API 570 Piping Inspector is a code. That means , it is mandatory. You can not violate API 570 for piping. All shall statements shall be abided. It tells you about do’s and don’ts of piping inspection. It is about In-service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems.
The intent of this code is to specify the in-service inspection and condition-monitoring program, as well as repair guidance that is needed to determine and maintain the ongoing integrity of piping systems.
Process piping systems that have been decommissioned from service and abandoned in place are no longer covered by this in-service inspection code.
However, abandoned in place piping may still need some amount of inspection and/or risk mitigation to ensure that it does not become a safety hazard due to continued deterioration. Process piping systems that are temporarily out of service or idled but have been mothballed (preserved for potential future use) are still covered by this code.
API 570 shall be used in conjunction with piping inspection practice (API 574) which is a recommended practice. Recommended practice means it is not mandatory if you know a better way to do inspection or if engineering judgement tells you otherwise.
Shall: As used in a standard, “shall” denotes a minimum requirement in order to conform to the standard.
API 570 is based on ASME B31.3 which is the code for piping during design, fabrication, inspection and testing. There is not discrepancy between them just that API 570 is used during operation, repair and maintenance. In case of any conflict during piping operation, API 570 shall take precedence. That means API 570 rules prevail over ASME B31.3 during repair and maintenance.
API 570 uses half life philosophy. That means if the thickness of pipe reserved for corrosion allowance can suffice X number of years with current corrosion rate. Then next inspection due date is half of that or X/2 years.
Thickness shall always be more than minimum required thickness otherwise reduce pressure (derate it)
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API 570 Piping Inspector Online Training Course
You can also get more information for API website itself:
American Petroleum Institute | API | API 570 Piping Inspector | API
