Fitness-for-Service Assessment (API 579)

Overview

When inspection finds corrosion, a crack or a dent in a vessel, pipe or tank, the plant faces a costly choice: repair or replace now, or keep the equipment running safely while the damage is monitored. Fitness-for-service assessment gives a structured, defensible basis for that decision. This course explains the methods of API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 and shows how they are applied in practice. Participants learn the three assessment levels, the data each one needs, and how to evaluate general and local metal loss, pitting, blisters and hydrogen damage, weld misalignment and shell distortion, crack-like flaws and creep damage. Remaining life, inspection plans and operating limits that follow from an assessment are covered in detail. The course focuses on Level 1 and Level 2 assessments that an inspection or integrity engineer can carry out, and on recognising when a Level 3 specialist assessment is needed.

Objectives

• Explain the FFS procedure and the three assessment levels
• Gather the inspection, design and operating data an assessment needs
• Assess general and local metal loss and pitting
• Evaluate blisters, laminations and hydrogen damage
• Assess dents, gouges and weld misalignment
• Screen crack-like flaws and recognise when Level 3 is required
• Determine remaining life, MAWP and re-inspection intervals

Who should attend

Training methodology

Each part of API 579 is introduced through a real damage case from a refinery or gas plant. Participants work through Level 1 and Level 2 calculations by hand and with a spreadsheet, using thickness grids, pit charts and crack data. Group discussions compare repair, replace and run options, including cost and risk. Every day ends with a short case where teams must reach and justify a decision. Participants leave with worked templates they can reuse at their own sites.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Certificate

Frequently asked questions