Pressure vessels, heat exchangers, aboveground atmospheric storage tanks, and piping systems typically represent over half the capital investment in a process plant.

These fixed equipment and piping systems are subject to a number of damage mechanisms throughout their service life that could result in serious or even catastrophic failures. Effective inspection strategies and programs are required to monitor the condition of these fixed equipment and piping systems, to assess their fitness for continued service, make repair/replace decisions, and develop appropriate cost-effective repair methods.

This course is structured to provide the delegates with the appropriate mix of technical fundamentals and practical best practices to maximize their learning.

The course emphasis is on developing a practical understanding of the inspection and maintenance requirements for fixed equipment and piping systems in process plant applications. Sample problems and participant exercises are included throughout the course to illustrate the concepts discussed and provide the delegates with practice in applying them.

Upon successful completion of this course, the delegates will be able to:

• Apply the requirements of the relevant industry standards and practices to the inspection and maintenance of pressure vessels, heat exchangers, piping systems, and aboveground atmospheric storage tanks
• Develop inspection and maintenance programs for process plant equipment and piping systems
• Prepare appropriate details for repairs and alterations to process plant equipment and piping systems

This course is intended for engineers, supervisors, managers, and other technical personnel who are responsible for the inspection, fitness-for-service assessments and maintenance of pressure vessels, heat exchangers, aboveground atmospheric storage tanks and piping systems.

Day 1:

Integrity and Reliability of Process Plant Equipment 

• Mechanical integrity – Interdependence of design, operation and maintenance
• Regulations, codes, standards, and recommended practices
• Key aspects of process equipment design
• Deterioration Mechanisms – Overview of API RP 571
• Examples of industrial failures
• Inspection strategies
• Fitness-for-Service Assessments

Pressure Vessel Inspection and Maintenance
Pressure Vessel Integrity Program

• Overall Risk Assessment
• Inspection Plan

Fitness-for-Service Assessments

• Overview of API RP 579 requirements
• Data Requirements
• Assessment Methods and Acceptance Criteria

Pressure Vessel Inspection

• Overview of API 510 Requirements
• Scope
• Definitions

Day 2:

Pressure Vessel Inspection Practices

• Causes of Vessel Deterioration
• Inspection Intervals
• Corrosion Rate Determination 

Evaluating Corroded Pressure Vessels for Continued Operation

• Determining Minimum Actual Thickness
• Acceptability of Corroded Area

Brittle Fracture Assessment

• Fracture Toughness Determination
• Brittle Fracture Evaluation of Existing Equipment

Details for Welded Repairs and Alterations

• Classification of Repairs and Alterations
• Welding and Design Requirements
• Defect Repairs
• Rerating Pressure Vessels
• Changes to Original Design Conditions
• Hydrostatic Test Requirements
• Heat Exchanger Maintenance
• Evaluating the Suitability of Corroded Components

Day 3:

Typical Maintenance and Inspection Procedures

• Damage mechanisms; tubes vibration    
• Locating leaks
• Leak repairs
• Re-tubing considerations
• Typical cleaning methods
• Tube inspection techniques

Rerating Exchangers

Piping Inspection and Evaluation

• API 570 Requirements
• Piping Inspection Planning and Data Analysis
• Inspection Techniques for Piping and Components
• Piping Retirement

Piping Materials and Modes of Failure

• Materials Considerations
• Corrosion Rate and Remaining Life Calculation
• Cracking Mechanisms in Piping
• Piping Deterioration

Piping System Repair, Alteration, Rerating and Pressure Testing

• Valve Repair and Maintenance
• API 570 Piping Repair, Alterations, Rerating, and Testing Requirement
• Piping System Repair
• Piping System Alterations and Rerating
• Pressure Testing After Repairs or Alteration

Day 4:

Flange Joint Assembly and Bolt-up Procedure

• Introduction
• Establish Flange Joint Categories
• Identify and List Flange Joints in Critical Services
• Determine Required Bolt Type and Material
• Select Bolt Tightening Method
• Develop Flange Joint Assembly and Bolt Up Procedures
• Procedure Qualification
• Crew Qualification
• Hot Bolting
• Additional Leakage Control Procedures

Guidelines for Hot Tapping (Pressure Tapping)

• Necessary Conditions for Performing a Hot Tap
• Hot Tap Design Considerations
• Selecting the Hot Tap Site
• Installation
• Inspection
• Pressure Tests Before Cutting Pipe
• Hot Tap Operations
• Special Safety Considerations
• Hot Tap Machines

Introduction

• Scope of API 653
• Definitions
• Starting an API 653 Compliance Program 

Tank Inspection

• Objectives
• Prioritization
• Inspection Frequencies
• Record Keeping
• Inspector Qualifications
•  

Day 5:

Tank Component Evaluation

• Shell
• Bottom
• Roof
• Foundation
• Shell and Bottom Settlement

Tank Repair and Alteration

• General Considerations
• Material Considerations
• Removal, Repair, and Replacement of Shell Plate Material
• Repair, Addition, Replacement, and Alteration of Shell Penetrations
• Repair of Tank Bottoms
• Tank Roof Repair 

Dismantling and Reconstruction

• Dismantling Methods
• Reconstruction
• Dimensional Tolerances

Examination and Testing

• General
• Welding Inspection
• Hydrostatic Testing

A variety of methodologies will be used during the course that includes:

·         (30%) Based on Case Studies

·         (30%) Techniques 

·         (30%) Role Play

·         (10%) Concepts

·         Pre-test and Post-test

·         Variety of Learning Methods

·         Lectures

·         Case Studies and Self Questionaires

·         Group Work

·         Discussion

·         Presentation

This rate includes participant’s manual, Hand-Outs, buffet lunch, coffee/tea on arrival, morning & afternoon of each day.

Daily Course Timings:

    08:00 - 08:20       Morning Coffee / Tea

    08:20 - 10:00       First Session

    10:00 - 10:20       Coffee / Tea / Snacks

    10:20 - 12:20       Second Session

    12:20 - 13:30       Lunch Break & Prayer Break

    13:30 - 15:00       Last Session