API 570 EXAM STUDY GUIDE [MODULE 9 : PART 1] ASME B31.3

 API 570 EXAM STUDY GUIDE

MODULE 9 : PART 1

ASME B31.3 : PROCESS PIPING

ASME B31.3 is a code for process piping. This Process Piping Code is a Section of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code for Pressure Piping, ASME B31, an American National Standard. It is published as a separate document for convenience of Code users.

As we discussed, the code edition applicable to your exam window has to be verified before starting the preparation for the API 570 exam.

For the exam seasons from June 2021, 2018 edition of ASME B31.3 is applicable as per the API 570 exam publications effectivity sheet published in the API website.

There will be a good number of questions from B31.3 in the open book exam. Only some areas of B31.3 has to be studied for the exam, which is given in the Body of Knowledge (BOK) published in the API website.

As per BOK, the following areas are to be studied for the exam.

A.1 :    Weld joint quality factors and casting quality factors

A.3 :    Internal Pressure / Minimum thickness of pipe

A.4 :    Pressure Testing

A.5 :    Impact Testing

A.6 :    Preheating and Heat Treatment Requirements

A.7 :    Thermal Expansion

A.9 :    Minimum required thickness of a permanent blank

II B :   The inspector should be familiar with and understand the general rules for welding in ASME B31.3, Chapter V such as, 

1. Typical joints and definitions

2. Weld Sizes

3. Restriction on Joints

4. Maximum allowable reinforcement

5. Inspection Requirements

6. Preheating and Heat Treatment

The areas of B31.3 that are not covered in the exam is also given in BOK.

First we will go through each areas that are to be studied for the exam and then rereview each areas based on the questions asked in previous years.


This blog is not a replacement for the training provided by authorized partners/experienced institutions nor this blog guarantee success in API exams. This blog is the outcome of the approach followed by the author for the preparation of API exams.

Disclaimer: Photos are taken from different websites. If this violates any copyright rules this will be removed. Please inform me if any of the photos or contents violate copyright rules. (through 13hareesh13@gmail.com). This blog is meant for educational purposes only. If it is used for any other means without the written consent from the author, the author will not be responsible. The author does not guarantee the accuracy of the data used in this blog. All the information, data, photo/image, calculations presented in this blog should be used at the sole risk of the user. The blogger is not liable or responsible in any way for any damage, losses or costs arising from the use of the blog for any purpose whatsoever or whosoever it may be. The blog is to be used at your sole risk and responsibility.

Comments