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API RP 573 - Inspection of Fired Boilers and Heaters

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API RP 573, Inspection of Fired Boilers and Heaters, is a recommended practice published and developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API) that covers the inspection practices for fired boilers and process heaters (furnaces) used in petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants. This document, and the recommendations within, are intended to improve equipment reliability and plant safety. API RP 573 describes the operating variables which impact reliability to guarantee that the appropriate data is obtained via inspection, both on- and off-stream, to guarantee the current and future performance of the equipment. This RP was originally published in 2003, and the most recent 3rd Edition was released in October of 2013.

API RP 573 covers a variety of different topics related to boilers and heaters, including a list of common boiler and heater designs and types, mechanical integrity and reliability programs, and various topics related to inspection, such as the purpose of inspection and inspector qualifications. It also provides a list of damage mechanisms commonly affecting boiler and heater tubes along with other components.

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Articles about API RP 573 - Inspection of Fired Boilers and Heaters
Blog

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
Blog

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
March/April 2020 Inspectioneering Journal

Universally, smart or intelligent pigging is now a standard practice for the inspection of fired heater and serpentine boiler coils. Understanding this technology can greatly assist with maintenance planning and the prevention of unexpected failures.

Authors: Tim Haugen
Blog

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
Blog

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

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.

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
Blog

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
Blog

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
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
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