NBBI Inservice Inspector (IS) flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

NBIC Part 1

Covers installation requirements for new boilers and pressure vessels, including foundations, piping, and safety valve installation, ensuring proper setup before initial operation.

NBIC Part 2

Details inspection requirements for in-service boilers and pressure vessels, including internal and external inspection methods, intervals, and Inspector responsibilities.

NBIC Part 3

Addresses repairs and alterations to boilers and pressure vessels, including qualification of repair organizations, required forms, and Inspector approval.

NBIC Part 4

Provides requirements for heating boilers, including inspection, installation, and repair, with specific provisions for low-pressure heating systems.

Inspector duties under NBIC

Verify compliance with NBIC, review records, witness tests, approve repairs and alterations, and sign inspection certificates; the Inspector does not perform the work.

Jurisdictional adoption

NBIC is not law until adopted by a state or province; the jurisdictional authority enforces its provisions and may impose additional requirements.

Inspection intervals

Power boilers generally require internal inspection every 12 months; heating boilers may be inspected every 24 months or longer, subject to jurisdictional rules.

NBIC R-1 form

Used to document repairs to boilers or pressure vessels; includes description of repair, materials, welding procedures, and Inspector certification.

MAWP definition

Maximum allowable working pressure is the maximum pressure at the top of a vessel at the design temperature, determined by the weakest component using code formulas.

Shell thickness formula

For cylindrical shells under internal pressure: t = P R / (S E - 0.6 P), where P is pressure, R is inside radius, S is allowable stress, E is joint efficiency.

Corrosion allowance

Extra thickness added to the minimum required thickness to allow for corrosion over the vessel's design life; remaining thickness below this indicates need for repair.

Hydrostatic test pressure

Typically 1.5 times MAWP for new vessels; for in-service repairs, the Inspector may require 1.5 times MAWP or a pneumatic test at 1.25 times MAWP with precautions.

NDE methods

Non-destructive examination includes visual (VT), ultrasonic (UT), radiographic (RT), magnetic particle (MT), liquid penetrant (PT), and eddy current (ET) testing.

Boiler external piping

Piping covered by ASME B31.1; the Inspector verifies supports, expansion joints, and anchors are in good condition and piping is properly installed.

Safety valve capacity

Must equal or exceed the maximum steam or pressure generating capacity of the boiler; for pressure vessels, relief capacity must handle maximum expected overpressure.

Record review

The Inspector must examine the manufacturer's data report, previous inspection reports, and repair records before signing an inspection certificate.

Visual inspection

Checks for cracks, distortion, corrosion, leaks, and condition of supports, insulation, and refractory; often the first step in an internal inspection.

Repair definition

A repair restores a boiler or pressure vessel to a safe and operable condition without changing its design parameters such as MAWP, temperature, or service fluid.

Alteration definition

An alteration changes the design of a boiler or pressure vessel, such as increasing MAWP, changing service fluid, or modifying dimensions, requiring new documentation.

R stamp holder

An organization certified by the National Board to perform repairs and alterations on boilers and pressure vessels; must have qualified procedures and personnel.

Welding qualifications

Repair welds must follow a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) per ASME Section IX; welders must be performance-qualified.

Post-weld heat treatment

PWHT may be required for certain materials and thicknesses to relieve residual stresses; the Inspector verifies it was performed per the applicable code.

NDE for repairs

The Inspector may require RT, UT, MT, or PT depending on the repair type and location; acceptance criteria are per the original code of construction.

Alteration documentation

Alterations require a new or revised Manufacturer's Data Report and new nameplate or stamping; the Inspector must approve the alteration before it is placed in service.

NBIC R-2 form

Used to document alterations to boilers or pressure vessels; includes description of alteration, new design parameters, and Inspector certification.

NBIC R-3 form

Used to document repairs to pressure relief devices; includes valve identification, repair details, and Inspector certification.

NBIC R-4 form

Used to document repairs to boiler external piping; includes description of repair, materials, and Inspector certification.

Pressure relief valve set pressure

The inlet pressure at which a relief valve starts to open under service conditions; must not exceed MAWP, with limited exceptions for pressure vessels.

Accumulation limit

The pressure increase above MAWP during relief; typically limited to 10% for pressure vessels and 6% for steam boilers, with variations for fired vessels.

Blowdown

The difference between set pressure and reseating pressure, usually expressed as a percentage of set pressure (e.g., 2-7% for steam safety valves).

Capacity certification

Relief valves must be capacity-certified by the National Board; the capacity rating is stamped on the valve and must be adequate for the application.

Relief valve inspection

The Inspector verifies correct size, set pressure, proper installation (vertical, unobstructed discharge), and valid test tag or certification.