Inspection

We can help you gain acceptance of the results that have been obtained, using techniques such as engineering critical assessment (ECA), and fitness for service (FFS), including flaw acceptance limits, demonstration of structural integrity of in-service components, repair avoidance, life extension, and risk evaluation.

Engineering critical assessment 

An engineering critical assessment (ECA) uses fracture mechanics' principles, to analyse whether a given flaw is safe from brittle fracture, fatigue, creep, or plastic collapse, under specified loading conditions. You can make use of an engineering critical assessment:

  • During design to assist in choosing a welding procedure and/or inspection technique
  • During fabrication to assess the significance of known defects that are unacceptable to a given fabrication code or have failed to meet the toughness requirements of a fabrication code
  • While the component is in-service, to assess in-service flaws to decide whether the flaw can safely remain or if a repair is necessary
pI
Inspection-Acceptance-2-min

Fitness for service assessment​

Our experts can carry out fitness for service (FFS) assessments, in accordance with API 579-1/ASME FFS-1, to determine the structural integrity of plants and equipment and to judge their suitability for continued service. This includes working on fracture and fatigue management approaches such as designing to minimise failure, assessment of flaws, and joint and structural performance assessment.  Through a fitness for service assessment, Pi can assist in:

  • Demonstrating the structural integrity of an in-service component, even if it contains a flaw
  • Defining the flaw's acceptance limits and helping engineers distinguish between benign and dangerous flaws

API standards

The American Petroleum Institute (API) create and update standards for the worldwide oil and natural gas industry. We have API qualified inspectors, who can help you follow these standards.

  • Ensures optimal safety within plant operations
  • Reduces costs
  • Ensures quality
  • Reduces waste
  • Minimises confusion
Inspection-Acceptance-3-min