API 570
Piping Inspection Code
API 570 (Piping Inspection Code) is the international standard for in-service inspection, repair, alteration, and re-rating of process piping at operating refineries, petrochemical plants, and chemical plants. The code addresses inspection planning, integrity assessment, risk-based inspection (RBI), and inspector qualification. Every operating process plant runs piping integrity management under API 570 or equivalent.
What is API 570 in full?
API 570 (Piping Inspection Code) is the foundational in-service piping inspection standard published by the American Petroleum Institute. The code addresses inspection planning, inspection methods (visual, ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle), corrosion-rate determination, remaining-life calculation, repair and alteration procedures, and inspector qualification. API 570 covers piping originally designed to ASME B31.3 and is the operations-stage complement to ASME B31.3 design. Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) per API 580 / 581 extends API 570 with quantitative risk methods.
What are the key specifications for API 570?
- Full Title
- API 570 Piping Inspection Code: In-Service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems
- Issuing Body
- American Petroleum Institute (API)
- Applies To
- In-service metallic and non-metallic process piping at operating refineries, petrochemical, and chemical plants
- Design Complement
- ASME B31.3 (Process Piping) is the design code; API 570 is the operations-stage inspection code
- Inspection Methods
- Visual, ultrasonic thickness, radiographic, dye penetrant, magnetic particle
- Risk-Based Extension
- API 580 / API 581 (Risk-Based Inspection)
- Inspector Credential
- API 570 Certified Piping Inspector, via API Individual Certification Programs (ICP)
What context and detail applies to API 570?
API 570 inspection scope
API 570 covers in-service piping inspection at operating process plants: corrosion monitoring (thickness gauging, ultrasonic), crack detection (dye penetrant, magnetic particle), and creep monitoring (where high temperature service applies). Inspection frequency is risk-based: higher-criticality piping inspected more frequently. The code defines inspector qualification (API 570 certified inspector) and inspection documentation requirements.
API 570 and operations
Operating refineries and petrochemical plants run continuous piping integrity programmes under API 570. Findings drive repair scope (weld overlay, pipe replacement), alteration scope (modification to existing piping), or re-rating (re-calculation of allowable pressure/temperature). Each finding feeds into the Management of Change (MOC) workflow for safety verification.
How is API 570 used in EPC projects?
- 01
Operating Indian PSU refineries (IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, ONGC, Reliance, Nayara) run continuous API 570 piping inspection programmes with dedicated integrity engineering teams.
- 02
Brownfield revamp projects use API 570 inspection findings as input to scope definition. Existing piping inspected per API 570 informs replacement vs repair vs re-rate decisions.
- 03
Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) per API 580 / 581 extends API 570 with quantitative risk methods. Indian PSU refineries increasingly adopt RBI for piping integrity programmes.
- 04
API 570 inspector certification is a recognised industry credential for piping integrity engineers and inspectors at refineries and petrochemical plants.
How does Pathnovo handle API 570?
Pathnovo's structured engineering data extraction supports API 570 inspection programmes by providing the asset register (piping line list, ASME B31.3 PMS reference, material grade, design conditions) that integrity engineers query for inspection planning. The tag-document register gives integrity engineers tag-level traceability across P&IDs, isometrics, line lists, and MTRs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does API 570 cover?
API 570 (Piping Inspection Code) is the international standard for in-service inspection, repair, alteration, and re-rating of process piping at operating refineries, petrochemical plants, and chemical plants. The code addresses inspection planning, integrity assessment, risk-based inspection (RBI), and inspector qualification.
What is the difference between API 570 and ASME B31.3?
ASME B31.3 is the design code for new process piping. API 570 is the in-service inspection code for piping originally designed to ASME B31.3. API 570 is the operations-stage complement to ASME B31.3 design. The two codes together cover the full piping lifecycle from design through operations.
What is Risk-Based Inspection (RBI)?
Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) per API 580 / 581 extends API 570 with quantitative risk methods. RBI computes risk = probability of failure x consequence of failure for each piping circuit, then prioritises inspection effort against the risk ranking. RBI optimises inspection budgets while maintaining or improving safety performance.
Who is qualified to inspect under API 570?
API 570 certified inspectors are qualified to plan, conduct, and document piping inspections per the code. API 570 certification requires examination by the API Individual Certification Programs (ICP). API 570 inspectors are recognised across refineries, petrochemical plants, chemical plants, and inspection services globally.
Related Pages
Tag-Document Register
Tag-level traceability supporting API 570 inspection planning.
ASME B31.3 Standard
Design code that API 570 inspects in service.
Asset Information Management
Asset register supporting integrity management.
MOC Standard
MOC workflow incorporating API 570 inspection findings.
Engineering Document Intelligence
Document AI platform supporting integrity engineering.
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