API 510 Pressure Vessel Internal Inspection
API 510 Pressure Vessel Internal Inspection
(OP)
API 510 says that an external inspection may be acceptable when size, configuration or lack of access makes vessel entry for internal inspection physically impossible.
This may be a silly question, but having never seen an internal inspection, how much access is required? Does someone physically have to fit inside? What testing is required for an internal inspection?
This may be a silly question, but having never seen an internal inspection, how much access is required? Does someone physically have to fit inside? What testing is required for an internal inspection?





RE: API 510 Pressure Vessel Internal Inspection
Yes, you need access to 100% of the interior. This may require internal scaffolding.
UT thickness measurements are required to determine the corrosion-rate. Although these measurements may be taken externally, most process vessels are insulated and it is cost effective in many cases to obtain thickness measurements on the interior so that insulation may remain in place. Only sample areas of insulation are removed around nozzles and suspect areas to verify interior measurements and check for under insulation corrosion.
RE: API 510 Pressure Vessel Internal Inspection
RE: API 510 Pressure Vessel Internal Inspection
At the discretion of the authorized pressure vessel inspector, on-stream inspection may be substitued for internal inspection in the following situations:
a. When size, configuration, or lack of access make vessel entry for internal inspection physically impossible.
b. ------
Yes, authorized pressure vessel inspectors, maintenance persons, and related persons completely get inside of the vessels.
RE: API 510 Pressure Vessel Internal Inspection