MECHANICAL INTEGRITY GROUP
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API Inspectors perform inspection tasks and schedule monitoring programs to assure the mechanical integrity of the equipment, including:
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Perform internal inspection of vessels in accordance with API codes.
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Verify all new materials used during repairs or alterations are consistent with specifications.
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Assure that the minimum pre-heat and post-weld heat treat is performed in accordance with the qualified welding procedures.
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Authorize repair or alteration work before the work is started, and designate hold points that are required.
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Determine the corrosion rates, remaining life, and next inspection date for each pressure vessel.
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Assess preferential weld corrosion of in-service welds and joints.
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Review and update the inspection and NDE techniques and locations required.
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Ensure all NDE results are evaluated and determined to be accepted or rejected, with recommendations to resolve all deficiencies.
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Review and update the surface cleaning requirements needed for inspection and examinations.
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Determine the pressure test requirements for pressure vessels after alterations or major repairs:
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Test: type/ medium/ pressure/ gauges, duration, & regulatory requirements.
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Identify and document any required repairs.
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Specify any special equipment access requirements, including all safety conditions and permissions.
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Maintain permanent and progressive records of all pressure vessels and pressure relieving devices, including adding new information pertinent to the operation, inspection, and maintenance history of the equipment.
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API-510
Our API-510 inspectors provide code-compliant examinations of pressure vessels in accordance with API standards. In-Service Inspections, ratings, repairs, and alterations are a few of the items covered. API-510 applies to most refining and chemical processing vessels that have been placed into service. However, API 510 can also be applied in other industries where pressure vessels are used at the discretion of the operator.
API-570
Responsible for inspection, rating, repair, and alteration procedures for metallic and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) piping systems and their associated pressure relieving devices that have been placed in service. Also, specify the in-service inspection and condition-monitoring program as well as repair guidance that is needed to determine and maintain the on-going integrity of piping systems. That program should provide reasonably accurate and timely assessments to determine if any changes in the condition of piping could possibly compromise continued safe operation.
API-653
The standard for tanks over 50 feet tall or having diameter greater than 30 feet.
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Covers the maintenance, inspection, alteration and repair of steel, field-erected aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) built to API 650 or API 12C standards.
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API 653 inspections must be performed by a licensed inspector.
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Brittle fracture assessment is covered under API 653.
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API 653 includes welding requirements for field erected tanks.
External Inspections- Required Every 5 Years
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Assess the condition of the above ground tank and determine its suitability for continued service.
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This inspection does not require entry into the tank’s interior. Tank can remain in service.
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Review previous periodic inspection checklists and previous FEIs/FIIs.
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Determine original shell thickness and establish current shell thickness.
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Perform verticality and settlement surveys to determine the "plumbness" and "roundness" of tanks.
Internal Inspections- Required Every 10 Years
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Assess the internal and external condition of the tank and determine its suitability for continued service.
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Minimum Remaining Thickness.
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Minimum Required Thickness.
API-1169
Inspector responsibilities include planning, monitoring, evaluating, verifying, making informed decisions, problem solving (e.g. root cause analysis), documenting and reporting, and communicating effectively with the pipeline construction team to ensure the project is moving forward in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910 - Process Safety Management and 29 CFR 1926 - Safety and Health Regulations for Construction. Inspectors are also required to comply with environmental and pollution control regulations. This includes acquiring appropriate local, state, and/or federal permits before construction, if necessary. The importance of environmental and pollution control is to enhance the quality of water, land, and air.
STI
STI (Steel Tank Institue) SP-001 governs the inspections for shop-built and field-erected Above-ground Storage Tanks (AST's) containing up to 50,000 gallons of fuel.
External Inspections- Required Every 5 Years
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Assess the condition of the above ground tank and determine its suitability for continued service.
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This inspection does not require entry into the tank’s interior. Tank can remain in service.
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Review previous periodic inspection checklists and previous FEIs/FIIs.
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Determine original shell thickness and establish current shell thickness.
Internal Inspections- Required Every 10 Years
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Assess the internal and external condition of the tank and determine its suitability for continued service.
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Minimum Remaining Thickness.
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Minimum Required Thickness.
CWI
A Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) can be utilized in many different industries and applications. An outline of pre-welding, welding, and post-welding services can be found below.
Pre-Welding Inspections
Safety Requirements:
Ensure all welding related activities are conducted in accordance with all local municipal, state and federal safety regulation, in addition to complying with all company defined safety rules and regulations.
Documentation review:
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Verify specification, including year of issuance and any revisions
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Inspect plans, including any revisions, and verify compliance
Preparation and set-up:
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Confirm correct cutting method relative to projects and materials
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Confirm correct angles, joints and gaps (bevel angle, lap joint, root gap, etc.)
During the Welding Process
Monitor:
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Heating values to maintain proper bonding heat
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Distortion controls to maintain balance and prevent blow-thru
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Consumption of electrodes, filler wire or gas
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Welding process, including voltage, amperage, travel speed, etc.
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Verify any other compliance issue dictated by the individual project requirements
Post Welding Review
Monitor:
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Conduct visual inspection
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Inspect and confirm NDT requirements (method, operator qualifications, proper execution)
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Identity any necessary repairs or corrections via visual inspection or NDT review
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Post weld heat treatment to verify proper heating method and temperature recording
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Conduct final hydrostatic test procedure
Repairs and Corrections:
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Evaluate all original procedure to verify and confirm validity
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Approval of all pre-welding procedures outlined above
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Monitor repair process as outline in the monitoring section outlined above
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Re-inspect the repair area and confirm repair completion via visual and NDT inspection