Many engineering firms and operators maintain enterprise access to the API standards catalog through services like ASTM Compass or IHS Standards Expert.
One of the most critical sections is , which provides specialized guidance for inspecting equipment susceptible to HTHA. HTHA occurs when high-temperature hydrogen reacts with carbon in steel, causing decarburization and micro-fissuring, which can lead to sudden, catastrophic failure.
," is a suite of Recommended Practices (RPs) developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API) to provide guidance on selecting and using non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques for specific damage mechanisms. Inspectioneering
It is important to note a frequent source of confusion: API RP 586 is technically identical to (Technical Report 2). In 2015, the API renumbered several subsea documents. What was once API 17TR2 is now API RP 586. Therefore, when you search for an "API RP 586 PDF," you are also searching for the latest edition of the 17TR2 guidelines. api rp 586 pdf
Key NDT methods highlighted in API RP 586 include:
: Addresses corrosion occurring at pipe-to-support interfaces, often referred to as "Corrosion Under Pipe Supports" (CUPS). Planned Sections
Utilizing the refined data from RP 586 to conduct quantitative engineering evaluations of damaged equipment. Conclusion ," is a suite of Recommended Practices (RPs)
The overarching goal of API RP 586 is to describe a "wide variety of inspection methods and techniques" to reliably detect and assess service-induced damage. It directly supports modern methodologies and Fitness-for-Service (FFS) assessments by providing the technical "how-to" for high-confidence damage detection.
The document is organized into specific sections based on the damage mechanism or equipment type being inspected. Section 1: Heat Exchanger Tubing
Standardized tables for reporting HTHA data for hotspots and welds. 2. Contact Point Corrosion (Section 3 - Draft) What was once API 17TR2 is now API RP 586
Outlines NDT methods for shell-and-tube and air-cooled heat exchangers, helping to evaluate tubing condition and estimate remaining life.
: This section provides guidance for using optimized inspection techniques for HTHA , a dangerous form of cracking that can occur in steel equipment operating in high-temperature, hydrogen-rich environments. It introduced advanced volumetric Ultrasonic Testing (UT) methods not previously covered, enabling much earlier detection of HTHA and allowing for more reliable Fitness-for-Service (FFS) assessments. This section was developed in response to a recognized industry need, accelerated by events such as the Tesoro refinery accident.