Inspection, Maintenance, and Testing
Core concepts
Know inspection types: internal, external, and hydrostatic. Understand nondestructive examination (UT, RT, MT, PT) and their applications. Learn about tube inspection, refractory condition, safety valve testing, and recordkeeping. Grasp the purpose of hydrostatic tests and when they are required.
Traps
Questions often confuse NDE methods or their limitations (e.g., PT finds surface defects only). Watch for items that treat hydrostatic testing as routine annual work - it is usually required after major repairs or at intervals set by code. Also distinguish operating versus pop testing of safety valves.
Worked example
A safety valve set at 250 psig should be tested for pop and reseat; the set pressure tolerance is typically ±2% for steam service above 100 psig. Rule of thumb: test safety valves at least annually, and after any repair affecting set pressure.