Re-inspection of pressure vessels
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Pressure vessels in chemical enterprises need to be re-inspected every 3 years, and the media involved are all flammable and explosive. There are over 100 such pressure vessels that require re-inspection each time. The inspectors from the special inspection center stay on site for at most two days; if welding seams are only polished after their arrival, there will definitely not be enough time. Generally, the welding seams need to be polished in advance, but doing so carries certain risks: the equipment is in operation, and the vessels contain flammable and explosive media. How should welds be polished – in advance or after stopping the machine for replacement?
The unit has been shut down; purging and replacement have been completed successfully, safety inspections have passed, and the conditions for performing hot work are met.
As long as the conditions for working with fire are met, it can be done.
“Is the device running?” The periodic inspection, which is carried out every 3 years, should be conducted when the pressure vessel is shut down; for detailed procedures, refer to Chapter 8 on Periodic Inspections in the Large Capacity Vessels Regulations.
During the operation of the device, grinding is not allowed unless it is for emergency repairs; scaffolding can be set up in advance to prepare the technical plans, personnel, and materials. Grinding and testing can only take place after the device has been shut down and replaced with a qualified unit. The inspection agency needs to be present for an extended period of time, rather than just two days, and the duration of their presence can be discussed with them.
When I was working in a state-owned enterprise, I was responsible for random inspections.
The re-inspection of pressure vessels is usually scheduled during major repairs, which last only 7 days. The staff from the special inspection center arrive at the company on the day after the shutdown and stay for a maximum of two days. They require that the welds be polished in advance, so polishing begins only after the shutdown and material replacement, leaving no time at all. Moreover, some materials stored in the tanks cannot be transferred, which means that every re-inspection is carried out with great concern