Chemical Process Safety (PSM/RMP)

Does your facility require a “leak test” of piping/equipment that is opened for maintenance BEFORE it is returned to service? Historically, the code allowed previously leak-tested flanged joints, instrument threaded joints, and tubing joints to be pulled apart and reassembled without a re-test. The updated provisions significantly expanded this. The code now broadly permits all…...

If no one can be near the piping during the pressure test, how does one soap each joint in the piping? Of course, I make it clear that there are actually TWO (2) different phases of the “leak test” (the phrase the code uses): Pressure Test and then the Leak Test… Membership Required You must...

The introduction of Clause 7.14: Deferral of Inspection Repair Recommendation Due Dates in API 570 (2024) formalized the process for delaying required piping and PRD inspections and maintenance. Prior to this standardization, extending an inspection or repair date was often a loosely managed site-specific practice. This lack of rigor sometimes allowed equipment to run past…...

API 570 (2024) introduced new, formalized clauses specifically addressing the As-Received Condition, Testing, and Actions for relief valves. When a Pressure Relief Device (PRD) is pulled for its scheduled interval, the shop must now strictly document its “as-received” condition and perform an initial POP test before any cleaning, disassembly, or maintenance occurs…. Membership Required You...

A Process Hazard(s) Analysis (PHA) is a great tool to look at an entire process, and a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a great tool to use to analyze the hazards within specific tasks within the covered process. They are different tools for different scopes of work, but they can work in unison to make…...

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a distinct semantic and practical difference between them, particularly when dealing with formal codes like ASME and API. The distinction essentially comes down to execution versus interpretation…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

As we have discussed here many times, check valves tend to be one of the most relied-on designs but also one of the most forgotten devices in process safety. We see check valves that have been in service for 30+ years and have never once been inspected or tested, yet they are listed every 5…...