Inspection of Pressure Vessels 1

[Inchtain]

Good morning,

We have a production Separator (3 phases, Design Pressure 7 bar, Design Temperature 90 Degrees Celsius) that will undergo general 5-year inspection.

During this scheduled inspection program, is it necessary to completely strip a separator from its insulation to check the exterior surfaces condition?

Is it also necessary to remove the insulation around the nozzles to inspect their external welding to the shell or it is enough to check internally?

If the situation inside the separator is good, does it required to grind the painting of the nozzles' welding to perform MPI Magnetic Particles Inspection on them?

Finally, which are the standard API 510 requirements for the planned internal & external inspections for Pressure Vessels?

Thanks and best regards,

 

[r6155]

API 510 is very clear and easy to understand your questions.

Regards

 

[DVWE]

I agree with R6155, generally.

API 510 will help you define your inspection types and intervals based on the service of your separator.

If you have doubts, API 510 inspection companies are abundant, and you could contract their services to help get you started. Their services will include what types of inspections to perform and the recommended inspection frequency. They will usually provide a couple of API 510 certified inspectors if you need them.

The devil is in the details; she also wears prada.

 

[Inchtain]

Yes, you are right.

I'd love to know more practically, in addition to the Code reference.

So, I wanted to share your expertise with me.

Thanks

 

[The Obturator]

Besides API-510 there is also the National Board Inspection Code NB-23. This is in 4 parts ;-
1 - Installation
2 - Inspection
3 - Repairs & Alterations
4 - Pressure Relief Devices

The NB-23 is for Coded work but nether the less, provides some quite in depth details and instructions.

You can read more about it here

https://www.nationalboard.org/Index.aspx?pageID=4

Differences between API-510 and NB-23

https://inspectioneering.com/journal/1995-05-01/57/comparison-of-the-api-510-code

*** Per ISO-4126, the generic term 'Safety Valve' is used regardless of application or design ***

*** 'Pressure-relief Valve' is the equivalent ASME/API term ***

 

[r6155]

More data: dimensions, drawing, photo....internal baffle....etc.

Regards

 

[Inchtain]

Here are some more details with photos

 

[r6155]

Height of internal baffle?, Can you access from both sides?
One manhole or two?, location?

Regards

 

[Inchtain]

The baffles are bolted and can be removed.

The Separator has 2 manholes to access the compartments without removing the baffles

Regards,

 

[r6155]

Check ventilation and confined space access conditions. Cleaning is required.
Visual inspection of all surfaces under pressure, and welds of supports.
Ultrasonic test of all thickness under pressure- Some RT may be needed.
Check all bolts.
Check insulation for sealing conditions and evidence of corrosion under insulation.
Check sliding saddle support.

Regards