Inspectioneering

API RP 572 - Inspection of Pressure Vessels

Explore this topic

API RP 572, Inspection of Pressure Vessels is a recommended practice developed and published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) that covers the inspection of pressure vessels, including those with a design pressure under 15 psig, and the standards for their construction and maintenance. In addition, API RP 572 also discusses, with relation to pressure vessels, the reasons for inspection, causes of deterioration, the frequency and methods of inspection, methods of repair, and preparation of records and reports. The document was originally published in 1992, with the most recent fifth edition published in November of 2023.

Whereas API 510 defines requirements and expectations for inspection of pressure vessels, this recommended practice is intended to supplement API 510 by providing practical knowledge on inspection practices to pressure vessel inspectors.It covers a large variety of topics related to the inspection of pressure vessels including safety precautions, thickness measurements, both internal and external inspections, and special methods of detecting mechanical damage. 

To be most effective, this recommended practice requires knowledge of other API standards and practices. Some of these standards include, but are not limited to:

It is also helpful to have a general familiarity with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII: Pressure Vessels when using API RP 572.

API RP 572 Contents

In addition to typical document sections such as Scope and Terms and Definitions, API RP 572 contains the following sections:

  • Introduction to Pressure Vessels: methods and materials of construction, internal components and equipment, uses of pressure vessels, and design/construction standards.
  • Reasons for Inspection: general, safety, reliability, and regulatory requirements.
  • Inspection Plans: inspection for specific types of damage, developing inspection plans, reviewing and updating inspection plans, and risk-based inspection.
  • Frequency and Extent of Inspection
  • Safety Precautions and Preparatory Work
  • Inspection Methods and Limitations: thickness measurements, external and internal inspections, special methods of detecting mechanical damage, metallurgical changes and in-situ metal analysis, and testing.
  • Condition Assessment and Repair: visual inspection, thickness measurements, remaining life, and methods of repair for pressure vessels and supporting equipment.
  • Records and Reports

The document also includes three informative annexes (“Exchangers,” “Towers,” and “Sample Record Forms”).

Related Topics

Relevant Links

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
Articles about API RP 572 - Inspection of Pressure Vessels
March/April 2025 Inspectioneering Journal

Part 3 of this series focuses on transformational improvement recommendations to include in the ICHR including future inspections, repairs, and replacements.

Authors: A.C. Gysbers
November/December 2020 Inspectioneering Journal

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.

Authors: John Reynolds
May/June 2020 Inspectioneering Journal

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.

Authors: John Reynolds
November/December 2019 Inspectioneering Journal

A summary of some of the important topics that were discussed at the API Fall Refining and Equipment Standards Meeting in Atlanta.

Authors: John Reynolds
May/June 2019 Inspectioneering Journal

A summary of some of the important topics that were discussed at the Spring Meeting, including the recently-held API Inspection and Mechanical Integrity Summit, subcommittee activities, and progress with the API Individual Certification Program.

Authors: John Reynolds
Partner Content

Companies have developed detailed programs for managing wide range of assets. However, unsustainability negatively impacts effectiveness of these programs. Reach out to us on how we can address sustainability through digital transformation.

Blog

UT couplant auto-ignition is a surprise event that puts the safety of inspectors at risk. In an effort to reduce occurrences, API SCIMI plans to address this issue by including new paragraphs in the upcoming rewrites of API RP 572 and API RP 574.

Authors: Gene Larson
January/February 2019 Inspectioneering Journal

This article provides a summary of the 2019 API Inspection & MI Summit keynote address, which offers a past, present, and future outlook on fixed equipment mechanical integrity from an industry professional with 50+ years of experience.

Authors: John Reynolds
Blog

The 2019 API Inspection and Mechanical Integrity Summit will be kicking off later this month in Galveston, TX. This four-day event will begin with 14 high level training courses offered Monday, January 28th, and then a top notch conference and...

Authors: John Reynolds
November/December 2018 Inspectioneering Journal

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.

Authors: John Reynolds
November/December 2016 Inspectioneering Journal

The Fall API Standards Meeting was incredibly productive and addressed, among other issues, the API Inspection Summit, balloting for the 11th edition of API 510, and improvements to the inspection section of each damage mechanism in API RP 571.

Authors: John Reynolds
Partner Content

Introducing the IGS Tube Tech rover system, the next generation in autonomous cleaning technology, capable of removing more than 90% of fouling and restoring your fired heater convection sections to their original design thermal efficiency.

May/June 2016 Inspectioneering Journal

This brief article contains updates and highlights related to the Subcommittee on Inspection (SCI) at the 2016 API Spring Refining Equipment and Standards Meeting.

Authors: John Reynolds
Blog

This article provides a summary of the Subcommittee on Inspection (SCI) discussions that occurred at the Fall 2015 API Refining Standards Meeting, including the Inspection Summit Planning Committee and the API ICP Task Group.

Authors: John Reynolds
Blog

This week’s post takes up right where last week’s post left off in our discussion on Corrosion Management and Control (CM&C) Management Systems.

Authors: John Reynolds
    News related to API RP 572 - Inspection of Pressure Vessels