SAMPLE JOB DESCRIPTION

API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector

Job Description

Reporting to the QA/QC Supervisor, the API 510 pressure vessel inspector would be responsible for preparing, implementing, and maintaining pressure vessel inspection programs in accordance with the quality management system (QMS), including report writing and documentation.

Responsibilities

  • Assist with developing, implementing, and maintaining the pressure vessel inspection plan together with engineering and corrosion specialist support, meeting all QMS requirements.
  • Perform inspection tasks and schedule monitoring programs to assure the mechanical integrity of the equipment, including:
    • familiarize themselves with prior history of the vessels they are responsible for, reviewing the vessel’s prior inspection results, prior repairs, and current inspection plan;
    • determine the types of inspection required, e.g. internal, external, on-stream, etc.;
    • perform internal inspection of vessels in accordance with the inspection plan;
    • verify that all new materials used during repairs or alterations are consistent with the specifications;
    • assure that the minimum preheat and postweld heat treatments are performed in accordance with the qualified welding procedures.
    • authorize any repair or alteration work before the work is started, and designate the hold points that are required;
    • determine the corrosion rates, remaining life, and next inspection date for each pressure vessel;
    • assess preferential weld corrosion of in-service welds and joints;
    • review and update the inspection and NDE techniques required for each equipment, including the extent and locations of inspection and NDE;
    • ensure all NDE results are evaluated and determined to be accepted or rejected, with recommendations to resolve all deficiencies.
    • review and update the surface cleaning requirements needed for inspection and examinations;
    • determine the pressure test requirements for pressure vessels after alterations or major repairs, i.e., type of test, test medium, test pressure, test gauges, duration, regulatory requirements and forms;
    • identify and document any required repairs, including ensuring all regulatory rules are followed and completing regulatory forms;
    • specify any special equipment access requirements, including all safety conditions and permissions.
  • Be familiar with risk-based inspection (RBI) assessment to determine risk, including a systematic evaluation of both the probability and consequence of failure in accordance with API 580.
  • Maintain permanent and progressive records of all pressure vessels and pressure relieving devices, including adding new information pertinent to the operation, inspection, and maintenance history of the equipment.
  • Assuring that all local jurisdiction regulations are followed, including completing all forms, data sheets, and reports.

Requirements

  • API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector certification.
  • In Alberta, must be certified as an In-Service Pressure Equipment Inspector (by examination).
  • Good knowledge of all local jurisdiction laws, codes, standards, and regulations.
  • Good knowledge of corrosion and welding, including: corrosion related damage mechanisms, base metals, filler metals, heat treatment, welding metallurgy, weld and corrosion testing, fabrication planning, and welding repairs.
  • Good knowledge of qualifying welding procedure specifications (WPS) and welder/welding operator qualifications, including all regulatory requirements.
  • Good knowledge of ASME P-Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5A, and 8 base metals (carbon steels, alloy steels, and austenitic stainless steels).
  • Knowledge of P-No. 6 and 10H (ferritic, martensitic and duplex stainless steels) would be an asset.
  • Advanced knowledge of NDE methods (MT, PT, UT, and RT), including ASME Sec. V.
  • CSA B51 Code, ASME B&PV Code, and ASME B31 Piping Code experience is required, where API ICP Supplementary Certifications would be an asset (e.g., API 571, 577, and 580).
  • Good verbal and written communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills (working in a team) are required.