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API RP 578 - Material Verification for New and Existing Alloy Piping

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API RP 578, Material Verification for New and Existing Alloy Piping, is a recommended practice developed and published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) that provides the guidelines for a material and quality assurance system to verify that the nominal composition of alloy components within the pressure envelope of a piping system is consistent with the selected or specified construction materials to minimize the potential for catastrophic release of toxic or hazardous liquids or vapors. This RP was originally published in 1999, and the most recent 4th Edition was released in February of 2023.

API RP 578 provides the guidelines for material control and material verification programs on ferrous and nonferrous alloys during the construction, installation, maintenance, and inspection of new and existing process piping systems covered by the ASME B31.3 and API 570 piping codes. This recommended practice applies to metallic alloy materials purchased for use either directly by the owner/user or indirectly through vendors, fabricators, or contractors and includes the supply, fabrication, and erection of these materials. The RP also provides some guidelines for the verification of alloys during installation, maintenance, and inspection of new and existing piping.

See also: Positive Material Identification (PMI)

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