Personnel performing the NDE Ultrasonic Test (UT) according to API 653

[RICARDORDJ]

Hi, everyone.
I have a misinterpretation or a lack of confusion of the code API 653 and I was wandering if someone can help me. I am performing an external inspection for a Tank that has more than 30 years. According to section 12 of the API 653 it is cited: Personnel performing the NDE shall be qualified in accordance with API 650 section 8. My confusion is: For taking the UT reading only in a existing tank to determine the actual thickness of the shell, roof and bottom. Does it is necessary that the personal who is performing the Ultasonic Testing that will be included in the inspection report be certified by the ANST SNT-TC-1A Level II or do a competent person with over 25 years of experience in UT can perform the test?
Thanks for all the help you can offer me regarding this matter.
Another question that I have is: After I finished my API 653 inspection report do I have to presented to the American Petroleum Instituted for its final approval?

Ricardo Ramos
Professional Engineer

 

[darthsoilsguy2]

tough love coming
last question first... No. API doesn't want your tank report.

a tank with more than 30 years may be due an internal... ask for records of past inspections... starting off with an external is fine and then getting a schedule point for an internal.

As far as NDE (or NDT) goes, i'm not sure what to say about your question. if i were to go do a tank tomorrow, my 653 cert would still be active but my Ultrasonic Thickness cert was from in-house programs at 2 different companies than where i'm at now... would i prevent myself for some ethical reason from renting the equipment and doing it, nope.... The NDE is just a tool. The most important thing is the experience of doing many inspections on old tanks and knowing where to look for problems and how to have the best guess at the type of corrosion occurring on the hidden side.... API doesn't give much specific direction to the way NDE is used in tank inspection. I have at least 10-20 tank reports i've saved from old competition that i thought were done quite well.... When it came to NDE, they all did things differently. it is nice to have plate thicknesses for a report, but a well-filled checklist with photos is the biggest part of the inspection. i'm more concerned with showing consistency in plate thicknesses throughout each sheet. Most NDT guys i've crossed paths with will Do-Exactly-What-You-Tell-Them-To-Do.... and if you're not careful... that could work against you. API 653 is not a CODE. it is an inspection standard.

 

[bimr]

In Appendix F of API 653, it states that that the technician must be either American Society of Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level II or III under Standard SNT-TC-1A Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing. New personnel with only a Level I certification may accomplish testing of tanks as long as they are under the direct supervision of a Level II/III engineer.

API doesn't want your tank report.

 

[RICARDORDJ]

Thank you for all your help. It means a lot to have such professional people willing to help me clarify these matters.
Darthsoilguy2 thank you for sharing your experience with me and to take your time to help me.
The main reason that I am asking this is because the only UT readings that my expert guy in UT (who is not ANST Level II certified)is going to performed is to determine the actual thickness to be compared with the previous thickness so I can calculate the remaining tank life.
Bimr: You are correct, ...but (look below), In Appendix F of API 653, it states that that the technician must be either American Society of Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level II or III under Standard SNT-TC-1A Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing. New personnel with only a Level I certification may accomplish testing of tanks as long as they are under the direct supervision of a Level II/III engineer.
But it is stated also in F.4.1 that this is required only for a) shell areas over which lap patch plates are to be welded (see API 653, 9.3.1.9);b) shell areas over which new reinforcing or hot tap nozzles are to be welded (see API 653, 12.1.2.1);c) completed repairs of butt-welds unless radiographed (see API 653, 12.1.3.2);d) the full penetration nozzle neck-to-shell and repad welds as required by API 653, 12.3.2.3.6, specific hydrostatic
test exemption requirement;e) repairs to annular plate butt-welds after final pass [see API 653, 12.3.2.4.1.
This is where my confusion begins. If I am only going to make the UT readings to compare the actual thickness with the previous thickness then I don't need a ASNT Level II or III? They are only needed for points in app. F.4.1 a-e listed above. Right????
The other question is: If I am not have to submit my inspection report to the API how does the API keeps track of how many hours and tanks I have inspected for my re-certification?

 

[Duwe6]

May be having a 'terminology' problem. Under ASNT TC-1a "UT" with no 'qualifications and/or limitations' means shearwave UT for flaw location and characterization, in addition to thickness readings. Thus the industry practice of giving a 'Limited Level/II in UT-T', has arisen, but is not in API 650/653. The meaning is that this tech is only qualified to take thickness readings.

Also, API allows the Inspectors considerable leeway; typically the Inspector will accept thickness readings from an experienced but uncertified person. Further, the amount of training and hands-on experience required to be cert'd as UT-T is pretty minimal. Check with your NDT provider and see if their L/III is willing to provide this training and then certify your candidate.

 

[bimr]

"The other question is: If I am not have to submit my inspection report to the API how does the API keeps track of how many hours and tanks I have inspected for my re-certification?"

You are responsible to keep your own records. If there is an incident, you can be sure that your records will be requested. If you have not kept your certification up to date, you will be in trouble.

 

[darthsoilsguy2]

another thing about NDT... unlike the API where every 653 inspector took their test.... most NDT people are certified by in-house programs (i say most because i really think it is all and certainly everyone i've met) SNT-TC-1A is the guidance document that ASNT publishes for companies to model their in-house program after and establishes education requirements, field hours, and exam requirements. Someone who is certified per SNT-TC-1A really is just certified under their company's program. Many companies incorporate an Ultrasonic Thickness Testing Level II cert into their company program (referred to as "written practice")... Although thickness is a basic level use of the equipment, it is not something that Level 1 can do alone. To avoid confusion just forget Level 1 exists, since they really can't do anything except work at an NDT shop to build up their hours since most NDT jobs are 1-person shows.... or in my case, i got my hours by OJT with the NDT guys that worked on tanks with me while i was doing my 653 inspections.

there was some language that you just used "determine the actual thickness to be compared with the previous thickness so I can calculate the remaining tank life." that makes me ask.... "how can you determine the tank life, without getting inside the tank?" The answer is you just can not... unless i suppose we could be talking about a mounted horizontal tank or perhaps a cone-bottom silo... but even still i would tone down the language. Tanks are maintained and the most important life cycle is the risk of failure before the next inspection. you were talking about corrosion rate and it sounds like you are taking 2 data points, one of which you don't know who did it and how good their controls were. Will you be assuming that the loss of metal is directly proportional, exponential, or logarithmic? and why?.... There is nothing like seeing both sides of the metal for roof and walls and leaving the guesswork for the floor plate with a combination of MT scan, UTT prove ups, and Vacuum Box testing of welds.

 

[valleytank]

Typically for thickness readings in your case an experienced Level 1 will have no problem giving you thickness numbers but this is strictly 'client info' and not code related. That is also not just section F.4.1 you listed..when you get into things like lap patches, insert plate cut-line lamination scans, shearwave, etc you need to have a Level II or III perform these scans because they will be qualified to interpret these findings, provide you with flaw sizing and a final report while a level I could only tell you 'there's something there..' Those are situations where you will find inspectors calling people they 'trust' so to speak.

Do not send your report into API. If you are doing the entire report without having someone your equal/greater check it ultimately your name will be going on it if you are satisfied with your report.

Darthsoilguy also brought up some good points about overall integrity. Im assuming the external UT is is part of some 5yr external check?

 

[RICARDORDJ]

Yes it is for the external UT part of some 5 yr external check. Thank you valleytank for your help.
Later on the client must have an internal inspection in which I will need a Lever II Tech to check the floor.