In-Service Visual Inspection of Pressure Systems and Structures

• 2 days Classroom Training
• 2 days Virtual instructor-led training
• 2 days In-house delivery at client sites

Day 1 – Fundamentals & Damage Recognition

Introduction to Visual Inspection

• Role of visual inspection in asset integrity
• Types of visual inspection (external, internal, indirect)
• Inspection limitations and human factors

Inspection Techniques & Tools

• Direct vs indirect visual inspection
• Use of mirrors, borescopes, drones, and cameras
• Lighting, access, and surface preparation

Wall Loss Driven Mechanisms

• General and localised wall loss
• Environmental and service-related degradation mechanisms
• Atmospheric exposure effects on carbon and alloy steels
• Corrosion under insulation (CUI) and hidden degradation
• Localised thinning at supports

Cracking Mechanisms

• Surface-breaking vs sub-surface cracking
• Stress-related cracking mechanisms
• Typical visual indicators (branching, craze cracking, linear indications)
• High-risk locations (welds, heat affected zones, attachments)
• Vibration-induced fatigue damage

Mechanical Damage

• Impact damage and deformation
• Misalignment and overstress indicators
• Damage from poor installation or operational issues

Recognition of Damage Morphology

• Identifying pitting, thinning, and surface degradation
• Recognising crack patterns and propagation features
• Distinguishing between active and historical damage

Day 2 – Inspection Execution & Reporting

Inspection Planning & Execution

• Identifying critical inspection locations
• High-risk areas (supports, deadlegs, nozzles, welds)
• Access strategies and safety considerations

Inspection of Pressure Systems

• Piping systems and common degradation locations
• Pressure vessels and associated fittings
• External inspection of insulated and uninsulated systems

Inspection of Structures

• Structural steel degradation mechanisms
• Wall loss at connections and supports
• Fatigue-related damage in structural members
• Visual assessment of platforms, walkways, and supports

Writing Effective Inspection Reports

• Structuring inspection reports
• Technical clarity and conciseness
• Describing defects accurately using correct terminology
• Making clear and justified recommendations

Practical Case Studies

• Real-world inspection scenarios
• Failure examples and lessons learned
• Interactive defect identification exercises

By the end of this course, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the role of visual inspection in asset integrity management
• Identify key degradation mechanisms affecting pressure systems and structures
• Recognise deterioration patterns associated with wall loss, cracking, and mechanical damage
• Conduct effective in-service visual inspections
• Assess inspection findings and determine significance
• Produce clear, concise, and technically sound inspection reports
• Apply inspection techniques in line with industry best practice