On the regular inspection of pressure vessels

TSG 21-2016 Consultation Special Inspection Institute

Start the relevant procedures 1 month before the end of the useful life

For pressure vessels that have reached their designed service life, the user entity must first determine whether they need to continue using them If that is the case, then entrust a special inspection agency to conduct the inspection. Note that this type of inspection is different from regular periodic inspections; a detailed inspection plan must be developed and the inspection carried out in accordance with the regulations for periodic inspections. When necessary, a usability assessment is also required (usually, when defects exceeding the specified limits are found during the inspection, these limits are not necessarily based on fixed standards or product specifications – it is possible that the plan formulated for that container sets stricter requirements for defects, based on failure and damage patterns). The inspection results must be rated at level 4 or higher, and after approval by the person in charge of the unit, the registration authority must be approached to update the certificate before the equipment can continue to be used. Of course, the above applies to relatively dangerous and complex pressure vessels. For ordinary Class I and II containers, such as gas storage tanks and oil separators, the inspection plans prepared can usually draw directly on the standard container inspection work instructions, with the inspection period being appropriately shortened. Although the inspection has been simplified, the specific procedures and processes for use management remain unchanged.

Based on its lifespan, it has reached the end of its useful life. According to the inspection report, it can still be used for another two years. If you have the money, you can replace it directly; if not, you can continue using it. It will then be necessary to wait for another inspection, and based on the safety rating indicated in that report, a decision will be made as to whether it should be discontinued or continued in use. Problems may arise after the inspection, or it might not have any issues at all even without an inspection. What others say determines what you need to do; the hardest part is when no one says anything at all

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We have encountered the same problem here as well; after the initial regular inspection, all the equipment was rated as Class I. The next inspection is scheduled in six years, but the tube bundles of some heat exchangers have a lifespan of 3 years – this is indicated on the heat exchanger drawings. Since these devices handle flowing fluids, it should be possible to use them for 10 years without any issues. The other heat exchangers in the same process have much longer service lives. Although the special inspection agency assigned it a Class I rating, the service life of the restraint components has expired, and inspection is required again in the following year. There is no detailed guidance in the relevant regulations regarding how to inspect such pressure-bearing components when their service life is up; I would appreciate some advice! ! ! ! ! !