API 6A recertification 1

[johnull]

Hello,

I can't find out if API 6A says anything about recertification?
I currently hold a copy of 6A 21st edition, however, I am not manufacturing anything.

To make myself more understandable. I have a gate valve, I have repaired tons of them. But I want to know if I am doing it correctly (according to API).
Also, I do believe we do an excessive amount of work on them that should not be necessary unless the customer/client requires it.

I.E. is it really necessary to do LPI on a seat/gate with tungsten carbide coating? You do it when it is new obviously. Same thing on the valve. Is MPI really necessary on a recertification?

 

[jmec87]

API 6A 20th Edition contained Annex J "Repair and remanufacture requirements". This annex was not included in the 21st Edition of API 6A and was instead revised and published as API 6AR 2nd Edition.

API 6AR includes "Repair/Remanufacture Specification Levels" (RSLs) similar to the PSLs in API 6A. Higher RSLs include more requirements than lower RSLs. For RSL1, no surface NDE (LPI/MPI) is required. For RSL2, surface NDE is only required on surfaces affected by remanufacturing and must meet API 6A PSL2 requirements. For RSL3, surface NDE is required to meet API 6A PSL3 (presumably on everywhere that it would be required on new equipment).

Generally, the customer should be responsible for specifying the requirements for repair/recertification, including the applicable RSL if conformance with API 6AR is required.

https://www.techstreet.com/standards/api-std-6ar?product_id=2082971

 

[johnull]

Thanks a lot for your answer.

I'll buy myself a copy of the API 6AR 2nd edition. (I currently have the first)

So if I understand correctly. I have a valve that is according to API 6A, PSL 3. That does not necessarily mean it has to be RSL 3? Unless manufacturer specify so?
Or does it actually have a direct link like that? PSL 3 = RSL 3 and so on?

I find it strange to do LPI every 5 year on a gate/seat/stem etc. You'll never find anything (as long as I've been doing this). MPI or ECI on the body is fine in my opinion.

is this the same for API 16C? do you use API 16AR?

Last question; recertification is the typical action you do every 5 year? Basically the same as classing?

Appreciate your good answer!

 

[jmec87]

Per 6AR, the RSL is required to be the same level as the PSL or current RSL. If a valve is PSL3 and is being repaired for the first time, it can be repaired to RSL1, RSL2, or RSL3. If it is ever repaired to a lower RSL, it is not allowed to be upgraded back to a higher RSL. For example, if you have a PSL3 valve and repair it to RSL2, you are now limited to repairing it only to RSL1 or RSL2 in the future (RSL3 is no longer an option), if you want to be in conformance with 6AR.

API 16AR is intended for API 16A equipment, not 16C.

Neither API 6AR nor API 6A specify a recertification frequency. This is up to the user and/or owner of the equipment, and should consider any applicable legal, customer, functional, and other requirements.

 

[johnull]

So, lets say you repair it for the first time to RSL1. due to no indications visually on the valve.
Next time you need to weld repair it, and if it is RSL1 then there are still no changes? Assuming it would require heat treatment and NDE before and after weld? Or is this maybe another chapter?

Also, I have yet to see any equipment with an RSL rating, however, PSL rating is all over. Is this brand new and things we will see in the near future, or is it something we(repair shop) stamp/mark on the equipment after the first repair?

On a side note:
API 16C, does it have a 16CR or similar/relevant recommended practice for repair?

Really appreciate your help here!

 

[jmec87]

I don't know if I fully understand your first set of questions. If you repair it to RSL1, then all future repairs/remanufactures are limited to RSL1 (it can never be upgraded to RSL2 or RSL3). RSL1 requirements include that welding, post-weld heat treatment, and NDE meet API 6A PSL1 requirements.

API 6A 20th Edition Annex J included RLs that are equivalent to the RSLs in API 6AR 2nd Edition. The RSL is to be marked by the repair shop adjacent to the original PSL markings, along with additional information. If you have never seen it, then it is likely that the valves were not repaired in accordance with API 6AR or API 6A 20th Edition Annex J.

API 6A includes requirements for new equipment. API does not require API 6A equipment to be repaired/recertified in accordance with API 6AR - it is up to the owner/user of the equipment to specify the applicable repair requirements.

I'm not aware of any API 16CR or similar for 16C equipment.

 

[johnull]

You understood the questions as far as I can tell.
I also understand your answer better know. (read it a couple of times at first)
Most of the valves I am working on are 5 years old, or less. According to national standards, it is a requirement to do a recertification of them every 5 year, so they have not been repaired according to API 6AR as you say.
Moving forward, this might be the correct way to go for us and start implementing API 6AR. However, it looks like there ain't much difference between 6AR and 6A, except it being clearer for us to understand?

you also wrote: API does not require API 6A equipment to be repaired/recertified in accordance with API 6AR - it is up to the owner/user of the equipment to specify the applicable repair requirements.
By this you mean the user decides what to do for a repair? Because we get told to repair it according to API 6A or 16C. And as I understand it, API 6A does not necessarily tell you how to be in compliance with API 6A when it comes to repairs, but new equipment.
Or is it as simple as to recertify it according to API 6A, we need to do everything that is done when new? if so, I believe we are not doing enough, even thou we do a crazy amount of unnecessary inspection if you ask me.

Sorry for being hard-headed and difficult to teach, but I just want to make sure I understand it 100%.
And I am truly sorry if I ask for something twice.

 

[jmec87]

No problem. The requirements can be confusing.

6AR refers back to 6A for many of the requirements.

The owner/user (whoever is requiring you to do the repair) decides what to do for the repair. If they require "repair as per API 6A", then you need to clarify what they actually require, because API 6A 21st Edition has requirements for new equipment and does not have repair requirements. Sometimes customers require something without understanding that what they are requiring does not exist.

I recommend clarifying your customer's actual requirements before you implement 6AR or make other significant changes to your repair process.

 

[johnull]

That is my thoughts exactly!
And yes it can be confusing, and then you start talking to others that think they know it and the confusion ball just keeps getting bigger.
Everything you have told me makes perfect sense, and I consider myself above average when it comes to understanding these standards. You, my friend, are an expert

Also, what you're saying about customers requiring something without understanding is 100% accurate. I can rely on that from my time as a customer and ordering service/repairs, and now on the other side taking orders.

I really appreciate your time taken to assist me! it has been of great great value to me! Thank you!