JOB PURPOSE
Perform third-party inspection of in-service and new piping systems at Ras Laffan Industrial City. Verify compliance with API 570, ASME B31.3, and applicable client standards. Assess piping integrity, review inspection data, and provide authoritative inspection sign-off.
Piping Inspection Execution
- Inspect process piping systems for:
- Wall loss – internal corrosion, erosion, flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC), and galvanic corrosion
- Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) – particularly on carbon steel, low alloy, and austenitic stainless steel lines operating between -4°C to 175°C (25°F to 350°F)
- Mechanical damage – dents, gouges, cuts, arc strikes, and deformation
- Cracking – fatigue, stress corrosion cracking (SCC), chloride SCC (stainless steel), and hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC)
- Perform external visual inspection of:
- Piping circuits and components (flanges, fittings, valves, expansion joints)
- Pipe supports, hangers, guides, and restraints
- Dead legs, stagnant zones, and low-flow areas (high corrosion risk)
Documentation & Record Review
- Review:
- Piping isometrics – verify line numbers, dimensions, materials, and weld locations
- P&IDs (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams) – confirm line designation, fluid service, design conditions, and class rating
- Inspection history records – previous thickness data, repair history, corrosion rates, and RBI assessment
- Ensure documentation matches field conditions before inspection commencement
NDT Witnessing & Acceptance
- Witness and accept Non-Destructive Testing inspections:
- UT Thickness – spot readings, grid scanning, profile (B-scan / C-scan mapping)
- Radiography (RT) – film interpretation for corrosion mapping and weld integrity (including digital radiography)
- Visual (VT) – surface defects, coating condition, support contact, leaks, and vibration damage
- Ensure NDT techniques, equipment calibration, and personnel certifications meet:
- API 570 requirements
- ASME Section V
- Client specific procedures
- Review NDT reports and accept with sign-off authority
Repair & Alteration Oversight
- Review and approve piping repair/alteration procedures:
- Weld repair procedures (WPS / PQR / WPQ)
- Installation of repair sleeves (full encirclement, partial wrap)
- Pipe replacement scopes (cut-outs, respools)
- Grinding and blending of defects
- Verify post-repair activities:
- NDT of repaired area (MT / PT / UT / RT as applicable)
- Pressure testing (hydrotest or pneumatic) when required per code
- PWHT (Post Weld Heat Treatment) for thickness/weld requirements
Non-Conformance & Quality Control
- Issue Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) for:
- Non-compliant inspection findings (wall thickness below minimum, severe CUI)
- Substandard repairs or welding
- Missing or incorrect documentation (material certs, WPS, NDT reports)
- Unauthorized alterations or unapproved repairs
- Assign NCR priority (Critical / Major / Minor)
- Follow up on NCR close-out:
- Review corrective action plans
- Verify implementation through re-inspection
- Sign-off on NCR closure
Material Verification (PMI)
- Review and verify Positive Material Identification (PMI) per API 578
- Ensure:
- All alloy materials (chrome, stainless, high-temp alloys) are verified
- PMI results match material specifications on isometrics and MTCs
- Replacement materials meet original design requirements
Coordination & Reporting
- Liaise with:
- Client – QatarEnergy / operator inspection and engineering teams
- Contractor teams – piping maintenance, NDT, and repair crews
- Attend:
- Daily pre-shift meetings and safety briefings (TBT)
- Shutdown progress and inspection review meetings
- Submit:
- Daily inspection reports (summary of findings, NDT accepted, repairs signed off)
- Final integrity summary and turnover package at completion
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Mandatory Certification
- Valid API 570 (Piping Inspector) certification – mandatory and active
Experience
- Minimum 5 years of piping inspection experience in oil & gas / petrochemical industry
- At least 2 years of dedicated in-service piping inspection (corrosion monitoring, CUI, damage mechanism identification)
- Experience with new construction piping inspection (witnessing hydrotest, NDT, and final sign-off) is an advantage
- At least 1 shutdown / turnaround campaign as a piping inspector
Technical Knowledge
- ASME B31.3 – Process Piping (design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and acceptance criteria)
- API 571 – Damage mechanisms affecting piping systems:
- CUI (Corrosion Under Insulation)
- CO2 corrosion, H2S corrosion (sour service)
- Chloride SCC (stainless steels)
- HIC / SOHIC (wet H2S service)
- Graphitization, creep, thermal fatigue
- API 574 – Inspection practices for piping systems (circuitization, thickness monitoring locations, inspection intervals)
- API 578 – Positive Material Identification (PMI) requirements and verification
Regional Experience
- Previous experience in GCC (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain)
- LNG plant experience – Ras Laffan, Ruwais, Jubail, or equivalent
- Familiarity with QatarEnergy (formerly QP / RasGas) procedures and specifications
- Experience processing NCRs and inspection reports to client standards
