When the regular inspection deadline for a pressure vessel arrives, is it possible to conduct such an inspection online without shutting down the vessel?
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The safe and stable operation of chemical processing units often results in inconsistencies between the intervals required for shutdowns or major maintenance work and the scheduled times for regular inspections of pressure vessels, which are typically every six years or every three years. As a result, pressure vessels reach their inspection deadline without it being possible to shut down the equipment for inspection. Has this happened to you before? Besides applying for an extended inspection, how can this be properly resolved? Recently, more than 50 pressure vessels in this facility have reached their expiration date and require periodic inspection. These pressure vessels fall into Categories I, II, and III, covering low- and medium-pressure vessels such as reaction kettles, distillation towers, reflux tanks, and tubular heat exchangers. The process media used in this facility include methanol, mixed hydrocarbons, butane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other substances. It is planned to remove the insulating aluminum sheet from the outer surface of the pressure vessel online; after grinding and derusting all types of longitudinal welds, circumferential welds, and T-joints, a specialized equipment inspection agency will conduct regular on-site inspections to determine whether there are any safety hazards or other issues. I have reviewed the provisions set out in the \"Rules for Periodic Inspection of Pressure Vessels\" and the \"Safety Technical Supervision Regulations for Fixed Pressure Vessels\", all of which require inspections to be carried out when the pressure vessel is shut down. I would like to know whether doing so is illegal or appropriate; please offer your guidance.
Can non-destructive testing be carried out continuously... using methods such as X-rays or ultrasound?
That’s a great idea. But what’s the point of taking a bath without taking off your clothes?
The idea is too naive. Can special inspections be carried out without shutting down the plant?
If it’s really not possible to shut down the machine, RBI can be done; only provincial hospitals are capable of performing this
”“The regular inspection deadline for pressure vessels has arrived”; for such inspections, different methods and techniques are required depending on the type of vessel. For example, in radiographic testing, the radiation source is placed inside a container; there are also ultrasonic testing methods and inspections to check for corrosion inside the device……It’s not just simple thickness measurement or penetration testing. Such testing not only requires the suspension of production but also partial dismantling. Usually, this work is carried out in conjunction with annual overhauls or planned shutdowns. It is recommended to communicate and coordinate repeatedly with the testing department during the preparation phase to determine the simplest way to conduct the testing. For reference. Hehe, as for breaking the law… that law should be your company’s own law; if it’s considered a violation, then it is one. Laws like lol**’s laws, on the other hand, must be taken seriously.
Hi, the processing and equipment are always handled separately; I have applied for an extended inspection period.
It’s indeed not compatible; it’s forcing us to do something we can’t do, so we agreed to carry out the inspection online. However, given the high security risks, an extension has been requested. Thank you.
Oh, my thinking was too simple. Truly, hearing your words is worth ten years of study; thank you so much
It seems the city is not qualified; an extension application must be submitted.
Regular inspections involve shutting down the equipment for inspection, while on-line inspections are known as annual checks; they complement each other. According to the technical specifications, shutdown is required; as for whether a shutdown is actually necessary, it depends on the specific inspection items. If the tasks can be completed without a shutdown, then the special inspection agency is likely not to be too strict. The \"Rules for Periodic Inspection of Pressure Vessels\" have been repealed. For extended service without shutdown or to perform RBI, it is recommended to carry out RBI for petrochemical equipment if it does not need to be shut down.