Skip to content
Institute For Oil & Gas Training
OGI-1279 New

API 573 Inspection of Fired Boilers and Heaters Training Course

Duration
5 days
CPD hours
15
Language
English
Next date
26 Oct 2026
View dates & register Download brochure

We use your details only to answer this enquiry. See our privacy policy.

Overview

The API 573 Inspection of Fired Boilers and Heaters Training Course from Institute For Oil & Gas Training develops the technical capabilities required to assess fired equipment condition, identify deterioration mechanisms, and strengthen inspection programmes across refineries, petrochemical facilities, and other oil and gas installations. The course focuses on practical fired boiler inspection and fired heater inspection, helping organisations improve equipment reliability, manage integrity risks, and make informed maintenance decisions.

Fired boilers and heaters perform essential duties throughout the oil and gas industry, including process heating, steam generation, thermal processing, and the delivery of controlled heat to production systems. Their continuous operation exposes pressure-containing components, tubes, refractory linings, burners, supports, and associated equipment to demanding thermal and mechanical conditions. Corrosion, oxidation, overheating, thermal fatigue, creep, and other degradation mechanisms affect equipment condition and require systematic inspection and engineering evaluation.

The API 573 Inspection of Fired Boilers and Heaters Training Course addresses the gap between routine equipment monitoring and structured inspection practices that support long-term asset integrity. It provides participants with a practical understanding of inspection planning, component assessment, damage identification, inspection documentation, and the technical considerations involved in evaluating fired equipment. Participants examine how inspection findings contribute to maintenance priorities, repair planning, and decisions concerning continued operation.

Effective refinery equipment inspection requires more than identifying visible defects. Inspection personnel must understand equipment design, operating conditions, material behaviour, deterioration mechanisms, and the limitations of available inspection techniques. They must also communicate findings clearly so that inspection engineers, maintenance teams, operations personnel, and asset managers can establish appropriate corrective actions.

This training course explores the application of API Standard 573, Inspection of Fired Boilers and Heaters, within an organised inspection and equipment integrity programme. Participants develop an understanding of the relationship between inspection scope, operating history, equipment condition, and the consequences of failure. The course also examines how recognised inspection practices support technical decision-making without treating inspection results as a substitute for engineering assessment.

A central theme is boiler integrity and the systematic management of fired equipment throughout its operating life. Participants examine the significance of tube condition, refractory deterioration, burner performance, combustion-related damage, pressure boundary degradation, and inspection access. The programme also addresses the importance of reliable records, consistent defect reporting, and coordinated communication between inspection and maintenance functions.

For organisations operating complex processing facilities, well-structured inspection programmes support safer operating decisions, better maintenance planning, and more effective allocation of engineering resources. The API 573 Inspection of Fired Boilers and Heaters Training Course from Institute For Oil & Gas Training equips professionals with practical knowledge to improve inspection quality, recognise developing equipment problems, and contribute to dependable operation across critical oil and gas assets.

Objectives

  • Explain the purpose and scope of API Standard 573 and its application to fired boilers and heaters in oil and gas facilities.

  • Identify the principal components of fired boilers and heaters and explain their functions within industrial processing systems.

  • Recognise common deterioration mechanisms affecting tubes, pressure-containing components, refractory linings, burners, supports, and associated equipment.

  • Understand how operating temperature, pressure, combustion conditions, process chemistry, and operating history influence equipment degradation.

  • Apply structured inspection planning principles when defining inspection requirements for fired equipment.

  • Identify appropriate visual examination and non-destructive testing methods for different equipment components and inspection objectives.

  • Interpret inspection observations in relation to component condition, service history, and potential damage mechanisms.

  • Recognise indications of overheating, corrosion, cracking, oxidation, erosion, and other forms of deterioration.

  • Understand the importance of evaluating tube condition, refractory performance, burner assemblies, and combustion-related damage.

  • Distinguish between inspection observations, suspected damage mechanisms, and conclusions requiring further engineering assessment.

  • Improve the quality of inspection records, defect descriptions, photographic documentation, and technical recommendations.

  • Understand how inspection findings contribute to repair decisions, maintenance planning, and assessment of continued equipment operation.

  • Apply equipment criticality and risk-informed considerations when prioritising inspection activities.

  • Strengthen coordination between inspection, engineering, maintenance, operations, and asset integrity teams.

  • Contribute to consistent inspection practices that support operational reliability, personnel safety, and long-term boiler integrity.

Training methodology

Institute For Oil & Gas Training delivers the course through an industry-focused approach that connects inspection principles with operating conditions and maintenance challenges encountered in refineries and process facilities. The methodology combines technical presentations, practical case studies, equipment inspection scenarios, group discussions, and structured exercises. This approach helps participants understand the reasoning behind inspection decisions and apply recognised principles to workplace responsibilities.

Technical Presentations and Guided Discussions

Presentations establish the technical foundations of fired equipment construction, operating environments, inspection requirements, and deterioration mechanisms. Participants explore the functions of boiler and heater components, the influence of operating conditions on material degradation, and the role of inspection in maintaining equipment integrity.

Guided discussions encourage participants to compare inspection practices across different facilities and operating environments. These exchanges help clarify the relationship between equipment design, operating history, inspection findings, and maintenance priorities.

Practical Inspection Case Studies

Case studies examine representative equipment problems, including tube corrosion, overheating, cracking, refractory damage, and deterioration affecting pressure-containing components. Participants review inspection observations, consider possible damage mechanisms, and identify the additional information required to support a reliable assessment.

The exercises also demonstrate how incomplete inspection records, unclear defect descriptions, and poorly defined inspection scopes complicate maintenance decisions. Participants practise converting inspection observations into structured findings that support engineering review and corrective action.

Equipment Condition Assessment Exercises

Participants work through scenarios involving different fired equipment components and operating conditions. These exercises focus on recognising visible deterioration, distinguishing observations from confirmed damage mechanisms, and identifying when additional examination or specialist engineering input is required.

The approach reinforces the importance of evaluating inspection findings in context. A defect cannot be assessed reliably without considering its location, extent, operating environment, material characteristics, and potential consequences.

Inspection Planning and Prioritisation

Structured exercises examine the development of inspection scopes based on equipment criticality, operating history, known degradation mechanisms, previous findings, and accessibility. Participants consider how inspection resources should be directed towards components that require closer examination.

Group activities also address the coordination of inspection activities with operations, maintenance, and shutdown planning. This provides a practical understanding of how inspection programmes support asset availability while maintaining appropriate safety controls.

Group Problem-Solving and Reporting

Participants review sample inspection records and discuss how to improve the clarity, completeness, and technical usefulness of reports. Exercises cover defect descriptions, photographic evidence, component identification, recommendations for further examination, and escalation of significant findings.

The methodology encourages participants to communicate technical information in a form that supports timely decisions. It also highlights the importance of separating observed conditions from assumptions and ensuring that repair or continued-operation decisions receive the appropriate engineering approval.

Workplace Application

Throughout the programme, participants relate the course content to their own equipment, inspection procedures, maintenance systems, and organisational requirements. This reinforces the practical relevance of the training and helps attendees identify opportunities to improve existing inspection practices.

By combining technical knowledge with applied exercises, Institute For Oil & Gas Training helps participants develop a structured approach to fired boiler inspection, fired heater inspection, and equipment integrity management.

Organisational impact

The API 573 Inspection of Fired Boilers and Heaters Training Course helps sponsoring organisations strengthen inspection capability, improve maintenance decisions, and manage risks associated with critical fired equipment. By developing a consistent understanding of inspection requirements and deterioration mechanisms, the programme supports more effective collaboration between technical departments and more reliable asset management practices.

Improved Equipment Reliability

A structured inspection approach helps personnel recognise developing defects before they progress into more serious equipment problems. Improved understanding of tube degradation, refractory damage, corrosion, overheating, and cracking supports earlier identification of conditions requiring investigation.

For organisations operating refineries and petrochemical facilities, this knowledge strengthens reliability planning and helps maintenance teams address equipment concerns using documented inspection findings. It also improves the technical basis for determining inspection priorities and planning corrective work.

Stronger Asset Integrity Management

The course reinforces the importance of maintaining a clear relationship between equipment condition, operating history, inspection results, and engineering decisions. Participants learn how inspection information contributes to a more complete understanding of asset condition.

This supports better coordination between inspection engineers, materials specialists, maintenance planners, and operations teams. It also helps organisations establish consistent approaches to recording defects, reviewing deterioration trends, and escalating findings that require further technical assessment.

More Effective Maintenance Planning

Reliable inspection information supports maintenance planning by identifying the location, nature, and significance of equipment defects. Better documentation allows maintenance teams to define work scopes, identify required resources, and coordinate repairs with operational requirements.

The course helps personnel understand how inspection findings contribute to maintenance priorities and shutdown preparation. This improves the quality of technical information available for work planning and reduces avoidable uncertainty when defining inspection-related maintenance activities.

Better Management of Operational Risk

Fired boilers and heaters operate under conditions that demand careful control of equipment integrity. Degradation affecting pressure boundaries, tubes, supports, or other critical components requires appropriate investigation and management.

Participants develop a stronger understanding of the relationship between inspection findings and potential operating consequences. This supports more informed discussions about equipment condition, the need for further examination, and the escalation of significant defects through established organisational procedures.

The resulting improvement in technical awareness contributes to risk management, provided that inspection findings are reviewed by appropriately qualified personnel and that operational decisions follow approved engineering and safety processes.

More Consistent Inspection Practices

Differences in inspection methods, reporting standards, and defect descriptions can complicate the comparison of findings across equipment and inspection campaigns. The course promotes a structured approach to inspection scope definition, examination, documentation, and technical communication.

Greater consistency improves the usefulness of inspection records and supports comparison between current findings and historical information. Organisations can use this knowledge to review inspection procedures, strengthen quality assurance, and improve the traceability of equipment condition assessments.

Improved Coordination Across Departments

Equipment integrity depends on effective communication between operations, inspection, maintenance, engineering, and safety teams. The course develops a shared understanding of inspection terminology, equipment deterioration, and the information required to support corrective action.

This common technical foundation helps teams clarify responsibilities, communicate emerging concerns, and coordinate work more effectively. It also supports more productive discussions when inspection findings affect operating plans, maintenance schedules, or shutdown requirements.

Better Use of Inspection Resources

Inspection programmes require careful allocation of personnel, equipment, access arrangements, and specialist examination methods. A clearer understanding of component condition and deterioration mechanisms helps organisations focus attention on the areas that require appropriate investigation.

The course supports more informed inspection planning and helps personnel identify when additional non-destructive testing or engineering evaluation is justified. This contributes to more purposeful use of inspection resources without compromising the examination requirements established for the equipment.

Stronger Technical Governance

Consistent application of recognised inspection practices supports traceable decisions and more effective technical oversight. Organisations benefit from clearer inspection reports, better-supported recommendations, and improved records of equipment condition.

The course also reinforces the distinction between inspection guidance, applicable engineering codes, organisational procedures, and statutory obligations. This helps personnel understand the need to verify the relevant requirements for each facility rather than relying on a single standard to address every aspect of fired equipment integrity.

Personal impact

The API 573 Inspection of Fired Boilers and Heaters Training Course strengthens the technical knowledge and practical judgement of professionals involved in fired equipment inspection, maintenance, and asset integrity management. Participants gain a clearer understanding of how equipment condition is assessed and how inspection findings contribute to operational and engineering decisions.

Enhanced Inspection Knowledge

Participants develop a more comprehensive understanding of fired boiler and heater construction, operating environments, inspection requirements, and common deterioration mechanisms. This knowledge improves their ability to recognise relevant equipment features and understand why particular components require inspection attention.

They also gain a stronger foundation in the principles behind inspection scope selection and the use of visual examination and non-destructive testing.

Improved Defect Recognition

The programme helps attendees recognise common signs of corrosion, overheating, cracking, erosion, oxidation, and refractory deterioration. Participants learn to describe observed conditions accurately and understand the limitations of visual evidence.

This capability supports more effective communication with inspection specialists and helps personnel identify when a suspected defect requires further examination.

Stronger Technical Decision-Making

Participants develop a structured approach to reviewing inspection findings in the context of equipment service, operating history, and potential consequences. They learn to identify missing information, distinguish observations from interpretations, and recognise when engineering assessment is necessary.

These skills support more disciplined recommendations and reduce the risk of making unsupported conclusions from incomplete inspection evidence.

Improved Reporting and Communication

Attendees strengthen their ability to document component condition, describe defects, organise inspection evidence, and communicate recommendations. Better reporting helps ensure that technical findings are understandable to engineering managers, maintenance planners, operations personnel, and other stakeholders.

The course also develops awareness of the importance of accurate records and traceable decisions throughout the equipment lifecycle.

Greater Confidence in Cross-Functional Work

Professionals gain a stronger basis for discussing fired equipment condition with inspection, maintenance, engineering, and operations colleagues. Understanding common inspection terminology and technical considerations improves their ability to contribute to multidisciplinary reviews.

This is particularly valuable when equipment findings affect maintenance priorities, shutdown preparation, or decisions requiring additional specialist input.

Career and Professional Development

The knowledge gained supports professional responsibilities in inspection engineering, mechanical integrity, maintenance management, and refinery equipment reliability. It helps participants broaden their technical understanding and prepare for more complex inspection-related assignments.

The course provides focused professional development in API 573 inspection practices. It does not replace the experience, qualifications, authorisations, or additional training required for specialist inspection duties.

Who should attend

  • Inspection Engineers: Strengthen inspection planning, deterioration assessment, and technical reporting for fired boilers and heaters.

  • Mechanical Engineers: Improve understanding of fired equipment components, damage mechanisms, and maintenance-related engineering decisions.

  • Asset Integrity Engineers: Apply inspection information to equipment condition reviews, integrity planning, and risk management.

  • Corrosion Engineers and Materials Specialists: Develop a clearer understanding of corrosion, oxidation, overheating, and material degradation affecting fired equipment.

  • Non-Destructive Testing Personnel: Improve awareness of equipment-specific inspection requirements and the selection of appropriate examination methods.

  • Refinery Maintenance Engineers: Use inspection findings to support repair planning, maintenance priorities, and shutdown preparation.

  • Maintenance Planners and Supervisors: Improve coordination of inspection-related work, resource allocation, and corrective maintenance activities.

  • Boiler and Heater Specialists: Expand technical knowledge of component condition, inspection requirements, and common deterioration mechanisms.

  • Reliability Engineers: Connect inspection findings with equipment reliability reviews and maintenance strategies.

  • Operations Engineers and Supervisors: Understand how equipment condition and inspection recommendations influence operating decisions.

  • Plant and Facility Engineers: Strengthen coordination of equipment inspection and integrity activities across process facilities.

  • Technical Managers and Engineering Supervisors: Improve oversight of inspection quality, technical reporting, and equipment integrity decisions.

  • Shutdown and Turnaround Coordinators: Develop a stronger understanding of inspection scopes, access requirements, defect reporting, and repair coordination.

  • Quality Assurance and Technical Assurance Personnel: Improve familiarity with inspection documentation, technical traceability, and recognised inspection practices.

Course outline

This module establishes the technical foundation for inspecting fired boilers and heaters in oil and gas processing facilities. Participants examine the purpose of inspection, the principal characteristics of fired equipment, and the responsibilities involved in maintaining reliable equipment condition throughout its operating life.

The module explores the relationship between equipment design, operating conditions, materials, and inspection requirements. Participants consider how inspection programmes are developed, how equipment records support condition assessments, and how API 573 contributes to the systematic inspection of fired equipment.

  1. API Standard 573

    • Provides recognised inspection guidance for fired boilers and heaters used in petroleum and related processing facilities.

    • Addresses inspection considerations for equipment components, operating conditions, and deterioration that affects equipment integrity.

    • Supports the development of inspection scopes and the assessment of fired equipment condition.

    • Provides a technical reference for personnel involved in inspection, maintenance, and asset integrity activities.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the purpose and principal scope of API Standard 573.

    • Identify major fired boiler and heater components and describe their functions.

    • Explain how equipment design and operating conditions influence inspection requirements.

    • Identify the equipment records and operating information needed to support inspection planning.

    • Distinguish inspection guidance from equipment design requirements and other applicable codes.

    • Describe the responsibilities of inspection, engineering, maintenance, and operations personnel in equipment integrity management.

This module examines the damage mechanisms that affect fired boilers, fired heaters, and associated pressure-containing components. Participants explore how temperature, pressure, combustion conditions, process chemistry, material properties, and operating history influence equipment deterioration.

Particular attention is given to tube degradation, corrosion, oxidation, overheating, thermal fatigue, creep, erosion, cracking, and refractory damage. Participants consider the importance of recognising damage patterns and distinguishing between visible symptoms and confirmed degradation mechanisms. The module also examines how operating records and previous inspection findings help establish the likely causes and significance of observed defects.

  1. API Recommended Practice 571

    • Provides guidance on damage mechanisms affecting equipment used in refining and related process industries.

    • Describes common deterioration mechanisms, their contributing conditions, and characteristic damage patterns.

    • Helps inspection and materials professionals understand the relationship between operating environments and material degradation.

    • Supports the identification of potential damage mechanisms that require further examination or engineering assessment.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Identify common deterioration mechanisms affecting fired boiler and heater components.

    • Recognise indications associated with corrosion, oxidation, overheating, cracking, and thermal damage.

    • Explain how operating temperature, combustion conditions, and material characteristics influence deterioration.

    • Assess the relevance of historical inspection records when investigating recurring defects.

    • Differentiate between an observed condition and a confirmed damage mechanism.

    • Identify circumstances requiring additional non-destructive testing, materials expertise, or specialist engineering review.

This module focuses on inspection methods used to assess fired equipment condition and identify defects that affect reliability and integrity. Participants examine the role of visual examination, dimensional checks, ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, magnetic particle testing, and liquid penetrant testing where appropriate to the component, material, suspected defect, and examination objective.

The module addresses the selection of inspection methods, preparation of inspection locations, access limitations, examination quality, and interpretation of findings. Participants also consider the importance of competent personnel, suitable procedures, equipment calibration where applicable, and accurate documentation. Emphasis is placed on selecting techniques according to the expected damage mechanism rather than treating any single method as suitable for every inspection requirement.

  1. ASME BPVC Section V

    • Establishes requirements and methods for non-destructive examination within the scope of the applicable ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code provisions.

    • Covers examination methods and related procedural considerations for techniques such as ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle, and liquid penetrant testing.

    • Supports consistency in the performance and evaluation of examinations when the relevant code requirements apply.

    • Provides a technical basis for selecting and implementing suitable examination methods in accordance with applicable construction, inspection, and repair requirements.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the purpose and limitations of common non-destructive examination methods.

    • Identify appropriate examination techniques for different component materials and suspected defects.

    • Understand how access, surface condition, geometry, and defect orientation affect examination effectiveness.

    • Explain the importance of qualified personnel, approved procedures, and suitable examination equipment.

    • Review inspection findings and recognise when additional testing is required.

    • Improve the quality of examination records and communicate inspection limitations clearly.

This module examines how fired equipment inspection programmes are developed, implemented, documented, and reviewed. Participants explore the relationship between equipment criticality, operating history, known damage mechanisms, previous findings, and inspection priorities.

The module addresses the definition of inspection scope, selection of examination locations, preparation for internal and external inspection, access requirements, coordination with maintenance and operations, and the management of findings. Participants also consider how inspection records, photographs, defect descriptions, and recommendations contribute to traceable equipment condition assessments. Particular emphasis is placed on producing practical, technically clear reports that support corrective work and future inspection planning.

  1. API Standard 510

    • Provides inspection, repair, alteration, and rerating requirements for pressure vessels within its defined scope.

    • Addresses the responsibilities and processes associated with maintaining pressure vessel integrity during service.

    • Supports inspection planning and assessment where equipment falls within the standard's applicability.

    • Requires users to distinguish between pressure vessels covered by API 510 and other equipment governed by separate inspection or construction requirements.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Develop an inspection scope based on equipment condition, operating history, and identified degradation concerns.

    • Identify the information required before inspection activities begin.

    • Understand the coordination requirements associated with access, isolation, preparation, and inspection execution.

    • Document inspection findings using clear component references and technically accurate defect descriptions.

    • Understand how inspection recommendations support maintenance planning and engineering review.

    • Recognise the importance of applying the correct inspection standard to each equipment type and service condition.

This module brings together inspection principles, damage identification, examination techniques, and reporting practices to examine how inspection findings inform equipment integrity decisions. Participants consider how defect location, extent, damage mechanism, operating conditions, and equipment function influence the need for additional examination, repair, engineering assessment, or changes to inspection planning.

The module also addresses the relationship between inspection and maintenance, repair documentation, post-repair examination, and the review of equipment condition before return to service. Participants explore the importance of escalation procedures, multidisciplinary technical review, and accurate records when significant defects are identified. The focus is on ensuring that inspection findings contribute to appropriate engineering decisions rather than allowing inspection observations alone to determine whether equipment remains fit for operation.

  1. API Standard 577

    • Provides guidance on welding inspection and metallurgy relevant to inspection and repair activities.

    • Covers aspects of welding processes, materials, weld discontinuities, and inspection considerations.

    • Helps inspection personnel understand the technical issues associated with welded repairs and fabrication work.

    • Supports coordination between inspection, welding, quality assurance, and engineering personnel where welding-related work falls within the applicable requirements.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain how inspection findings contribute to equipment integrity assessment and maintenance decisions.

    • Identify circumstances requiring engineering evaluation before continued operation or return to service.

    • Understand the importance of assessing defect extent, location, damage mechanism, and operating conditions together.

    • Recognise inspection considerations associated with equipment repairs and welded components.

    • Understand how post-repair examination and documentation support equipment integrity assurance.

    • Develop recommendations that clearly identify required follow-up actions, technical limitations, and escalation requirements.

    • Explain how inspection history and repair records contribute to future inspection planning and long-term boiler integrity.

Certificate

Upon successful completion of the API 573 Inspection of Fired Boilers and Heaters Training Course, attendees receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.

The certificate recognises participation in the training programme and completion of its learning activities. Attendees must meet the course attendance requirement established by Institute For Oil & Gas Training to receive the certificate.

The Certificate of Completion confirms completion of the training course. It does not constitute API personnel certification, professional engineering registration, or independent authorisation to perform regulated inspection activities.

Course dates

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,900

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,900

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,900

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,900

Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the API 573 Inspection of Fired Boilers and Heaters Training Course?

The API 573 Inspection of Fired Boilers and Heaters Training Course is a professional training programme covering inspection principles, equipment components, deterioration mechanisms, non-destructive examination, inspection planning, and equipment integrity assessment. Delivered by Institute For Oil & Gas Training, it helps participants apply recognised inspection guidance to fired boilers and heaters in refineries and related oil and gas facilities.

Who should attend this training course?

The course is suitable for inspection engineers, mechanical engineers, asset integrity specialists, corrosion engineers, non-destructive testing personnel, maintenance professionals, reliability engineers, and operations supervisors. It also benefits technical managers and shutdown planners responsible for fired equipment inspection, maintenance, and integrity decisions.

What topics are covered during the course?

The five modules cover API 573 inspection principles, fired equipment fundamentals, damage mechanisms, non-destructive examination methods, inspection planning, technical reporting, repairs, and integrity assessment. Participants also examine relevant standards, including API Recommended Practice 571, ASME BPVC Section V, API Standard 510, and API Standard 577, where applicable to the equipment and activity.

How is the training delivered?

Institute For Oil & Gas Training uses technical presentations, practical case studies, group discussions, inspection scenarios, and structured exercises. Participants review representative equipment defects, consider appropriate inspection methods, practise evaluating inspection information, and explore how findings support maintenance planning and engineering decisions.

Will participants receive a certificate after completing the course?

Yes. Attendees who complete the course and meet the attendance requirement established by Institute For Oil & Gas Training receive a Certificate of Completion. This certificate recognises completion of the training programme and does not constitute API personnel certification or authorisation to perform regulated inspection activities.

Next: 26 Oct 2026

4 dates available

Register Now

Related training courses

Get the training calendar in your inbox

New courses, dates and industry insight. No more than twice a month.