Risk-Based Inspection, Second Edition (Recommended Practice)

API Recommended Practice 580 provides users with the basic elements for developing, implementing and maintaining a risk-based inspection (RBI) program. It provides guidance to owners, operators, and designers of pressure-containing equipment for developing and implementing an inspection program. These guidelines include means for assessing an inspection program and its plan. The approach emphasizes safe and reliable operation through risk-prioritized inspection. A spectrum of complementary risk analysis approaches (qualitative through fully-quantitative) can be considered as part of the inspection planning process. RBI guideline issues covered include an introduction to the concepts and principles of risk-based inspection for risk management; and individual sections that describe the steps in applying these principles within the framework of the RBI process include:

• understanding the design premise;
• planning the RBI assessment;
• data and information collection;
• identifying damage mechanisms and failure modes;
• assessing probability of failure;
• assessing consequence of failure;
• risk determination, assessment and management;
• risk management with inspection activities and process control;
• other risk mitigation activities;
• reassessment and updating;
• roles, responsibilities, training and qualifications;
• documentation and record-keeping.

Ordering information

This standard is available in PDF and printed version.

Inspection of Pressure-relieving Devices, Third Edition (Recommended Practice)

API Recommended Practice 576 describes the inspection and repair practices for automatic pressure-relieving devices commonly used in the oil and petrochemical industries. As a guide to the inspection and repair of these devices in the user’s plant, it is intended to ensure their proper performance. This publication covers such automatic devices as pressure-relief valves, pilot-operated pressure-relief valves, rupture disks, and weight-loaded pressure-vacuum vents.

The scope of this RP includes the inspection and repair of automatic pressure-relieving devices commonly used in the oil and petrochemical industry. This publication does not cover weak seams or sections in tanks, explosion doors, fusible plugs, control valves, and other devices that either depend on an external source of power for operation or are manually operated. Inspections and tests made at manufacturers’ plants, which are usually covered by codes or purchase specifications, are not covered by this publication.

This publication does not cover training requirements for mechanics involved in the inspection and repair of pressure-relieving devices. Those seeking these requirements should see API 510, which gives the requirements for a quality control system and specifies that the repair organization maintain and document a training program ensuring that personnel are qualified.

Ordering information and availability

PDF for immediate download and printed edition is usually shipped in 1-2 days.

Inspection Practices for Piping System Components, Third Edition (Recommended Practice)

This recommended practice (RP) supplements API 570 by providing piping inspectors with information that can improve skill and increase basic knowledge and practices. This RP describes inspection practices for piping, tubing, valves (other than control valves), and fittings used in petroleum refineries and chemical plants. Common piping components, valve types, pipe joining methods, inspection planning processes, inspection intervals and techniques, and types of records are described to aid the inspector in fulfilling their role implementing API 570. This publication does not cover inspection of specialty items, including instrumentation and control valves.

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PDF for immediate download, printed edition shipped in 1-2 days.

Inspection Practices for Pressure Vessels, Third Edition (Recommended Practise)

API Recommended Practice 572 covers the inspection of pressure vessels. It includes a description of the various types of pressure vessels (including pressure vessels with a design pressure below 15 psig) and the standards for their construction and maintenance.

RP 572 also includes reasons for inspection, causes of deterioration, frequency and methods of inspection, methods of repair, and preparation of records and reports.

Ordering and availability

PDF version is available for immediate download, printed edition is usually shipped in 1-2 days.