API RP 576 - Inspection of Pressure-Relieving Devices

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Overview of API RP 576 - Inspection of Pressure-Relieving Devices

API RP 576, Inspection of Pressure-Relieving Devices, is a recommended practice developed and published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) that describes inspection and repair practices for automatic pressure-relieving devices commonly used in the oil and petrochemical industries, and is intended to help ensure these devices perform properly. This RP was originally published in 1992, and the most recent 4th Edition was released in April of 2017.

The equipment specifically covered under API RP 576 includes things such as: pressure-relief valves, pilot-operated pressure-relief valves, rupture disks, and weight-loaded pressure-vacuum vents. API RP 576 explicitly excludes from its coverage any devices that are either manually operated, or depend on an external power source. This includes things such as weak seams or sections in tanks, explosion doors, fusible plugs, or control valves, among others. Moreover, this RP does not cover any inspections or tests performed at the manufacturer’s plants, which are primarily covered by codes or purchase specifications.

Another thing to note is that API RP 576 only covers the actual inspection and repair of automatic pressure-relieving devices, not the inspector qualification or inspection interval requirements. These requirements are laid out in API 510, Pressure Vessel Inspection Code: In-Service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration. Along with establishing standards for the in-service inspection, repair, alteration, and rerating activities for pressure vessels, this document also gives the requirements for a quality control system for such devices and establishes how to set up a training program for the same. This is the best way to ensure that inspectors and engineers are properly trained to implement API RP 576 at a facility.

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Articles about API RP 576 - Inspection of Pressure-Relieving Devices

Reynolds Wrap Up: Highlights from the API Subcommittee on Inspection and Mechanical Integrity (SCIMI) at the Fall 2020 Standards Meeting

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Inspection of Relief Devices per API RP 576

March/April 2018 Inspectioneering Journal

This article demonstrates the process of converting API RP 576, Inspection of Pressure-Relieving Devices, into a work process that is suitable for conversion into a job procedure. It also explores some lessons learned that will make the document...

Authors: Keith Lapeyrouse

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

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Reynold's Wrap Up: Highlights from the Subcommittee on Inspection Meeting at the Fall 2015 API Refining Standards Meeting

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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.

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