Pressure vessel periodic inspection determines, through testing and examination, whether vessels and equipment operating under pressure remain safe to use. FKT NDT carries out periodic inspections of your pressure vessels and equipment using the most practical and accurate test methods, taking your operational requirements and working processes into account.
Equipment Covered
- Boilers (solid, liquid and gas fired)
- Steam generators
- Compressors
- Air receivers
- Gas and liquid tanks operating under pressure
- Cooking kettles
- Expansion tanks and hydrophore (booster) tanks
- Water heaters, autoclaves and combi boilers
- Safety valves
For boiler-specific checks, see our boilers page.
Legal Basis and Inspection Interval
Periodic inspection of pressure vessels is an employer obligation under Türkiye’s Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment. Under Table 1 of Annex III of the regulation, equipment such as air and gas tanks, boilers, closed expansion tanks, calorifiers and autoclaves is inspected at least once a year, unless the relevant standard sets a different period. A risk assessment of the operating conditions may call for more frequent inspections. For intervals, hydrostatic test rules and report contents, see our guide to pressure vessel periodic inspection.
Inspections are based on the manufacturing and operating standards applicable to the equipment’s design, for example TS EN 13445 or ASME Section VIII for unfired pressure vessels.
What the Inspection Includes
- Document review: manufacturing documents, nameplate data, design pressure and temperature, previous inspection reports.
- Visual inspection: shell, welded joints, nozzles, fittings and supports checked for corrosion, deformation, leaks and damage. See our visual inspection page.
- Safety device checks: presence, suitability and operation of safety valves, pressure gauges, pressure switches and other protective devices.
- Hydrostatic (pressure) test: unless the standard says otherwise, applied at operating pressure at every periodic inspection, and at the test pressure of the manufacturing standard at least every three years or after major maintenance and repair.
- Non-destructive testing: if the nature of the equipment or compelling process conditions make a hydrostatic test impossible, the NDT methods named as an alternative in the equipment’s standard (or, without a standard, in the manufacturer’s instructions) may be used. Under the regulation, being unable to stop the equipment or process is not on its own a valid reason. For example, wall thickness can be measured by ultrasonic inspection, and surface defects in welds can be checked by liquid penetrant or magnetic particle methods.
Report and Follow-up
Periodic inspections of pressure vessels and equipment are performed, according to your operating conditions, by our technical inspectors authorised within the scope of accreditation. The report records equipment identification, the tests and methods applied, results, any deficiencies and an assessment of fitness for use.
Reports issued after our periodic inspections are valid for one year, except for the exceptions specified in the regulation. Deficiencies are stated clearly so your maintenance team and OHS specialist can follow them up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can carry out pressure vessel periodic inspections?
Inspections must be performed by authorised persons with the qualifications defined in the regulation. At FKT NDT, they are carried out by our technical inspectors authorised within the scope of accreditation.
How long is a pressure vessel inspection report valid?
Our reports are valid for one year, except for the exceptions in the regulation. If the manufacturer or your risk assessment requires a shorter interval, inspect more often.
What if a hydrostatic test is not possible?
If the nature of the equipment or compelling process conditions rule out a hydrostatic test, the NDT methods defined as an alternative in the standard or the manufacturer’s instructions can be applied, and the reason is recorded in the report. Being unable to stop the equipment is not accepted as a reason on its own.
Do we need to stop production for the inspection?
A hydrostatic test requires taking the equipment out of service. Visual inspection and some safety device checks can be done in operation. We plan the schedule with you so the inspection coincides with your planned maintenance shutdowns.
See all our periodic checks, or contact us for a quote on inspecting your pressure vessels.