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Ap RP 572
Ap RP 572
Ap RP 572
1 Scope
This recommended practice (RP) covers the inspection of pressure vessels. It includes a description of the
various types of pressure vessels (including pressure vessels with a design pressure below 15 psi g)
4.3 Materials of Construction
Carbon steel is the most common material used to construct pressure vessels. For special purposes, a
suitable austenitic or ferritic alloy, Alloy 400, nickel. Titanium, high-nickel alloys or aluminum may be used.
Copper and copper alloys (except Alloys 400) are seldom used in refinery vessels but are common with
heat exchanger tubes and may be found in petrochemical plant vessels.
Tubes for exchanger bundles may be a variety of materials. Where water is used as a cooling or condensing
medium, they are generally made of copper based alloys or steel.
Tube sheets for exchanger bundles are made of a variety of materials. Where water is the cooling or
condensing medium, they are usually made of admiralty brass or steel, but
8.1 Safety Precautions
On occasion, it may be desirable to enter a vessel before it has been property cleaned to search for internal
causes of poor operation. In this case, the inspector should exercise the special precautions and utilize
additional personal protec1lve equipment (I.e. breathing air) for such entry as given In API 2217 A.
9 Inspection Methods and Limitations
Wire brushing, sandblasting, high-pressure water blasting, chipping, grinding, or a combination of these
operations may be required In addition to routine cleaning.
9.2 Thickness Measurements
UT instruments are now the primary means of obtaining thickness measurements on equipment
Magnetic flux scanning techniques are also available which provide a fast qualitative technique for the
detection of corrosion losses on large surface areas for vessels up to 0.5 In. (1.3 cm) wall thickness.
A possible strategy for vessels with general (I.e. uniform) corrosion is to divide the vessel into its major
design sections (Le. shell. head, and nozzles) and identify at least one measurement location for each
design item
9.3.3 Foundations and Supports
Records of settlement should be maintained on vessels known to be settling.
Measurements should be taken until the settlement stops. Vessels supported on long concrete slabs or
on two or more separate foundations are more likely to undergo uneven settlement
9.3.8 Guy Wires
AUT inspection is typically necessary to scan the entire length of guy wires for condition and proper
loading.
The dips should be spaced at least six rope diameters apart to insure maximum holding power.