API RP 572-2016 PDF
Name in English:
St API RP 572-2016
Name in Russian:
Ст API RP 572-2016
Original standard API RP 572-2016 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
API RP 572-2016 — Inspection Practices for Pressure Vessels. A Recommended Practice from the American Petroleum Institute (API) that supplements API 510 by describing inspection practices for a wide range of pressure vessels used in petroleum refineries and chemical plants, including drums, heat exchangers, columns, reactors, air coolers and spheres.
Abstract
This RP provides guidance to pressure‑vessel inspectors on inspection planning, inspection intervals and extent, inspection methods (including NDE limitations), condition assessment and fitness‑for‑service considerations, repair methods and inspection of repairs, and record‑keeping and reporting practices. Annexes provide additional guidance for exchangers and towers.
General information
- Status: Superseded (2016 edition; later edition published — see FAQ).
- Publication date: December 1, 2016.
- Publisher: American Petroleum Institute (API).
- ICS / categories: 23.020.30 — Pressure vessels (Fluid storage devices / pressure vessels).
- Edition / version: 4th edition (2016).
- Number of pages: 154 pages (2016 edition, as published).
Key bibliographic details above are based on API publication records and standards cataloging for the 2016 edition.
Scope
Defines inspection practices for various types of pressure vessels used in hydrocarbon and chemical processing facilities. The RP supplements API 510 (in‑service inspection of pressure vessels) by expanding on inspection planning, preparatory work and safety, inspection methods and their limitations, condition assessment and recommended repair/verification practices, and record and report expectations. Informative annexes address exchangers and towers and provide sample record forms.
Key topics and requirements
- Inspection planning and development of inspection plans, including operational and process considerations.
- Recommended frequency and extent of inspections for different vessel types and damage mechanisms.
- Safety precautions and preparatory work required before entry/inspection activities.
- Overview of inspection methods (visual, thickness measurement, radiography, UT, eddy current, etc.) and their limitations.
- Condition assessment approaches and references to fitness‑for‑service evaluation and follow‑up actions.
- Repair techniques and inspection of repairs; pressure testing guidance.
- Record keeping, reporting formats and sample record forms (informative annexes).
- Annex material with practical notes for exchangers and towers.
Typical use and users
Used by pressure‑vessel inspectors, mechanical integrity engineers, inspection planners, plant operators, and organizations preparing for API 510 certification or conducting process‑safety and mechanical‑integrity assessments. It is a reference for inspection program development, risk‑based inspection scoping, and training for inspection personnel.
Related standards
Companion and related documents include API 510 (Pressure Vessel Inspection Code), API RP 574 (Inspection Practices for Piping System Components) alignment references, API RP 577 (welding and metallurgy), API RP 580 (Risk‑Based Inspection elements), ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (applicable construction and FFS references), and other API inspection and integrity documents. The 2016 edition also lists annex and normative references used for condition assessment and repair guidance.
Keywords
API RP 572, pressure vessels, inspection practices, inspection planning, inspection intervals, non‑destructive examination, fitness‑for‑service, repair inspection, exchangers, towers, API 510 companion, mechanical integrity.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: API RP 572-2016 is an API Recommended Practice titled "Inspection Practices for Pressure Vessels" that provides guidance and best practices for inspecting pressure vessels in refineries and chemical plants.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers inspection planning, inspection frequency and extent, safety and preparatory work, inspection methods and their limitations, condition assessment, repairs and inspection of repairs, pressure testing, and record‑keeping — with informative annexes for exchangers and towers.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Pressure‑vessel inspectors, inspection planners, mechanical integrity and reliability engineers, plant operations staff, and those studying for API 510 certification or implementing process safety / mechanical integrity programs.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: The 2016 (4th) edition is superseded by a later API RP 572 edition published in 2023 (5th edition). Users should confirm whether they need the 2016 text for historical/reference purposes or the 2023 edition for current practice and alignment with other updated API documents.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: Yes — RP 572 is part of API's suite of inspection and mechanical integrity Recommended Practices and standards and is used as a companion to API 510 (pressure vessel in‑service inspection) and is aligned with other API RPs (for piping, welding, RBI) and relevant ASME/FFS guidance.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Pressure vessels, inspection practices, inspection planning, API 510 companion, non‑destructive examination, fitness‑for‑service, mechanical integrity, exchangers, towers.