Based on API 579-1/ASME FFS-1,Fitness-For-Service ( FFS) assessments are defined as quantitative engineering evaluations that are performed to demonstrate the structural integrity of an in-service component that may contain a flaw or damage, or that may be operating under a specific condition that might cause a failure. Besides, API-580 states FFS as a methodology whereby damage or flaws/imperfections contained within a component or equipment item areassessed in order to determine acceptability for continued service.
FFS assessment procedures in API 579-1/ASME FFS-1describes both the present integrity condition of the component,based on current state of the damage, and the projected remaining life. It also presents a procedure for evaluating different damage types including BrittleFracture, General Metal Loss, Local Metal Loss, Pitting Corrosion, Hydrogen Blisters and HydrogenDamage Associated with HIC And SOHIC, Crack-Like Flaws, Creep, Fire Damage, Dents, Gouges, And Dent-GougeCombinations, Laminations, Fatigue Damage.
Among othercommon FFS procedures in industry UK nuclear industry standard for fracture assessment R6, and the British Standards Institution assessment procedure, BS7910 are more popular.
References:
- API 579-1/ASME FFS-1, Fitness-For-Service, (2016).