API 570-2016 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

API 570 — Piping Inspection Code: In‑service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems. This entry refers to the Fourth Edition (published February 1, 2016) including subsequent amendments and addenda up to 2023 (Addendum 1 — 2017; Addendum 2 — 2018; Errata 1 — April 2018; Addendum 3 — June 1, 2023). The code provides requirements, procedures and guidance for inspection, condition assessment, repair, alteration and rerating of metallic (and FRP where indicated) piping systems that are in service in refining, petrochemical and related industries.

Abstract

API 570 (2016, 4th Edition with addenda through 2023) establishes mandatory and recommended practices for developing and implementing in‑service inspection programs for process piping. It covers inspection planning and intervals, fitness‑for‑service concepts and assessment references, techniques for examination and testing, requirements for repairs/alterations and rerating, responsibilities of owner/user inspection organizations, recordkeeping and qualification of inspectors. The 2016 edition served as the industry reference until it was superseded by API 570 — 5th Edition (published February 1, 2024).

General information

• Status: Historical / superseded (replaced by API 570, 5th Edition, published February 1, 2024). Still referenced where specified by contracts or regulations; includes Addendum 3 (June 1, 2023) to the 2016 edition.
• Publication date: February 1, 2016 (Fourth Edition). Addenda: 2017, 2018, Errata April 2018, Addendum 3 — June 1, 2023.
• Publisher: American Petroleum Institute (API).
• ICS / categories: 23.040 (Pipeline components and pipelines) — related; 75.200 (Petroleum and natural gas handling equipment / petroleum technologies).
• Edition / version: Fourth edition (2016) with addenda; identified as API 570:2016 (historical). Current active edition is the 5th edition (2024).
• Number of pages: Approximately 88 pages (4th Edition core document).

Scope

API 570 applies to in‑service metallic piping systems and associated pressure‑relieving devices (PRDs) used in hydrocarbon and many chemical process services. It specifies inspection planning and execution, acceptable inspection methods, interval determination (including risk‑based approaches), evaluation and documentation of inspection results, and technical guidance for repairs, alterations and rerating of piping. The code excludes source inspection of newly fabricated pressure piping (other standards apply) and certain specialty tubing and equipment unless the owner elects to apply the code.

Key topics and requirements

• Inspection program structure: owner/user responsibilities, inspection organization qualification, and documentation requirements.
• Inspection intervals and extent: prescriptive intervals plus acceptance of risk‑based inspection (RBI) planning (references to API 580/581).
• Inspection and examination techniques: visual examination, thickness measurement, ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle, dye penetrant, radiography where applicable, and other NDE methods.
• Fitness‑for‑Service guidance: connection to API 579/ASME FFS procedures for assessing damage and remaining life.
• Repair, alteration and rerating procedures: technical requirements for planning and executing repairs and for establishing new allowable stresses/ratings after changes.
• Inspection data evaluation and recordkeeping: requirements for data collection, trend analysis, and long‑term records to support integrity management.
• Special topics: buried piping inspection, corrosion under insulation (CUI) considerations, inspection of flanged joints and valves, and PRD inspection considerations.
• Cross‑references: coordination with related API RPs and ASME piping codes for design, welding, and material verification.

Typical use and users

Primary users include plant inspection organizations, piping inspectors (including those seeking API 570 certification), owner/operators in refining, petrochemical and chemical processing facilities, maintenance and integrity engineers, inspection contractors, repair/maintenance organizations and regulatory compliance teams. The standard supports inspection program development, inspector training and certification, evaluation of in‑service damage, and justification for repair or rerating decisions.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside and cross‑referenced to: API RP 574 (Inspection Practices for Piping System Components), API RP 571 (Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment), API RP 578 (Material Verification), API RP 580/581 (Risk‑Based Inspection and RBI methodologies), API 579/ASME FFS‑1 (Fitness‑for‑Service), ASME B31.3 (Process Piping) and other API inspection and pressure equipment standards (API 510, API 653, etc.).

Keywords

piping inspection, in‑service inspection, repair, alteration, rerating, fitness‑for‑service, risk‑based inspection (RBI), corrosion, CUI, pressure‑relieving devices, inspection intervals, NDE, owner/user inspection organization.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: API 570 is the Piping Inspection Code that sets out practices and requirements for in‑service inspection, evaluation, repair, alteration and rerating of piping systems used in hydrocarbon and many chemical process services. The 2016 (4th) edition with addenda through 2023 is a historical edition; the code has since been updated (5th Edition published February 1, 2024).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers inspection program elements, inspection techniques and intervals, data evaluation, recordkeeping, repair and alteration procedures, rerating guidance, and roles/responsibilities of owner/user inspection organizations for in‑service piping and associated PRDs. It also recognizes RBI and fitness‑for‑service methodologies and refers to complementary API/ASME documents for detailed procedures.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Plant integrity and inspection engineers, maintenance and reliability teams, certified piping inspectors (API 570 candidates), inspection contractors, repair/pipefitting organizations, and regulators or auditors referencing accepted industry practice in refineries and process plants.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2016 (4th) edition with addenda (including Addendum 3, 2023) was superseded by API 570 — 5th Edition, published February 1, 2024. The 2016 document remains relevant where contractually or regulatorily specified, or for historical record, but new work and current compliance should reference the 5th edition unless otherwise directed.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. API 570 is part of API’s suite of inspection and integrity standards for fixed equipment and piping. It is intended to be used with companion documents such as API RP 574, API RP 571, API RP 578, API RP 580/581, API 579/ASME FFS‑1, and related ASME piping and pressure equipment codes.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Piping inspection, in‑service inspection, repair, alteration, rerating, fitness‑for‑service, risk‑based inspection, corrosion, NDE, pressure‑relieving devices, inspection intervals, owner/user inspection organization.