API 579 Part 12 Dent Gouge Combination on Piping Complies with RAGAGEP
INSPECT Extends Vessel Life by Re-rating Old Pressure Vessels per NBIC 3.4 (RAGAGEP)

INSPECT Software Helps Prove RAGAGEP Compliance

  • Meet the Mechanical Integrity requirements of OSHA1910.119 (j) and EPA Title 40 part 68.73
  • Comply with OSHA’s interpretation of RAGAGEP as it relates to process equipment.

  • Address the Fitness-for-Service (FFS) requirements of API 579-1.
All API 579-1 flaw types are shown on the 3D model in INSPECT (RAGAGEP)

Example RAGAGEP ARE:

  • Using the correct Code allowable stresses, joint efficiencies and equations when determining tmin’s.

  • Considering all the loads acting on the equipment. In addition to pressure these include liquid static head, weight, wind and seismic loads on the pressure vessel and its supports as well as (piping) loads on nozzle attachments.

  • Considering brittle fracture as a failure mode for carbon steel equipment using ASME VIII-1 paragraph UCS-66 or API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 Part 3.  This may, for example, affect equipment start-up and field hydrotest conditions.

  • Implemented in INSPECT Software.

These ARE NOT RAGAGEP:

  • Simplistic internal pressure formulae for calculating tmin or ignoring the external pressure tmin (a very involved calculation).
  • Nozzle tmin’s arrived at by only considering ASME VIII-1 paragraph UG-45. Area replacement (UG-37), proximity to other openings and more must be taken into account.

  • Black box computer reports with no way of verifying (auditing) the correctness and completeness of the ASME and API calculations performed.

  • Having no ability to perform fitness-for-service (FFS) assessments.  Most competing Inspection Data Management Systems (IDMS) only consider general metal loss. General metal loss is, however, not the only in-service damage experienced by process equipment.  Without FFS, how does your company ensure that it is safe to continue operating equipment with pitting, local thin areas, cracks, dents and gouges etc.?

INSPECT Featured Capabilities