Recommended Practice 578 (API RP 578) from the American Petroleum Institute (API) provides guidelines for a material and quality assurance system to verify the composition of alloy components in new and existing piping systems. Following these guidelines is critical for safety since using the right alloy in the right component can help prevent accelerated corrosion or even part failure.
The Vanta™ handheld XRF analyzer provides accurate alloy ID and chemistry results in seconds to assist with the compliance of API RP 578 for alloy verification in piping systems. We’ve teamed up with Metal Analysis Group to offer API RP 578 global training courses so that participants can learn how to properly use their Vanta analyzers to follow this recommended practice.
We sat down with Quan Collins, Principal and Training Program Coordinator for Metal Analysis Group, to discuss the API RP 578 training process.
Q: Can you tell us about yourself and your role at Metal Analysis Group?
A: I have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with 15 years’ experience in the PMI field. My career in PMI has been primarily focused in the petrochemical industry, where I’ve worked in testing and inspection, sales, consulting/support, service, and training.
I am also the co-author of Metal Analysis Group’s PMI Qualification Training Series, which is part of our initiative to have PMI recognized as an SNT-TC-1A discipline.
Q: What types of customers do you work with?
A: Industrial customers throughout the metals supply chain, including metal testing labs, metal fabricators, inspection companies, and scrap metal recyclers. Although we don’t work exclusively in the oil and gas industry, the vast majority of our customers come from this field.
Q: What do you help customers with?
A: Our company acts as a metal consultant for those in the metal supply chain. We provide training, technical support, audits, construct material verification programs (MVPs), and re-certify test equipment for QC/ISO quality programs.
Q: What does API RP 578 require of companies?
A: That they follow standards, guidelines, recommended practices to help reduce the likelihood of catastrophic events in the industry.
Q: How do companies implement these practices at their facilities?
A: These practices are implemented in three ways:
- Training and education
- Record keeping
- Having an MVP that adheres to API guidelines
Q: What’s a common misconception about API RP 578 training?
A: The biggest misconception about API RP 578 is that it only applies to the in-plant refining process. Suppliers and vendors that provide materials to support the refining process are also subject to API RP 578.
Q: What topics are covered in a typical API RP 578 training?
A: Topics include:
- Government and industry recommendations and regulations
- How to create a metal verification program
- How to conduct PMI testing properly
- Reporting and record keeping
Q: Does the program offer hands-on training?
A: Hands-on learning is an important component of Metal Analysis Group’s API RP 578 training. Participants are challenged to create their own MVP and use PMI equipment to generate and report data.
Learn More about API RP 578 Training
Completing an API RP 578 training can give you the expertise and confidence to perform accurate, efficient PMI, get certified, and advance your career.
Ready to sharpen your skills and try the training for yourself? Visit our training member portal to learn more about Metal Analysis Group’s training options, watch our API 578 webinar, and sign up for an upcoming class.
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