Standards by Component

NDE / Inspection

Nondestructive examination methods and personnel qualification.

Primary Standards
ASME Section VASTM E165ASTM E709ISO 9712

API 570

API

Piping Inspection Code — In-Service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems

API 570 is the universally recognized owner/user inspection code for metallic and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) piping systems that are already in service. While construction codes like ASME B31.3 dictate how a system is initially designed and built, API 570 governs how its integrity is maintained throughout its operational life. It provides the definitive rules for setting inspection intervals, establishing condition-monitoring locations (CMLs), calculating corrosion rates and remaining life, and performing safe repairs, physical alterations, or rerating (changing the design pressure/temperature limits). It forms the foundational backbone of any mechanical integrity program in refineries, chemical plants, and related process industries.

NDE / InspectionInspection IntervalsThickness MonitoringCorrosion Rate & Remaining Life

NBIC

ASME

National Board Inspection Code (NB-23)

The National Board Inspection Code (NB-23) is the post-construction code for the installation, inspection, and repair or alteration of pressure-retaining items — boilers, pressure vessels, piping, and pressure-relief devices. Published by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, it is adopted into law by most US and Canadian jurisdictions and provides the legal framework and the "R" and "VR" stamp programs under which in-service repairs are authorized.

NDE / InspectionInstallationInspectionRepair & Alteration

ASME Section V

ASME

Nondestructive Examination

ASME BPVC Section V defines the methods and procedures for nondestructive examination (NDE) — radiography (RT), ultrasonics (UT), liquid penetrant (PT), magnetic particle (MT), visual (VT), and others. It is referenced by the construction codes (B31.3, B31.1, Section VIII) for how examinations are performed, while the referencing code sets what must be examined and the acceptance criteria.

NDE / InspectionRTUTPT

ASTM E165

ASTM

Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)

Standard practice for liquid penetrant examination to detect surface-breaking discontinuities in nonporous materials, on metals and many nonmetals.

NDE / InspectionPenetrant TestingSurface FlawsFluorescent/Visible

ASTM E709

ASTM

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)

Guide for magnetic particle examination of ferromagnetic materials to detect surface and slightly subsurface discontinuities.

NDE / InspectionMagnetic ParticleSurface/Near-SurfaceFerromagnetic

ASTM E94

ASTM

Radiographic Examination (RT)

Guide for radiographic examination of welds and castings using industrial radiographic film — a volumetric method revealing internal discontinuities.

NDE / InspectionRadiographyWeld VolumeFilm Technique

ASTM E213

ASTM

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Practice for ultrasonic examination of metal pipe and tubing to detect discontinuities using high-frequency sound.

NDE / InspectionUltrasonicVolumetricPipe/Tube

ISO 9712

ISO

Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel

Requirements for qualification and certification of NDT personnel (Levels 1, 2, 3) by an independent central certification body.

NDE / InspectionLevel 1/2/3CertificationCentral Body

SNT-TC-1A

ASNT

Recommended Practice for NDT Personnel Qualification

Employer-based recommended practice for qualifying and certifying NDT personnel; the basis for a written practice tailored by each employer.

NDE / InspectionEmployer CertificationNDT LevelsWritten Practice

ASME PCC-2

ASME

Repair of Pressure Equipment and Piping

Technical methods for welded, mechanical, and nonmetallic repairs of in-service pressure equipment and piping.

NDE / InspectionWelded repairMechanical repairComposite repair

API RP 571

API

Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry

Reference for identifying, understanding, and managing damage mechanisms that affect piping and fixed equipment.

NDE / InspectionCorrosion mechanismsHigh-temperature damageCracking

API RP 574

API

Inspection Practices for Piping System Components

Inspection practices for piping, fittings, flanges, and valves in refinery and chemical process services.

NDE / InspectionInspection planningCondition monitoring locationsThickness inspection

API RP 578

API

Material Verification Program for New and Existing Assets

Guidance for risk-based material verification and positive material identification of alloy piping systems.

NDE / InspectionMaterial verification programPMI methodsRisk-based sampling

API 579-1 / ASME FFS-1

API

Fitness-For-Service

Assessment procedures for deciding whether damaged or degraded pressure equipment and piping can continue operating safely.

NDE / InspectionMetal loss and pittingCrack-like flawsCreep and fatigue

API RP 580

API

Elements of a Risk-Based Inspection Program

Minimum program elements for developing, implementing, and maintaining risk-based inspection.

NDE / InspectionRBI programRisk managementInspection planning

API RP 581

API

Risk-Based Inspection Methodology

Quantitative methodology for probability, consequence, and risk calculations used in RBI planning.

NDE / InspectionProbability of failureConsequence of failureRisk calculation

ASME B31G

ASME

Manual for Determining the Remaining Strength of Corroded Pipelines

Assessment of remaining pressure strength for pipelines and piping systems with metal-loss corrosion.

NDE / InspectionMetal-loss assessmentFailure pressureCorrosion geometry

ISO 17635

ISO

Non-Destructive Testing of Welds — General Rules for Metallic Materials

Selection of NDT methods, techniques, testing levels, and acceptance levels for metallic welds.

NDE / InspectionNDT method selectionTesting levelsAcceptance levels

ISO 17636-1

ISO

Non-Destructive Testing of Welds — Radiographic Testing — Film Techniques

Radiographic testing techniques using industrial X-ray and gamma-ray film for fusion-welded joints.

NDE / InspectionFilm radiographyImage qualityTest arrangement

ISO 17636-2

ISO

Non-Destructive Testing of Welds — Radiographic Testing — Digital Detector Techniques

Digital radiographic testing using computed radiography and digital detector arrays for welded joints.

NDE / InspectionDigital radiographyDetector systemsImage quality

ISO 17640

ISO

Non-Destructive Testing of Welds — Ultrasonic Testing — Techniques, Testing Levels, and Assessment

Manual ultrasonic testing techniques and assessment for fusion-welded joints in metallic materials.

NDE / InspectionUltrasonic techniquesTesting levelsIndication assessment
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: This page provides a simplified engineering reference only. It is not a replacement for the official standard. For design, inspection, procurement, and construction, always refer to the latest official standard and the applicable project specification.