API 570 vs. API 1169: Technical differences in pipeline inspection and construction

Introduction

In the context of the increasing complexity of hydrocarbon transportation and processing systems, the application of specialized standards is a technical requirement to ensure operational integrity, structural reliability and regulatory compliance throughout the value chain. In this context, API 570, oriented to the inspection of metallic pipelines in service, and API 1169, focused on inspection during the construction of transportation pipelines, are two fundamental standards issued by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

Both standards address different phases of the life cycle of pipeline systems, API 570 in operation and API 1169 in construction execution; but they share a common objective: to preserve safety, optimize asset availability and minimize the risk of failure. Understanding the technical, methodological and regulatory differences between these inspection frameworks is necessary for efficient mechanical integrity management in both linear infrastructures and process facilities.

This analysis compares in depth their scopes of application, assessment methodologies, professional competencies and their role within the API regulatory architecture for pipeline integrity management.

Importance of process piping

Process piping function as the circulatory system of the hydrocarbon industry, enabling the continuous flow of raw materials and products along the entire value chain, from production to consumption. Pipeline integrity constitutes a fundamental requirement to ensure:

• Hydrocarbon transportation: they are the most reliable link between production wells, refineries, storage terminals and distribution centers.
• Industrial processing: They facilitate the transfer of products under critical conditions in refinery process units and petrochemical plants.

API standards for pipeline Iiction

The API regulatory framework includes specific standards for each stage of the pipeline life cycle:

• API 1169: Construction and commissioning phase.
• API 570: Operation and maintenance phase.

Both are significant in pipeline inspection from a comprehensive integrity management perspective.

Ultrasonic inspection according to API 1169 and 570 construction and service criteria

API 570: Piping inspector

General focus

API 570 focuses on the in-service inspection of metallic piping systems subject to pressure. This standard establishes stringent guidelines to ensure mechanical integrity, operational continuity and prevention of catastrophic failure by:

• Visual Inspection (VT) of critical components such as joints, valves, supports, supports, insulation and welded connections, in accordance with API 574.
• Application of Non Destructive Testing (NDT) such as Ultrasonic (UT), Radiography (RT), Penetrant Liquids (PT), Magnetic Particles (MT) and Eddy Current (ECT), selected based on expected damage mechanism, accessibility and material type.
• Corrosion analysis: Identification of types such as general corrosion, pitting, under insulation (CUI), galvanic, microbiologically induced (MIC), and application of mitigation strategies. 
• Corrosion and mechanical damage analysis: Identification and evaluation of mechanisms such as generalized corrosion, pitting, galvanic, under insulation (CUI), microbiologically induced (MIC) and Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC). An evaluation is performed based on the nature of the fluid, the material and the operating conditions. With special attention to fluid accumulation points, where CMLs (Corrosion Monitoring Locations) are strategically established to follow up by visual inspections and NDT techniques.
• Fitness For Service (FFS) evaluation under API 579-1/ASME FFS-1, which allows estimating remaining useful life and determining fitness for continued operation under current conditions.
• Risk Based Inspection (RBI) planning under API RP 580/581, prioritizing efforts based on risk and failure consequences. As part of this approach, API 570 classifies pipelines according to their operational criticality, considering variables such as fluid type, pressure, temperature, inspection history and failure consequences. This allows defining differentiated inspection frequencies and intervals, prioritizing those lines with greater potential for failure or greater impact on safety, environmental integrity or operational continuity.
• Supervision of repairs and alterations ensuring regulatory compliance with ASME B31.3/B31.1 and structural integrity.

Application

• Process piping in refineries, petrochemical plants, storage terminals, power plants and industrial facilities (not applicable to long distance transportation).
• High pressure and temperature environments, with exposure to corrosive or flammable substances.

Professional profile required

• Current API 570 certification.
• Proficient in NDT techniques, FFS evaluation, RBI, corrosion analysis, and inspection plan design.
• Complementary experience in related standards such as API 510 (pressure vessels) and API 653 (atmospheric tanks).

Complementary standards

• API 571, 574, RP 580/581, RP 577, RP 578
• ASME B31.3 (Process Piping), ASME B31.1 (Power Piping)

The following video graphically illustrates how pipelines are categorized under the criticality criteria defined by API 570 and API RP 581. This categorization is accurate for determining inspection intervals and prioritizing resources according to the operational risk of each system. Source: Inspection & Corrosion.

API 1169: Pipeline construction inspector

General focus

API 1169 covers inspection activities associated with the construction of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon transportation pipelines, including buried and aboveground facilities, both new and expansion or replacement. Its application covers the integral supervision of these construction processes, ensuring the quality of execution, operational safety and regulatory compliance. Activities covered by this certification include:

• Welding: procedure validation (WPS), welder qualification (PQR), visual inspection and NDT testing in accordance with API 1104.
• Coatings: Evaluation of surface preparation (sandblasting), anchor profile (ASTM D4417), coating thickness (DFT), adhesion (ASTM D4541) and defect control.
• Pressure testing: Execution and analysis of hydrostatic tests according to ASME B31.4 and B31.8, monitoring of pressures and retention times, technical documentation and safety in pneumatic testing.
• Environment and safety: Verification of environmental plans, mitigation measures, waste control, risk analysis, work permits and use of PPE according to OSHA and DOT regulations.
• Document management and traceability: Review of isometric drawings, P&IDs, material certificates, inspection reports, quality audits and compliance with specifications.

Once these pipelines enter service, their inspection and maintenance are governed by standards such as ASME B31.4, ASME B31.8 and DOT 49 CFR regulations, depending on the type of fluid being transported, not API 1169.

Application

• Linear infrastructure construction and expansion projects (pipelines, onshore gas pipelines).
• Upstream, midstream and distribution sectors.

Professional profile required

• Current API 1169 certification.
• Technical training in welding, quality control, testing and pipeline transportation regulations.
• Highly valued: AWS CWI, NACE CIP, pipeline construction experience and DOT/OSHA standards.

Complementary standards

• API 1104, ASME B31.4/B31.8.
• DOT 49 CFR Parts 192 and 195
• OSHA, NACE, SSPC, ASTM (D4417, D4541)

Advanced technical aspects

In addition to the general procedures already mentioned, both standards include technical elements that strengthen their application and practice in industrial projects.

API 570: Additional technical considerations

•  Material Verification (MVP): API 570 recommends establishing a material verification program, in accordance with API RP 578, to confirm that alloys, thicknesses and system specifications are consistent with the original design.
• Evaluation after anomalous events: The standard contemplates unscheduled inspections when situations such as overpressure, fire, accelerated corrosion or operational incidents that compromise mechanical integrity occur.
• Acceptance and repair criteria: Establishes specific tolerances for loss of thickness and defects. Requires the use of qualified procedures for temporary or definitive repairs, maintaining traceability and technical documentation.
• Historical records: Requires maintaining consolidated documentation of previous inspections, corrosion data, repairs, anomalous events and operational changes, allowing for predictive maintenance approaches.

API 1169: Additional requirements for constructive inspection

• Multidisciplinary coordination: The inspector must be able to interface with multiple areas (welding, coatings, testing, environmental, safety) and ensure that all activities are aligned with the schedule and regulatory requirements.
• Competency assessment: This standard requires that performing personnel (welders, painters, NDT technicians) are qualified and certified to standards such as AWS, NACE or ASNT, and that these certifications are current and documented.
• Contractor quality system audit: The standard requires the inspector to verify that the contractor has a formal quality system in place, with documented procedures, change control and drawing approval flows.
• Deviation management: Establishes a procedure for recording, analyzing and closing nonconformities with respect to drawings and technical specifications, ensuring traceability during project execution.

Comparative technical summary

Characteristic	API 1169	API 570
Primary Purpose	Pipeline construction	Inspection of in-service process piping
Application	Oil and gas pipelines	Industrial Plants (pressurized pipelines)
Type of inspection	Pre-service	In-service / condition based
Main focus	Quality, safety, regulatory compliance	Integrity, FFS, RBI and corrosion
Certification targeted at	Construction inspectors	Mechanical integrity inspectors
Base Standards	API 1104, ASME B31.4/8, DOT, NACE, ASTM	API 571, 574, RP 580/581, ASME B31.3/1
Last edition / Publication	2nd edition – Feb. 2020	5th edition – Feb. 2024

Professional benefits of becoming certified under these API standards

API 570: In service inspection certification

• Accredits technical knowledge in mechanical integrity of pipelines in service.
• Strengthens the professional profile to perform in technical roles in refineries, terminals and industrial process facilities.
• Qualifies for the application of methodologies such as RBI (Risk Based Inspection), FFS (Fitness for Service Assessment) and NDT (Non Destructive Testing).
• Qualifies to participate in advanced inspection activities and assume technical leadership responsibilities.
• It is an internationally recognized certification in the industry.

API 1169: Certification for inspection during construction

• Accredits key competencies for inspection roles on pipeline projects.
• Validates knowledge in welding, coatings and testing in accordance with recognized technical standards.
• Highly valued by contractors, operators and regulatory agencies.
• Strengthens the technical profile for audits, inspections and quality control in the field

 Conclusions

Differentiating between API 570 and API 1169 allows the asset integrity professional to select the most appropriate inspection and certification approach depending on the type of infrastructure: industrial processes or linear transportation systems.

While API 1169 focuses on quality assurance and regulatory compliance during pipeline construction, API 570 focuses on operational reliability management of in-service pipelines through advanced diagnostic tools and risk analysis. Both standards integrate the API technical body for pipeline inspection, providing traceability, technical rigor and safety throughout the life cycle of the asset.

References

1. https://onlinestandart.com/en/api-570-inspection-repair-and-renewal-standard-for-pipelines/
2. https://drillcoresolutions.com/guidelines-for-piping-inspection-of-api-570-requirements/