API 570 - Piping Inspector Certification Preparation

API 570 - Piping Inspector Certification Preparation

Course Overview

Program Title: API 570 Certified Piping Inspector Preparation Course
Duration: 5 Days (40 Contact Hours)
Schedule: December 1-5, 2025 | February 10-14, 2026
Timing: Full-Day (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam (In-Person) | Online Live Sessions
Course Code: STC-API570-2025-12
Investment: 4,200 SAR (Early Bird: 3,360 SAR - Register 30 days prior)
Language: English (Arabic support materials)
Certification: SciTCc Completion Certificate + API 570 Exam Eligibility

Course Description:

This intensive 5-day program prepares experienced inspection personnel for the API 570 Certified Piping Inspector examination. The course covers in-service inspection, repair, alteration, and rerating of metallic piping systems used in petroleum refineries and chemical plants across the GCC region.

Participants gain comprehensive knowledge of API 570 body of knowledge, including piping system design, materials, fabrication, inspection techniques, damage mechanisms, fitness-for-service evaluation, and regulatory requirements per Saudi Aramco, SABIC, and regional standards.

Target Audience:

• Piping inspectors and inspection engineers

• QA/QC engineers in oil & gas and petrochemical facilities

• Maintenance engineers and supervisors

• Project engineers involved in piping integrity

• NDT technicians advancing to inspection roles

• Aramco, SABIC, ADNOC, Qatar Petroleum personnel

Prerequisites:

• Minimum 5 years verifiable field experience in piping inspection, or

• 3 years experience + post-secondary education in engineering/technology

• Working knowledge of piping systems and inspection methods

• Familiarity with basic metallurgy and welding processes

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Outcomes:

1. Master API 570 body of knowledge: Code requirements, industry standards, and best practices

2. Understand piping materials, fabrication methods, and welding requirements per ASME B31.3

3. Comprehend damage mechanisms: Corrosion, erosion, cracking, creep, fatigue

4. Know inspection planning, RBI (Risk-Based Inspection), and integrity management programs

5. Understand fitness-for-service principles (API 579) and remaining life assessment

Skills Outcomes:

1. Perform thickness measurements and evaluate corrosion rates

2. Develop inspection plans based on damage mechanisms and risk

3. Interpret piping drawings, P&IDs, and isometric diagrams

4. Calculate MAWP (Maximum Allowable Working Pressure) and remaining life

5. Apply API 570 code requirements to real-world inspection scenarios

6. Prepare inspection reports and recommendations per industry standards

Competency Outcomes:

1. Pass the API 570 certification exam (3-hour, 110-question closed-book exam)

2. Function as authorized piping inspector in refineries and chemical plants

3. Lead piping integrity assessments and inspection programs

4. Ensure compliance with Saudi Aramco, SABIC, and international standards

5. Make critical repair/replace decisions affecting plant safety and operations

Detailed Course Curriculum

Day 1: API 570 Code Overview & Piping Fundamentals

Session 1: Introduction to API 570 (2 hours)

• API Inspection Code family: API 510 (pressure vessels), API 570 (piping), API 653 (storage tanks)

• Scope and applicability of API 570 to GCC facilities

• Roles and responsibilities of API 570 inspectors

• Regulatory framework: OSHA, ASME, local authorities (Saudi SASO, UAE ESMA)

• API 570 exam structure: Format, passing score (70%), allowed references, study strategies

Session 2: Piping Codes & Standards (3 hours)

• ASME B31.3 - Process Piping: Design, materials, fabrication, testing requirements

• ASME B31.1 - Power Piping (comparison with B31.3)

• ASME B16 Standards: Flanges, fittings, valves

• ASME Section IX: Welding and brazing qualifications

• Material specifications: ASTM standards for pipe, fittings, flanges

• Piping classes and pressure-temperature ratings

Session 3: Piping System Components (3 hours)

• Pipes: Seamless vs. welded, manufacturing processes

• Fittings: Elbows, tees, reducers, caps (butt-weld vs. socket-weld)

• Flanges: Types (WN, SO, blind, lap joint), facing, gaskets

• Valves: Gate, globe, check, ball, butterfly, plug

• Expansion joints and flexible connectors

• Supports and restraints: Hangers, anchors, guides

• Piping material selection for corrosive services (H2S, amine, caustic)

Hands-On Exercise: Interpret piping isometric drawing, identify components, and determine material specifications for Aramco refinery unit.

Day 2: Inspection Planning & Damage Mechanisms

Session 1: Inspection Planning (2.5 hours)

• In-service inspection philosophy and objectives

• Inspection intervals and frequency determination

• Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) per API 580/581

• Inspection program development: CMLs (Corrosion Monitoring Locations)

• Inspection Data Management Systems (IDMS)

• Turnaround planning and scope development

• Saudi Aramco SAEP-401 inspection requirements

Session 2: Corrosion & Erosion Mechanisms (3 hours)

• General/Uniform Corrosion: Atmospheric, aqueous, high-temperature oxidation

• Localized Corrosion: Pitting, crevice, galvanic, underdeposit

• Flow-Assisted Corrosion: Erosion, erosion-corrosion, cavitation

• Sulfidation and Naphthenic Acid Corrosion: Crude units, FCC units

• Hydrogen Damage: HTHA (High-Temperature Hydrogen Attack), HIC, SOHIC, blistering

• Caustic Corrosion: Alkali services (amine, caustic, sour water)

• Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking (CSCC): Stainless steel piping under insulation

• Corrosion rates: mpy (mils per year), mm/year calculations

Session 3: Mechanical Damage & Cracking (2.5 hours)

• Fatigue Cracking: Thermal cycling, vibration-induced

• Creep Damage: High-temperature services, sigma phase embrittlement

• Brittle Fracture: Low-temperature services, impact testing requirements

• SCC (Stress Corrosion Cracking): Polythionic acid, amine cracking

• Mechanical Damage: Dents, gouges, ovalization, misalignment

• External damage: Corrosion under insulation (CUI), external corrosion

Case Study: SABIC ethylene plant piping failure analysis – identify root cause and prevention measures.

Day 3: Inspection Techniques & Thickness Measurements

Session 1: Visual Inspection (VT) (2 hours)

• Visual inspection techniques per ASME Section V, Article 9

• Surface preparation and lighting requirements

• Inspection tools: Magnifiers, borescopes, mirrors

• Identifying defects: Cracks, corrosion, leaks, deformation

• Documentation and photography best practices

Session 2: Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UT) (3 hours)

• UT principles and equipment (straight beam, angle beam)

• Calibration procedures on reference blocks

• Thickness measurement techniques and probe selection

• Interpretation of readings and accuracy considerations

• Minimum thickness calculations per ASME B31.3

• CML (Corrosion Monitoring Location) selection and numbering

• Data trending and corrosion rate calculation

• Practical Exercise: Perform UT thickness measurements on pipe samples, calculate corrosion rates

Session 3: Other NDE Methods (3 hours)

• Radiographic Testing (RT): Interpretation of radiographs per ASME Section V

• Magnetic Particle Testing (MT): Surface crack detection in ferromagnetic materials

• Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT): Surface crack detection in non-magnetic materials

• Eddy Current Testing (ET): Tube inspection, crack detection

• Acoustic Emission (AE): Real-time monitoring during operation

• Advanced Methods: PAUT (Phased Array UT), TOFD (Time-of-Flight Diffraction), guided wave testing

• NDE qualification requirements: ASNT SNT-TC-1A, ISO 9712, Saudi Aramco SAEP-395

Hands-On Exercise: Review RT films, MT indications, PT results – accept/reject per code criteria.

Day 4: Thickness Calculations, Repairs & Alterations

Session 1: Thickness Calculations & Remaining Life (3 hours)

• Minimum Required Thickness per ASME B31.3:

  • t_min = (P × D) / (2 × S × E × W) + corrosion allowance

  • Allowable stress values (S) from ASME B31.3 Table A-1

  • Weld joint efficiency (E) and quality factors

• MAWP (Maximum Allowable Working Pressure) calculation

• Remaining life assessment:

  • Remaining Life (years) = (t_current - t_min) / corrosion rate

• Retirement thickness and inspection intervals

• Fitness-for-Service evaluation per API 579-1/ASME FFS-1

• Local thin areas (LTAs), groove-like flaws, dents, bulges assessment

• Calculation Exercises: 10 problems on thickness, MAWP, remaining life for various piping scenarios

Session 2: Repairs, Alterations & Rerating (3 hours)

• API 570 requirements for repairs and alterations

• Temporary vs. permanent repairs

• Welded repairs: WPS, PQR, welder qualification per ASME Section IX

• Hot tapping and in-service welding (API 2201)

• Composite wraps and clamps (ASME PCC-2)

• Rerating piping systems: New operating conditions, documentation requirements

• PWHT (Post-Weld Heat Treatment) requirements

• Saudi Aramco repair approval procedures (SAEP-308)

Session 3: Pressure Testing & Leak Detection (2 hours)

• Hydrostatic testing per ASME B31.3

• Pneumatic testing (when permitted and precautions)

• Test pressure calculations: 1.5 × design pressure

• Leak testing methods: Bubble test, vacuum box, halogen detector

• Online leak detection and monitoring

• Test records and documentation

Case Study: Develop repair plan for corroded piping section in Aramco crude unit, including calculations, welding procedures, and testing requirements.

Day 5: Quality Assurance, Documentation & Exam Preparation

Session 1: Quality Assurance & Management Systems (2 hours)

• Quality control in piping inspection programs

• Inspection procedures and checklists

• QA audits and compliance verification

• ASME QMS requirements per NCA-4000

• ISO 9001 integration with inspection programs

• Saudi Aramco inspection documentation requirements (SAEP-100 series)

• Record retention and archiving

Session 2: Inspection Reports & Documentation (2 hours)

• Inspection report writing: Clear, concise, actionable

• Required information per API 570: CML data, thickness readings, defects, recommendations

• Piping condition assessment and prioritization

• Notification of affected parties: Operations, maintenance, engineering

• Digital inspection platforms: Meridium APM, Accelix, IMS

• Exercise: Write complete inspection report for piping system with multiple defects

Session 3: API 570 Exam Strategy & Practice (4 hours)

• Exam Format:

  • 110 multiple-choice questions

  • 3 hours duration

  • Closed-book (only API 570 standard allowed)

  • Passing score: 70% (77 correct answers)

• Content Distribution:

  • Piping systems and components: 15%

  • Inspection: 30%

  • Corrosion and damage mechanisms: 20%

  • Repair and alteration: 20%

  • Codes and standards: 15%

• Exam-Taking Strategies:

  • Time management (1.6 minutes per question)

  • Using API 570 standard effectively (bookmarks, highlighting)

  • Elimination techniques for difficult questions

  • Formula memorization and quick calculations

• Practice Questions:

  • 50-question mock exam (timed, 90 minutes)

  • Review all answers with detailed explanations

  • Identify weak areas and review strategies

Session 4: Final Q&A and Course Wrap-Up (1 hour)

• Open Q&A on all API 570 topics

• Exam registration process with API (ICP online portal)

• Study plan for next 2-4 weeks before exam

• Recommended references and study materials

• Post-course support and resources

• Certificate distribution

Course Materials Provided

Included References & Materials:

• API 570 Piping Inspection Code (3rd Edition) - provided as reference

• ASME B31.3 Process Piping (excerpts and key tables)

• Course workbook (300+ pages): Lecture notes, examples, practice problems

• Calculation worksheets: Thickness, MAWP, remaining life

• 500+ practice questions (similar to API exam format)

• Quick reference guide: Formulas, code requirements, damage mechanisms

• Case studies from GCC refineries and chemical plants

• Sample inspection reports and forms

Digital Resources:

• Access to online question bank (1,000+ questions)

• Video tutorials on UT thickness measurement techniques

• Recorded webinars on difficult topics

• Calculation spreadsheet templates

Post-Course Support (60 days):

• Email support for exam preparation questions

• Monthly Q&A webinar sessions

• Access to updated materials and practice exams

• Re-attendance option if exam is not passed (next session at 50% discount)

Instructor Profile

Eng. Mahmoud Zidan, API 510/570/653, CWI, CSWIP 3.1

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (AlexU)

• API 570 Certified Piping Inspector (2008)

• API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector

• API 653 Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector

• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) - AWS

• CSWIP 3.1 Senior Welding Inspector

• NACE CIP Level 3 (Corrosion Specialist)

Experience (20+ years):

• 12 years as Senior Inspection Engineer at Saudi Aramco (Ras Tanura Refinery, Jubail Refinery)

• 8 years as Inspection Consultant for SABIC, Chevron, Shell, ExxonMobil GCC projects

• Lead Inspector for major turnarounds: FCC units, crude units, hydrocrackers

• RBI (Risk-Based Inspection) program development for 15+ GCC facilities

• Expert witness for piping failure investigations

Training Experience:

• Trained 3,000+ API 570 candidates (92% first-time pass rate)

• Authorized API instructor and exam proctor

• Corporate trainer: Aramco, SABIC, ADNOC, Qatar Petroleum, KNPC

Registration Information

Course Dates & Locations:

Investment:

• Standard: 4,200 SAR

• Early Bird (30 days prior): 3,360 SAR (20% off)

• Group (3+ participants): 3,780 SAR per person

Registration: scitcc.com/api-570 | +971566922928 | [info@scitcc.com]