Certification Exam Practice Questions

API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• The primary purpose of a pressure relief device on a pressure vessel is

to:

• Reduce corrosion inside the vessel
• Maintain pressure below the maximum allowable working pressure
• Increase vessel capacity
• Monitor vessel temperature
• Maintain pressure below the maximum allowable working pressure

Rationale: Relief devices protect vessels from overpressure, preventing

potential rupture or catastrophic failure.

• The Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) of a vessel is

defined as: 1 / 4

• The pressure at which the vessel will burst
• The pressure used during hydrostatic testing
• The maximum pressure at which the vessel can safely operate
• The pressure at ambient temperature only
• The maximum pressure at which the vessel can safely operate

Rationale: MAWP is set by design and code requirements and represents

the maximum safe operating pressure for the vessel.

3. Corrosion allowance in pressure vessels is:

• Extra thickness added to compensate for future corrosion
• Minimum wall thickness required by code
• Extra thickness to handle pressure fluctuations
• Thickness lost due to heat treatment
• Extra thickness added to compensate for future corrosion

Rationale: Corrosion allowance ensures that the vessel maintains adequate

strength over its service life despite corrosion.

• Which code covers the inspection, repair, alteration, and rerating of in-

service pressure vessels?

• ASME Section VIII, Division 1

B. API 510

• ASME Section V

D. API 570 2 / 4

B. API 510

Rationale: API 510 provides guidelines for inspection, maintenance, repair,

alteration, and rerating of in-service pressure vessels.

• What is the minimum inspection requirement for a pressure vessel

operating at high pressure and temperature?

• Every 10 years
• Only when leaks are observed
• Regular interval inspections based on risk assessment
• Inspection is not required if the vessel is new
• Regular interval inspections based on risk assessment

Rationale: High-pressure and high-temperature vessels require periodic

inspections to ensure safe operation and to detect potential degradation.

• Which of the following is considered a pressure-containing component

of a vessel?

• Vessel nozzle
• External support skirt
• Nameplate
• Vessel insulation
• Vessel nozzle

Rationale: Pressure-containing components are those that directly enclose

or convey pressurized fluid. 3 / 4

• The primary factor in determining the internal inspection interval of a

pressure vessel is:

• Age of the vessel
• Vessel material and corrosion rate
• Operator experience
• Vessel color
• Vessel material and corrosion rate

Rationale: Inspection intervals are based on potential for material

degradation and likelihood of failure, which is influenced by material properties and corrosion.

• Which inspection method is most suitable for detecting surface cracks

on a vessel?

• Radiography
• Ultrasonic testing
• Magnetic particle or dye penetrant testing
• Visual inspection only
• Magnetic particle or dye penetrant testing

Rationale: These non-destructive methods are specifically designed to

detect surface-breaking cracks or defects.

9. A hydrostatic test is typically performed at:

A. MAWP

• 1.3 to 1.5 times the MAWP
• / 4