# Pressure Vessel Inspection Checklist (Fabrication and In-Service) > Source: https://netray.co/tools/pressure-vessel-inspection-checklist-asme-viii-and-api-510 > Publisher: Netray (netray.co), AI and integration engineering for ERP and manufacturing systems. > Section: Free Tools ## Short answer A practical checklist covering nameplate and documentation, shell and heads, welds, nozzles, supports, internals and relief devices. ## Category quality ## Industry Oil and Gas Equipment ## Audience - Authorized inspector - Quality engineer - Maintenance planner - Plant manager ## Tool **Kind:** checklist **Scoring Note:** Any failed critical item stops release or operation until an engineer reviews it. Record findings with location, size and photographs. **Groups:** #### Documentation and nameplate **Items:** **Text:** Nameplate is attached and legible with MAWP, MDMT, serial number, year and code stamp as applicable **Critical:** true **Text:** Manufacturer's data report is available and matches the nameplate **Critical:** true Design calculations and drawings are the approved revision **Text:** Material test reports are on file for pressure parts **Critical:** true Welder and procedure qualification records are available Previous inspection reports and repair records are available for in-service vessels Jurisdictional registration number is current where required #### Shell, heads and external condition **Items:** **Text:** Shell and head surfaces are free of dents, bulges, gouges and cracks **Critical:** true Corrosion, pitting and coating failure are recorded with location and depth **Text:** Insulation is intact and there are no signs of corrosion under insulation **Critical:** true Thickness readings are taken at the planned thickness monitoring locations **Text:** Measured thickness is at or above the required minimum thickness **Critical:** true Remaining life and next inspection date are calculated for in-service vessels #### Welds **Items:** **Text:** Weld surface is free of cracks, undercut, overlap and porosity beyond code limits **Critical:** true **Text:** Radiography or UT records match the joint efficiency used in the design **Critical:** true Weld repairs are documented and re-examined Attachment welds to pressure parts are examined Misalignment and peaking are within code tolerance PWHT charts are available where post weld heat treatment is required #### Nozzles, flanges and manways **Items:** Nozzle size, orientation and projection match the drawing Flange class, facing and gasket seating surface are correct and undamaged Reinforcement pads have telltale holes open and unblocked Studs and nuts are the specified grade, fully engaged and marked Manway cover and gasket are in good condition **Text:** Threaded connections are free of damage and leakage **Critical:** true #### Supports, internals and safety devices **Items:** **Text:** Saddles, skirt or legs are sound with no cracking at the weld to shell **Critical:** true Anchor bolts, grout and foundation show no damage Grounding connection is in place Internals such as baffles, demisters and trays are secure **Text:** Pressure relief device is the correct set pressure, tagged and within its test date **Critical:** true **Text:** Inlet and outlet piping to the relief device is unobstructed and block valves are locked open **Critical:** true Pressure gauge and level instruments are calibrated and legible ## Content **Intro:** Whether a vessel is leaving your shop or sitting in a plant, the same questions come up: is it documented, is the metal sound, are welds acceptable and is it protected by a working relief device. This checklist organizes those questions for a visual and records review. **Sections:** #### How to use the checklist **Body:** Walk the vessel with the data report and drawing. Mark each item as pass, fail or not applicable, with notes. Treat the items flagged critical as hold points. Export the finished list to PDF or Excel and attach it to the inspection record. For fabrication, this complements the code-required examinations and the final inspection by the authorized inspector. **Bullets:** - Work from the approved drawing revision - Photograph every defect with a scale - Record locations as clock positions or station points - Do not sign for items you did not examine #### Codes behind it **Body:** ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII governs design and fabrication, and its Division 1 rules cover materials, welding, examination and testing. API 510 is the in-service inspection code for pressure vessels, covering inspection intervals, thickness evaluation and repairs. Local jurisdictions may add registration and inspection rules on top, so confirm the ones that apply where the vessel operates. #### Reading findings **Body:** General thinning is judged against required minimum thickness plus corrosion allowance. Localized pitting, cracks and any defect at a weld need an engineering assessment, often by fitness-for-service methods. Failed relief device checks are always urgent because they remove the last layer of overpressure protection. #### Common mistakes and ERP notes **Body:** Typical gaps include missing thickness baselines, relief valves past their test date, and corrosion under insulation that is only found at shutdown. In a maintenance module such as SAP PM or Infor EAM, set recurring inspection plans by vessel and store findings against the equipment record so intervals follow actual corrosion rates. **Cta:** Netray can help connect inspection history to your maintenance system so due dates and thickness trends are visible. The checklist itself is free and independent. **Faq:** #### Is this checklist enough for code compliance? **Answer:** No. It supports a visual and records review. Code compliance needs examinations, calculations and sign-offs by the people qualified under ASME VIII, API 510 and your jurisdiction. #### How often should in-service vessels be inspected? **Answer:** API 510 sets intervals based on remaining life and risk, with external visual inspections at defined maximum intervals. Your inspection plan and jurisdiction set the exact schedule. #### What does MAWP mean? **Answer:** Maximum allowable working pressure is the highest pressure permitted at the stated coincident temperature at the top of the vessel in its normal operating position. It appears on the nameplate. #### Who should perform the inspection? **Answer:** Fabrication inspections involve the manufacturer's quality staff and the authorized inspector. In-service vessels are inspected by personnel certified under a program such as API 510, as your jurisdiction requires. ## Search terms pressure vessel inspection checklist, api 510 inspection checklist, asme viii inspection checklist, pressure vessel visual inspection, pressure vessel fabrication inspection, pressure vessel nameplate checklist, pressure vessel final inspection report, vessel inspection form pdf --- Talk to an engineer: https://netray.co/contact?intent=erp_ai | Machine catalog: https://netray.co/agent/catalog.json