API 510 Pressure Vessels Inspector

API 510 Pressure Vessels Inspector, by Wilkinson Coutts.

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The Global 1st time pass-rate of greater than 95%

The American Petroleum Institute (API) offers a certification programme for individual in-service inspectors, handling the in-service inspection of pressure vessels, pipework and storage tanks.

API also manages an expansive catalogue of API ‘codes’ which standardise practice.

API 510 personnel certification Legal Requirements for inspectors in many US States and EU Countries, as well as by MLA Accreditation Bodies, which Regulatory Authorities also use these codes, to assess evidence of inspector competence, according ISO 17020.

However, International Facilities and On-shore Plants, along with the lack of a similarly broad scope of recognised standards in other countries, has resulted in the wide adoption of API practice within international plant industries.

The API certification programme is broken down into a series of API schemes, known as Individual CertificationProgrammes (ICPs).

API certificates have become the most regarded, desired and demanded credentials in the in-service inspection industry.

API Certificates are providing a method to improve technical and code knowledge and strengthening the holders overallcompetence and career prospects.

Certified API 510 Pressure Vessel inspectors must have abroad knowledge base relating to maintenance, inspection, repair, and alteration of pressure vessels. The API 510 examination is designed to determine if individuals have such knowledge. The course will satisfy the minimum qualifications specified in API 510 Pressure Vessels Maintenance, Inspection, Reair and Alteration of Pressure Vessels.

The  API 510 Pressure Vessel inspector certification training program benefits employers and the industry as a whole by helping to:

  • Improve management control of process unit operation, repair, and maintenance
  • Reduce the potential for inspection delays
  • Provide a continued high level of safety through the use of highly specialized and experienced inspectors

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

  • Corrosion rates and inspection intervals
  • Joint efficiencies
  • Static head calculations
  • Calculation of minimum thickness for internal pressure
  • Calculate maximum allowable working pressure
  • Pressure testing procedures and calculations
  • Welding procedure qualification and procedure review
  • ASME V Non Destructive Testing procedures
  • In-service repairs to 510
  • Impact testing requirements
  • Establishing weld sizes for welds at openings
  • Nozzle reinforcement theory and calculations
  • Preheating and PWHT requirements using ASME VIII.
  • Damage Mechanisms as per API 571 (510 selection only)
  • General rules for welding and examination in an API and ASME context.
  • Provide a continued high level of safety through the use of inspectors specialized in process piping Improve management control of process unit inspection, repair, alteration and re-rating

DURATION: 3 MONTHS ON-LINE, FOLLOWED BY 8 DAYS CLASSROOM

Our API Individual Certification Program (ICP) exam preparation training for API 510 is delivered in two parts. Prior to the 8 days classroom training, delegates will be expected to complete the 3 month on-line training syllabus which forms a significant part of the learning program.

Delegates are guided through various modules which come with accompanying question sets aimed at increasing technical knowledge and code familiarity. The on-line training provides the core knowledge that we consider the minimum standard required prior to our 8-day intensive classroom course. This ensures that the course is not held up by delegates unfamiliar with the relevant codes.

After successful completion of the on-line training, the 8-day full time classroom training commences. This is delivered during a two-week calendar window, providing the ultimate preparation to our candidates prior to sitting the formal API examination.

TRAINING STRUCTURE

Week 1 comprises of revision from the online training, working through the classroom manual examples and

demonstration of the calculations on the more technically complex areas of the course.

Week 2 involves undertaking mock examinations aligned with the official API exam set up.

The API 510 course runs as like so;

  • • Day 1 - ASME VIII
  • • Day 2 - API 510
  • • Day 3 - API 572 / API 577 / ASME V
  • • Day 4 - ASME IX / API 576
  • • Day 5 - 8 Closed & open book mock examinations

After completion of the 8 days training each delegate will have covered all the content within the examination syllabus. On conclusion of the mock examinations they will be fully prepared and will be confident to undertake the official exam.

The API 510 training course provides participants with the knowledge necessary to pass the exam and includes:

  • Successfully pass the API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector certification exam
  • Effectively use major codes: ASME B&PV & Sections V, VIII, & IX
  • Perform all basic vessel calculations needed for the API exam
  • Use API’s codes during inspection, repairs, and alterations of pressure vessels
  • Review welding procedures (WPS/PQR) and welder performance qualifications (WPQ)

Class-Room Rules

  • There is a strict no phones policy. By all means you can answer important calls, but by no means will you be allowed your phone out in classroom.
  • Mock examinations are not permitted to be taken outside the classroom or retained by students.
  • The mocks must be returned on completion for our review.
  • Anyone found intentionally removing these from the classroom or using their phones to take photos will be asked to leave the course. This rule is strictly enforced.
  • You will require a calculator with a square root function and you must be familiar on how to use it. We do not bring spare calculators, so please ensure you have one each day.

API WRITTEN EXAMINATION VENUE

The Written Examination Venue is Organized by API, with On-Line registration.

The Welding Greek Institute undertakes, on behalf of each Participant, the On-Line application and programming of the Examination venue.

The Examination Venue is scheduled in the so called Prometric Centers. There are more than one authorized Prometric Centers in Athens.

The API Written Examination, is scheduled in Friday of the second (2) Training Week, as following:

  • Closed Books: 2 hours and 45 minutes
  • Breake of 45 minutes in between the 2 exams.
  • Open Books: 3 hours and 45 minutes

Entry Requirements

Prior to applying for the API ICP exam candidates must ensure that they meet the minimum requirements defined by API. The table sets out the requirements for API 510.

Education

Years of Experience

Experience Required

BS or higher in engineering or technology

1 year

Supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510

2-year degree or certificate in engineering or technology

2 years

Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of pressure vessels, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510

High school diploma or equivalent

3 years

Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of pressure vessels, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510

No formal education

5 or more years

Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of pressure vessels, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510

 

TRAINING AND EXAMINATION COSTS

The API 510 Cost / Participant, is of 4.450 euro. The Cost includes:

  • On Line training cost for 3 months
  • Class-Room training course for 8 days
  • Participation to the Examination / Examination Fees
  • Training Material / Hand Books (excluding the Standards)
  • Daily Lunch (restaurant food) for all participants and Trainers.
  • Coffee Breakes

Maximum Number of Participants: 13

 
 The Global 1st time pass-rate of greater than 95%.This far exceeds the API published statistic of 57-63%, so you are in good hands.

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