Fitness for Service (FFS)

FFS studies guarantee the integrity of components or equipment which must operate in conditions that are not covered by the standards due to different circumstances (presence of manufacturing flaws or degradation during use).

Most industrial components or equipment have standards that guarantee the product in a series of conditions (for example, high pressure equipment).

If these conditions are not satisfied, such as damage caused by corrosion that reduces the mechanical resistance, but it is necessary to continue operating with this component or equipment, a study that guarantees the integrity of the component under these conditions or the adaptation of the service conditions may be necessary.

These studies are usually based on international FFS standards, such as the FFS assessment techniques set out in API 579-1/ASME FFS-1, which aim to ensure an acceptable level of safety, provide accurate information to determine remaining life, establish a maintenance programme or help to optimise the inspection of flawed equipment so that it can continue in service.