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API SIFE (Source Inspector Fixed Equipment) QUIZ

WELCOME to our TECHNICAL QUIZZES

Each of our technical quizzes is compiled to give you an insight into the technical coverage of codes and standards included in various certification exams in the integrity industry. We’ve also included areas of specific technical interest on other integrity topics.

There are only 5 questions per quiz. Have a go at them first then check the answers and see how you’ve done. There’s a ‘5-minute coaching section’ at the end of each quiz set to guide you on the relevant technical subject.

The API SIFE (Source Inspector Fixed Equipment) certification programme

The Body of Knowledge for the API SIFE examination is large, diverse and widespread. It uses codes and published documents from five different organisations:

  • American Petroleum Institute (API)
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
  • American Welding Society (AWS)
  • American Society of Non-destructive Testing (ASNT)
  • Steel Structures Painting Council (SSPC).

To complement all the codes, API produce a 50-page document entitled Guide for Source Inspection and Quality Surveillance of Fixed Equipment This is available from the API website

TRY THESE QUESTIONS

Throughout the scope of the SIFE codes, the role of the Source Inspector (SI) is a central theme. Try these five typical exam questions about the role and responsibilities of the SI. You may find them a little tricky so think about them and read the questions carefully. Make a note of your answer then check them using the Answers Link at the end.

Qu1. What actually is source inspection?

According to API definitions, Source Inspection is the same as;

a) Quality control
b) Quality surveillance
c) Quality assurance
d) Quality management

Qu2. What does a source inspector (SI) do?

When working on a source inspection contract it is the job of the SI to determine;

a) Whether purchased equipment is ‘fit for purpose’
b) Whether the Inspection Plan is correct
c) Whether purchased equipment meets contractual terms and conditions
d) All of the above

Qu 3. More on SI responsibilities

When working on a source inspection contract the SI is generally not responsible for;

a) Reporting on fabrication status
b) Verfying evidence that S/V fabrication personnel are properly trained
c) Slippage of milestone progress
d) Monitoring delivery of project-specific equipment

Qu 4. SI responsibilities for meetings

When equipment has been ordered from a manufacturing shop, the appointed SI;

a) Shall participate in the pre-inspection meeting
b) Does not have to participate in the pre-purchase meeting
c) Shall participate in the pre-purchase meeting
d) Shall participate in both pre-purchase and pre-production meeting

Qu 5. A technical question about SI responsibilities

Before witnessing a hydraulic pressure test at the manufacturer’s premises, it is the SI’s responsibility to check;

a) That a pressure relief device (PRD) is fitted to prevent over-pressurisation
b) That safety barriers are in place at least 60 feet (18.3m) from the test location and that all personnel nearby have been informed
c) That a correctly designed PRV is fitted and that test has been witnessed by an authority
d) All of the above

Click here for the ANSWERS

5-MINUTE COACHING

The role of the API Source Inspector (SI)

Like it or not, API have very specific ideas on what they consider the role of the API Source Inspector to be. Their Study Guide for Source Inspection document sets this out in detail, along with those of the other parties involved in the manufacturing process and purchase contract. The prescribed role of the SI may not necessarily be the same as your own experience of working on inspection contracts. It is important not to get it confused with the ASME AI (Authorised Inspector) role in the USA or that of the NoBo (Notified Body) inspector prescribed under the European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) or other regulatory programmes.

Remember however that the API SIFE Certification exam (and its sister programme for rotating equipment (SIRE) are all based around API’s view of the world and what is written in the Guide document.

See our short slide presentation covering this topic

Matthews Masterclass