Development of FFS Handbook for Refinery and Petrochemical Industries

Pressure equipment in refinery and petrochemical industries in Japan has been getting old, mostly more than 30 years in operation. Accordingly, there are many fitness for service evaluations required for pressure equipment. However, Japanese regulation still requires as the same quality level as the original fabrication for pressure equipment in service. In order to introduce the latest FFS methodologies to Japanese industries, a special task group was established at the High Pressure Institute of Japan and started study of API RP579 from its drafting stage as a member of TG579. And then, FFS handbook for refinery and petrochemical industries has been developed based on API RP579 with several modifications to meet Japanese pressure vessel regulations on April 2001. It is expected that FFS handbook will be introduced as an exemplified standard with Japanese regulations for practical maintenance.