Introduction To API571
Introduction To API571
API-571
Damage Mechanisms Affecting
Fixed Equipment in the Refining
Industry
Body of Knowledge
The Body of Knowledge for the API 571 exam
consists of the entire API RP 571, 2nd edition
(2011) with the exception of the following
sections: 1.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.2.
Section 2 ( References)
Section 3 ( Definitions)
all industries).
( 20 Mechanism)
( 12 Mechanism)
( 7 Mechanism)
( 8 Mechanism)
TOTAL …… 47
Section 5 Content
( 12 Mechanism)
( 5 Mechanism)
TOTAL …… 19
Example.
Section 3 Terms & Definitions
Austenitic and Ferritic phases
Ferrite with CS, low alloy steel and 400 series SS.
Section 3 Terms & Definitions
Austenitic stainless steels
300 series stainless steels including 304, 304L, 304H, 309, 310, 316,
316L, 316, 316L, 316H, 321, 321H, 347, 347H.
“L” & “H” suffixes refer to low and high carbon content respectively.
Used in amine treating unit for remove H2S & CO2 from
hydrocarbon stream.
Hydrogen Induced Cracking
Also in susceptible steels at high stress points like crack tip or defects.
1.3 Organization and Use
The information for each damage mechanism is
provided in a set format as shown below. This
recommended practice format facilitates use of
the information in the development of inspection
programs, FFS assessment and RBI applications.
a)Description of Damage
a basic description of the damage mechanism.
b) Affected Materials
a list of the materials prone to the damage
mechanism.
c) Critical Factors
a list of factors that affect the damage mechanism
(i.e. rate of damage).
d) Affected Units or Equipment
a list of the affected equipment and/or units where
the damage mechanism commonly occurs is
provided. This information is also shown on process
flow diagrams for typical process units.
e) Appearance or Morphology of Damage
a description of the damage mechanism, with
pictures in some cases, to assist with recognition of
the damage.
f) Prevention / Mitigation
methods to prevent and/or mitigate damage.
g) Inspection and Monitoring
recommendations for NDE for detecting and
sizing the flaw types associated with the damage
mechanism.
h) Related Mechanisms
a discussion of related damage mechanisms.
i) References – a list of references that provide
background and informations.
Damage mechanisms that are common to a variety
of industries including refining and petrochemical,
pulp and paper, and fossil utility are covered in
Section 4.0.