspection as

defined in API 580. The RBI assessment shall also be updated each
time process or hardware changes are made or after any event occurs
that could significantly affect damage rates or damage mechanisms.

API 570

INSPECTION PLANS

Inspection for Types & Locations

of Damage Modes of Deterioration & Failure

API 570

INSPECTION PLANS

Equipment Damage Types

Damage Type

Damage Mechanism

General and local metal loss

Sulfidation
Oxidation
Microbiologically influenced corrosion Organic acid corrosion
Erosion/erosion-corrosion
Galvanic corrosion
CUI

Surface connected cracking

Fatigue
Caustic stress corrosion cracking
Sulfide stress cracking
Chloride stress corrosion cracking
Polythionic acid stress corrosion cracking Other forms of environmental cracking

Subsurface cracking

Hydrogen induced cracking

Metallurgical changes

Graphitization
Temper embrittlement

Blistering

Hydrogen blistering

Material properties changes

Brittle fracture

NOTE
API 571 has a much more complete listing and description of damage
mechanisms experienced in the refining and petrochemical industry.

API 570
INSPECTION PLANS
Areas of Deterioration For Piping Systems
Injection points and mix points
Deadlegs

CUI
Soil to Air Interfaces
Service Specific & Localized Corrosion
Erosion, Corrosion, & Erosion/Corrosion
Fatigue Cracking

INSPECTION PLANS
General Types of Inspection & Surveillance

Internal Visual Inspection

On-Stream Inspection
Thickness Measurement Inspection

External Visual Inspection

CUI Inspection
Vibrating Piping Inspection
Supplemental Inspection
Injection Point Inspection

API 570

API 570
INSPECTION PLANS
CMLs
CMLs are specific areas along the piping circuit where inspections are to be
made.
The minimum thickness at each CML can be located by ultrasonic scanning or
radiography.
The rate of corrosion/ damage shall be determined from successive
measurements and the next inspection interval appropriately
established.
CMLs should be marked on inspection drawings and on the piping system to
allow repetitive measurements at the same CMLs. This recording
procedure provides data for more accurate corrosion rate
determination.
Careful identification of CMLs and examination points are necessary to
enhance the accuracy and repeatability of the data.

API 570
INSPECTION PLANS

Condition Monitoring Methods

UT and RT

As a general rule, each of the NDE techniques will have practical limits with

respect to accuracy .

API 570
INSPECTION PLANS
Other NDE Techniques for Piping Systems
Magnetic Particle
Liquid Penetrant
Flux Leakage
Eddy Current
Acoustic Emission
Thermography
Long Range UT (GUL Guided Ultrasonic Longwave)

API 570
INTERVAL / FREQUENCY & EXTENT OF INSPECTION

General
To ensure equipment integrity, all piping systems and pressure-relieving devices
shall be inspected at the intervals/ frequencies provided in this section.

API 570
INTERVAL / FREQUENCY & EXTENT OF INSPECTION
Inspection Intervals
If RBI is not being used, the interval between piping inspections shall be established
and maintained using the following criteria:
Corrosion rate and remaining life calculations
Piping service classification
Applicable jurisdictional requirements
Based on operating conditions, previous inspection history, current inspection
results, and conditions that may warrant supplemental inspections.

API 570
INTERVAL / FREQUENCY & EXTENT OF INSPECTION
Inspection Intervals
The owner/user or the inspector shall establish inspection intervals for thickness
measurements and external visual inspections and, where applicable, for internal
and supplemental inspections.
Thickness measurements should be scheduled at intervals that do not exceed the
lesser of one half the remaining life determined from corrosion rates indicated or the
maximum intervals recommended in Table 2. Shorter intervals may be appropriate
under certain circumstances.

API 570
INTERVAL / FREQUENCY & EXTENT OF INSPECTION

Piping Service Classes

All process piping systems shall be categorized into different piping classes.

API 570
INTERVAL / FREQUENCY & EXTENT OF INSPECTION
Class 1
Services with the highest potential of resulting in an immediate emergency if a leak were to
occur are in Class 1.

Class 2

Services not included in other classes are in Class 2. This classification includes the majority

of unit process piping and selected off-site piping.

Class 3
Services that are flammable but do not significantly vaporize when they leak and are not
located in high-activity areas.

Class 4
Services that are essentially nonflammable and nontoxic.

API 570
INTERVAL / FREQUENCY & EXTENT OF INSPECTION

Extent of Visual External & CUI Inspections

External visual inspections, including inspections for CUI, should be conducted at

maximum intervals listed in Table 2 to evaluate items such as those in API 574.

API 570
INTERVAL / FREQUENCY & EXTENT OF INSPECTION
Extent of Thickness Measurement Inspection

To satisfy inspection interval requirements, each thickness measurement inspection

should obtain thickness readings on a representative sampling of CMLs on each
circuit.

INTERVAL / FREQUENCY & EXTENT OF INSPECTION

Recommended Maximum Inspection Intervals

API 570

Type of Circuit

Thickness Measurements

Visual External

Class 1

Five years

Five years

Class 2

10 years

Five years

Class 3

10 years

lOyears

Class 4

Optional

Optional

Injection points a

Three years

By class

S/A b

By class

NOTE Thickness measurements apply to systems for which CMLs have been established in accordance with 5.6.
a Inspection intervals for potentially corrosive injection/mix points can also be established by a valid RBI analysis in accordance with API 580.
b See API RP 574 for more information on S/A interfaces.

INTERVAL / FREQUENCY & EXTENT OF INSPECTION

Recommended Maximum Inspection Intervals

Pipe Class

Approximate Amount of Follow-up Examination

with NDE or Insulation Removal at Areas with
Damaged Insulation

API 570

Approximate Amount of CUI Inspection by

NDE at Suspect Areas on Piping Systems
within Susceptible Temperature Ranges as
indicated in API 574

75%

50%

50%

33%

25%

10%

Optional

Optional

API 570
INSPECTION DATA EVALUATION, ANALYSIS & RECORDING
Corrosion Rate Determination

Remaining Life Calculation

Long Term Corrosion Rate

Short Term Corrosion Rate

Long term and short term corrosion rates should be compared to see
which results in the shortest remaining life as part of the data assessment.

API 570
INSPECTION DATA EVALUATION, ANALYSIS & RECORDING

MAWP Determination

The wall thickness used in these computations shall be the actual thickness as
determined by inspection minus twice the estimated corrosion loss before the
date of the next inspection

API 570
INSPECTION DATA EVALUATION, ANALYSIS & RECORDING

Required Thickness Determination

The required thickness of a pipe shall be the greater of the pressure design
thickness or the structural minimum thickness.

Assessment of Inspection Findings

Pressure containing components found to have degradation that could affect

their load carrying capability shall be evaluated for continued service. FitnessFor-Service techniques may be used for this evaluation.

API 570
INSPECTION DATA EVALUATION, ANALYSIS & RECORDING
Types of Piping Records

Fabrication, Construction & Design Information

Inspection History
Repair, Alteration & Re-rating Information

Fitness-For-Service Assessment

API 510

PRESSURE VESSEL INSPECTION CODE:

API 510
PRESSURE VESSEL INSPECTION CODE:
External Inspection
Unless justified by an RBI assessment, each aboveground
vessel shall be given a visual external inspection at an interval

that does not exceed the lesser of five years or the required
internal/on-stream inspection.
External inspection for vessels in non-continuous service
are the same as for vessels in continuous services.

API 510
PRESSURE VESSEL INSPECTION CODE:
Internal and On-Stream Inspection

Unless justified by an RBI assessment, the period between

internal or on-stream shall not exceed one half the remaining

life of the vessel or 10 years, whichever is less.
Whenever the remaining life is less than four years, the
inspection interval may be the full remaining life up to a
maximum of two years.

API 510
PRESSURE VESSEL INSPECTION CODE:
Internal and On-Stream Inspection
For pressure vessels that are in non-continuous service, the
interval is based on the number of years of actual service
provided that when idled, the vessel is:
Isolated from the process fluids

Not exposed to corrosive internal environments

API 653

TANK INSPECTION, REPAIR, ALTERATION

& RECONSTRUCTION

API 653
INSPECTIONS FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE TANK:
Routine In-service Inspection
The external condition of the tank shall be monitored by
close visual inspection from the ground on a routine basis.
This inspection may be done by owner/operator personnel.
The interval of such inspections shall not exceed one month.

API 653
INSPECTIONS FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE TANK:
External Inspection
All tanks shall be given a visual external inspection by an

authorized inspector. This inspection shall be called the

external inspection and must be conducted at least every five
years or RCA/4N years (where RCA is the difference between

the measured shell thickness and the minimum required

thickness in mils, and N is the shell corrosion rate in mils per
year) whichever is less.

API 653
INSPECTIONS FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE TANK:
Ultrasonic Thickness Inspection
When used, the ultrasonic thickness measurements shall be made
at intervals not to exceed the following:
When the corrosion rate is not known, the maximum interval
shall be five years.
When the corrosion rate is know, the maximum interval shall be
the smaller of RCA/2N years (where RCA is the difference
between the measured shall thickness and the minimum required
thickness in mils, and N is the shell corrosion rate in mils per year)
or 15 years.

API 653
INSPECTIONS FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE TANK:
Internal Inspection
Gather the data necessary for the minimum bottom and
shell thickness assessments.
Identify and evaluate any tank bottom settlement

All tanks shall have a formal internal inspection conducted

at the intervals defined by 6.4.2

API 653
INSPECTIONS FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE TANK:

Inspection Intervals

The interval from initial service until the initial internal

inspection shall not exceed 10 years.

Working

Together