# API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspection Code

> API 510, Pressure Vessel Inspection Code: In-service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration, is the American Petroleum Institute code governing the inspection and maintenance of pressure vessels once they are in service, including intervals, methods, repairs and the qualification of authorised inspectors.

- Source: https://amps.global/glossary/api-510/
- Type: Glossary
- Published: 2026-09-05
- Tags: standards

## Key facts

- Internal or on-stream inspection interval is limited by remaining corrosion life and a code maximum, extendable under risk-based inspection
- External inspections at least every 5 years; thickness readings at condition monitoring locations drive remaining-life calculations
- Repairs and alterations require authorisation and NDT per the original construction code
- API 510 certified inspectors are individuals; API 510 is not an accreditation of the company

Also known as: API 510 inspector, pressure vessel inspection code.

## What it means for inspection companies

Recurring scopes: external visual, UT thickness surveys at CMLs, internal inspections at turnarounds, and post-repair NDT. The value is in the history: readings compared across years for the same locations.

## API 510 work in AMPS

In AMPS every asset and job carries a QR code. Scanning it opens the asset page and the history of jobs performed on it, assets can hold sub-assets, and jobs can be grouped, for example per shutdown. The flag system notifies the team one month before a scheduled inspection is due, and all AMPS data is available to Power BI, which is how customers compare job or shutdown performance, costs and time allocation.

## Related pages

- [Inspection interval](https://amps.global/glossary/inspection-interval/)
- [Ultrasonic thickness gauging](https://amps.global/glossary/ultrasonic-thickness-gauging/)
- [API 570](https://amps.global/glossary/api-570/)
- [Risk-based inspection (RBI)](https://amps.global/glossary/risk-based-inspection/)

## Sources

- [API - American Petroleum Institute standards](https://www.api.org/products-and-services/standards)