API 570-2024 PDF

Full title and description

API 570:2024 — Piping Inspection Code: In-service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems. The 5th edition of API 570 updates requirements and guidance for the inspection, condition assessment, repair, alteration and rerating of in‑service metallic (and where addressed, FRP) piping systems and associated pressure‑relieving devices used in refining, petrochemical and related process industries.

Abstract

API 570 establishes minimum requirements for an in‑service inspection program for process piping and associated pressure‑relieving devices (PRDs). It provides requirements for inspection organization and responsibilities, inspection and testing methods, evaluation of inspection results (including fitness‑for‑service), repair/alteration procedures, rerating, and record keeping. The 2024 edition introduces clarified roles (for example, an Inspection Supervisor), strengthened PRD inspection and maintenance provisions, and updated guidance on deferral and review of inspection recommendations.

General information

• Status: Active / Current (5th edition).
• Publication date: February 2024 (5th edition release).
• Publisher: American Petroleum Institute (API).
• ICS / categories: Piping and pipeline components — ICS 23.040 series (piping/pipeline components and related topics).
• Edition / version: 5th edition (API 570:2024).
• Number of pages: ~88 pages (varies slightly by publisher/format).

Scope

Applies to inspection, rating, repair and alteration procedures for in‑service metallic piping systems and their associated pressure‑relieving devices used in hydrocarbon, chemical and other process plant services, unless specifically excluded. The standard addresses internal and external inspections, risk‑based or fixed interval inspection planning, fitness‑for‑service considerations, documentation and owner/user responsibilities. It does not cover source inspection of newly fabricated pressure piping or certain specialty items (e.g., exchanger tubing, some instrumentation tubing and control valves), except where owner/users elect to apply the code.

Key topics and requirements

• Requirements for owner/user inspection organization, qualification and responsibilities (including Inspection Supervisor role updates).
• Inspection methods and intervals — fixed and risk‑based strategies (recognizes API 580/581 risk methodologies).
• Inspection, testing and maintenance expectations for pressure‑relieving devices (PRDs) and strengthened PRD provisions.
• Evaluation of inspection data, fitness‑for‑service (references API 579/ASME FFS guidance) and rerating principles.
• Procedures and acceptance criteria for repairs, alterations and temporary or permanent repairs; record keeping and traceability.
• Guidance on deferral, review and prioritization of inspection repair recommendations and due dates.

Key editorial and technical changes in the 2024 edition include clarified roles and responsibilities, tightened PRD inspection/maintenance language, and improved direction on review/deferral of recommended repairs.

Typical use and users

Used by owner‑operators, mechanical/piping engineers, inspection organizations, maintenance and integrity teams, repair contractors, and certification bodies. API 570 is the basis for the API Individual Certification Program for piping inspectors and is commonly referenced in plant mechanical integrity programs and regulatory/adoption lists for refineries, petrochemical plants and gas processing facilities.

Related standards

Closely associated documents commonly used with API 570 include: API RP 574 (Inspection Practices for Piping System Components), API 579‑1/ASME FFS‑1 (Fitness‑for‑Service), API 580 and API 581 (Risk‑Based Inspection guidance), ASME B31.3 (Process Piping) for construction/rerating references, and API 588 for supplier surveillance of pressure piping fabrication. The 2024 edition is published to align and interoperate with these companion documents.

Keywords

piping inspection, in‑service inspection, PRD, pressure‑relieving device, fitness‑for‑service, risk‑based inspection (RBI), rerating, piping repair, piping alteration, inspection supervisor, mechanical integrity, API 570

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: API 570 is the API Piping Inspection Code that sets minimum requirements for in‑service inspection, rating, repair and alteration of piping systems and associated pressure‑relieving devices.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers inspection program requirements, inspection and testing practices, data evaluation (including fitness‑for‑service), repair/alteration and rerating procedures, PRD inspection/maintenance, and recordkeeping for in‑service process piping; specialty items and new‑fabrication source inspection are excluded except where noted.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Owner‑operators, piping/mechanical engineers, inspection agencies, maintenance and integrity teams, repair contractors, and certification/training organizations (including API’s ICP for piping inspectors).

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 5th edition (API 570:2024) is the current edition published in 2024. Subsequent addenda (for example an Addendum published after 2024) may be issued to amend the 2024 edition; users should confirm the latest addenda when applying the code.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. API 570 is part of a family of API piping and inspection documents and is commonly used alongside API RP 574, API 579‑1/ASME FFS‑1, API 580/581 and relevant ASME piping codes such as B31.3. It also integrates with API’s certification and process safety programs.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Piping inspection, in‑service, PRD, repair, alteration, rerating, fitness‑for‑service, risk‑based inspection, API 570, mechanical integrity.