API 570 (FEB 2016) Exam

NOTES:
CLOSED BOOK (C.B), OPEN BOOK (O.B) -
The following questions are the combination of 3 tests for 3 individuals -
Almost 90% of CLOSED BOOK Exam questions from API 570 -
Piping Classes, Table 2&3 in API 570 are ESSENTIAL PARTS in the Exam -
A LOT of questions came from 2012 Exam (Listed Below) -

QUESTIONS:
(C.B)

# Which of the following is not a required marking on a B-16.5 flanged fitting?

Temperature range.

# Thickness measurement location (TML) readings a piping system indicate that

the corrosion rate has increased. The inspector’s most appropriate response is
to: Recalculate the piping circuit average corrosion rate.

# What is the cause for rejection of the “B” image on a film due to excessive
backscatter? A light image.

# Which of the following valves would make “pigging” impossible? Globe.

# Which of the following materials should be hydro tested with potable water or
steam condensate? 300 series stainless steel.

# An imperfection of a type or magnitude exceeding the acceptable criteria is

known as a/an: Defect.

# After each inspection or significant change in operating conditions, the:

Inspection intervals must be reviewed and adjusted as necessary.

# After welding is completed, a pressure test should be performed if it is

practicle and deemed necessary by the: Inspector.

# When performing liquid –penetrant examination of stainless-steel weld

joints, which of the following is correct for verifying acceptable penetrant
materials? Verify the certifications of penetrant and developer materials for
chlorine or fluorine content.

# In –service ultrasonic testing measurements at the thickness measurement

location(TML) points indicate thinning in the heat-affected zone of an elbow-to-
weld neck flange on an NPS 30 (DN 750) vapor line. What is the best method to
determine the extent of deterioration during the next scheduled downtime?
Internal inspection.

# Records of the welding procedures and welder qualifications used during a

repair shall be maintained by the: Repair organization.

# For class 1 piping the risk – based inspection (rbi ) assessment should be
reviewed and and approved at intervals not to exceed : 5 years
# A welding procedure specification (WPS) is selected for a repair on cold
service piping. Impact testing of the weldment is required. Which of the
following is /are required on the WPS? All essential,non essential, and
supplementary variables.

# If an area of piping is observed to be deteriorating:

The piping downstream and upstream of this area, along with the associated
equipment, should also be inspected.

# Of four measurements taken , thickness of 0.180 inch (4.5 mm) , 0.200 inch
(5.1 mm) , 0.210 inch ( 5.3 mm) , and 0.230 inch (5.8 mm) were obtained within
an area of a test point . The thicknesses that may be used to calculate the
corrosion rate could be either: 0.180 inch (4.6 mm) or 0.205 inch ( 5.2 mm).
# Long –term and short –term corrosion rates should be compared in order to:
Determine the shortest remaining life.

(O.B)

# To verify continuous corrosion control of poorly coated pipes where coated

protection potentials are inconsistent , aclose-interval potential survey may be
conducted every : 5 years.

# the rate of corrosion under insulation will usually not be increased by

insulation systems that Are made of closed-cell foam glass.

# The number of thickness measurement locations (TMLs ) required on high-

temperature low – velocity hydrocarbon lines containing sulfur corrosives are
often fewer than on other corrosive systems because the sulfur lines: exhibit
very uniform corrosion independent of location in the system.

# Under which circumstance may a welder be qualified by a production weld

instead of on a coupon? When 6 inches (150mm) of the welder’s first production
weld pass the specified radiographic examination

# Under what circumstance must a welder requalify? When the welder’s foreman
discovers that the welder is not making acceptable welds

# Which of the following is not an acceptable temporary repair patch for an NPS 12
(DN 300) carbon steel pipe with localized corrosion? 8-inch (203 –mm) circular
patch.

# The maximum surface temperature for dry magnetic-particle testing of

weldments is : Set by the manufacturer of the examination medium.

# When reviewing a group of radiographs, all of the following information must be

available except: Geometric un sharpness.

# What is the minimum required thickness ( including corrosion allowance ) for an

NPS 4 pipe system if it operates at 525 psi at 400 F , the pipe material is API 5L Gr A
25 ERW, and the corrosion allowance is 0.0625 inch ?

# A buried pipe designed for 100-psing (0.689 MPa) Service is hydrostatically tested
at 125 psig (0.861 MPa ) for 8 hours .After 4 hours, the pressure has dropped 5 psig (
0.03 MPa ), and the system is pumped back up to 125 psig (0.861 MPa) . During the
remaining 4 hours of the test , the pressure drops by 5 psig ( 0.03 MPa ) .A
ccording to instructions in API standard 570 , the inspector should : accept the
test as successful.

# Threaded carbon steel piping in an NPS 1 ½ (DN 40) piping system in normal
service is being replaced. What is the minimum pipe schedule to be used? Schedule
80.

# A piping system is designed for 300 psig at 700 F .The allowable stress value at
test temperature is 20,000 psig .The allowable stress value at design temperature
is 15,000 psig. Which of the following is the pneumatic test pressure? 330 PSIG.

# For a pipe exceeding 10 inches (250 mm ) in diameter , a test point is an area

defined by a circle having a diameter no greater than : 3 inches ( 75 mm ).
API 570
- 1.1.2 The intent of this code is to specify the in-service inspection and condition-monitoring
program that is needed to determine the integrity of piping.
- 1.1.3 nor shall it be used in conflict with any prevailing regulatory requirements. If the
requirements of this code are more stringent than the regulatory requirements, then the
requirements of this code shall govern.
- 1.2.1 Included Fluid Services: raw, intermediate, and finished …
- 1.2.2 fire protection systems (optional fluid API 570).
- 3.1.8 auxiliary piping: Instrument and machinery piping, typically small-bore secondary
process piping that can be isolated from primary piping systems. Examples include flush
lines, seal oil lines, analyzer lines, balance lines, buffer gas lines, drains, and vents.
-3.1.24 Fitness-For-Service evaluation: A methodology whereby flaws and other
deterioration/damage contained within piping systems are assessed in order
to determine the structural integrity of the piping for continued service.
- 3.1.69 PWHT: Stress Relieve.
- 3.1.71 pressure design thickness: Minimum allowed pipe wall thickness needed to hold
design pressure at the design temperature.
- 3.1.79 repair organization: an owner or user of piping systems who repairs or alters his or
her own equipment in accordance with API 570.
- 5.5.1 Internal visual inspections are not normally performed on piping.
- 5.5.1 internal visual inspections may be scheduled for systems such as large-diameter
transfer lines, ducts, catalyst lines, or other largediameter piping systems.
- 5.5.4 Bellows expansion joints should be inspected visually for unusual deformations,
misalignment, or displacements that may exceed design.
- 5.5.4 Vertical support dummy legs also shall be checked to confirm that they have not filled
with water that is causing external corrosion of the pressure piping or internal corrosion of the
support leg.
- 5.5.4 Horizontal support dummy legs also shall be checked to determine that slight
displacements from horizontal are not causing moisture traps against the external surface of
active piping components.
- 5.5.7 Vibrating Piping and Line Movement Surveillance: periodic MT or PT should be
considered to check for the onset of fatigue cracking.
- 5.5.9 the recommended upstream limit of the injection point circuit is a minimum of 12 in.
(300 mm) or three pipe diameters upstream of the injection point, whichever is greater.
- 5.6.2 Where appropriate, thickness measurements should include measurements at each of
the four quadrants on pipe and fittings, with special attention to the inside and outside radius
of elbows and tees where corrosion/erosion could increase corrosion rates.
- 5.7.1 Radiographic profile techniques are preferred for pipe diameters of NPS 1 and smaller.
- 5.7.1 Ultrasonic thickness measurements taken on small bore pipe smaller (NPS 2 and
below) may require specialized equipment. (U.T Common method above NPS 2).
- 5.7.1 UT and RT: Factors that can contribute to reduced accuracy of ultrasonic
measurements include the following: h) thicknesses of less than 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) for typical
digital thickness gauges.
- 5.7.1 When corrosion in a piping system is nonuniform or the remaining thickness is
approaching the minimum required thickness, additional thickness measuring may be
required. Radiography or ultrasonic scanning are the preferred methods in such cases.
- 5.7.3 The type of surface preparation required depends on the individual circumstances and
NDE technique.
- 5.8 Pressure tests are not normally conducted as part of a routine inspection.
- 5.8 The owner/user is cautioned to avoid exceeding 90 % of the SMYS for the material at
test temperature and especially for equipment used in elevated temperature service.
- 5.8.3 To minimize the risk of brittle fracture during a pressure test, the metal temperature
should be maintained at least 30 °F (17 °C) above the MDMT for piping that is more than 2 in.
(5 cm) thick, and 10 °F (6 °C) above the MDMT for piping that have a thickness of 2 in. (5 cm)
or less. The test temperature need not exceed 120 °F (50 °C) unless there is information on
the brittle characteristics of the piping construction material indicating a higher test
temperature is needed. (3 QUESTIONS).
- 5.10 When valve body and/or closure pressure tests are performed after servicing, they
should be conducted in accordance with API 598.
- 5.10 If gate valves are known to be or are suspected of being exposed to severe or unusual
corrosion-erosion, thickness readings should be conducted on the body between the seats,
since this is an area of high turbulence and high stress.
- 5.12 Flanged joints that have been clamped and pumped with sealant should be checked for
leakage at the bolts.
- 5.12 Any fastener failing to do so is considered acceptably engaged if the lack of complete
engagement is not more than one thread.
- 5.12 In-service inspection of flanged joints: Fasteners & flange distortion.
- 6.3.4.1 Such a classification system allows extra inspection efforts to be focused on piping
systems that may have the highest potential consequences if failure or loss of containment
should occur. (NOT Probability).
- 6.6.1 Inspection of Class 2 and Class 3 secondary SBP is optional.
- 6.6.3 When selecting CMLs on threaded connections, include only those that can be
radiographed during scheduled inspections.
- 6.6.3 Threaded connections associated with machinery and subject to fatigue damage
should be periodically assessed and considered for possible renewal with a thicker wall or
upgrading to welded components.
- 6.7.2 Each equipment repair organization shall have a fully documented quality assurance
system.
- 6.7.3.2 Typical service (5 years).
- 6.7.3.2 PRD MAX. inspection interval (10 years)
- 6.7.3.2 When a pressure-relieving device is found to be heavily fouled or stuck, the
inspection and testing interval shall be reduced unless a review shows that the device will
perform reliably at the current interval.
-7.1 MULTIBLE Calculation Questions (Remaining life (years), Corrosioon rate (LT) &
Corrosioon rate (ST)).
- 7.1 The authorized inspector, in consultation with a corrosion specialist, shall select the
corrosion rate that best reflects the current process.
- 7.1.1 Statistical analysis employing point measurements is not applicable to piping systems
with significant localized unpredictable corrosion mechanisms.
- 7.1.2 a, b & c (2 Questions). NOTE: (If not new service or new piping we use: ACTUAL
CORROSION RATES) (1 Question).
- 7.2 MAWP Calculation Question (O.B)
- 7.2 For unknown materials, computations may be made assuming the lowest grade material
and joint efficiency in the applicable code.
- 7.4 Assessment of Local Metal Loss—API 579-1/ASME FFS-1, Section 5. (This assessment
requires the use of a future corrosion allowance).
- 7.6.1 Piping system owners and users shall maintain permanent and progressive records of
their piping systems and pressure-relieving devices.
- 8.1.1 The principles of ASME B31.3 or the code to which the piping system was built
(construction code) shall be followed to the extent practical for in-service repairs.

- 8.1.3 All proposed methods of design, execution, materials, welding procedures,

examination, and testing shall be approved by the inspector or by the piping engineer, as
appropriate.
- 8.1.3 The inspector shall approve all repair and alteration work at designated hold points
and after the repairs and alterations have been satisfactorily completed in accordance with
the requirements of API 570.
- 8.1.4.1 Longitudinal cracks shall not be repaired in this manner unless the piping engineer
has determined that cracks would not be expected to propagate from under the sleeve.
- 8.1.4.1 If the repair area is localized (for example, pitting or pinholes) and the SMYS of the
pipe is not more than 40,000 psi. (O.B)
- 8.1.4.2 Repairs to defects found in piping components may be made by preparing a welding
groove that completely removes the defect and then filling the groove with weld metal
deposited in accordance with 8.2.
- 8.1.4.2 for Class 1 and Class 2 piping systems, the welds shall be 100 % radiographed or
ultrasonically tested using NDE procedures that are approved by the inspector.
- 8.1.5 Temporary repairs of locally thinned sections or circumferential linear defects may be
made on-stream by installing a properly designed and applied enclosure (e.g. bolted clamp,
nonmetallic composite wrap, metallic and epoxy wraps, or other non-welded applied
temporary repair).
- 8.1.5 Temporary leak sealing and leak dissipating devices may remain in place for a longer
period of time only if approved and documented by the piping engineer.

-8.2.1 Any welding conducted on piping components in operation shall be done in accordance
with API 2201.

- 8.2.3.3 Local PWHT may be substituted for 360° banding on local repairs on all materials,
The application is reviewed, and a procedure is developed by the piping engineer.
- 8.2.5 The materials used in making repairs or alterations shall be of known weldable quality,
shall conform to the applicable code, and shall be compatible with the original material. For
material verification requirements, see 5.8.
- 9.2.3 Pipe Coating Holiday Survey: it is used to evaluate
coating serviceability for buried piping that has been in-service for an extended period of time.

- 9.3.1 The owner/user should, at approximately six month intervals survey the surface
conditions on and adjacent to each
pipeline path.

- 9.3.6 Piping inspected periodically by excavation shall be inspected in lengths of 6 ft to 8 ft

(2.0 m to 2.5 m) at one or more
locations judged to be most susceptible to corrosion.

- 9.3.7 An alternative or supplement to inspection is leak testing with liquid at a pressure at

least 10 % greater than maximum operating pressure.
- 9.3.7 If, during the remainder of the test period, the pressure decreases more than 5 %, the
piping should be visually inspected externally and/or inspected internally to find the leak and
assess the extent of corrosion.
- 9.4.2 All clamps shall be considered temporary. The piping should be permanently repaired
at the first opportunity.
- C.1 Repairs: When the temperature is below 50 °F (10 °C), low-hydrogen electrodes, AWS
E-XX16 or E-XX18, shall be used …….
- Table 2: V.T 5 Years for (Class 1 & 2).
- Table 3 (C.B)

API 571
- 4.2.16.5 Mechanical Fatigue: The signature mark of a fatigue failure is a “clam shell” type
fingerprint that has concentric rings called “beach marks” emanating from the crack initiation
site.
- 4.3.3.3 1) 10°F (–12°C) and 350°F (175°C) for carbon and low alloy steels, (C.B)
2) 140ºF (60°C) and 400ºF (205°C) for austenitic stainless steels and duplex stainless steels
(O.B)
- 4.3.3.6 Since the majority of construction materials used in plants are susceptible to CUI
degradation, mitigation is best achieved by using appropriate paints/coatings and maintaining
the insulation/sealing/vapor barriers to prevent moisture ingress.

- 4.3.8 Microbiologically Induced Corrosion (MIC): Appearance:MIC corrosion is usually

observed as localized pitting under deposits or tubercles that shield the organisms.
- 4.3.8.3 all organisms require a source of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous for growth.
- 4.3.9.3 Soil-to-air interface areas are often much more susceptible to corrosion than the rest
of the structure because of moisture and oxygen availability.
- 4.4.2.3 Sulfidation of iron-based alloys usually begins at metal temperatures above 500°F
(260°C).

- 4.4.2.7 Proactive and retroactive PMI programs are used for alloy verification and to check
for alloy mix-ups in services where sulfidation is anticipated.
- 4.5.1.7 PT or phase analysis EC techniques are the preferred methods (CL SCC) (O.B)

- 5.1.2.2.2 Amine Stress Corrosion Cracking: Carbon steel and low alloy steels.

- Figure 4-146 NAOH 30%, 140 F (Stress Relieve Welds and Bends). (O.B)

API 574
- 3.1.1 alteration: The following are not considered alterations: comparable or duplicate replacement;
the addition of any reinforced branch connection equal to or less (LARGER IS CONSIDERED
ALTERATION) than the size of existing reinforced branch connections; and the addition of branch
connections not requiring reinforcement.
- 10.3.2.2 Spot checking by magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, or ultrasonic testing should be
considered even if visual inspection revealed no cracks. (NOT R.T).
- 4.1.1.1.1 The size refers to the approximate inside diameter (ID) of standard weight pipe for
NPSs equal to or less than 12 in. (305 mm).
- 4.1.2.2 The extruded, generally homogenous nonmetallics, such as high- and low-density
polyethylene are excluded.

API 577
- 3.1.4 arc blow: The deflection of an arc from its normal path because of magnetic forces.

- 3.1.22 discontinuity: An interruption of the typical structure of a material, such as a lack of

homogeneity in its mechanical, metallurgical, or physical characteristics. A discontinuity is not
necessarily a defect.
- 9.9.3 The temperature of the calibration standard should be within 25 °F (14 °C) of the part
to be examined.
- 9.9.3 System checks are typically performed at a minimum of every four hours during the
process of examination but can be done more often at the examiners discretion after any
instance of suspected system irregularity.

API 578
- 4.1 General: The owner/user should establish a written material verification program
indicating the extent and type of PMI testing to be conducted …..
- 4.2.4 Mill Test Report: Mill test reports should not be considered a substitute for a PMI test.

- 5.2.5.3 Techniques such as eddy-current sorters, electromagnetic alloy sorters, triboelectric

testing devices (e.g. ferrite meters), and thermoelectric tests are qualitative and as such may
only be appropriate for limited sorting applications and not for specific alloy identification.
(O.B)
ASME V
R.T

- T-274.2 Geometric Unsharpness Limitations (Table) (O.B)

- T-277.1 Placement of IQIs: B) Film Side IQIs: Where inaccessibility prevents hand placing
the IQI(s) on the source side. lead letter “F” placed next to or on the IQI.

- T-277.3 Shims Under Hole IQIs: the radiographic density throughout the area of interest shall
be no more than minus 15% from (lighter than) the radiographic density through the IQI.
(4 Density IQI … 3.4 Density Area of interest) (O.B)

-T-282.1 Density Limitations: The transmitted film density through the radiographic image of
the body of the appropriate hole IQI or adjacent to the designated wire of a wire IQI and the
area of interest shall be 1.8 minimum for single film viewing for radiographs made with an X-
ray source and 2.0 minimum for radiographs made with a gamma ray source.

M.T
- T-761.1 Magnetizing equipment with an ammeter shall be calibrated at least once a year, or
whenever the equipment has been subjected to major electric repair, periodic overhaul, or
damage.
- T-762 Lifting Power of Yokes: (d) Each weight shall be weighed with a scale from a reputable
manufacturer and stenciled with the applicable nominal weight prior to first use.
V.T
- T-923 Physical Requirements: Personnel shall have an annual vision test to assure natural or
corrected near distance acuity such that they are capable of reading standard J-1 letters on
standard Jaeger test type charts for near vision.
U.T

- 8.5 High-temperature materials (O.B)

LEAK TESTING
- T-1031 Gages: Gage Range – graduated over approximately double the maximum test
pressure – but not less than 1.5 – 4.0 x Test Pressure. (C.B)

ASME IX
- Change from Downhill to Uphill from welder ALONE (Reject). (C.B)
- WPS & PQR: (1) Mechanical Tests (Tensile & Bend) acceptance criteria.
(2) Base Metal THK. Qualification range
(3) Joint Shown (Non-essential variables) listed in WPS or not ? (O.B)
- QW-161.7 Longitudinal Root Bend: The weld is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
specimen, which is bent so that the root surface becomes the convex side of the bent
specimen. (O.B)
ASME B31.3
- 300.2 Definitions tempering: reheating a hardened metal to a temperature below the
transformation range to improve toughness. (C.B)
- Table 323.2.2A (Given materials & THK.) min temp ?
- Minimum Thickness Calculation Question. (O.B)
- PWHT Table TEMP RANGE ? (O.B)
- Table 331.1.1 Hardness Max Values for a Given P Number
- Table 314.2.1 Minimum Thickness of External Threaded Components. (O.B)
- 345.4.2 Test Pressure: Hydrostatic test pressure Calculation Question (O.B)
- Acceptance Criteria (Under cut) Table 341.3.2 (O.B)
- Acceptance Criteria (Weld reinforcement) Table 341.3.2 (O.B)
- 341.4.1 Examination — Normal Fluid Service: at least 5% of fabrication. For welds, each
welder’s and welding operator’s work shall be represented. (O.B)

ASME B16.5
- 5.3.4 Low-Strength Bolting: Class 150 and 300 flanged joints. (C.B)
- Determine Temperature (Class & Design Pressure are given) Pressure–Temperature
Ratings Tables. (O.B)
- 2.5.2 High Temperature: At temperatures above 200°C (400°F) for Class 150 and above
400°C (750°F) for other class designations,flanged joints may develop leakage problems.
(C.B)
- 6.4.1 Classes 150 and 300 pipe flanges and companion flanges of fittings are regularly
furnished with 2 mm (0.06 in.) raised face, which is in addition to the minimum flange
thickness, tf. Classes 400, 600, 900, 1500, and 2500 pipe flanges and companion flanges of
fittings are regularly furnished with 7 mm (0.25 in.) raised face, which is in addition to the
minimum flange thickness, tf.