Definition(s)
External inspection
A visual inspection performed from the outside of a pressure vessel to find conditions that could impact the vessel’s ability to maintain pressure integrity or conditions that compromise the integrity of the supporting structures (e.g. ladders, platforms, supports). The external inspection may be done either while the vessel is operating or while the vessel is out-of-service and can be conducted at the same time as an on-stream inspection.
Source: API 510, Pressure Vessel Inspection Code: In-service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration, Tenth Edition, May 2014, with Addendum May 2017. Global Standards
External inspection
A visual inspection performed from the outside of a piping system to locate external issues that could impact the piping systems’ ability to maintain pressure integrity (see 5.5.4). External inspections are also intended to find conditions that compromise the integrity of the coating and insulation covering, the supporting structures and attachments (e.g. stanchions, pipe supports, shoes, hangers, instrument, and small branch connections).
Source: API 570, Piping Inspection Code: In-service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems, Fourth Edition, February 2016, with Addendum May 2017. Global Standards
External inspection
A visual inspection performed from the outside of a pressure vessel to find conditions that could impact the vessel’s ability to maintain pressure integrity or conditions that compromise the integrity of the supporting structures, e.g. ladders, platforms. This inspection may be done either while the vessel is operating or while the vessel is out-of service.
Source: API 510, Pressure Vessel Inspection Code: In-Service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration Downstream Segment, Ninth Edition, June 2006. Global Standards
External inspection
Evaluation performed from the outside of a pressure vessel using visual procedures to establish the suitability of the vessel for continued operation. The inspection may, or may not, be carried out while the vessel is in operation.
Source: API 510, Pressure Vessel Inspection Code: In-Service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration Downstream Segment, Ninth Edition, June 2006. Global Standards