Syed Fadzil Syed Mohamed

Attending an interview for a

Pressure Vessel Inspector?
Here are some essential questions
to anticipate.

syedfadzil
www.instech.my
JOB FUNCTION HIERARCHY
(Inspection / QA / QC)
EXAMPLE

PERSONNEL COMPETENCY IN OIL AND GAS

(Fabrication / In-Service / Static)

syedfadzil
www.instech.my
 It is critical to prepare for an interview
as a pressure vessel inspector in order
to demonstrate your knowledge and
expertise in the field.
I've included a detailed list of ten
critical questions to prepare for, as well
as suggested answers and
explanations for each:

syedfadzil
www.instech.my
 1. What does a pressure vessel inspection
serve?
Answer: The primary purpose of a pressure vessel
inspection is to ensure the integrity and safety of the
pressure vessel. Inspections aid in the detection of
potential defects, damage, or signs of deterioration
that could jeopardise the structural integrity of the
vessel and result in dangerous situations.
Explanation: This question is intended to assess
your comprehension of the primary purpose of
pressure vessel inspections. Your response should
emphasise the importance of safety and the need to
identify and address potential issues as early as
possible.

syedfadzil
www.instech.my
 2. What are the essential components of a
pressure vessel inspection?
Answer: A thorough pressure vessel inspection
includes evaluating the vessel's shell, heads,
nozzles, welds, supports, pressure relief devices,
insulation, and internal surfaces. Non-destructive
testing (NDT) techniques such as ultrasonic testing,
radiography, and magnetic particle testing may also
be used during inspections.
Explanation: This question tests your understanding
of the various components that must be inspected
during a thorough examination. You demonstrate
your familiarity with the inspection process by
mentioning specific components and NDT
techniques.

syedfadzil
www.instech.my
 3. How do you determine the appropriate
pressure vessel inspection interval?
Answer: Determining inspection intervals involves
taking into account factors such as the vessel's
design, operating conditions, construction materials,
corrosion rates, previous inspection findings, and
applicable codes and standards. To determine
inspection intervals, a risk-based approach that
considers the probability and consequences of
failure is commonly used.
Explanation: This question assesses your
knowledge of the factors that influence inspection
intervals and the significance of a risk-based
approach. You demonstrate your ability to consider
multiple factors in determining inspection
frequencies by mentioning design, operating
conditions, corrosion rates, and codes and
standards.

syedfadzil
www.instech.my
4. What is hydrostatic testing, and when is it
necessary?
Answer: Hydrostatic testing involves pressurising a
pressure vessel with water or another suitable liquid
to ensure its structural integrity. It is usually required
for new vessels, after major repairs or alterations, or
as part of the periodic revalidation process.
Explanation: This question tests your understanding
of hydrostatic testing and its applications. You
demonstrate a clear understanding of when and why
hydrostatic testing is required by mentioning its
purpose for new vessels, repairs, alterations, and
revalidation.

syedfadzil
www.instech.my
5. What are the most common flaws or issues
discovered during pressure vessel
inspections?
Answer: Corrosion, erosion, cracking, distortion,
inadequate welding, leakage, improperly functioning
pressure relief devices, and insufficient insulation
are some of the most common defects or issues
encountered during pressure vessel inspections.
The support structure, external coating, and
corrosion under insulation issues may also be
identified.
Explanation: This question assesses your
knowledge of common pressure vessel inspection
problems. You demonstrate a broad understanding
of potential issues and concerns by mentioning
corrosion, welding, pressure relief devices, and
insulation defects.

syedfadzil
www.instech.my
 6. How do you evaluate the integrity of
pressure vessel welds?
Answer: Visual inspection, radiographic testing,
ultrasonic testing, and other non-destructive testing
methods are used to determine the integrity of
pressure vessel welds. Visual inspection aids in the
detection of surface defects, whereas radiographic
and ultrasonic testing provide information about
internal weld quality, including the detection of weld
discontinuities.
Explanation: This question assesses your
understanding of weld inspection techniques. You
demonstrate your understanding of the various
methods used to assess weld integrity by
mentioning visual examination, radiographic testing,
and ultrasonic testing.

syedfadzil
www.instech.my
 7. What are the most important factors to
consider when selecting appropriate
pressure vessel repair methods?
Answer: When deciding on repair methods for
pressure vessels, consider the nature and extent of
the damage, the vessel's operating conditions,
applicable codes and standards, and the
qualifications of repair personnel. The chosen repair
method must be capable of restoring the vessel's
integrity and must comply with applicable
regulations.
Explanation: This question tests your knowledge of
the decision-making process for choosing repair
methods. You demonstrate a comprehensive
approach to selecting appropriate repair techniques
by mentioning factors such as damage, operating
conditions, codes and standards, and personnel
qualifications.
syedfadzil
www.instech.my
 8. How do you ensure that relevant codes
and standards are followed during pressure
vessel inspections?
Answer: It is critical to be familiar with the applicable
codes, standards, and regulations, such as the
ASME BPVC, API standards, and jurisdictional
requirements, in order to ensure compliance with
codes and standards. Understanding the specific
requirements of these standards, following
recommended inspection practises, and staying up-
to-date on any updates or amendments are all part of
adhering to them.
Explanation: This question assesses your
understanding of regulatory compliance as well as
your ability to stay current on relevant codes and
standards. You demonstrate your commitment to
compliance by mentioning specific standards and
emphasising the importance of continuous learning.
syedfadzil
www.instech.my
 9. What paperwork is typically prepared as
part of a pressure vessel inspection?
Answer: Inspection reports, NDT results, drawings,
repair or alteration records, test certificates, and any
other relevant documentation specific to the vessel's
design, construction, and maintenance history are
examples of documentation prepared during a
pressure vessel inspection.
Explanation: This question assesses your
knowledge of the documentation process used in
pressure vessel inspections. You demonstrate your
understanding of the comprehensive record-keeping
required for inspections by mentioning various types
of documents.

syedfadzil
www.instech.my
 10. How do you effectively communicate
inspection findings to stakeholders?
Answer: Effectively communicating inspection
findings entails writing clear and concise reports
outlining the scope of the inspection, identified
defects or issues, their severity, recommended
actions, and any compliance concerns. To facilitate
understanding and decision-making by stakeholders,
it is critical to use appropriate terminology and
provide supporting evidence such as photographs or
test results.
Explanation: This question assesses your ability to
articulate and communicate inspection findings to
the appropriate parties. You demonstrate your ability
to communicate complex information accurately by
mentioning key components of an inspection report
and the importance of supporting evidence.

syedfadzil
www.instech.my
Remember to personalise your responses
based on your experience and knowledge.
Use the suggested answers as a starting
point and modify them to reflect your own
pressure vessel inspection expertise and
understanding. Furthermore, conducting
additional research and reviewing relevant
codes and standards will help you prepare
for your interview more thoroughly.

syedfadzil
www.instech.my
Thank You
syedfadzil
www.instech.my