API Inspection Code Changes

See <a href="http://www.carmagen.com/newsletter/NL%20june2007.pdf">http://www.carmagen.com/newsletter/NL%20june2007.pdf</a> for more information.

Changes Contained in
Addendum 4 of API 570:
Piping Inspection Code
By Stephen J. Gliebe, P.E.

Addendum 4 of API 570 was released in June 2006. This article highlights several of the changes made since Addendum 3, dated August 2003.

• Para. 3.1. Changed the definition of an alteration. The addition of any reinforced branch connection equal to or less than the size of an existing reinforced branch connection is now considered an alteration.
• Para. 3.56 through 3.59. Added definitions for corrosion specialist, pressure design thickness, required thickness, and structural minimum thickness.
• Para. 7.3. Modified the process for determination of required thickness as defined in paragraph 3.58. Pressure design thickness and structural minimum thickness per paragraphs 3.57 and 3.59, respectively, must now be considered.
• Para. 8.1.3.1. Added requirement to perform a fitness-for-service analysis before installing a temporary repair by fillet welding a split coupling or plate patch over a locally thinned area. Prohibits installing a fillet-welded patch on top of an existing fillet-welded patch. Added minimum spacing criteria for installing a fillet-welded patch adjacent to an existing fillet-welded patch. • Para. 8.1.4. Expanded the list of non-welded repairs to include nonmetallic composite wraps, metallic and epoxy wraps, or other non-welded applied temporary repairs. Added the requirement to consider any resulting crushing forces when using procedures that include pumping leak sealing fluids.
• Para. 8.2.6. Changed to require consultation with the inspector and the piping engineer before substituting NDE for a pressure test after a rerate. Added guidance for performing pressure tests on insulated lines after repairs, alterations, or rerating, without stripping the insulation.
• Appendix A, Para. A.3.1 through A.3.3. Added details on inspector recertification requirements. Received on Thu Jul 19 00:49:00 2007