Each edition, revision, or addenda to this API standard becomes effective 6 months after the date of issuance for

equipment that is rerated, reconstructed, relocated, repaired, modified (altered), inspected, and tested per this
standard.
Generally, API standards are reviewed and revised, reaffirmed, or withdrawn at least every five years. A one-time
extension of up to two years may be added to this review cycle

The following classes of containers and pressure vessels are excluded from the specific requirements of this
inspection code:
6. A vessel for containing water under pressure, including vessels containing air, the compression of which serves
only as a cushion, when the following limitations are not exceeded:
a. A design pressure of 300 lbf/in.2 (2067.7 KPa).
b. A design temperature of 210F (99C).
7. A hot water supply storage tank heated by steam or any other indirect means when the following limitations are
not exceeded:
a. A heat input of 200,000 Btu/hr (211 108 J/hr).
b. A water temperature of 210F (99C).
c. A nominal water-containing capacity of 120 gal (455 L).
8. Vessels with an internal or external operating pressure not exceeding 15 lbf/in.2 (103.4 KPa) but with no
limitation on size.
9. Vessels with an inside diameter, width, height, or cross-section diagonal not exceeding 6 in. (15 cm) but with no
limitation on their length or pressure.
10. Pressure vessels for human occupancy.
a. Pressure vessels that do not exceed the following volumes and pressures:
1. Five ft3 (0.141 m3) in volume and 250 lbf/in.2 (1723.1 KPa) design pressure.
2. Three ft3 (0.08 m3) in volume and 350 lbf/in.2 (2410 KPa) design pressure.
3. One-and-one-half cubic feet (0.042 m3) in volume and 600 lbf/in.2 (4136.9 KPa) design pressure.

3.53 repair: The work necessary to restore a vessel to a condition suitable for safe operation at the design
conditions. If any of the restorative work results in a change to the design temperature, MDMT, or MAWP, the work
shall be considered an alteration and the requirements for rerating shall be satisfied. Any welding, cutting or
grinding operation on a pressure-containing component not specifically considered an alteration is considered a
repair.
3.2 alteration: A physical change in any component that has design implications that affect the pressure-
containing capability of a pressure vessel beyond the scope described in existing data reports. The following should
not be considered alterations: any comparable or duplicate replacement, the addition of any reinforced nozzle less
than or equal to the size of existing reinforced nozzles, and the addition of nozzles not requiring reinforcement.
3.56 rerating: A change in either the design temperature rating, the MDMT or the MAWP rating of a vessel. The
design temperature and maximum allowable working pressure of a vessel may be increased or decreased because of
a rerating. Derating below original design conditions is a permissible way to provide for additional corrosion
allowance.
3.59 temper embrittlement: The reduction in toughness due to a metallurgical change that can occur in some
low alloy steels, e.g. 2-1/4Cr-1Mo, as a result of long term exposure in the temperature range of about 650F
1100F (345C 595C).