What is a Static Equipment Inspector in oil and gas refineries?

Static equipment inspector in oil and gas refineries ensure that all static equipment under their control, such as pressure vessels, piping, tanks, boilers, reformers, and so on, meets safety and quality standards. They can inspect the construction of equipment for construction companies, as well as any other type of equipment, based on risk, time, and condition. Static equipment inspectors have a keen eye for safety standards and quality repairs. They employ a variety of NDT techniques to ensure that equipment is functioning properly and to perform minor repairs and maintenance. Static equipment inspectors must also write inspection reports and internal audits summarizing their findings. They occasionally manage NDT techniques and supervise other workers to ensure that they are using equipment safely and correctly.

Equipment inspectors earn an average of $50,000 per year for their inspection expertise. However, before they can work as static equipment inspectors, they must demonstrate a thorough understanding of static equipment, international codes, standards such as ASME, local and/or international regulatory standards, and safety. While some choose to obtain bachelor’s degrees, the majority of equipment inspectors learn through hands-on experience.
It is critical to consider the job prospects before pursuing a career as a static equipment inspector. Unfortunately, by 2028, demand for static equipment inspectors is expected to fall by 18%. However, an inspection-minded individual with the necessary qualifications could still find work in this field.

How to Become a Static Equipment Inspector ?

One of the first things to consider if you want to become a static equipment inspector is how much education you’ll need. A bachelor’s degree is held by 36.4 percent of static equipment inspectors, according to our research. In terms of higher education, 5.8 percent of static equipment inspectors hold master’s degrees. Despite the fact that some static equipment inspectors have a college degree, it is possible to become one with only a high school diploma or GED.

Second, think about what kind of static equipment you’ll be using. This is due to API ICP currently having the most well-known and acceptable certified static equipment program (American Petroleum Institute). Since 1989, API’s Individual Certification Programs (ICP) have provided the petroleum and petrochemical industries with an independent and unbiased way to assess technical and inspection personnel’s knowledge and experience. These certification programs are based on industry-developed standards that are globally recognized and trusted. API certified inspectors and personnel are globally recognized as professionals who are fully conversant with the relevant industry inspection codes and standards, and who are capable of performing their jobs in accordance with the most recent and acceptable industry inspection practices. API 510, 570, and 653 have been accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), demonstrating API’s commitment to developing and delivering world-class programs to support the natural gas and oil industries.

A Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Sort out your education level.  The education level must meet the requirements of a static equipment inspector individual certification program.

The Second Step: Sort through your relevant experience. To qualify for the exams, you must have the minimum experience requirements specified by the individual certification program.

The Third Step: To be eligible for the API ICP program exams, you must have a combination of education and relevant experience. When the applicant’s education and experience are added together, they must equal at least one of the following: 

• a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or technology, plus one year of experience supervising or performing inspection activities.
• a two-year degree or certificate in engineering or technology, plus two years of experience in the design, construction, repair, inspection, or operation of static equipment such as pressure vessels, piping, or storage tanks, one year of which must be in inspection supervision or inspection performance.
• a high school diploma or equivalent, plus three years of experience in the design, construction, repair, inspection, or operation of static equipment, one year of which must be in inspection supervision or inspection performance.
• a minimum of five years of experience in the design, construction, repair, inspection, or operation of static equipment, one year of which must be spent supervising or performing inspection activities.

The Fourth Step is to select a specific static equipment field. Pressure vessels, process piping, and storage tanks are the three most common types of static equipment in the industry.

The Fifth Step: Choose a API ICP Program as your previous selection of specific static equipment. If you’re choosing a pressure vessel, you’ve  to go for the API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector. For process piping you’ve to go for the API 570 Process Piping Inspector. And for storage tanks, you’ve to go for the API 653 Storage Tank Inspector.