API 570 PIPING INSPECTION SERVICES
In-service piping inspection by a certified API 570 inspector. Independent, third-party inspection for process piping and pipelines across Alberta and by request elsewhere.
API 570 Piping Inspection
API 570 is the in-service inspection standard for piping systems used in petroleum refinery and chemical plant operations. It covers the inspection, repair, alteration, and rerating of process piping systems governed by ASME B31.3, as well as pipeline systems under ASME B31.4 and B31.8.
A structured API 570 inspection program does more than document current pipe wall thickness. It identifies active damage mechanisms, establishes corrosion monitoring locations (CMLs), tracks corrosion rate trends over time, and calculates remaining life and next inspection intervals on a circuit-by-circuit basis. This information drives maintenance decisions and helps operators avoid in-service failures.
Norman QC holds both API 510 and API 570 certifications. For clients running combined pressure vessel and piping inspection programs, both scopes can be managed under a single engagement with a consistent inspection standard and integrated reporting.
Work is available across Alberta year-round. Travel assignments for Gulf Coast turnarounds and other locations are accepted by request.
What’s Included
- -In-service piping inspection per API 570 and ASME B31.3, B31.4, and B31.8
- -Piping circuit classification and corrosion monitoring location (CML) identification
- -Thickness measurement program oversight and data interpretation
- -Insulation removal scope recommendations for under-insulation corrosion (CUI) assessment
- -Corrosion rate calculation and remaining life evaluation
- -Inspection report preparation and code-compliant documentation
- -Piping integrity assessment and risk-based inspection planning
- -Small bore piping inspection and dead-leg identification and assessment
- -Process piping injection point inspection per API 570 high-risk location requirements
- -Turnaround piping inspection scope definition and execution oversight
Damage Mechanisms in Alberta Piping Systems
Selecting the right inspection method and interval depends on identifying which damage mechanisms are active for each piping circuit. Alberta oil and gas processing involves a range of feedstock types and operating conditions that produce specific damage patterns:
Internal corrosion and thinning
Wall thickness loss from process-side corrosion evaluated with UT thickness measurements and corrosion rate trending.
Corrosion under insulation (CUI)
External corrosion beneath pipe insulation at susceptible locations such as temperature cycling zones, supports, and areas with moisture ingress.
Erosion-corrosion
Accelerated material loss at elbows, tees, and reducers from high-velocity or particulate-laden flow that requires enhanced inspection at susceptible geometry.
Sulfidation
High-temperature sulfur attack common in Alberta crude processing where corrosion rate increases sharply above threshold temperatures.
Amine stress corrosion cracking
Cracking in carbon steel amine treating systems that requires targeted NDE rather than UT thickness measurement.
Flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC)
Preferential attack on carbon steel in single-phase or two-phase water flow common in steam condensate and water injection systems.
Who Needs This Service
Refineries, petrochemical plants, gas processing facilities, midstream operators, pipeline companies, upstream processing facilities, and engineering firms managing piping integrity programs across Alberta and western Canada.
Available
On-site piping inspection in Alberta year-round. Combined API 510/570 inspection programs available under a single engagement. Travel assignments for turnarounds and other locations by request.
FAQ
What is API 570 piping inspection?
API 570 is the American Petroleum Institute standard for in-service inspection of piping systems in oil refineries, chemical plants, and related facilities. It covers process piping per ASME B31.3, as well as pipeline systems per ASME B31.4 and B31.8. An API 570 certified inspector evaluates piping condition, identifies active damage mechanisms, establishes corrosion monitoring programs, and calculates inspection intervals based on remaining life.
What is the difference between API 570 and API 510?
API 510 covers pressure vessels such as drums, columns, heat exchangers, and reactors. API 570 covers piping systems, including interconnecting pipe, fittings, flanges, and valves that transport process fluids between equipment. Both standards are used simultaneously on most refinery and petrochemical inspection programs. Norman QC holds both API 510 and API 570 certifications, allowing integrated inspection under a single engagement.
What is corrosion under insulation (CUI) and how is it assessed?
Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is external corrosion that develops beneath pipe insulation, particularly at temperature cycling zones, pipe supports, and areas exposed to water ingress. It is one of the most prevalent damage mechanisms in Alberta oil and gas piping. Assessment involves systematic inspection of insulation condition, targeted insulation removal at susceptible locations, external UT thickness measurement, and prioritization of re-insulation or piping replacement.
What are injection points and why do they need special attention?
Injection points are locations where a chemical or fluid is injected into a piping system, such as chemical inhibitor injection, water wash injection, or anti-fouling chemical addition. API 570 designates injection points as high-risk locations requiring enhanced inspection frequency and specific inspection zone definition because localized corrosion or mixing turbulence often causes accelerated deterioration in the downstream piping.
Do you provide piping inspection for turnarounds?
Yes. Turnaround piping inspection scope definition, risk-based prioritization, on-site inspection execution, and post-turnaround reporting are all available. Combined pressure vessel and piping inspection under a single API 510/570 certified inspector is efficient and reduces coordination overhead for the client.
RELATED READING
What Is API 510 Inspection? A Certified Inspector’s Complete Guide
Explains the inspection process, damage mechanisms, and ABSA compliance. Most applies to combined API 510/570 programs.
How Much Does Third-Party API Inspection Cost? (2026 Pricing Guide)
Day rates for API 570 piping inspection in Alberta and factors that affect overall project cost.
NEED API 570 PIPING INSPECTION IN ALBERTA?
Contact for a scope discussion and fee estimate. Combined API 510/570 programs available under a single engagement.