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1.1 This practice covers acoustic emission (AE) examination or monitoring of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks-vessels (equipment) under pressure or vacuum to determine structural integrity.

1.2 This practice is limited to tanks-vessels designed to operate at an internal pressure no greater than 1.73 MPa absolute [250 psia, 17.3 bar] above the static pressure due to the internal contents. It is also applicable for tanks-vessels designed for vacuum service with differential pressure levels between 0 and 0.10 MPa [0 and 14.5 psi, 1 bar].

1.3 This practice is limited to tanks-vessels with glass contents greater than 15 % by weight.

1.4 This practice applies to examinations of new and in-service equipment.

1.5 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 The AE examination method detects damage in FRP equipment. The damage mechanisms that are detected in FRP are as follows: resin cracking, fiber debonding, fiber pullout, fiber breakage, delamination, and bond failure in assembled joints (for example, nozzles, manways, and so forth). Flaws in unstressed areas and flaws that are structurally insignificant will not generate AE.

5.2 This practice is convenient for on-line use under operating stress to determine structural integrity of in-service equipment usually with minimal process disruption.

5.3 Indications located with AE should be examined by other techniques; for example, visual, ultrasound, dye penetrant, and so forth, and may be repaired and tested as appropriate. Repair procedure recommendations are outside the scope of this practice.