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. The first edition of this RP was published in September of 1992. The most recent release was the fourth edition, published 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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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. |
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March/April 2018 Inspectioneering Journal
By Keith Lapeyrouse at Process Reliability Solutions
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 more relevant. |
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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. |
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July/August 2016 Inspectioneering Journal
By Grady Hatton at Versa Integrity Group, and Melissa Guerra at Chevron Products Company
Many plants inspect PRDs on preset intervals as recommended by inspection code API 510, and implement inspection practices such as API RP 576. Just seeking PRD compliance with codes and standards usually results in mediocre mechanical integrity and process safety. Companies must go further to climb the ladder to “excellence.” |
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May/June 2016 Inspectioneering Journal
By John Reynolds at Intertek
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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January 4, 2016 By John Reynolds at Intertek
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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March 30, 2015 By John Reynolds at Intertek
The 2015 API Spring Refining and Equipment Standards Meeting will be held at the Seattle Sheraton during the week of April 13-16, with plenty of interesting meetings for Inspectioneers. You do not need... |
