API RP 579

Describes standardized fitness-for-service assessment techniques for pressurized equipment used in the petrochemical industry. Fitness-for-service is defined as the ability to demonstrate the structural integrity of an in-service component containing a flaw. This publication is intended to supplement the requirements in API 510, 570, and 653 by: (i) ensuring safety of plant personnel and the public while older equipment continues to operate; (ii) providing technically sound fitness-for-service assessment procedures to ensure that different service providers furnish consistent life predictions; and (iii) helping optimize maintenance and operation of existing facilities to maintain the availability of older plants and enhance their long term economic viability. The assessment procedures in this publication can be used for fitness-for-service evaluation and rerating of pressure vessels designed and constructed to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code; piping systems designed and constructed to the ASME B31.3 Piping Code; and aboveground storage tanks designed and constructed to API 650 and 620. The assessment procedures cover the present integrity of pressure containing equipment given a current state of damage and the projected remaining life. This publication can also be applied to pressure containing equipment constructed to other recognized codes and standards as defined in this publication. Includes errata dated March 2000.

Note: Chapter 10 is still under development as of 10/23/04.