Piping External Visual Inspection Procedure

1.0 PURPOSE
This Piping Inspection Procedure outlines the requirements for the inspection,
testing, and maintenance of piping system components as established by
recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices. It provides
directions to determine the physical condition of the pipe in a piping circuit and to
identify signs of deterioration.
2.0 SCOPE
This procedure applies to above ground piping as defined by API 570, Piping
Inspection Code - Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Rerating of In-Service Piping
Systems, that is in, adjacent to, or connected to processes that contains toxic,
reactive, flammable, or explosive chemical as described in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119.
The following types of piping system components are included:
Pipe
Fittings
Flanges
Gaskets
Valves
Supports
3.0 RESPONSIBILITY
3.1 The data collector selects a piping circuit from the tracking list, which is not
marked complete in the datasheet column, gathers the data, and prepares the
Piping Data Sheets.
3.2 The API 570 Inspector is responsible for performing the external inspection of
piping according to this procedure, preparing the Inspection Report, and assisting
the Site Supervisor with the analysis of the results.
3.3 The Level II certified Technician is responsible for performing all required NDE
according to the NDE Inspection Procedures, preparing the NDE report, and
assisting the Site Supervisor with the analysis of the results.
3.4 The Site Supervisor is responsible for performing the final analysis of the
inspection results, managing the documentation after the activities have been
completed and nonconformances resolved, and sending all information to the Data
Entry Clerk and ACAD assigned person (if drawings were made or revised).
4.0 DEFINITIONS
Data sheet - a standard form for entering design and operating information about
an equipment item. A blank data sheet, which identifies the necessary data, is
included with each Inspection Procedures
Defect - An imperfection of a type or magnitude exceeding the acceptable criteria.
Deficiency - Any nonconformance, which must be corrected either now or later.
Deficiency Tracking Report - The periodic report, which gives the status of all
deficiency correction work orders, which have been entered into the Maintenance
Data Management System.
Indication - A response or evidence resulting from the application of a
nondestructive evaluation technique.
In-Service - Piping systems that have been placed in operation, as opposed to new
construction prior to being placed into service.
Inspection Procedure - Documents, which describe the method for developing
and carrying out Inspections specific to each type of equipment. An Inspection
Procedure gives the certified Inspector(s) the steps, information, and safety
requirements needed to perform the Inspection task
Maintenance Data Management System - The electronic system for managing
the Mechanical Integrity Program. It contains the data from the equipment files,
tracks scheduled activities, and correction of deficiencies.

Nonconformance - Any inspection activity result that either exceeds the

established acceptance criteria or has clearly changed from the last time the
inspection was performed.
Nonconformance Report - The report, which identifies inspection activity results,
which do not meet the acceptance criteria or have deviated from the prior activity.
These nonconformances require evaluation. This report is initiated by the
Inspector(s) who discovered the issue. The Mechanical Integrity Program Site
Supervisor reviews the report and issues it to the Host Company Representative for
evaluation.
Pipe - A pressure-tight cylinder used to convey a fluid or to transmit a fluid
Piping Circuit - A section of piping that has all points exposed to an environment
of similar corrosivity and that is of similar design conditions and construction
material. Complex process units or piping systems are divided into piping circuits to
manage the necessary inspections, calculations, and record keeping.
Piping Engineer - Individuals or organizations acceptable to the owner or user
who are knowledgeable and experienced in the engineering disciplines associated
with evaluating mechanical and material characteristics affecting the integrity and
reliability of piping components and systems.
Piping System - An assembly of interconnected piping that is subject to the same
set or sets of design conditions and is used to convey or otherwise affect fluid flows.
Piping systems also include pipe-supporting elements but not support structures.
5.0 PROCEDURE
5.1 Identify all the piping systems, which are covered by the Mechanical Integrity
System.
5.2 Gather the following documentation for the piping systems:
P&IDs
Piping specifications
Operating data
Piping isometric drawings if available
If piping data is unavailable or questionable, field measurements will be used to
verify the required information.
5.3 Divide the piping systems into piping circuits. Assign each piping circuit a
unique number that will be used for identification in the piping inspection program.
This circuit number should identify the location in the facility and the type of
process. The circuit should be in sequential number.
5.4 Prepare a Piping Data Sheet for each piping circuit. A sample data sheet is
shown in Attachment A.
5.5 Once the Piping Data Sheet is complete, the assigned Inspector will identify
potential problems with each piping circuit. The assigned Inspector will select the
appropriate inspection, test, and maintenance activities to be performed and
complete the Inspection and Testing Plan Worksheet.
5.6 The assigned Inspector will locate the circuit in the field and will observe all the
plant safety regulations and appropriate safe work practices. The Inspector will
have all the proper tools and equipment. An example of some of the special tools
and equipment necessary for the inspection are:
Thin-bladed knife
Pointed scraper
Flashlight
Inspection mirror
Steel rule
Wire brush
5.7 Use the Inspection and Testing Plan Worksheet to determine what needs to be
inspected. Use Attachment B inspection checklist to document the visual inspection.
Do not limit the inspection to the items listed on the checklist, but include other
inspections, which may be necessary because of the design or operation of the
piping circuit.

5.8 The assigned Inspector will correct the drawings and P&IDs during the
inspection activity and create new field sketches if there are none in the circuit
folder.
5.9 Recommend additional inspection as needed to define the condition of areas of
concern. Typical inspection techniques may include:
Ultrasonic testing
Liquid penetrant testing
Magnetic particle testing
Radiographic testing
5.10 Review the inspection activity results per the Code, standard, or acceptance
criteria and refer any nonconformances that require evaluation to the Site
Supervisor.
5.11 Send the completed inspection documentation results to the Site Supervisor
for review.
5.12 After the Site Supervisor reviews the results of the inspection, the
documentation will be sent to the Data Entry Clerk to enter the information into the
Maintenance Data Management System. The original inspection report with UT data
will be stored in the equipment files. The electronic copy of the inspection report
with UT data will be printed and also stored in the equipment file folder until each
inspection activity on the tracking list is signed off as complete.
5.13 The drawings from the circuit package will be given to the ACAD assigned
person, who will create or revise the drawing. The original drawings with UT data
will be stored in the equipment files. The electronic copy of the inspection report
with UT data will be printed and also stored in the equipment file folder until each
inspection activity on the tracking list is signed off as complete.
5.14 Once all the necessary work is completed for the selected piece of equipment,
the equipment file folder will be sent to the master file at the Host Company.
6.0 REFERENCES
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals
API 570 Piping Inspection Code Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Rerating of InService Piping Systems
ANSI/ASME B31.3 Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping
ANSI/ASME B31G Remaining Strength of Corroded Pipelines