Inspection and Maintenance Flashcards
7 cards from real API practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Inspection and Maintenance flashcards as text
According to API 653, what is the minimum acceptable shell thickness for an atmospheric storage tank in service?
Answer: The calculated minimum thickness based on operating conditions
API 653 requires that the minimum acceptable shell thickness be the greater of the calculated minimum thickness based on operating conditions or 0.05 inches.
During an external inspection of a pressure vessel per API 510, which condition would most likely require immediate shutdown?
Answer: Bulging or distortion of the vessel wall
Bulging or distortion of a pressure vessel wall indicates plastic deformation and potential imminent failure, requiring immediate shutdown.
What does the term 'remaining life' mean in the context of API inspection standards?
Answer: Estimated time before equipment reaches its minimum allowable thickness
Remaining life is the estimated time before corrosion reduces the equipment thickness to its minimum allowable value, calculated using corrosion rate data.
Under API 570, which piping class typically requires the most frequent thickness measurements?
Answer: Class 1 — high-consequence piping carrying flammables or toxics
Class 1 piping, which handles highly flammable, toxic, or high-pressure services, requires the most frequent inspections due to the highest consequence of failure.
What is the primary purpose of a fitness-for-service (FFS) assessment per API 579?
Answer: To determine if equipment can continue operating safely with existing flaws
An FFS assessment evaluates whether equipment containing flaws or damage can continue to operate safely at its current or reduced operating conditions.
When calculating the half-life inspection interval under API 510, the interval should not exceed:
Answer: Half the remaining equipment life or 10 years for internal inspection, whichever is less
API 510 limits the inspection interval to the lesser of half the calculated remaining life or 10 years for internal inspections to ensure adequate safety margins.
Which API standard specifically governs inspection practices for atmospheric and low-pressure storage tanks?
Answer: API 653
API 653 covers inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of steel aboveground storage tanks built to API 650 or similar standards.