About
This eLearning course introduces participants to the API 579 / ASME FFS "Fitness- for-Service" Standard, focusing on evaluating the integrity and remaining life of tanks, pressure vessels, piping systems, and pipelines. It covers the principles of fitness-for-service, practical applications through case histories, and the 3-level evaluation process for various degradation mechanisms, including brittle fracture, general metal loss, and crack-like flaws. Participants will learn about the technical basis of the standard, its validity, and limitations.
Target Audience
Engineers, senior technicians, and system operators in oil and gas facilities.
You Will Learn
- Differentiate brittle vs. ductile fracture; describe DBTT, Charpy impact behavior, MAT/CET; summarize historical failures and lessons learned; identify risk factors for brittle fracture.
- Identify required design/inspection history; explain assessment Levels 1–3 and limitations; recognize when advanced (Level 3) fracture-mechanics evaluation is needed.
- Define GML, relevant components, temperature limits, and when GML procedures apply.
- Explain assessment steps, inputs, measurement spacing rules, minimum clearances, and interpretation of results.
- Compare Point Thickness Reading (PTR) vs. Critical Thickness Profile (CTP); describe coefficient of variation and use of FCA; interpret results under both methods.
- Describe Thickness vs. MAWP approaches, and rerating principles for continued service.
- Distinguish GML vs. LTA; define required inputs and notation; describe Level 1 assessment flow, RSF with Folias factor Mt, and acceptance criteria (RSF ≥ RSFa).
- Identify when metal-loss features must escalate to Levels 2–3 or be treated as crack-like flaws; understand weld adjacency, external loads, and geometric constraints.
- Outline crack formation and growth mechanisms; classify fracture modes; describe fracture toughness, COD, fatigue test use; interpret plastic-collapse vs. fracture limits via FAD.
- Follow reasoning from input data → assessment steps → disposition (pass / rerate / escalate); apply cautionary considerations and understand engineering options such as rerating and leak-before-break.