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Guidelines and Application Procedures for API RP 578
Positive Material Identification (PMI)
Using XRF^* and OES^** Technologies

 *)   XRF = X-Ray Fluorescence
 **) OES = Optical Emission Spectroscopy

Why should this course be given?

1.   OSHA INSTRUCTION: Directive number CPL 03-00-004, effective June 7, 2007, which is the “Petroleum Refinery Process Safety Management Emphasis Program”. The purpose: "This instruction describes policies and procedures for implementing a National Emphasis Program (NEP) to reduce or eliminate the workplace hazards associated with the catastrophic release of highly hazardous chemicals at petroleum refineries".

      (Download Presentation)           (Download API Speech)
               (4 MB)

2.   Safety Bulletin from U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB)—BP Texas City, Texas Refinery Fire that killed 15 and injured 180 people. The CSB Safety Bulletin (see appendix) states: “Positive Material Identification: Prevents Errors During Alloy Steel System Maintenance “

(Download BP Report)

3.  Safety Bulletin from U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) ---Chlorine Transfer Hose Failure due to improper material braid construction (i.e., 316L and not the recommended braid of Hastelloy C-276). On August 14, 2002 a 1- inch transfer line ruptured during a railcar offloading operation at DPC Enterprises in Festus, Missouri and released 48,000 pounds of Chlorine into neighboring areas.

(Download CSB Report)

4.  All the Reported and Unreported “Near Misses” the Oil and Gas Industry has Experienced.  Many  give examples of this or have witnessed this happening. Because of either Luck, Proper PMI / Inspection, Training, or Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP) (i.e. API RP 578), we were able to apply these principles and stop the “Near Misses” from turning into catastrophe.

The course will be covered in 2-day sessions and instruction on both classroom theory and field testing procedures.

  1.   Through Understanding API RP 578 Guidelines

  2.   Through Application of Proper PMI Testing Procedures

The need, and now requirement for, Positive Material Identification (PMI) has dramatically grown in the past few years in refinery and petrochemical plant operations to 100% alloy material verification in today's risk-based QC environment.