API 579 – Fitness For Services
The basic and intermediate methodologies of inspecting and assessing equipment for continued service, the need for more advanced evaluations, and the possible remediations available will be discussed in accordance with the methodologies given in API 579 Fitness For Services. A limited discussion will be presented on advanced methods of assessment.
The role of the inspector in gathering data and evaluating that data will be discussed, along with the role of the technologist and engineer in appraising the data and employing it in engineering calculations.
A thorough understanding of the damage mechanisms covered in API RP 571 is critical to API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 assessment.
Having knowledge of the API RP 571 code or having taken CASTI’s API RP 571 – Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry course in advance is highly recommended. However, these are not prerequisites.
This course is ideal for inspectors, engineers, and technologists who are involved in performing API 579-1 evaluations, inspecting and analyzing pressure vessels, pressure piping, tanks, and pipelines for safe operation when there is a change in service temperature, or where they have been found to be damaged, distorted, cracked, blistered, or experiencing metal loss.
Scope of API 579-1
– Responsibilities of owner, user, inspector, and engineer General Assessment Method
– Data requirements
• What is required
• Who is responsible
• How is data obtained and organized
– Remaining strength factor
– Need for in-service monitoring (inspectionfrequency)
Remaining Life Determination
Brittle Fracture Resistance
– Governing thickness concept (as per ASMESection VIII)
– Stress ratio
– Hydrostatic testing
– Thin wall considerations
Metal Loss Evaluation
– Point thickness methodology
– Grid thickness methodology
– Supplemental loading
– ASME B31.1 and B31.3 flexibility analysis
– Pitting evaluation
Problem-Solving Workshops
– HIC and SOHIC Evaluation
– Blisters and hydrogen induced cracking
Evaluating Geometric Irregularities
– Bending and section axial forces
– Weld misalignment
– Out-of-round
– Internal and external pressure
– Bulges and dents
– Gouges
– Combinations of distress
– Fatigue analysis
Evaluation of Cracks and Crack-like Flaws
– primary, secondary, and residual stress
– non-fracture mechanics method
– fracture mechanics method
Problem-Solving Workshop
Creep Damage Assessment
Heat and Fire Damage Evaluation
Lamination Evaluation
REQUIRED CODE DOCUMENTS
Participants will find that bringing a copy of the API 579-1 Code and a calculator to the course is useful.