A new plant answers to design and fabrication rules. A plant in service answers to different rules, which govern the inspection, repair and rerating of what is ageing.
- ✓ API 570 for metallic piping already placed in service
- ✓ API 653 for steel storage tanks
- ✓ API 510 for in-service pressure vessels
- ✓ PED Directive for design, manufacture and conformity assessment
The three API codes deal with equipment already in service, each for a family of components. API 570 covers the inspection, rating, repair and alteration of in-service metallic piping systems and their pressure-relieving devices. API 510 does the same for pressure vessels. API 653 concerns steel storage tanks built to API 650 and its predecessor API 12C.
The PED Directive sits on a different level and must be kept distinct. Directive 2014/68/EU applies to the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of pressure equipment and assemblies with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0.5 bar: it therefore concerns placing on the market, not the subsequent life of the equipment. In Italy it was transposed by Legislative Decree of 15 February 2016, no. 26.
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The distinction between the two levels has practical consequences. Equipment that complies with the directive when placed on the market is not for that reason fit to remain in service indefinitely: verifying its condition over time belongs to the inspection codes and to the applicable periodic inspection obligations.
The references in this section
| Reference | What it governs |
|---|---|
| API 570 | Inspection, rating, repair and alteration of in-service piping |
| API 653 | Tank inspection, repair, alteration and reconstruction |
| API 510 | In-service inspection of pressure vessels |
| PED Directive | Design, manufacture and conformity assessment |
The role of thickness measurement
In operational terms, the question that accompanies an in-service inspection is always the same: how much material remains and how fast it is being consumed. This is why thickness mapping campaigns accompany the inspector’s work on piping, tanks and vessels.
Dakota NDT instruments meet the requirements of API 570 and API 653 inspections, measure through coatings and store the data for corrosion-rate calculation. The practical applications are described in the Oil & Gas and Petrochemical section.
Frequently asked questions
The API 570, 653 and 510 codes concern equipment already placed in service and govern its inspection, repair and rerating. The PED Directive instead concerns the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of pressure equipment placed on the market.
Pressure equipment and assemblies with a maximum allowable pressure PS greater than 0.5 bar. Article 1 of Directive 2014/68/EU also lists a series of exclusions, including transport pipelines and water networks.
The standard concerns steel storage tanks built to API 650 and its predecessor API 12C. Coverage includes the foundation, bottom, shell, structure, roof, attachments and nozzles.
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Further information and contacts
Systems division and sensor integration partner : www.roder.it
More information about RODER SRL : about us
Contact for general information : info@roder.it
Contact for information about these products : info@roder.it
The information contained on this web page is provided for information purposes only. Although it has been compiled with the utmost care, it does not constitute a contractual offer or a binding commitment to supply. It may contain transcription, translation or typographical errors. For precise and up-to-date information, please contact our company directly.
Some images on this website have been intentionally generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is because, for many applications and projects, it is not possible to disclose photographs of the installation or of the actual system due to confidentiality agreements, confidentiality clauses and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).