API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspection
In-service inspection of pressure vessels to API 510, from external and internal examination through to remaining life and the next inspection date.
About API 510 inspection
API 510 is the code for the in-service inspection, repair, alteration and rerating of pressure vessels. It applies across the range of plant found in oil, gas and process facilities, including columns, drums, reactors, separators, spheres and heat exchangers.
We inspect vessels to API 510 to establish their current condition and confirm they remain fit for continued service. That means assessing the damage mechanisms actually at work on the vessel, corrosion, erosion, cracking and fatigue, then measuring their effect on the pressure boundary and judging what it means for safe operation.
The work is carried out by the inspecting engineer, so the readings, the judgement and the recommendations reflect first-hand knowledge of the vessel rather than a form filled in afterwards.
Inspection scope
A single API 510 inspection brings together the visual examination, the measurements and the calculations that tell you where a vessel stands.
- External visual inspection of the vessel, supports and attachments
- Internal visual inspection where entry is available
- Ultrasonic thickness measurement on shell, heads and nozzles
- Weld examination and non-destructive testing of critical areas
- Corrosion under insulation surveys on insulated vessels
- Assessment of corrosion, erosion, cracking and fatigue
- Remaining life calculation and the next inspection date
- Check of protective devices and pressure relief valves
Why API 510 inspection matters
In-service focus
The inspection targets the damage mechanisms that develop while a vessel is running, not just its condition when new.
Insulation matters
Insulated vessels can hide serious wall loss, so CUI is treated as a priority rather than an afterthought.
Evidence, not assumption
Thickness readings and calculations set the remaining life and inspection interval instead of a default date.
Relief devices covered
Protective devices and relief valves are checked so the vessel is not left over-pressured in a fault.
Reporting and recommendations
A Vertek report sets out what was found, what it means and what to do about it. A stack of thickness readings and photographs is of little use if it does not tell you the condition of the vessel or the action it needs.
Every report includes a clear summary of findings, the damage mechanisms identified, thickness data with calculated corrosion rates, a remaining life assessment and the recommended date for the next inspection, with any repair or rerating work called out and prioritised by risk.
Because the findings feed straight into the vessel's written scheme of examination, the report supports your duties under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations and gives the competent person the evidence they need to keep the vessel in service with confidence.
A note on regulatory context
In Great Britain, pressure vessels in service fall under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations, which require a written scheme of examination and examination by a competent person. API 510 provides the recognised technical framework for that examination, setting out how to inspect a vessel, how to interpret the findings and how to arrive at a defensible inspection interval. Working to the code helps operators meet their statutory duties while keeping the pressure system safe and available.
Related inspection services
Need an API 510 inspection?
Speak with our inspection team about vessel inspection, remaining life assessment and inspection planning.