A practical Fitness-for-Service course covering API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 assessment methods for damaged pressure equipment and piping, with an introduction to repair planning under ASME PCC-2.
Duration4 days
DeliveryOnline / Virtual
LocationTES Canada facility · Client facility delivery available
This course provides a structured understanding of Fitness-for-Service (FFS) assessment methodology under API 579-1/ASME FFS-1. It covers the full range of damage types addressed by the standard — metal loss, pitting, crack-like flaws, hydrogen damage, creep, fire damage, and mechanical damage — and introduces repair methods under ASME PCC-2. The course is designed for integrity engineers, inspection engineers, pressure equipment engineers, and plant inspectors who need to apply FFS methodology to real inspection findings to make defensible decisions on continued operation, monitoring, repair, or replacement.
Who Should Attend
Integrity engineers and inspection engineers responsible for pressure equipment fitness-for-service decisions
Pressure equipment engineers — vessels, piping, storage tanks — in oil and gas and process industries
Plant inspectors and inspection supervisors requiring FFS competency
Mechanical engineers and corrosion/materials engineers involved in asset life extension
Reliability and maintenance engineers supporting mechanical integrity programs
Prerequisites
Engineering degree or equivalent technical qualification. Familiarity with pressure equipment inspection codes (API 510, API 570, API 653) and basic understanding of pressure equipment design is beneficial.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the purpose, scope, and framework of API 579-1/ASME FFS-1
Identify data requirements for FFS assessments — inspection data, material data, operating conditions
Apply Level 1 and Level 2 assessment procedures for general and local metal loss
Apply FFS assessment methods for pitting corrosion using API 579 Part 5
Understand brittle fracture evaluation and material selection considerations
Apply Failure Assessment Diagram (FAD) methodology for crack-like flaw assessment
Understand assessment of hydrogen damage, creep, fire damage, and mechanical damage
Determine remaining life and reassessment intervals from FFS results
Understand repair planning concepts under ASME PCC-2
Integrate FFS results with RBI and inspection planning decisions
Course Outline
Module 01
Introduction to FFS and API 579-1/ASME FFS-1
What FFS is — and what it is not
Purpose and regulatory context of FFS assessment
API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 structure and Part overview
Assessment levels — Level 1, 2, and 3 — and when each applies
Data requirements and inspection input quality
Relationship between FFS, RBI, and inspection planning
Module 02
Data Requirements and Damage Mechanism Review
Material data requirements — grade, toughness, mechanical properties
Operating conditions — pressure, temperature, fluid service
Inspection data quality and measurement uncertainty
API 571 damage mechanism review — relevant to FFS
Selecting the appropriate FFS Part for the damage type
Module 03
Assessment of General and Local Metal Loss
API 579 Part 4 — general metal loss assessment
Level 1 — MAWP/MAOP calculation using point thickness readings
Level 2 — thickness profiles and critical thickness map
API 579 Part 5 — local metal loss assessment
Remaining life and corrosion rate integration
Interaction between local and general metal loss
Module 04
Assessment of Pitting Corrosion
API 579 Part 6 — pitting corrosion assessment framework
Pitting characterisation — density, depth, and distribution
Level 1 — rating curves approach
Level 2 — critical thickness profile for pitted surfaces
Pitting vs general corrosion assessment comparison
Module 05
Brittle Fracture Evaluation
API 579 Part 3 — brittle fracture overview
Material toughness and transition temperature
MAMT and MDMT determination
Impact exemption curves and material upgrades
Low-temperature operating considerations
Module 06
Crack-Like Flaw Assessment
API 579 Part 9 — crack-like flaw framework
Failure Assessment Diagram (FAD) — Level 1, 2A, and 2B
Stress intensity factor and reference stress calculation
Residual stress effects and conservative assumptions
Application to weld cracks, SCC, and hydrogen-induced cracks
Module 07
Hydrogen Damage, Creep, Fire, and Mechanical Damage
HIC, SOHIC, and hydrogen blistering — API 579 Part 7
Weld misalignment and shell distortion — API 579 Part 11
Laminations — API 579 Part 13
Creep damage assessment — API 579 Part 10
Fire damage assessment — API 579 Part 11 overview
Dents, gouges, and dent-gouge combinations — API 579 Part 12
Module 08
Remaining Life, Remediation, and ASME PCC-2
Remaining life determination and reassessment interval
Monitoring requirements and inspection interval impact
Contact TES to discuss available delivery dates, onsite programme options for your organisation, or customised training scope for your team's specific technical needs.
