MODULE 1.A.

2 API 574 FAMILIARISATION

API 574 FAMILIARITY, CONTENT AND TERMINOLOGY Module Reference: Distance learning 1.A.2 Primary purpose of To take the first steps in becoming familiar with the this module layout and contents of API 574 Secondary purpose To understand some of the specific technical content of this module that forms the backbone of API 574 Suggested learning 3 hrs time API 574/570:2009 Editions Documents needed Self-test papers included 2 x 5 questions + 1 x 10 questions

MODULE INTRODUCTION This module is about learning to become familiar with the layout and contents of API 574.It is a code that is strongly linked to API 570 and, in some areas, contains some of the same information that appears in API 570.We saw in the previous module how this linking of codes is a feature of the API/ASME approach to plant inspection (and the API certification exams) API 574 is divided into 12 sections (sections 1 to 12) and one single-page Annex. The body of the text (i.e. sections 1 12) contain a large number of tables and figures; mainly sketches of piping components, interspersed with a few tables about pipe schedule wall thicknesses etc. The API 570 examination syllabus requires candidates to have knowledge of sections effectively all of the 12 sections. Hence API 574 is seen as a general piping knowledge part of the API 570 certification syllabus. Fortunately, understanding the 12 sections is not as difficult as it first appears. In layout, API 574 is a heavily unbalanced code i.e. a few sections (particularly section 10 covering inspection procedures) are quite long, up to 27 pages, while most of them (sections 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 9,) are each only a few pages long. In practice, sections 1, 2 and 3 are little more than preliminaries to the code and dont contain much new information.

We will approach API 574 from a section-by-section viewpoint, to build a general understanding of its content. The method of doing this will be to combine reading of important sections of the document and then attempting questions on the content.

API 570 online 1.A.2 updated July 2010

FIRST STEP

Ppt1 Click here

Review this powerpoint presentation reminding you how API 574 works together with other codes and where it is referenced from API 570
Re-run the presentation as required, until youve got a good idea about how API 570 and API 574 cross-reference each other and how they contain similar and related technical requirements.

NEXT STEP First review the contents/index page of API 574 noting broadly what is in it. Note the main sections that we are interested in; sections 4 to 12. Next, read through the document once, trying to get a feel for its content, rather than understanding it all. As you read, note particularly the following areas:
Q1.In section 4.1: Piping; note the system for defining pipe sizes and tolerances. It is guaranteed you will need to use these in the API 570 exam Q2. In section 7 :Inspection Plans; note the inspection locations listed in section 7.4.Note how these are the same as those shown in API 570 but with a couple of additional ones added.

Q3.Note the breakdown of content of section 10: Inspection procedures. This is a long chapter, containing quite a lot of general inspection information. Check it through carefully, marking any areas that you dont think you could recall from your existing inspection experience.

API 570 online 1.A.2 updated July 2010

AND THEN
Read each of the following sections again, one at a time and try the five following sets of starter questions associated with each (click the relevant QS arrow). Treat them as closed-book questions, and keep repeating them until you get them all correct

API 574 Section 4: PIPING COMPONENTS Read through API 574 section 4 paying particular attention to the following topics: How pipe sizes and wall thicknesses are defined. In section 4.1,look at table 1, table 2 (for stainless steel pipe) and table 3 on tolerances The different types of valves in section 4.3.You need be able to recognise them, not draw them.

The flanges and fittings in figures 9,12 and 13.These are important as they are covered by many of the data tables in ASME B16.5

Once you feel that you have absorbed the subject matter, try the starter questions in QS1
QS1
Q1

API 574 Section 7: INSPECTION PLANS Read through API 574 section 7 paying particular attention to the following topics: The use of corrosion circuits to help manage the inspections, calculations and record keeping relating to piping inspection. Section 7.3.3 identifies various parameters that can be considered when identifying corrosion circuits. The 15 areas/locations of degradation listed in section 7.4.Remember that many of them are repeats from a similar list in API 570.The last one in the list (o)dew-point corrosion has just been added in this latest edition of API 570. The content of fig 17,which shows TMLs (new terminology is CMLs remember)marked-up on a piping circuit diagram and section 7.4.1 about the inspection of injection points

API 570 online 1.A.2 updated July 2010

Once you feel that you have absorbed the subject matter, try the starter questions in QS2

QS2 click here

API 574 Section 10: INSPECTION PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES Read through API 574 section 10 paying particular attention to the following topics: Thickness measurements: Section 10.2.Concentrate on the explanations of the limitations of UT various thickness measurement techniques. This section has been significantly expanded in the new edition of the code and now contains quite a lot of technical detail. This makes it useful source material for exam questions. Radiographic inspection: Section 10.2.2. This gives a brief summary of the types of RT techniques that can be useful in piping inspection. There is a degree of overlap with the content of ASME V, but it is a more simplified version. Pressure tests: Section 10.5.2,which explains the reason for pressure testing and some of its limitations Once you feel that you have absorbed the subject matter, try the 10 starter questions in QS3

QS3 click here

API 570 online 1.A.2 updated July 2010