scope:

Scope/Application/Limitations

This recommended practice is primarily intended to be used for the planning of in-service inspection for offshore topsides static mechanical pressure systems when considering failures by loss of containment of the pressure envelope. Failure modes, such as failure to operate on demand, leakage through gaskets, flanged connections, valve stem packing, together with valve passing and tube clogging are not addressed in this document.

The focus is upstream, offshore pressure systems, but with the use of the appropriate data it can be applied onshore as well. The pressure system boundaries for applicability of the methods are the Christmas tree wing valve through to the export pipeline topsides ESD valve. This involves the following types of components:

- piping systems comprising straight pipe, bends, elbows, tees, fittings, reducers

- pressure vessels and atmospheric tanks

- pig launchers and receivers

- heat exchangers

- unfired reboilers

- valves

- pump casings

- compressor casings.

Excluded from the scope of the Recommended Practice are:

- structural items including supports, skirts and saddles

- seals, gaskets, flanged connections

- failure of internal components and fittings

- instrumentation.