API Launches New Certification For Refractory Lining Inspectors

The American Petroleum Institute (API) today announced an expansion of its individual certification programs to refractory lining inspectors. The certification will help identify the inspection knowledge available in the natural gas and oil industry, thereby improving safety and helping to enhance equipment reliability, bolster operating efficiency, increase personnel safety, and promote operational process safety.

"The implementation of comprehensive and consistent refractory lining inspections cannot be overstated in our industry," said API’s Director of Individual Certification Programs, Andri Orphanides. "Through the refractory inspector certification, we are evaluating professionals on the essential skills and knowledge to conduct these inspections effectively and efficiently, advancing our commitment to operational excellence and safety."

"API RP 982 is the culmination of years of discussion into the creation of a refractory inspection certification, and we as a group are glad to see the progress,” said Nick Engelhardt, Director, Refractory Systems at Valero Energy Corporation and Chair, API Standards Subcommittee on Refractory Materials.

Offered through API’s Individual Certification Programs (ICP), the Refractory Inspector certification will help ensure the industry has competent and qualified inspectors for refractory linings for a variety of equipment types, including fluid solid units, fired heaters, incinerators and more. Following completion of a rigorous qualification process and exam, future inspectors will have demonstrated their understanding of which equipment should be inspected, key inspection elements, appropriate inspection tools, and the requisite inspector competencies. Holding an ICP certification elevates their professional credibility while contributing to the industry's pursuit of operational safety and excellence.

This newest API inspection certification is based on Recommended Practice 982, Inspection and Assessment of Refractory Linings, 1st edition. In developing the standard, API tapped the accumulated experience and consensus from member companies in terms of the necessary requirements for refractory lining inspection competencies.

Enrollment and Course Details
The first exam window opens from August 9 – 30, 2024. The deadline to apply is June 7. More information about API’s ICP program can be found here.

API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports nearly 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our approximately 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.