API 510 Training: Master Pressure Vessel Inspections

API 510 is a standard issued by the American Petroleum Institute (API) that offers guidance and mandates for the examination, maintenance, modification, and integrity management of pressure vessels utilized in the oil and gas sector. API 510 ensures the safety and dependability of pressure vessels throughout their operational lifespan.

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Within the industry, API 510 certification is highly respected as it shows an engineer’s comprehensive understanding of pressure vessel inspection, maintenance, and integrity management practices. PetroSync created this course to prepare professionals for the API 510 exam. This is a one-week intensive course with a strong emphasis on the use of codes and mathematical calculations.

API Certified Pressure Vessel Inspectors must have a broad knowledge base related to the maintenance, inspection, repair, and alteration of pressure vessels. API 510 Certification Preparation is designed to equip professionals with this information and understand the format of the exam.

This course will prepare professionals for both sections of the exam, the closed book portion and the open book portion. This is an intensive course with daily homework and a final exam (similar to the API 510 exam). A course outline is provided to guide participants before class.

What Is API 510 Training?

API 510 training is a specialist certification program for people who want to become pressure vessel inspectors, based on American Petroleum Institute (API) requirements. This course teaches participants to inspect, repair, and maintain pressure vessels, assuring safety, reliability, and compliance in industries such as oil and gas.

The training covers crucial areas such as damage mechanisms, inspection procedures, and the API 510 code’s regulatory framework. PetroSync offers a complete API 510 training program to professionals wishing to better their abilities and advance their careers. Our courses are designed to provide in-depth knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional coaching to help you prepare for the certification exam.

PetroSync is committed to assisting you in developing the competence required to confidently apply the API 510 requirements in your daily operations. Enroll with PetroSync today to open up new opportunities and become a qualified API 510 inspector.

What Is API 510 Latest Edition Update?

API 510, or Pressure Vessel Inspection Code: In-Service Inspection, Assessment, Repair, and Alteration, is an inspection code produced and published by the American Petroleum Institute. The code governs the inspection, repair, alteration, and evaluation of pressure vessels and the pressure relief systems that protect them.

The most recent version (11th) was released in October 2022. API 510, which was first published in 1958 as a recommended practice, is a guide for internal and external inspections, on-stream inspections, and thickness measurements of pressure vessels.

The code has developed over time to reflect technological advancements, changes in inspection techniques, and new methodologies. For example, in the 1990s, the code included a minimum requirement to use risk-based inspections as an alternative to traditional inspection planning criteria.

What Is API 510 Training Objective?

API 510 training course by PetroSync aims to enable you to proficiently inspect, repair, and maintain pressure vessels by the API 510 standard by equipping you with the necessary knowledge and skills. Our training course objectives are:

Pass the API 510 pressure vessel inspector certification exam with success.
Utilize major codes such as ASME B&PV Sections V, VIII, & IX effectively.
Conduct all necessary basic vessel calculations required for the API exam, including minimum thickness, test pressure, the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP), static head, minimum design metal temperature (MDMT), corrosion rates, remaining life, and more.
Implement API’s requirements for the inspection, repair, and alteration of pressure vessels.
Evaluate welding procedures (WPS/PQR) and qualifications of welders (WPQ) through careful review.

How Hard Is API 510?

API 510 certification is considered moderately challenging due to the technical knowledge required and the comprehensive nature of the examination. The training includes a wide range of topics, such as welding procedures, non-destructive testing (NDT), and a thorough comprehension of the API 510 code.

Candidates are also assessed on their abilities to calculate corrosion rates, remaining life, and conduct fitness-for-service examinations. The API 510 exam’s complexity is mostly determined on the candidate’s prior industrial experience.

For people with extensive hands-on experience with pressure vessels and relevant standards, the exam may seem more achievable. However, for individuals new to the area, the training can be rigorous, necessitating much study time and a mastery of numerous mechanical and technological principles.

What Is the Passing Score for API 510?

The API 510 certification test has 170 questions, and a passing score of 70% is necessary to be competent. The exam is divided into two parts: open-book questions that allow candidates to refer to applicable codes and standards, and closed-book questions that examine theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

To pass, candidates must not only understand the technical content, but also possess strong problem-solving abilities and the ability to apply the code in real-world circumstances. Passing the API 510 exam requires thorough preparation, including a comprehensive training program and hands-on field experience.

What Is API 510 Training Course Outline?

The outline of PetroSync’s API 510 training course is listed down below. For a more complete outline, you can refer to PetroSync’s API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector training course details at PetroSync’s Website.

Day 1 of API 510 Training
Module 1	Welcome and Introduction Overview of API 510 Course
Module 2: Joint Efficiency	Weld Joint Categories from UW-3; Type of radiography (full, spot, or none, RT-1, RT-2, etc.) Joint efficiency by reading Table UW-12) Joint efficiency for seamless heads and vessels Sections per UW-12 (d); and Joint efficiency for welded pipe and tubing per UW-12 (e)
Module 3: Thickness Calculations	The required thickness of a cylindrical shell (UG-27(c)(1)); The vessel part MAWP for a cylindrical shell The required thickness of a head-Hemispherical, Ellipsoidal, torispherical The vessel part MAWP for a head
Module 4: Static Head	Calculate static head pressure on any vessel part Calculate total pressure (MAWP + static head) on any vessel part Calculate maximum vessel MAWP given vessel parts MAWP and elevations
Module 5: External Pressure and Impact Testing	Calculate the maximum allowable external pressure Calculate whether a cylindrical shell meets the Code design for external pressure. Determine the minimum metal temperature of a material that is exempt from impact testing (UG-20 (f), UCS-66, UCS-68(c).
Day 2 of API 510 Training
Module 1: Pressure Testing	Calculate a test pressure compensating for temperature. (UG-99 & UG-100) The precautions associated with hydrostatic and pneumatic testing, Steps in the hydro test procedure (UG 99 and UG 100) All steps in a pneumatic test procedure (UG 100 and UG 102)
Module 2: Weld Size For Attachment Welds at Openings	Conversion of a fillet weld throat dimension to leg dimension, the conversion factor(0.707) Determine the required size of welds at openings (UW-16).
Module 3: Nozzle Reinforcement	Key concepts of reinforcement, such as replacement of strength and limits of reinforcement. Credit for the extra metal in the shell and nozzle Calculate the required areas for reinforcement
Module 4: Scope of API 510	General Application Specific Applications Recognized Technical Concepts References
Module 5	Definitions and Owner/user inspection organization General Owner/User Organization Responsibilities
Day 3 of API 510 Training
Module 1: Inspection, Examination, and Pressure Testing Practices	Inspection Plans Risk-based Inspection Preparation For Inspection Inspection For Types Of Damage Modes Of Deterioration And Failure
Module 2	General Types Of Inspection And Surveillance Condition Monitoring Locations Condition Monitoring Methods
Module 3	Pressure Testing Material Verification And Traceability Inspection Of In-service Welds And Joints Inspection Of Flanged Joints
Module 4: Interval/frequency and extent of inspection	General Inspection During Installation And Service Changes Risk-based Inspection External Inspection Internal And On-stream Inspection Pressure-relieving Devices
Module 5: Inspection data evaluation, analysis, and recording	Corrosion Rate Determination Remaining Life Calculations Maximum Allowable Working Pressure Determination
Module 6	Fitness For Service Analysis Of Corroded Regions API RP 579 Fitness For Service Evaluations Required Thickness Determination Evaluation Of Existing Equipment With Minimal Documentation Reports And Records
Day 4 of API 510 Training
Module 1: Repairs, alterations, and rerating of pressure vessels	Repairs And Alterations Authorization Approval Materials Requirements Welding Requirements
Module 2	Heat Treating Requirements Preheating Post-weld Heat Treating Local Post-Weld Heat treatment Repairs to Stainless Steel Weld Overlay and Cladding Rerating
Module 3	Introduction to ASME Sec. IX Welding Procedure tests Performance qualification tests Acceptance criteria Welding positions P-No, F-No, and A-No. Review of Welding Procedure Specification (WPS); and Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) Determine: Whether the number and type of mechanical test listed on PQR are appropriate Whether the results of the tests are acceptable Whether all required essential and non-essential variables have been properly addressed.
Day 5 of API 510 Training
Module 1: API RP 576, Inspection of Pressure-Relieving Devices	Description of Types — (API RP-576, Section 2) Causes of Improper Performance (API RP-576, Section 4) Reasons for Inspection and Frequency Determination (API RP 576, Sections 3 & 5) Inspection and Test Service Procedures (API RP-576, Sections 6 and 7)
Module 2	Article 1, General Requirements: Article 2, Radiographic Examination
Module 3	Article 6, Liquid Penetrant Examination Article 7, Magnetic Particle Examination (Yoke and Prod techniques only): Article 23, Ultrasonic Standards, Section SE–797
Module 4: API RP 576, Inspection of Pressure-Relieving Devices	Description of Types (API RP-576, Section 2) Causes of Improper Performance (API RP-576, Section 4) Reasons for Inspection and Frequency Determination (API RP 576, Sections 3 & 5) Inspection and Test Service Procedures (API RP-576, Sections 6 and 7)
Module 5 (1 hour + 1 hour discussion)	Practice Examination-Open Book Practice Examination-Closed BookFeedback and Closing

Is There Any API 510 Certification Issued by API?

Yes, there is an API 510 certification issued by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The API 510 certification is designed specifically for you to actively engage in the inspection, repair, alteration, and integrity management of pressure vessels in the oil and gas industry.

The certification confirms that you possess a thorough understanding of the applicable codes, standards, and practices associated with pressure vessel inspection and maintenance. PetroSync’s API 510 training course equips you with comprehensive instruction and guidance.

Our expert instructor possesses in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and will suffice you with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in the examination and beyond. Our training course covers all essential topics, including relevant codes, API standards, and best practices ensuring that you are well-prepared to handle the challenges of pressure vessel inspection.

Who Should Attend API 510 Training Course?

PetroSync’s API 510 training course will specifically benefit but not be limited to the Engineers, Supervisors, and Managers from the following disciplines:

Mechanical Engineering
Inspection
Maintenance & Operations
Technical & Engineering
QAQC

Further, technical personnel with 2-3 years of experience in managing and planning inspection and maintenance activities for pressure vessel systems at upstream oil and gas facilities, refineries, process plants, and petrochemical facilities will also find this course highly beneficial.

Enhance Your Career with API 510 Training by PetroSync

By joining PetroSync’s API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector training course, you will learn how to effectively assess pressure vessel conditions, identify potential issues, and make informed decisions to ensure compliance with industry regulations. If you plan to take the certification, participating in the API 510 exam without prior training can be overwhelming and may not yield optimal results.

We believe that investing in a thorough training course can provide a solid foundation and a competitive edge, significantly increasing your chances of success while gaining practical and fundamentals of pressure vessel inspection. Reserve your API 510 training spot and sculpt your skills regarding pressure vessel systems with PetroSync!