API 510 Repair and Alteration Standards — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What must be obtained before making repairs to a pressure vessel under API 510?
- Verbal approval only
- Authorization from the inspector and a detailed repair plan (Correct answer)
- Nothing - repairs can proceed immediately
- Insurance company approval only
Correct answer: Authorization from the inspector and a detailed repair plan
API 510 requires inspector authorization and a documented repair plan before any work begins on a pressure vessel.
Question 2: What distinguishes a repair from an alteration under API 510?
- They are the same thing
- A repair restores to original condition while an alteration changes design conditions (Correct answer)
- Cost is the only difference
- Location determines the classification
Correct answer: A repair restores to original condition while an alteration changes design conditions
A repair restores a vessel to its original design condition, while an alteration changes design parameters like pressure, temperature, or dimensions.
Question 3: Which welding code governs pressure vessel repairs?
- AWS D1.1
- ASME Section IX (Correct answer)
- API 1104
- AWS D1.5
Correct answer: ASME Section IX
ASME Section IX governs welding and brazing qualifications for pressure vessel and piping repairs and construction.
Question 4: What documentation is required after completing a pressure vessel repair?
- No documentation needed
- Complete repair records including materials, procedures, and test results (Correct answer)
- Verbal report only
- Photograph only
Correct answer: Complete repair records including materials, procedures, and test results
Complete documentation including materials used, procedures followed, welder qualifications, and test results creates a permanent repair record.
Question 5: When must post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) be performed after a repair?
- Never required for repairs
- When required by the original code of construction or when specified by the inspector (Correct answer)
- Only for new construction
- Only in cold weather
Correct answer: When required by the original code of construction or when specified by the inspector
PWHT is required when the original code of construction specifies it or when the inspector determines it is necessary for the repair.
Question 6: What is the role of the R stamp in pressure vessel repairs?
- It is decorative
- It indicates the repair organization holds a valid ASME Certificate of Authorization (Correct answer)
- It replaces inspection
- It is only for new vessels
Correct answer: It indicates the repair organization holds a valid ASME Certificate of Authorization
The R stamp certifies that the repair organization holds a valid National Board Certificate of Authorization for repairs and alterations.
API 510 Repair and Alteration Standards
What must be obtained before making repairs to a pressure vessel under API 510?