API 570: What You Need to Know

Piping systems are designed with efficiency in mind. However, a poorly designed piping system can have a number of environmental impacts, including emission release and soil contamination. Improperly managed piping systems can also pose a safety risk for workers in the field. Fortunately, API 570 is one of several national codes dictating quality standards for piping systems. Read on to find out what you need to know about API 570.

API 570: What You Need to Know

What Is API?

Formed as a standards-setting organization in 1919, the American Petroleum Institute, or API, represents the North American natural gas and oil industry. Now, more than a century later, API has evolved to manage a set of 700 standards focused on gas and oil safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The API 570 is just one of these hundreds of standards, and it specifically applies to the safety and efficiency of piping systems.

What Is API 570?

API 570 refers to a certain American Petroleum Institute code – specifically, a code for in-service piping inspections. This code dictates standards for both the repair and the alteration of piping systems. Specifically, the code covers inspection, rating, repair, and alteration procedures for applicable piping systems. This code applies to metallic and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) piping systems, as well as any in-service pressure-relieving devices associated with the systems.

What Does the Standard Cover?

As mentioned above, this code traditionally applies to metallic and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) piping systems. In terms of materials, API 570 applies to piping systems involving process fluids, hydrocarbons, chemical products, natural gas, high-pressure gasses, and other flammable or toxic fluids. When the standard was first published in 1993, it was written for systems in the petroleum and chemical processing industries. However, this code can be applied to nearly any industry that uses piping systems to transport potentially hazardous materials. While API 570 does not cover certain specialty equipment, nor equipment that has been decommissioned, it does cover systems that may be temporarily out of service. The standard also does not cover the inspection of equipment using exchanger tubes or control valves.

API 570 Piping Inspector Certification

Inspectors play an important role in ensuring compliance with codes like this one. For that reason, API offers a 570 certification through the organization’s Individual Certification Program. In order to receive inspection certification, applicants must pass a two-part examination. Applicants must also demonstrate at least one year of experience supervising or performing API 570-applicable inspection activities. This requirement varies depending on an applicant’s level of post-secondary education. For example, the API’s standard currently specifies that applicants with “no formal education” can only apply to sit for the exam after acquiring five years of relevant industry experience. However, applicants holding a bachelor of science degree or higher need only have one year of relevant experience before sitting for the exams. Finally, like many other certification processes, this code requires regular recertification. In this case, pressure vessel inspectors are required to complete recertification every three years.

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API 570 compliance is just one scenario that may necessitate working with an environmental consultant. In cases like these, Environmental Works is the name to know. Our inspectors are equipped with the knowledge and equipment to perform complete tank, vessel, and piping inspections, including those compatible with API standards. We also offer a variety of training and education services to help you get your team up to speed.

Are you in need of further information on API 570? When you’re ready, you can contact EWI online or call 877-827-9500 for more information. We have in-house experts ready to help walk you through the specifics of your organization’s training and education needs. Our team can also work with you to develop an ongoing plan for your business to ensure ongoing environmental responsibility and compliance with industry codes like this one.