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Piping

API 579 Fitness for Service Piping Assessments

BES Group specializes in API 579 Fitness for Service assessments, ensuring piping safety and reliability. Our expert evaluations determine if damaged piping can stay in service, preventing costly repairs and unplanned downtime.

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What is it? Key benefits How we work The process Why choose us FAQs

What is API 579 Fitness for Service Piping Assessments?

API 579 Fitness for Service (FFS) assessments evaluate the structural integrity of in-service piping with localised corrosion, cracks, or other forms of degradation.

Localised metal loss, caused by factors such as erosion, cavitation, stress corrosion cracking, or high-temperature corrosion, can compromise the integrity of piping systems. Our assessments provide a clear and precise evaluation to support safe operation decisions.

When corrosion surpasses API 570 standards, a more detailed analysis is required to determine whether the piping system can continue to operate safely. Our experienced API 570/ASME Plant Inspectors Level II conduct detailed assessments, including:

  • On-site ultrasonic thickness grid readings
  • API 579 Section 5 Level 1 or Level 2 calculations
  • Expert evaluation of assessment findings
Inspection - Specialist - Gas pipeline

Who we’ve partnered with...

Key benefits of our API 579 Fitness for Service Piping Assessments

Experience and expertise

With years of industry experience, our certified assessors have a proven track record of enhancing piping reliability and extending service life.

Regulatory compliance

Our assessments help ensure your piping systems meet safety regulations, minimising risks and avoiding compliance issues.

Commitment to quality

We deliver top-quality services with certified assessors, state-of-the-art equipment and software, and a comprehensive quality assurance program.

Cost and risk reduction

By preventing unnecessary shutdowns and repairs, we help you optimise maintenance costs while ensuring operational safety.

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Explore what our clients say

The industry requires competence to be demonstrated, typically through UKAS accreditation, which is a prerequisite for many major clients. BES is type A accredited, which is preferred, they can provide highly objective opinions.

Customer

Senior Project Manager

We have been with BES for the past 5 years and don’t plan on switching providers. They are very flexible with their services and are able to bring the best inspectors who can deal with on the ground challenges and build real relationships with clients.

Customer

Global Technical Services Manager

The BES inspectors are way more technically competent and diligent compared to other providers. BES definitely stands out due to their strong technical competence and strong back office support.

Customer

Project Operations Manager

BES is a really disruptive force in the market, they are able to provide a variety of necessary services to their customers and none of the other big players are able to provide that breadth of services.

Industry competitor

How we'll work with you

At BES Group, our goal is to help you identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with localised metal loss in your piping systems. Our assessments can ensure you pinpoint localised metal loss in your piping systems, reducing your risk of unplanned downtime and unexpected costs.

Maximising safety and cost-efficiency

Our API 579 FFS Assessments provide a thorough evaluation of the affected area, potentially eliminating the need for costly repairs. Safeguard your piping infrastructure from localised metal loss with our comprehensive API 579 Fitness for Service (FFS) Assessments.

Our API 579 FFS Assessments can help you:

  • Prevent unnecessary shutdowns
  • Avoid costly repairs or rerating
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations
  • Extend the lifespan of your piping infrastructure
A worker inspecting large pipes in the ground
Accreditation Logo - Alcumus Isoqar
View all our accreditations
Accreditation Logo - Alcumus Isoqar

Alcumus ISOQAR

We're proud to have received SafeContractor accreditation from Alcumus ISOQAR, an industry leader in safety and quality management solutions, enhancing our expertise as a construction contractor for electrical services, pressure systems services, and the meticulous inspection and examination of lifting equipment.

Legal entities:

  • British Engineering Services Limited
  • British Engineering Services Asset Reliability Ltd.
  • BES Group Electrical Ltd.
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Our process

Speak to us about the process

At BES Group, we conduct API 579 Fitness for Service (FFS) assessments with a meticulous and comprehensive approach to guarantee precise evaluation of equipment integrity.

Speak to us about the process

01

Metal loss identification

We will inspect the pipework to identify the type and extent of the metal loss. This can be done using a variety of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods, such as Ultrasonic Testing (UT).

02

Determine pipe strength

We will determine the remaining strength of the pipe. This involves calculating the stress concentration factor (SCF) at the location of the metal loss and comparing it to the allowable SCF for the pipe material and operating conditions.

03

Evaluating risks

Our inspectors evaluate the risk of failure. This involves considering the severity of the metal loss, the operating conditions, and the consequences of failure.

04

Assessment results

If the assessment shows that the pipe is safe to continue operating, then a repair or re-rating may not be necessary. However, if the assessment shows that the pipe is not safe to operate, then a repair or re-rating will be required.

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Get in touch with the team

Why choose BES Group?

800+ expert
engineers

Our team of skilled engineers possesses a wealth of expertise.

A legacy of 160+ years
of experience

We’re always evolving our approach to future proof our services.

An icon of people standing in a circle

35,000 satisfied customers

A strong reputation for providing exceptional service.

800+ expert
engineers

Our team of skilled engineers possesses a wealth of expertise.

A legacy of 160+ years
of experience

We’re always evolving our approach to future proof our services.

An icon of people standing in a circle

35,000 satisfied customers

A strong reputation for providing exceptional service.

Need more? Learn more about us

Frequently asked questions

How long does the assessment take?

The duration depends on the extent of the damage and the complexity of the evaluation. Most assessments can be completed within a few days.

What happens if my piping system does not pass the assessment?

If your piping is deemed unfit for service, we will provide expert recommendations on necessary repairs, rerating options, or potential replacements.

Need more help? Let’s talk.

Let's talk about Piping Assessments

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Did you know...

$1 Billion

Annual savings in the petrochemical industry

$1 Billion

Annual savings in the petrochemical industry

API 579 Fitness-for-Service Assessments help save this amount each year, as reported by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

20%

Reduction means fewer outages

20%

Reduction means fewer outages

and longer inspection intervals. API 579 Fitness-for-Service Assessments can achieve this improvement, according to an API study.

75%

of respondents experienced extended service life

75%

of respondents experienced extended service life

of piping systems. A 2023 NDT.net survey found that API 579 assessments helped most users prolong equipment lifespan.

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API 579 Fitness for Service Piping Assessments

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