Integripedia Topic
API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 - Fitness-For-Service (FFS)
API 579-1/ASME FFS-1, Fitness-For-Service, Third Edition, is a standard developed and published jointly by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and ASME. It describes several fitness-for-service (FFS) assessment techniques that help ensure the safe and reliable operation of pressurized equipment used in oil & gas, petrochemical, and chemical facilities. The latest edition was published in June of 2016.
API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 provides procedures for performing proper fitness-for-service assessments and/or rerating of equipment that is designed and constructed to recognized codes and standards. This standard contains numerous sections on assessment procedures for calculating the impact of damage mechanisms such as brittle fracture, general metal loss and local metal loss, pitting corrosion, blisters and laminations, weld misalignment and shell distortion, crack-like flaws, creep damage, and fire damage.
This standard has procedures for evaluating several different types of equipment (pressure vessels, piping, and tankage) that may contain flaws or damage. These include the evaluation and rerating of pressure vessels designed based on the the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, and piping systems that were constructed to either the ASME B31.3 Piping Code or those constructed under API 650 and 620, along with pressure containing equipment constructed to any other codes that are recognized in the publication.
It covers both the present integrity of the component, given a current state of damage, and the projected remaining life. Qualitative and quantitative guidance for establishing remaining life and in-service margins for continued operation of equipment are provided in regards to future operating conditions and environmental compatibility. The procedures are not intended to provide a definitive guideline for every possible situation that may be encountered. However, flexibility is provided to the user in the form of an advanced assessment level to handle uncommon situations that may require a more detailed analysis.
API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 also has appendices on several other important topics, such as equations for determining MAWP, thickness, and stress in components, methods of stress analysis for Level 2 and Level 3 FFS assessments, a compendium of stress intensity solutions, guidance on material properties, failure modes and damage mechanisms, validation of assessment procedures, and information on submitting technical inquiries to API, among other things.
Related Topics
- API 560 - Fired Heaters for General Refinery Service
- API 594 - Check Valves: Flanged, Lug, Wafer, and Butt-Welding
- API 620 - Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks
- API 650 - Welded Tanks for Oil Storage
- API 660 - Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers
- API 661 - Petroleum, Petrochemical, and Natural Gas Industries Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers
- API RP 1173 - Pipeline Safety Management Systems
- API RP 1176 - Assessment and Management of Cracking in Pipelines
- API RP 538 - Industrial Fired Boilers for General Refinery and Petrochemical Service
- API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry
- API RP 576 - Inspection of Pressure-Relieving Devices
- API RP 580 - Risk Based Inspection (RBI)
- API RP 581 - Risk Based Inspection Technology
- API RP 75 - Developing a Safety and Environmental Management Program for Offshore Operations
- API RP 751 - Safe Operation of Hydrofluoric Acid Alkylation Units
- API RP 939-C - Guidelines for Avoiding Sulfidation (Sulfidic) Corrosion Failures in Oil Refineries
- API RP 941 - Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures
- API RP 970 - Corrosion Control Documents
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Topic Tools
Share this Topic
Contribute to Definition
We welcome updates to this Integripedia definition from the Inspectioneering community. Click the link below to submit any recommended changes for Inspectioneering's team of editors to review.
Contribute to Definition-
May/June 2021 Inspectioneering JournalBy Phillip E. Prueter at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.
In this article, FFS assessment methods are summarized and practical guidance is offered for qualifying CUI damage on carbon and low-alloy steels.
-
March/April 2021 Inspectioneering JournalBy Dr. Rob Kulka at TWI Ltd
Globally accepted FFS procedures for non-metallic components, such as reinforced thermoplastic pipes, do not exist. There may be opportunity in adapting existing procedures for metallic components and their damage mechanisms to composite components.
-
March/April 2021 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
FFS assessments usually originate from inspection results and often end with a recommended inspection plan. This FFS Forum tries to provide a little better understanding of one particular inspection method: Acoustic Emission Testing.
-
FFS Forum: Using Fracture Mechanics to Lower Risk and Improve Plant Reliability - Part 3, Practical ApplicationsJanuary/February 2021 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
The first two parts of this series covered the basics of fracture mechanics and how the FAD is interpreted. This article touches on a few practical points regarding the application of fracture mechanics in a plant environment.
-
November/December 2020 Inspectioneering JournalBy Phillip E. Prueter at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.
Conventionally, three primary fatigue analysis methods have been used to estimate fatigue life; these are the stress-life (S-N) approach, the strain-life (ε-N) approach, and the fracture mechanics (crack growth) approach.
-
Partner Content
Our proprietary furnace tube inspection system, FTIS is an ultrasonic inspection technology capable of rapid, automated fired heater coil inspection in refinery fired heaters. The data captured by our furnace tube inspection system is...
-
FFS Forum: Using Fracture Mechanics to Lower Risk and Improve Plant Reliability - Part 2, A Closer Look at the FADNovember/December 2020 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
Every fitness-for-service (FFS) assessment must have a well-defined acceptance criterion. For many damage mechanisms, it’s the “remaining strength factor” (RSF). But for crack-like flaw assessment, it’s the Failure Assessment Diagram, or FAD.
-
BlogDecember 29, 2020 By John Reynolds at Intertek
A summary of some of the important topics that were discussed at the API Fall 2020 Refining and Equipment Standards Meeting that was held via virtual conferencing.
-
FFS Forum: Using Fracture Mechanics to Lower Risk and Improve Plant Reliability - Part 1, Introduction to Fracture MechanicsSeptember/October 2020 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
Fracture mechanics is a branch of engineering that describes the behavior of cracks – how they grow and when they fracture. Fracture of cracks is particularly dangerous because it can happen without warning under normal operating conditions.
-
July/August 2020 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
Assessment procedures in API 579 are organized by damage mechanism. But what happens when different damage mechanisms are in play since the evaluation criteria may not be compatible?
-
May/June 2020 Inspectioneering JournalBy Phillip E. Prueter at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc., Brian R. Macejko, P.E. at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc., and Seetha Ramudu Kummari, Ph.D., P.E. at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.
This article provides an overview of brittle fracture, details on several industry failures, and a summary of deficiencies and concerns with current published methods for screening susceptibility of equipment to potential brittle fracture failures.
-
Partner Content
LOTIS utilizes laser profilometry to conduct internal steam reformer tube inspections. The data captured by LOTIS is exceptionally powerful when combined with our LifeQuest™ remaining life assessment capabilities, providing an integrated...
-
May/June 2020 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
There are many places where brittle fracture risk can sneak into your plant and many reasons why a new or revised brittle fracture assessment may be required when reviewing your pressure systems. Don’t overlook this dangerous failure mechanism.
-
BlogJune 25, 2020 By John Reynolds at Intertek
A summary of some of the important topics that were discussed at the API Spring Refining and Equipment Standards Meeting that was held via virtual conferencing.
-
March/April 2020 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
FMR is a useful tool in many situations. It allows nondestructive evaluation of the surface microstructure that is entirely adequate in many cases. However, it is not a panacea, and there are many conditions where it is inadequate.
-
January/February 2020 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
There are many sources and occurrences of metal fatigue in the chemical and refining industries. They range from low-cycle thermal stresses in an FCCU, to the relentless pressure cycling of a PSA, to the ultra-high cycles of a rotating pump.
-
BlogDecember 26, 2019 By John Reynolds at Intertek
A summary of some of the important topics that were discussed at the API Fall Refining and Equipment Standards Meeting in Atlanta.
-
November/December 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
A cornerstone of Level 1 and 2 metal loss assessment methods in API 579 is the concept of measuring thickness on a grid and constructing a “critical thickness profile.” These concepts are fundamental to Level 1 & 2 assessments in both Parts 4...
-
September/October 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
MSDs are an important, but often misunderstood, element of FFS analyses. This column will help readers understand what an MSD is and why it is so important to Fitness-For-Service analysis under API 579.
-
FFS Forum: Creep in Heater Tubes and Other Components – Part II: Strategies for Evaluating & Managing Remaining LifeJuly/August 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
This is the second of a two-part column on “Creep.” This second part discusses the approach to creep assessment in plant equipment.
-
BlogAugust 20, 2019 By John E. Bringas, P.Eng. at Codes and Standards Training Institute (CASTI), and Kimberley Meszaros, P.Eng. at Codes and Standards Training Institute (CASTI)
This blog article provides examples on addressing widely scattered pitting through the performance of a fitness-for-service assessment using the three conditions set out in the API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspection Code.
-
May/June 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
This is the first of a two-part column on “Creep”. It presents an engineering overview of the phenomena, answers the question: “What is Creep?”, and provides readers with foundational knowledge for evaluating and managing remaining...
-
March/April 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
Brittle fracture and material toughness issues are important concerns in equipment design and FFS. These issues increase when temporary start-up and shutdown conditions require more detailed assessments than provided for in vessel and piping codes.
-
January/February 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
The distinction between primary and secondary loads is certainly important in analysis of pressure systems. But this distinction is also important for plant operations and reliability engineers to keep in mind when dealing with day-to-day problems.
-
January/February 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy Houssam Sabry at ADNOC LNG, and Asad Ali at ADNOC LNG
An effective RBI system implementation results in, not only safeguarding your assets & people, but can also reduce unnecessary inspection activities that may be required due to conventional & nonsystematic approaches.
-
November/December 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
In this edition of the FFS Forum, Greg addresses some issues associated with inspection of vessels that have been in service for a number of decades, and offers some tips for reliability and inspection to follow when inspecting these older vessels.
-
Reynolds Wrap Up: Highlights from the API Subcommittee on Inspection and Mechanical Integrity (SCIMI) Meetings at the Fall 2018 API Standards MeetingBlogDecember 27, 2018 By John Reynolds at Intertek
A quick summary of some of the important topics that were discussed at the Fall Meeting, including the upcoming API Inspection and Mechanical Integrity Summit, subcommittee activities, and progress with the API Individual Certification Program.
-
September/October 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
In this column, I touch on what I see as an underused FFS technique for corrosion assessment: point assessment of corrosion – a technique that does NOT require a thickness grid. The reason I find this technique useful is largely because it’s...
-
July/August 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Garic at Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
API 579-1 is a complex document covering several different types of equipment that may contain flaws or damage. Due to its complexity, this article condenses it into six things you need to know.
-
May/June 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Dhananjay H. Rawal at Systech Consultancy Services
This article details the experience an oil company had when using FEA to evaluate the implications of a damaged pipeline. Specifically, it presents an efficient method that combines analytical techniques with FEA to determine the pipeline’s...
-
Developing a Fitness for Service Approach for Reduced Toughness Carbon Steel Piping, Flanges & FittingsMay/June 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Ralph E. King P.E. at Stress Engineering Services Inc., John Norris, P.E. at Stress Engineering Services, Dr. Kannan Subramanian, Ph. D., P.E. at Stress Engineering Services Inc., and Daniel Ayewah, P.E. at Stress Engineering Services Inc.
There is concern in the industry over recent findings of reduced toughness fittings and flanges at risk of brittle fracture. This article provides an overview; possible contributors; measures taken to address; and a proposed FFS approach to address...
-
January/February 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Phillip E. Prueter at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.
Given the concern throughout industry regarding the potential for brittle fracture failures, PWHT guidance to address potential issues arising from the recent changes in PWHT code requirements for carbon steel is examined in this article, and...
-
Partner Content
In this interim report, Pinnacle analysts take data from the oil refining industry and dive into how that key sector is being affected by reliability today. Download your free copy!
-
November/December 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy James R. Widrig at Quest Integrity
In-service equipment failures present a considerable challenge to reliability engineers. This article presents a case study of a convection tube failure in a furnace and the analyses that were performed to understand the root cause and determine the...
-
My Pipes are Corroding! When Should I Repair? Getting the Answers You Need for Maintaining Pipeline IntegrityNovember/December 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Michael Turnquist at Quest Integrity Group
This article exhibits how modern inspection methodologies combined with innovative computational analysis practices demonstrate the value of conducting fitness-for-service (FFS) assessments on sectional piping.
-
July/August 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Mark Geisenhoff at Flint Hills Resources, Jonathan D. Dobis at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc., Phillip E. Prueter at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc., and Dr. Michael S. Cayard at Flint Hills Resources
This article summarizes a recent finite element analysis (FEA)-based study that employs creep simulation techniques to investigate the elevated temperature response of piping with peaked longitudinal weld seams.
-
July/August 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Asset managers need to know when repairs and replacement are required for many reasons, including safe operation, accurate budgeting, replacement planning, and on-going reliability. When predicting design life based on a simple, linear corrosion...
-
BlogJanuary 5, 2015 By Jeremiah Wooten at Inspectioneering, LLC.
There are numerous benefits to adding fitness-for-service (FFS) assessments to energy sector reliability projects. The acceptance of API 579/ASME FFS-1 is increasing across the energy sector and other industries, as these benefits have been...
-
November/December 2013 Inspectioneering JournalBy Michael Turnquist at Quest Integrity Group
While there are many types of damage mechanisms that can occur in a piece of equipment, localized metal loss is one of the most common. If an inspection reveals that metal loss has occurred, many questions are raised...
-
November/December 2013 Inspectioneering JournalBy Ralph E. King P.E. at Stress Engineering Services Inc.
Auto-refrigeration is a process where an unintentional and/or uncontrolled phase change of a hydrocarbon from a liquid state to a vapor occurs, resulting in a very rapid chilling (refrigeration) of the liquid containing local equipment and/or...
-
September/October 2013 Inspectioneering JournalBy Joe Pikas at Technical Toolboxes
Even though oil and gas pipelines and their related facilities are generally safer for people and the environment compared to other means of transportation, occasional leaks and failures due to corrosion and other defects have become an issue in...
-
September/October 2007 Inspectioneering Journal
The assessment procedures in this Standard can be used for Fitness-For-Service assessments and/or re-rating of equipment designed and constructed to recognized codes and standards, including international and internal corporate standards.
-
September/October 2007 Inspectioneering Journal
The assessment procedures in this Standard can be used for Fitness-For-Service assessments and/or re-rating of equipment designed and constructed to recognized codes and standards, including international and internal corporate standards.
-
September/October 2007 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
In May of this year, a workshop was presented at the annual NPRA Reliability and Maintenance Conference at the George R. Brown CC in Houston. This article is a reader’s digest summary of what was presented at that workshop by the four...
-
July/August 2005 Inspectioneering JournalBy Jonathan D. Dobis at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc., and David N. French
This bulletin is part of a series of WRC Bulletins that contain the technical background and other information to evaluate damage mechanisms in various industries to facilitate the use of API 579. These bulletins, shown below, will be updated based...
-
May/June 2005 Inspectioneering JournalBy Bob Stakenborghs, P.E. at Evisive Inc.
API is preparing to release the next edition of API 579 Fitness-For-Service (FFS) the first quarter of 2006. The many major enhancements that have been made to the next edition of API 579 will permit Owner-Users to evaluate new types of damage...
-
May/June 2002 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal, and C.P. Hsiao
We have discussed various factors that can affect the reliability of NDE techniques (i.e., probability of detection - POD and sizing accuracy) in Part 1. In general, it is difficult to quantify these uncertainties. In fact, it is impossible to fully...
-
The Future Direction of API RP579 and its Relationship with other API Codes and Recommended PracticesMarch/April 2000 Inspectioneering JournalBy Gerrit Buchheim, P.E. at Becht
The release of API RP579 will bring about some changes to other existing API standards. The plan is to offer an integrated suite of API standards, where information is presented once and the other documents refer and are linked to that information.
Quest Integrity is a global leader in the development and delivery of asset integrity and reliability management services. Our integrated solutions consist of technology-enabled, advanced inspection and engineering assessment services and products that help organizations in the pipeline, refining, chemical, syngas and power industries improve operational planning, increase profitability, and reduce operational and safety risks.
Quest Integrity is a global leader in the development and delivery of asset integrity and reliability management services. Our integrated solutions consist of technology-enabled, advanced inspection and engineering assessment services and products that help organizations in the pipeline, refining, chemical, syngas and power industries improve operational planning, increase profitability, and reduce operational and safety risks.
Pro-Surve Technical & subsidiaries ProSource Radiography & Walzel Technincal Services are a NDT, integrated inspection, reliability engineering, Data management and project controls service provider assisting clients across CapEx/OpEx budgeted projects processes. We concentrate on solutions provided by the integration of engineering and inspection.
Pro-Surve Technical & subsidiaries ProSource Radiography & Walzel Technincal Services are a NDT, integrated inspection, reliability engineering, Data management and project controls service provider assisting clients across CapEx/OpEx budgeted projects processes. We concentrate on solutions provided by the integration of engineering and inspection.
E²G is a technology driven company that solves engineering problems. Our consulting services & proprietary software are focused on finding answers to challenging industry problems for new & aging equipment, while promoting safety, preventing future failures, reducing downtime, maximizing reliability, & minimizing damage.
E²G is a technology driven company that solves engineering problems. Our consulting services & proprietary software are focused on finding answers to challenging industry problems for new & aging equipment, while promoting safety, preventing future failures, reducing downtime, maximizing reliability, & minimizing damage.
Stress Engineering Services is an independent, employee-owned consulting engineering firm committed to engineering problem solving. With years of experience in refineries, power stations, chemical plants and pipelines, our focus is on providing engineering solutions to improve plant and refinery on-stream efficiency, safety, and reliability.
Stress Engineering Services is an independent, employee-owned consulting engineering firm committed to engineering problem solving. With years of experience in refineries, power stations, chemical plants and pipelines, our focus is on providing engineering solutions to improve plant and refinery on-stream efficiency, safety, and reliability.
Becht provides comprehensive and technically excellent engineering consulting, and project and turnaround management services to the energy, industrial gas & chemicals sectors, worldwide.
Becht provides comprehensive and technically excellent engineering consulting, and project and turnaround management services to the energy, industrial gas & chemicals sectors, worldwide.
-
Sponsored eBook
This eBook is intended to give the uninitiated user a good general overview of the concepts and approach to Fitness-For-Service that represent the current “Best Practice.”
Inspectioneering Journal
Explore over 20 years of articles written by our team of subject matter experts.
Company Directory
Find relevant products, services, and technologies.
Talent Solutions
Discover job opportunities that match your skillset.
Case Studies
Learn from the experience of others in the industry.
Integripedia
Inspectioneering's index of mechanical integrity topics – built by you.
Industry News
Stay up-to-date with the latest inspection and asset integrity management news.
Blog
Read short articles and insights authored by industry experts.
Expert Interviews
Inspectioneering's archive of interviews with industry subject matter experts.
Event Calendar
Find upcoming conferences, training sessions, online events, and more.
Downloads
Downloadable eBooks, Asset Intelligence Reports, checklists, white papers, and more.
Videos
Watch educational and informative videos directly related to your profession.