Some updates to API codes and standards in 2013, and what to look forward to next year

Many of you are already aware of some of the changes that have occurred within API this year. For those of you who are not, here’s a quick summary:

• Three of the API recommended practices (RPs) were made to be individual, standalone certifications. That is, prior certification to API 510, 570, or 653 is no longer required for API 571 Damage Mechanisms, API 577 Welding Inspection and Metallurgy, and API 580 Risk Based Inspection. Click here to read a prior blog post that provides further explanation.
• The Inspector Certification Program (ICP) made the switch from pen-and-paper based testing to computer-based testing. These changes will roll out next year. Marc McConnell wrote a blog post about this just last week; click here to read it.
• A New ICP program (“Source Inspection”) is now offered to certify inspectors who perform quality assurance (QA) surveillance and inspection activities on new materials and equipment. The initial offering is focused on entry level source inspectors of mechanical fixed equipment, while future offerings are planned to be focused on intermediate and advanced level source inspectors of fixed and rotating equipment, as well as rotating equipment, instrumentation, and electrical equipment and materials. John Reynolds published an article in the January/February 2013 Inspectioneering Journal that contains more details. You can read it by clicking here. 

What to look forward to next year

Three new API RPs are currently in progress with the expectation to be releases in the first quarter of next year. The RPs are:

• API RP 583 Corrosion Under Insulation: This RP will cover the design, maintenance, inspection, and mitigation practices for pressure equipment, piping, and storage tanks due to external corrosion under insulation (CUI) and corrosion under fire-proofing (CUF).
• API RP 584 Integrity Operating Windows (IOWs): this RP will explain the importance of IOWs for process safety management and guide users in how to establish and implement an IOW program for refining and petrochemical process facilities for the express purpose of avoiding unexpected equipment degradation that could lead to loss of containment.
• API RP 585 Pressure Equipment Integrity Incident Investigation: this RP will provide owner/users with guidelines and recommended practices for developing, implementing, sustaining, and enhancing an investigation program for mechanical integrity incidents.

We will provide additional updates as these new standards are released. Just be sure to subscribe to our weekly email newsletter to receive the weekly updates.

Were there any other major standards developments in 2013 that weren’t mentioned here? Feel free to leave a comment below and add your input.