Ab 521 Requirements For Engineered Pressure Enclosures

the pressure equipment safety authority
Requirements for
Engineered Pressure Enclosures
AB–521
Edition 2, Revision 0 - Issued 2019-07-02

Requirements for Engineered Pressure Enclosures
Table of Contents
FOREWORD .................................................................................................................. III
1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 1
2.0 SCOPE ................................................................................................................. 2
3.0 DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS ........................................................................ 2
4.0 REFERENCE PUBLICATIONS............................................................................ 6
5.0 REQUIREMENTS FOR THE USE OF EPE.......................................................... 8
5.1 Registration Requirements ............................................................................ 8
5.1.1 Fittings Design Registration Requirements .................................. 9
5.1.1.1 EPE Fitting Registration Requirements ...................................... 10
5.1.2 RRIMR Registration Requirements ............................................ 10
5.1.2.1 General Engineering Requirements (GER) form for the
Use of EPEs ............................................................................... 14
5.1.2.2 Risk Assessment ........................................................................ 16
5.1.2.3 Root Cause ................................................................................ 17
5.1.2.4 Installation Procedure ................................................................. 17
5.1.2.5 Maintenance and Monitoring ...................................................... 18
5.1.2.6 Removal of the EPE from the Piping System ............................. 18
5.1.2.7 Specific Requirements for EPEs Installed in Boiler
External Piping (BEP) ................................................................. 18
5.1.2.8 Specific Requirements for EPEs Installed over Cracks .............. 19
5.1.2.9 Specific Requirements for EPE’s Installed over Local Thin Area 19
5.1.2.10 Other Requirements and Limitations .......................................... 21
5.2 Quality Control Program and Quality Management System Requirements . 22
5.2.1 Requirements for the EPE Fitting Manufacturers ....................... 22
5.2.2 Requirements for the EPE Fitting Installers ................................ 22
5.2.3 Requirements for Installation of EPE .......................................... 22
5.3 Safety........................................................................................................... 23
5.4 Removal of EPE .......................................................................................... 23
5.5 Record Keeping Requirements for EPE Installations ................................... 23
6.0 THE STREAMLINED ACCEPTANCE PROCESS ............................................. 23
6.1 Streamlined Acceptance Process Scope ..................................................... 24
6.2 Registration of EPE and RRIMR Requirements in the Streamlined
Acceptance Process .................................................................................... 25
6.2.1 EPE Fittings registration for the Streamlined
Acceptance Process ................................................................... 25
6.2.2 RRIMR Procedure Registration for the Streamlined
Acceptance Process ................................................................... 25
7.0 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR EPE’S INSTALLED ON PRESSURE
VESSELS ........................................................................................................... 25
Issued 2019-07-02 AB– 521 Edition 2, Revision 0 i

ANNEX A: QUALITY PLAN REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ALBERTA OWNER-USER

RRIMR PROCEDURE SUBMISSION ................................................................ 27
A-1.0 INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE .......................................................................... 27
A-2.0 GENERAL ........................................................................................................... 27
Owners Responsibilities ............................................................................. 27
A-2.1 QP Process Manager Role and Responsibility...................................... 28
A-2.1.1 Document the Quality Plan Process ........................................... 28
A-2.1.2 Nominate a RPR ........................................................................ 28
A-2.1.3 Monitor and Verify RPR Competencies ...................................... 29
A-2.2 RPR Role and Responsibility ................................................................ 29
A-2.3 RPR Competencies............................................................................... 29
A-2.3.1 RPR Qualifications and Experience ........................................... 30
A-2.4 EPE Fitting Design Acceptance by the Owner-User ............................. 30
A-2.4.1 Evaluate and validate the fitting design ...................................... 30
A-2.4.2 Process of acceptance of the fitting design ................................ 30
A-2.4.3 Document and Records .............................................................. 31
A-2.5 RRIMR Procedure Elements ................................................................. 31
A-2.5.1 Risk Assessment ........................................................................ 31
A-2.5.2 Root Cause ................................................................................ 32
A-2.5.3 Installation Procedure ................................................................. 32
A-2.5.4 Maintenance and Monitoring ...................................................... 32
A-2.5.5 Removal ..................................................................................... 32
A-2.6 RPR Application and Recognition Process ........................................... 33
A-2.7 Letter of Recognition (RPR Letter) ........................................................ 34
A-2.8 Control of Documents and Records ...................................................... 34
A-2.9 Continual Improvement ......................................................................... 34
A-3.0 AUDIT ................................................................................................................ 34
8.0 REVISION LOG.................................................................................................. 35
Issued 2019-07-02 AB–521 Edition 2, Revision 0 Page ii

FOREWORD
As provided for under Section 40(4) of the Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation, the
Administrator in the pressure equipment discipline has issued an Information Bulletin to
establish that ABSA document AB-521, “Requirements for Engineered Pressure Enclosures”
specifies requirements for the design, fabrication, installation, and removal of Engineered
Pressure Enclosures (EPEs) in Alberta, and requirements for registration of enclosure designs
and of associated procedures.
This document also contains provisions for a streamlined acceptance process, allowing
collective pre-registration of enclosure designs when their use is limited to certain applications.
It also includes Annex A that establishes the requirements for documenting and implementing
the Quality Plan for development and acceptance of an RRIMR procedure.
Issued 2019-07-02 AB–521 Edition 2, Revision 0 iii

1.0 INTRODUCTION
AB-521 applies to EPEs typically used in pressure piping systems that are subject to the
Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation (PESR). In addition, AB-521 allows the limited
use of EPEs for pressure vessels subject to the PESR.
The PESR establishes requirements that must be met by persons who own, operate,
design, construct, install, repair, alter or maintain pressure equipment or provide related
services to ensure that the pressure equipment is safe for operation.
This ABSA requirements document was developed through close cooperation with plant
owners, EPE manufacturers, other Jurisdictions and other stakeholders. Their input has
been invaluable in compiling this document.
ABSA requirement documents are periodically reviewed to ensure that they are aligned
with current industry practice. We would welcome any suggestions you have to improve
this document.
Please provide your comments to:
Djordje Srnic,
Manager, Codes & Standards
&
Assistant Chief Inspector
Email: Srnic@absa.ca
Issued 2019-07-02 AB–521 Edition 2, Revision 0 Page 1 of 35

2.0 SCOPE
From time to time, industries experience leaks on pressure equipment when it may be
impractical to shut down immediately for repair. An EPE (also called on-line leak sealing
or leak box) provides a means of temporarily containing certain leaks until the
equipment can be properly repaired. The pressure equipment owner is responsible for
determining if the use of an EPE is appropriate for any given leak and if the installation
of an EPE can be safely performed.
The Codes and Standards referenced in the PESR and CSA-B51 do not give rules for
EPEs. This document was developed in close cooperation between ABSA, industry and
other Canadian Regulatory Authorities to provide guidance and consistency. The
intention of this document is to provide rules for the use of EPEs to seal leaking
pressure equipment and to provide reinforcement to pressure equipment degraded by
local corrosion or erosion.
If there is a conflict between other ABSA documents for the design or construction or
installation of EPEs in pressure equipment and this document, this document shall
prevail.
Caution: This document does not provide all the necessary information required to
perform leak sealing of pressurized equipment. It is the responsibility of the owner, or
any other organization that designs, manufactures or installs an EPE, to ensure that all
of the necessary engineering, installation and safety requirements are addressed for
any given installation.
3.0 DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS
For the purpose of AB-521, the following definitions and acronyms apply:
ABSA – is the organization delegated by the Government of Alberta to administer the

pressure equipment safety legislation under the Safety Codes Act.
ABSA Safety Codes Officer (SCO) – means a safety codes officer, designated under
the Act, in the pressure equipment discipline. [PESR 1(1)(ee)]
ABSA Design Surveyor – is an ABSA Safety Codes Officer (SCO) who holds the
required Safety Codes Officer designation and designated powers under the Safety
Codes Act and is competent to assess that the design of pressure equipment complies
with the Alberta Regulations and Code of construction requirements.
Act and Regulations – means the Alberta Safety Codes Act and the following
regulations:
- Pressure Equipment Exemption Order (Alberta Regulation 56/2006),
- Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation (Alberta Regulation 49/2006),
- Power Engineers Regulation (Alberta Regulation 85/2003),
- Pressure Welders Regulation (Alberta Regulation 169/2002)

Administrator – means the Administrator in the pressure equipment discipline

appointed under the Act. [PESR, 1(1)(b)]
Alteration – means any change to an item of pressure equipment as described in the

original manufacturer's data report that requires a change of design calculations or
otherwise affects the pressure-containing capability of the item of pressure equipment.
[PESR 1(1)(d)]
Non-physical changes such as a change in the maximum allowable working pressure or
design temperature of a boiler or pressure vessel pressure retaining item are
considered alterations, as are reductions, such as reduction in minimum temperature.
ASME Code – means the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler
and Pressure Vessel Code or Pressure Piping Code declared in force applicable to the
equipment. [PESR 1(1)(e)]
BEP – means boiler external piping as defined in the ASME B31.1, Power Piping Code
Boiler – means a vessel in which steam or other vapour can be generated under
pressure or in which a liquid can be put under pressure by the direct application of a
heat source. [PESR 1(1)(f)]
Category D Fluid Service – Fluid service as defined in the ASME B31.3, Process
Piping Code
Certificate of Authorization Permit (CAP) – means a permit issued pursuant to

section 44 of the Act authorizing a person to carry out the activities stated on the
certificate of authorization permit. [PESR 1(1)(g)]
Damage Mechanism – any type of deterioration encountered that can result in flaws or
defects that can affect the integrity of pressure equipment; for example, corrosion,
cracking, erosion, dents, and other mechanical, physical, or chemical impacts.
Engineered Pressure Enclosure (EPE) – is an enclosure used for containing a leak or

reinforcing existing pressure equipment for a limited time until a proper repair or
alteration is carried out.
Fitting – means a valve, gauge, regulating or controlling device, flange, pipe fitting or
any other appurtenance that is attached to, or forms part of, a boiler, pressure vessel,
fired-heater pressure coil, thermal liquid heating system or pressure piping system.
[PESR 1(1)(n)]
General Engineering Requirements (GER) Form – means a form that provides

general engineering requirements for design and construction of an EPE.

Integrity Management System (IMS) – means a system for ensuring that pressure
equipment is designed, constructed, installed, operated, maintained and
decommissioned in accordance with the Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation. [PESR
1(1)(s)]
Inspector – means an Owner's Inspector, an In-service Inspector, or an ABSA Safety

Codes Officer, who is responsible for inspecting and certifying the item of pressure
equipment.
Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) – maximum allowable working

pressure means the pressure authorized on the design registration or a lesser pressure
as indicated on the manufacturer’s data report. [PESR 1(1)(v)]
MDMT – Minimum Design Metal Temperature
MOP – Maximum Operating Pressure
MOT – Maximum Operating Temperature
Nondestructive Examination (NDE) – means any of a number of techniques that can

be used to examine a material, component, or system without causing damage.
Common techniques include visual, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, liquid penetrant,
radiographic, and eddy-current testing.
Nonboiler External Piping – means piping as defined in the ASME B31.1, Power
Piping Code
Normal Fluid Service – Fluid service as defined in the ASME B31.3, Process Piping
Code
Owner – includes a lessee, a person in charge, a person who has care and control and
a person who holds out that the person has the powers and authority of ownership or
who for the time being exercises the powers and authority of ownership. [SCA 1(1)(v)]
Owner-user – an owner that has provided an Integrity Management System in

accordance with the Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation and has been issued a
quality management system Certificate of Authorization Permit under PESR Section
11(3).
Pressure Equipment Integrity Management (PEIM) – a PEIM system is a quality

management system that meets the requirements of AB-512 and for which the owner
holds a Certificate of Authorization Permit in accordance with Section 11(3) of the
Pressure Equipment Safety Regulations.
PESR – means Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation, Alberta Regulation 49/2006

Piping Design Pressure – is the design pressure value of the piping system as listed in
the line designation table that is registered with ABSA and it represents the pressure
used in the design of a pressure piping component together with the coincident design
metal temperature, for the purpose of determining the minimum permissible thickness or
physical characteristics of the different zones of the pressure piping. When applicable,
static head shall be added to the design pressure to determine the thickness of any
specific zone of the pressure piping.
Pressure Equipment – means a boiler, a fired-heater pressure coil, a thermal liquid

heating system and other equipment designed to contain expansible fluid under
pressure, including, but not limited to, pressure vessels, pressure piping systems and
fittings, as defined in the regulations. [SCA 1(1)(y)]
Pressure Piping System – means pipes, tubes, conduits, fittings, gaskets, bolting and
other components that make up a system for the conveyance of an expansible fluid
under pressure and may also control the flow of that fluid. [PESR 1(1)(aa)]
For the purpose of this document, pressure piping system refers to the piping and piping
system constructed to ASME B31 Piping Codes or CSA Z662 Pipeline codes.
Pressure Vessel – means a vessel used for containing, storing, distributing, processing
or otherwise handling an expansible fluid under pressure. [PESR 1(1)(cc)]
Process Plant – refers to petrochemical, refining, upstream and mid-stream oil and gas
processing facilities, kraft pulp and paper mills, chemical plants, power generation
plants and other equipment that is not classed as public occupancy equipment.
Public Occupancy – means any facility where members of the general public are likely
to be present. This would include schools, offices, shopping malls, stores, arenas,
pools, restaurants, hotels, etc.
Quality Management System (QMS) – means all the documented, planned and
systematic actions needed to ensure that this Act is complied with. [SCA 1(1)(aa)]
QP – means Quality Plan Requirements.
QP Process Manager – means a person of authority in the PEIM system who has the
ownership and control of the Quality Plan Process. (Example: Chief Inspector, Quality
Control Manager, and Engineering Manager).
Recognized Procedure Reviewer (RPR) – means a person that has the responsibility
to administer the Quality Plan on behalf of the owner-user.
RRIMR – is a procedure that includes Risk assessment, Root cause analysis,

Installation procedure, Maintenance & monitoring and Removal confirmation date
applicable to EPE.

WPS - means a Welding Procedure Specification meeting the requirements of ASME

Section IX Code.
4.0 REFERENCE PUBLICATIONS
Legislation that governs the pressure equipment discipline includes the following:
1. Safety Codes Act (RSA 2000, Chapter S-1)
2. Pressure Equipment Exemption Order (Alberta Regulation 56/2006)
3. Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation (Alberta Regulation 49/2006)
4. Power Engineers Regulation (Alberta Regulation 85/2003)
5. Pressure Welders Regulation (Alberta Regulation 169/2002)
6. Administrative Items Regulation (Alberta Regulation 16/2004)
The following documents have been accepted by the Administrator as requirements

under the Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation and must be met for all pressure
equipment including Engineered Pressure Enclosures (EPE).
AB-512 - Owner User Pressure Equipment Integrity Management Requirements

This specifies quality management system requirements for owners who are required to
hold a Certificate of Authorization Permit under Section 11(3) of the PESR.
AB-512a - Owner-User Scope and Responsibilities form

This form is used to define the responsibility for key activities under the owner-user’s
program.
AB-513 - Pressure Equipment Repair and Alteration Requirements

This covers inspection and certification and other requirements for repairs and
alterations to pressure equipment.
AB-516 - The Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation User Guide

Even though AB-516 is not a requirement document, it provides valuable information
and guidance to assist stakeholders in meeting the requirements of the Pressure
Equipment Safety Regulation and in assuring the safe operation of their pressure
equipment.
AB-524 - Pressure Relief Devices Requirements

This applies to manufacture, assembly, selection & sizing, inspections, repairs,
servicing, setting & sealing and installation of Pressure Relief Devices in Alberta.
AB-96 - General Engineering Requirements for Design & Construction of

Pressure Piping Systems.
This form is used for documenting the information for the pressure piping system design
and construction under the Safety Codes Act and its Regulations.
IB10-006 - ABSA Requirements for Steam Pipelines.

This Directive applies to steam pipelines within the scope of AER Directive 077, Part B,
Section 3.1.

The official versions of ABSA requirements documents (e.g. AB-512), ABSA forms (e.g.
AB-96), ABSA guideline documents (e.g. AB-516), Information Bulletins issued by the
Administrator and other valuable information are posted on the ABSA website:
www.absa.ca.
Adopted codes and standards, and other recognized and generally accepted good
engineering standards that are referenced in AB-521 are listed below.
Adopted codes and standards
ASME BPVC, Section l Rules for Construction of Power Boilers

ASME BPVC, Section Vlll, Div. 1 Rules for the Construction of Pressure Vessels
ASME BPVC, Section IX Qualification Standard for Welding and Brazing Procedures,
Welders, Brazers, and Welding and Brazing Operators
CSA B51 Boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping code
ASME B31.1 Power Piping Code
ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code
CSA Z662 Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems
A full listing of the codes and standards that are declared in force (adopted) is provided
in Section 6 of the PESR.
Recognized and generally accepted good engineering standards
The following documents provide information that may help in the development of
appropriate EPE design and RRIMR for leak sealing activities. The information has
been developed within various industries and may not address the use of a specific
application. It is the owner’s responsibility to perform a complete evaluation of leaking
pressure equipment, risk assessment, root cause analysis etc., before commencement
of any design, construction and installation of an EPE.
(1) ASME PCC-2, Repair of Pressure Equipment and Piping, Part 2 - Article 2.4
(2) EPRI (USA) NP-6523-D On-Line Leak Sealing
(3) Health and Safety Executive (UK) - Leak Sealing Repair Clamps advisory
(4) Health and Safety Executive (UK) - Weldless repair of safety critical piping systems
(5) NRC Inspection Manual, Part 9900, On-Line Leak Sealing Guidelines.
(6) EEMUA (UK)-Category Mechanical, Ref. No.199, On - Line Leak Sealing of Piping -
Guide to Safety Considerations
(7) API-579-1/ASME FFS-1, Fitness-For-Service

5.0 Requirements for the use of EPE
The requirements of this document shall be followed by anyone planning to construct

and install an EPE on pressure equipment. EPEs are typically used in pressure piping
systems to contain a leak or reinforce a pressure piping component that has been
degraded or damaged by service-induced deterioration mechanisms. In specific cases,
an EPE may be used on a pressure vessel (see section 7.0 of this document). When
installed on pressure equipment, the EPE is considered to be “pressure equipment”, as
defined in the Safety Codes Act.
The use of an EPE to contain a leak or to reinforce a degraded or damaged pressure

retaining component is considered to be a temporary alteration of pressure equipment.
Installed EPEs shall remain in place only until the degraded or damaged pressure
retaining component can be properly and permanently repaired or replaced. Corrective
action to properly and permanently repair or replace damaged pressure equipment
should be taken in accordance with this document.
The use of EPEs to contain leaks in pressure equipment may introduce new damage
mechanisms in the area under the EPE which may significantly degrade, damage,
crack, corrode or cause the pressure equipment to fail catastrophically. In addition, the
use of an EPE may develop operating and residual stresses due to constrained
differential expansion. It is the owner’s responsibility to assess and address the impact
of damage mechanisms, failure modes and possible addition of operating and residual
stresses when an EPE is used.
An EPE may be used to stop leaks or reinforce any type of pressure equipment except:
 Boilers,
 Boiler proper and/or boiler proper piping,
 BEP - except for specific cases that are allowed in Section 5.1.2.7 of this
document,
 ASME Section VIII, Division 1 vessels - except for specific cases that are
allowed in Section 7.0 of this document,
 ASME Section VIII, Division 2 and 3 vessels,
 Any pressure equipment in public occupancy,
 Any pressure relief device or flanged joints connecting a pressure relief
device, and
 Any pressure equipment having a crack where crack propagation cannot be
eliminated. Refer to PCC-2.
5.1 Registration Requirements
The use of an EPE requires registration, achieved through a two step process:
1) EPE fitting design registration; and
2) RRIMR procedure registration
The EPE design registration and RRIMR registration shall be obtained prior to
starting any work. A submitter of an EPE design is responsible to communicate
to the owner any applicable conditions and/or limitations of design registration.

Application for EPE fitting design registration and RRIMR registration may be
submitted together as one submission, or they may be submitted separately.
For complex designs and projects, an ABSA Safety Codes Officer may require
the involvement of a professional engineer in accordance with Section 9 of the
PESR.
5.1.1 Fittings Design Registration Requirements
EPE fitting designs require design registration in accordance with the

PESR. This requirement applies to the EPE fitting pressure boundary, as
well as anything attached to the pressure boundary.
EPE fitting design shall be submitted to ABSA for review and registration
in one of the following two formats:
 Individual fitting design submission, or
 Catalogue (For scope and limitations, refer to Table 1).
TABLE 1: Acceptable Scope for EPE Catalogues

Maximum Nominal Pipe Size: 24
Maximum pressure-temperature rating Flange class 600
per ASME B16.5 Standard
Temperature Range: -20 to 650 °F
Material P. No.: P. No. 1 and P. No. 8
Type of EPE construction Bolted type EPE (not welded to the main
run)
EPE designs to be used with the following - Straight line piping enclosures (for
types of damage: pinhole leaks in straight piping)
- Flange clamp enclosures for piping
flange joints (gasket leaks)
- Enclosures on standard elbows, tees,
weld-o-lets, couplings, and similar
branch connections (for pinhole leaks)
- Valve stem packing enclosures
- Enclosures for pinhole leaks in bonnets
- Potential future leak due to internal or
external local corrosion or local erosion
of local thin area (LTA) in a straight
pipe, elbows, tees, weld-o-lets,
couplings, and similar branch
connections
The scope and limitations shown in Table 1 apply to design registration of

catalogues only. Any other EPE design, which is outside of the scope
presented in Table 1, shall be registered individually on a case-by-case
basis.

5.1.1.1 EPE Fitting Registration Requirements
All EPE fitting designs (individual or catalogues) must be submitted

to ABSA’s Design Survey department for review and registration.
For more information about the design registration requirements,
refer to:
1. Sections 14, 17 and 20 of the PESR (AR 49/2006):
http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2006_049.pdf
 Clauses 4.1 and 4.2 of the CSA B51
 Guidelines posted on ABSA website for design registration
of fittings: http://www.absa.ca/design-registration/fitting-
design/
5.1.2 RRIMR Registration Requirements
The purpose of the review and registration of an RRIMR is to confirm the

owner has completed the necessary steps to install an EPE safely. After
the review of an RRIMR is completed, and if this RRIMR is found
acceptable for registration, the installation procedure and General
Engineering Requirements (GER) form (AB-270 or submitter’s form) will
be registered. The risk assessment summary, root cause analysis,
maintenance and monitoring procedure, and removal date will be kept in
the file as supporting documents to the registered installation procedure.
The RRIMR procedure may be prepared and submitted for registration as

one of the following:
1. On a case-by-case basis refer to section 5.1.2.1 through
5.1.2.10.
o This applies to a single installation and does not need to
meet the scope and limitations shown in Tables 1 and 2
of this document;
2. As part of the streamlined acceptance process refer to
section 6.0.
o It must meet the scope and limitations of Tables 1 and 2
and the requirements specified in section 6.0 of this
document;
3. As per Annex A: Quality Plan Requirements for an Alberta
Owner-User RRIMR Procedure Submission
o Annex A provides a methodology to register the RRIMR
procedure using the concepts of the QP. This QP was
developed by ABSA and Alberta Owner-Users with the
objective to minimize delays in the RRIMR procedure
registration and still meet the requirements of AB-521.
o An Alberta Owner-User (AQP-8000 series) that chooses
to implement the QP may do so under a valid PEIM.

Note: the Owner-User is required to declare, on the AB-

270 or equivalent form, if the registered EPE fitting and
submitted RRIMR procedure comply with the
requirements of Tables 1 and 2.
For a general overview of the AB-521 registration process for fitting

designs and RRIMR procedures, refer to the Flowchart below.

Note: An EPE fitting (sec. 5.1.1) and RRIMR procedure (5.1.2) may be submitted
together, in a single submission, for registration on a case-by-case basis.

Qualified engineering personnel designated by the owner shall conduct an

engineering assessment to evaluate the nature and extent of the defect
before they consider the use of an EPE. If the owner accepts the risk and
approves the use of an EPE, then the RRIMR procedure must be
submitted to ABSA’s Design Survey Department for review and
registration. As a minimum, the RRIMR procedure submission for
registration shall include:
 General Engineering Requirements (GER) form (AB-270 or
submitter’s form), - see Section 5.1.2.1,
 Risk assessment summary (prepared by the owner or owner’s
agent),
 Root cause analysis summary (prepared by the owner or owner’s
agent),
 Installation procedure with details (prepared by the fitting
manufacturer, the installer, or the owner or owner’s agent),
 Maintenance and monitoring summary (prepared by the owner or
owner’s agent), and
 Removal date (provided by the owner or owner’s agent).
A contingency plan shall be in place in case the EPE fails catastrophically.

As a part of design registration process, the ABSA SCO may require a
copy of the owner’s contingency plan to be included in RRIMR submission
for registration.
CAUTIONS:
 There is a possibility that the damage mechanism will not be
eliminated by installing an EPE, and the damage mechanism (for
example: corrosion, vibration, etc.) may continue to occur under the
installed EPE. In this case, the EPE mitigates the damage (not the
damage mechanism) and provides a temporary means of keeping
the pressurized fluid inside the pressure equipment.
 Installation of an EPE may introduce new damage mechanisms on
pressure equipment. Some of the examples are: piping deformation
due to the additional weight of the EPE; piping external corrosion
due to the fluid leaking into the EPE cavity; or crack propagation
inside/outside the EPE. Additionally, when using a clamp to stop a
leak at a flange joint, existing bolting and flanges may be damaged.
 The owner of pressure equipment is responsible for ensuring that
the use of an EPE is appropriate for the application and the EPE
can be safely installed.
 The decision by the owner to apply a leak sealing process to any
given leak shall only be done after proper evaluation of the situation
by competent leak seal design and application personnel. Failure to
do so may have the potential to cause fatal injury and/or substantial
damage to the pressure equipment and/or property.
 Installation of the EPE can be hazardous. The owner and installer
must implement necessary safety measures before, during, and

after installation of an EPE, including the contingency plan in case

the EPE catastrophically fails during installation. All steps of the
EPE installation process must be reviewed by all parties involved.
 The personnel that install an EPE must analyze, understand and
accept the risk before the start of work.
 Protective equipment required for personnel performing leak
sealing shall be clearly identified and provided by the owner or
installer (contractor), as applicable.
 Frequent re-injection of sealant to the EPE may be an indicator of
continued deterioration of the underlying material, requiring further
examination. Evaluation for continued use is required. A suitable
and sufficient risk assessment of the conditions in which the EPE
has been employed shall be carried out before making any further
decision to re-inject new sealant. The injection pressure shall not
exceed the internal design pressure of the EPE nor the maximum
external pressure of the pressure equipment to be covered by an
EPE.
 All other legislated requirements such as the Occupational Health
and Safety Regulations shall be followed for leak sealing activities.
5.1.2.1 General Engineering Requirements (GER) form for

the Use of EPEs
A General Engineering Requirements (GER) form shall be provided

with each application for registration of the RRIMR procedure. This
form shall be used for documenting the information related to the
design, construction, installation procedure, maintenance,
monitoring, and removal of the EPE.
The submitter of an RRIMR procedure may use form AB-270 –

General Engineering Requirements for the Use of EPEs. ABSA
document AB-270a provides guidance for completing AB-270.
As an alternative approach, the submitter may consider providing

the required information on their own form. In this case, the
submitter’s GER form shall include the most relevant information,
not only for the EPE fitting, but for the RRIMR as well. As a
minimum, the submitter’s GER form shall include:
a) Owner’s name,
b) Plant location and address,
c) Code of construction including the relevant edition which the
pressure piping system is compliant with,
d) BEP information, as a minimum, the line list, location of the
EPE installation, P&ID that shows the EPE location, etc.,

e) Engineered Pressure Enclosure location of installation, as

minimum, the Line Number from the registered Line List
document where the EPE will be installed.
f) Pipe size,
g) Pipe Schedule/Thickness,
h) Piping fluid service (e.g. category D, Normal service),
i) Service fluid conveyed by the pressure piping,
j) Pressure piping design pressure,
k) Pressure piping design temperature,
l) Pressure piping material specifications
m) Pressure piping MDMT (when applicable),
n) Pressure piping MOP,
o) Pressure piping MOT,
p) Pressure piping and EPE corrosion allowances,
q) Pressure piping flange class,
r) Details of the type of pressure piping damage (pinhole,
flange gasket leak, thinning, crack, etc.),
s) Pressure piping drawing(s) of the piping damage. The
drawing(s) to include the size, location and orientation of the
piping damage.
t) EPE’s design registration number(note 1),
u) EPE type (i.e. bolted, welded),
v) Applicable loads on the EPE (for more details see ASME
PCC-2, Article 2.4, paragraphs 1(f), 3.8 and 3.9),
w) EPE weight,
x) References to the following owner-user document(s)(note 2)
shall be provided:
i. Risk assessment summary document number and
revision number,
ii. Root cause summary document number and
revision number (the summary shall include the
most probable cause of leak),
iii. Maintenance & monitoring summary document
number and revision number,
iv. Removal date – Owner-user’s commitment in
writing,
y) Reference to the detailed EPE installation procedure(note 3),
z) References to NDE reports (when applicable),
aa) Integrity assessment,
bb) Are the EPE fitting and submitted RRIMR procedure in
compliance with the requirements of Tables 1 and 2?
cc) Any other information that owner or EPE installer considers
necessary to describe the RRIMR procedure and to
determine its suitability for the intended service,
dd) A section that will provide, for the EPE installer
representative for RRIMR:
i. print name;

ii. signature;
iii. job title;
iv. date;
v. print telephone number, and e-mail address.
ee) A section that will provide, for the owner representative for
RRIMR:
i. print name;
ii. signature;
iii. job title;
iv. date;
ff) A section that will provide, for the owner representative for
GER:
i. print name;
ii. signature;
iii. job title;
iv. date;
Note 1: If EPE fitting design has not been registered at the time
of RRIMR procedure submission, then the submitter shall
either include the EPE design with the RRIMR procedure
or provide reference to the EPE design submission
tracking number.
Note 2: The GER form (AB-270 or submitter’s form) and the four
documents requested in 5.1.2.1(x) above (in bold letters)
shall be included in the RRIMR procedure submission.
The four documents may be combined into one
document. Please note that the GER form must refer to
the owner document(s) or letter(s). These document(s) or
letter(s) shall have document number(s) and revision
number(s).
Note 3: The EPE manufacturer, the installer or the owner shall
provide a detailed installation procedure with a document
number and revision number.
5.1.2.2 Risk Assessment
The owner must assess and accept the risk related to installation
and maintenance of an EPE while the equipment is still under
pressure, and the risk associated with the removal of the EPE. The
risk assessment shall address the potential to introduce new failure
modes or additional stresses when an EPE is used to seal off the
leak in pressure equipment (see Section 5.0).
The result of the risk assessment and a statement that the owner
accepts the risk related to installation, maintenance and removal of

EPE shall be provided in the summary document signed by the

owner’s representative.
5.1.2.3 Root Cause
The owner must assess the damage on pressure equipment and

perform necessary inspection, examination (e.g. LPI, MPI, UT, RT)
and analysis to determine the root cause and the scope of damage.
This information shall be provided in the root cause summary
document signed by the owner’s representative.
The result of the root cause analysis and risk assessment analysis
should help the owner to decide if an EPE can be used to mitigate
the damage and provide a temporary means of keeping the product
inside the pressure equipment. At this stage, the owner shall start
planning an acceptable permanent repair of damaged pressure
equipment that will eliminate the damage mechanism after the EPE
is removed.
The owner may consider using one of the approaches specified

below in lieu of the root cause summary document, if the following
requirements are met:
- For LTAs with or without leaks, the owner shall know, manage
and monitor the damage/deterioration mechanisms and keep
records of the deterioration rates (e.g. corrosion or erosion). The
owner shall use these records to justify that the LTA was
caused by these damaging/deterioration mechanisms.
- For progressive gasket deterioration over time, the owner shall
demonstrate that the gasket leaks are exclusively caused by
uneven pressure forces distribution at the joint, torque loss, lack
of flange flatness, or flange face damage (such as scratches,
gouges, pits, dents).
- For weld or material defects causing pinholes (e.g. entrapped
gases inside the weld or casting), the owner shall demonstrate
that the integrity of the material surrounding the pinhole is not
compromised.
If any of the above three cases are used by the owner, the RRIMR
procedure submission for registration shall include details of the
approach used, and this document shall be signed by the owner’s
representative.
5.1.2.4 Installation Procedure
The manufacturer of an EPE, installer of an EPE or the owner shall

assign responsibilities and submit the detailed installation

procedure for registration. The installation procedure must be

signed by a representative of the company installing the EPE.
If the owner has their PEIMS registered with ABSA and if the
PEIMS includes the appropriate RRIMR procedure, then the
RRIMR procedure may be used for installation of an EPE fitting
under the streamlined acceptance process. If the owner chooses to
use the streamlined acceptance process, the requirements
specified in Section 6.0 of this document shall be satisfied.
If an owner has their PEIMS registered with ABSA, but their PEIMS
does not include the RRIMR procedure, then the streamlined
acceptance process cannot be used and the RRIMR procedure
must be submitted for registration on a case-by-case basis.
5.1.2.5 Maintenance and Monitoring
The owner must provide a detailed description of the maintenance

and monitoring plan that will be implemented while the EPE is
attached to the pressure equipment.
5.1.2.6 Removal of the EPE from the Piping System
The owner is responsible to:

 provide EPE removal date in the RRIMR procedure in
accordance with this document, and
 remove the EPE on or before the stipulated date.
The removal of an EPE shall occur during the first shutdown

following its installation with a maximum time in service to be
limited to:
 2 years from installation for leak types identified in Table 2
or
 1 year for all other leak types not listed in Table 2.
The EPE may only remain in place longer than specified above (but
no longer than the next scheduled turnaround) if the PEIMS
includes RRIMR that addresses procedures for handling an EPE
longer than specified in this section.
Additional evaluation of the enclosed pressure equipment (bolting,

etc.) may be necessary after an EPE is removed.
5.1.2.7 Specific Requirements for EPEs Installed in Boiler

External Piping (BEP)
The use of EPE to contain leaks in BEP is limited to:

 Gasket leaks in flange joints located in BEP vent and drain

lines;
 Pinhole leaks in BEP vent or drain lines or their welds;
 Valve stem packing leaks (for valves located in BEP vent
or drain lines);
 pinhole leaks in bonnets of valves located in BEP vent or
drain lines; and
 Potential future leaks in BEP vent or drain lines due to
internal or external local corrosion or local erosion
(LTA)(note 6).
Except for vent and drain lines, EPEs shall not be used on any
other BEP (e.g. main steam line, boiler feed water line, safety valve
connections, etc.).
5.1.2.8 Specific Requirements for EPEs Installed over

Cracks
It is important to understand that cracks can form on pressure

equipment due to improper design and unforeseen loading or
damage mechanisms. The crack may or may not be stable based
on the initiation and orientation of the crack. The owner is
responsible to evaluate the crack stability. If the damage
mechanism cannot be mitigated, then crack propagation is likely to
happen.
To seal leaks due to cracks, the RRIMR procedure shall include, as

a minimum:
 the crack location and description, including crack
orientation
 the crack dimensions (length, width, depth, and crack
profile),
 the root cause analysis, which must address the conditions
that led to the crack formation,
 measures that will result in the elimination of crack
propagation(note 4) so that the crack will not grow during the
planned service life of the EPE, and
 fitness-for-service assessment (level 3) stamped by a
Professional Engineer.
Note 4: If the crack propagation cannot be eliminated, the EPE
shall not be used, and the pressure equipment containing
the crack shall be properly repaired.
5.1.2.9 Specific Requirements for EPE’s Installed over Local

Thin Area

An EPE may be used to prevent possible fluid leaks when thinned

portions of a pipe or pipe fittings are discovered, due to erosion or
corrosion damage.
The owner is responsible to determine if the use of EPE is

appropriate for pressure equipment with Local Thin Area (LTA) and
if the installation of an EPE can be safely operated and removed in
case of subsequent leaking. The owner shall evaluate the damage
mechanisms and extent of the LTA before an EPE is considered. If
the owner accepts the risk and approves the use of an EPE on
pressure equipment with LTA, the requirements of this document,
including the specific requirements of 5.1.2.9, shall be satisfied.
In this document, LTA considers local metal loss on the surface

(inside or outside) of the pressure equipment where the length of
an area of metal loss is of the same order of magnitude as the
width.
The maximum dimensions of LTA that may be enclosed by an EPE

that is treated under the streamlined acceptance process shall be in
accordance with Mandatory Appendix 32 of ASME BPVC, Section
VIII, Division 1. For example: The depth of the LTA, the projected
circumferential length of LTA in a cylindrical shell (C ), and the
projected axial length of LTA in a cylindrical shell (L) shall be as per
Section VIII-1, Appendix 32, paragraphs 32-4 and 32-5.
Applications with LTAs that do not meet these criteria will be
treated on a case-by-case basis.
If an EPE is planned to be installed on an LTA, then the RRIMR

procedure shall include the following specific requirements:
 The LTA size, orientation, depth and location.
 The EPE shall meet the limitations of Tables 1 and 2 of this
document if treated under the streamlined acceptance
process.
 The EPE shall be sufficiently sized to extend onto the
undamaged area of the component with LTA.
 The owner shall demonstrate that the EPE is designed to
contain leaks and to reinforce degraded pressure equipment
with LTA as applicable for the installation.
 The owner must perform a structural analysis, as required.
 The contingency plan shall be provided to address how the
owner would mitigate the leak in the area enclosed by an
EPE. The contingency plan shall address either:
- The immediate repair or replacement of the leaking
component, or
- The safe temporary operation until the leaking pressure
equipment is properly repaired or replaced.

Until the proper, permanent repair is done, it is the owner’s

responsibility to maintain records of:
 The LTA size, orientation, depth and location;
 Any action taken to mitigate the leak in the area enclosed by
an EPE.
5.1.2.10 Other Requirements and Limitations
The following requirements and limitations shall be considered

when an EPE is used:
 Weldability of the EPE and piping components shall be
examined before the installation of an EPE. The materials
shall be of weldable quality acceptable to the owner. The
materials and proposed welding processes must comply
with:
- ASME Section IX,
- the applicable Code of construction, and
- the applicable qualified WPS.
 Possibility of environmental cracking and other deteriorating
mechanisms shall be evaluated before an EPE material is
chosen (e.g. impact of H2S service on an EPE material).
Only materials acceptable to the owner and the code of
construction shall be used.
 Impact of corrosion and other mechanisms of deterioration
on enclosed components (i.e. bolting, flanges) shall be
considered. These components must be inspected after the
EPE is removed. The components, which deteriorated while
enclosed under an EPE, must be repaired or replaced as a
part of permanent repair.
 Design, fabrication, examination, and testing requirements
specified in ASME PCC-2, Article 2.4 shall be considered for
all types of EPE’s.
 Impact of the service fluid on sealant shall be considered.
According to ASME PCC-2, Article 2.4, paragraph 1(e), the
annular space between the EPE and the repaired
component can be left empty, filled, or lined with sealant
compounds. The sealant to be applied inside the EPE must
be acceptable to the owner for the design temperature and
the process fluid.
 The structural support must be considered before the
installation of the EPE.
 The EPE may only be used for areas where the structural
integrity of the pressure equipment can be ensured and will
not be compromised both during the leak sealing process
and after its completion.
 Where custom repair clamps are provided on piping,
additional structural restraint (such as gripper clamps) shall
be provided unless a full and complete documented

engineering assessment, in accordance with the
requirements described here, demonstrates that it is not
necessary.
 The owner shall define if heat tracing and insulation is
required in order to prevent freezing. Potential future
corrosion under the insulation (CUI) shall be considered.
 The owner shall consider in-service monitoring of the EPE
application.
5.2 Quality Control Program and Quality Management System

Requirements
5.2.1 Requirements for the EPE Fitting Manufacturers
Alberta-based fitting manufacturers must have a Quality Management

System Certificate of Authorization Permit issued in accordance with the
PESR. Manufacturers outside Alberta must conform to Clause 4 of the
CSA B51.
5.2.2 Requirements for the EPE Fitting Installers
The fitting installers must have a Quality Management System Certificate

of Authorization Permit in accordance with the PESR. The scope of the
QMS for the fitting installers shall include, as minimum, repairs/alterations
or piping modification program. This information shall be reflected in their
Certificate of Authorization Permit.
5.2.3 Requirements for Installation of EPE
During installation of the EPE, the installer shall implement all processes
and activities specified in the registered RRIMR. For piping, the installer of
an EPE shall document the scope of work on the Pressure Piping
Construction Data Report acceptable to ABSA (use the AB-83 form). The
installer, as well as the owner’s inspector, shall sign the AB-83 form.
For EPE installations in BEP, the ABSA SCO must be involved before any
work is commenced. The installer of an EPE in BEP shall document the
scope of work on the Pressure Piping Construction Data Report
acceptable to ABSA (in Alberta, use the AB-83 form or appropriate ASME
Data Report). The installer and ABSA SCO shall sign the AB-83 form. If
an ASME Data Report is used, the Authorized Inspector shall sign off the
Data Report.
After the installation of an EPE is completed, a copy of the signed

Pressure Piping Construction Data Report shall be submitted to the

owner. The owner must keep the record until the EPE is removed and the
damaged pressure equipment is permanently repaired or replaced.
See section 7.0 of this document if an EPE is installed on a pressure

vessel.
5.3 Safety
The owner and installer shall take the necessary precautions to avoid
unnecessary risks by performing the risk assessment and all necessary actions
before installing an EPE, or when working around degraded pressure equipment.
The owner and installer may use guidelines from other published documents,
such as paragraph 2.4 in Article 2.4 of ASME PCC-2.
5.4 Removal of EPE
The owner is responsible to remove the EPE on or before the stipulated removal
date, as per section 5.1.2.6. After the EPE removal, and before the proper
permanent repair, the owner must inspect and evaluate the condition of the
pressure equipment to ensure that the existing piping and piping components are
still adequate for the intended service. If any pressure components are found to
be degraded, they must be repaired or replaced at the time of the permanent
repair.
If the repair on piping or piping components requires welding after the EPE
removal, the scope of the repair shall be documented on the Pressure Piping
Construction Data Report acceptable to ABSA (use the AB-83 form for repairs
done in Alberta).
5.5 Record Keeping Requirements for EPE Installations
The owner must keep the record of any EPE installation until the EPE is removed
and the piping or piping component is repaired or replaced. The records of EPE
installations shall be available during ABSA audits. In addition, each installation
record shall include:
 Risk Assessment
 Root Cause Analysis
 Installation Procedure
 Maintenance and Monitoring
 Removal confirmation date by the owner
6.0 THE STREAMLINED ACCEPTANCE PROCESS
The streamlined acceptance process is intended for owners that have a Pressure
Equipment Integrity Management System (PEIMS) Certificate of Authorization Permit
issued in accordance with Section 11(3) of the PESR. These owners may include
standardized RRIMR procedures in their PEIMS and register them with ABSA prior to

the installation of EPEs. This process establishes prior authorization for EPE
installations that use pre-registered EPE fittings and RRIMR procedures.
The scope of the streamlined acceptance process is defined in Section 6.1 of this
document, and the requirements to register RRIMR procedures are specified in Section
6.2.2.
An owner, that has RRIMR procedures included in their PEIMS registered with ABSA,
may opt to use the streamlined acceptance process. This will:
 Allow the use of fitting catalogues previously registered per section 5.1.1;
 Minimize errors, activities and delays in the registration of the RRIMR procedure;
 Expedite the installation of a registered EPE when the owner must act quickly to
seal the leak in pressure equipment;
 Promote consistency in installing, monitoring and removing EPEs; and
 Promote consistency in maintaining records.
6.1 Streamlined Acceptance Process Scope
The scope of the streamlined acceptance process is limited to the use of:
 Fittings with sizes, materials and design conditions listed in Table 1, and
 RRIMR procedures that allow sealing off specific types of leaks in
pressure piping systems described in Table 2.
TABLE 2: Specific Types of Piping and Leaks for Streamlined Acceptance

Process
Type of Piping Systems Pressure piping system shall be either:

- Process Piping or
- Nonboiler external piping
Type of Fluids Fluid service shall be either:
- category ‘D’ fluid service or
- normal fluid service
Types of Damage Leak due to:
- gasket failure in the flange joint
- pinhole in a weld, pipe, or piping
component
- damage in a valve stem packing(note 5)
- pinhole in valve bonnet
- Potential future leak due to internal or
external local corrosion or local erosion
(LTA)(note 6)
Note 5 This activity pertains only to the use of EPEs to stop leaks in valve stem
packings. The scope of the AB-521 document does not include the use of
drilling and tapping a stuffing-box to inject compound in. However, the
injection activity of the stuffing-box requires the owner to complete a risk and
integrity assessment (including all testing), determine the proper compound

selection, and determine the maximum permitted injection pressure to avoid

damaging the valve’s stuffing-box or valve’s components (e.g. body). Also,
the owner must take full responsibility for the injection process including the
fact that the valve will have limited operability after the injection of the
compound.
Note 6: The specific requirements of 5.1.2.9 shall be satisfied. Paragraph 5.1.2.9 also
provides the information for maximum dimensions of an LTA that may be
enclosed by an EPE under the streamlined acceptance process.
6.2 Registration of EPE and RRIMR Requirements in the Streamlined

Acceptance Process
6.2.1 EPE Fittings registration for the Streamlined Acceptance

Process
Refer to section 5.1.1 of this document for fitting registration requirements.

We encourage manufacturers to register catalogues in advance. This will
minimize delays in the implementation of the streamlined acceptance
process for the EPE installation.
The owner may have fitting catalogues registered in accordance with

5.1.1, if the owner meets the requirements of 5.2.1 of this document.
6.2.2 RRIMR Procedure Registration for the Streamlined Acceptance

Process
The owner must have a PEIMS registered by ABSA that addresses all of
the requirements for RRIMR procedures specified in Sections 5.1.2, 5.2.2,
5.3, 5.4 and 6.1 of this document. When the RRIMR procedure included in
the owner’s PEIMS is used for installation of EPEs, the registration of an
individual RRIMR procedure is not required.
7.0 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR EPE’S INSTALLED ON PRESSURE

VESSELS
Because of the potential to introduce new failure modes or additional stresses (see
Section 5.0), the use of EPE installed on pressure vessels is limited to:
 Gasket leaks in a flange joint located between nozzle and attached piping
flanges;
 Pinhole leaks in a nozzle or nozzle welds; and
 Potential future leaks in the nozzle due to internal or external local corrosion
or local erosion (LTA) (note 6).
Except for leaks in nozzles addressed above, the EPE shall not be used in the shell,
heads, or any other pressure vessel parts (such as body flanges). The EPEs shall not
be installed in any part of a pressure vessel due to cracks.

If an EPE is to be installed on a vessel nozzle, the installation shall be treated as a

vessel alteration and must be registered on a case-by-case basis. It will require a fitting
design registration in accordance with 5.1.1 and an application for RRIMR procedure
registration in accordance with Section 5.1.2 of this document. The submission must
comply with all other requirements specified in section 5.0 of this document, including
technical justification acceptable to ABSA, of why the vessel cannot be properly
repaired.
In addition to submitting the AB-270 form, any other information about the vessel itself
and the scope of repair/alteration shall be provided in a form acceptable to ABSA (for
example: ABSA form AB-230). This additional information shall be provided with the
RRIMR procedure submission.
The installation of the temporary EPE on the pressure vessel requires the use of an
alteration report form acceptable to ABSA to document the EPE installation (ABSA form
AB-40). ABSA’s SCO must be involved in this type of alteration before any work is
commenced on the pressure vessel, and the ABSA SCO shall sign off the alteration
report (i.e. ABSA form AB-40).
After the EPE has been removed, and before any further work is commenced, the
pressure vessel must be inspected by the owner and the ABSA SCO. This may result in
additional inspection, testing and analysis to determine the condition of the pressure
vessel. The existing leak and/or damaged pressure component shall be addressed by a
proper permanent repair or alteration procedure which the owner is responsible to
submit to ABSA for review and acceptance. The procedure shall be documented on a
repair/alteration report (e.g. ABSA form AB-40) and be signed off by the ABSA SCO.
Copies of all reports (after an EPE is installed, after it is removed, and the vessel
repaired) shall be submitted to ABSA

ANNEX A: Quality Plan Requirements for an Alberta Owner-User RRIMR

Procedure Submission
A-1.0 INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE
This annex outlines the requirements for documenting and implementing the Quality
Plan for development and acceptance of an RRIMR procedure.
The Quality Plan neither replaces the Streamlined Acceptance Process nor exempts
requirements from the AB-521, rather the goal of Quality Plan is to minimize delays in
the registration of the RRIMR procedure, promote consistency in installing, monitoring
and removing Engineered Pressure Enclosures (EPEs), and promote consistency in
maintaining records. To achieve this goal the EPE fitting can be registered ahead of the
RRIMR procedure registration submission or in conjunction, separate from the RRIMR
procedure.
The Quality Plan Process requirements were developed by ABSA and Alberta Owner-
Users to introduce a registration process for an RRIMR procedure through the
development of quality assurance processes intended to enhance safety by ensuring
the RRIMR procedure meets the owner’s specifications, the construction code and the
requirements of the applicable legislation for the purpose of registration. A Recognized
Procedure Reviewer (RPR) is required to perform a thorough review of the RRIMR
procedure to confirm the design registration application is compliant with the
requirements of this document. An Alberta Owner-User (AQP-8000 series) that chooses
to implement the Quality Plan may do so under a valid PEIM System CAP.
A-2.0 GENERAL
Owners Responsibilities
The owner is responsible to develop, implement, maintain, and support the Quality Plan
Process as part of the PEIM system. The purpose of the QP Process is to establish an
efficient registration process and not intended to replace the Streamlined Acceptance
Process outlined in AB-521, section 6.0.
The owner has the ultimate responsibility for all pressure equipment within their care
and control and to ensure a PEIM system is effective. The PEIM system is intended to
ensure that pressure equipment is designed, constructed, installed, operated,
maintained, and decommissioned safely. This document establishes the Quality Plan
Process requirements for developing the RRIMR procedure, and shall be a written
process description documented and controlled within the owner’s PEIM system.
The scope of this Annex is to establish the requirements that shall be addressed in the
written description of an Owner-User’s PEIM system with respect to the Quality Plan for
EPE fitting and RRIMR process. The elements described in section A-2.0 of this Annex
are to supplement already established elements from AB-512 Owner-User Pressure
Equipment Integrity Management Requirements.

The Quality Plan Process shall establish the following elements:

1) QP Process Manager Role and Responsibility
2) RPR Role and Responsibility
3) RPR Competencies
4) EPE Fitting Design Acceptance by the Owner-User
5) RRIMR Procedure Elements
6) RPR Application and Recognition Process
7) Letter of Recognition (RPR Letter)
8) Control of documents and records
9) Continual improvement
Auditing the Quality Plan Process is essential to ensure its effectiveness. The Quality
Plan audit process description shall conform to the PEIM system Audit element used to
determine the effectiveness of the IMS and to identify areas where the Integrity
Management System may be improved.
A-2.1 QP Process Manager Role and Responsibility
The QP Process Manager is a person of authority in the PEIM system who has
the ownership and control of the Quality Plan Process.
The responsibility of the QP Process Manager is to:

1) Document the Quality Plan Process;
2) Nominate a RPR; and
3) Monitor and verify the RPR competencies.
A-2.1.1 Document the Quality Plan Process
The QP Process Manager ensures the documented process conforms to

the established Owner-User PEIM system and that the process produces
a design submission package that is in compliance with the regulatory
requirements. The QP Process Manager is responsible for continual
improvement and applying corrective actions for identified non-
conformities.
A-2.1.2 Nominate a RPR
The QP Process Manager will be responsible to nominate an individual to

be the RPR by assessing an individual’s qualification and verifying
competencies for the purpose of administering the Quality Plan Process.
The QP Process Manager shall nominate the RPR by completing Form
AB-260, Nomination Letter for a Quality Plan Process. The QP Process
Manager will ensure that the RPR is knowledgeable and competent in
applying the applicable codes, standards, regulations, PEIM system
requirements that apply to the EPE fitting design and RRIMR process.

The QP Process Manager will be responsible to ensure the RPR will have
a good working knowledge in the owner-user’s PEIM system. The relevant
elements within the PEIM system shall be identified and a reference be
made within the Quality Plan Process. Elements may be written as part of
the Quality Plan Process.
A-2.1.3 Monitor and Verify RPR Competencies
The QP Process Manager has the responsibility to ensure the RPR is

competent to administer the Quality Plan Process by verifying a RPR’s
competencies by a pre-determine certification process and performing a
periodic competency check.
A-2.2 RPR Role and Responsibility
The RPR is a person that is responsible for administering the Quality Plan
Process. By performing the Quality Plan Process steps the RPR shall ensure that
the desired output is a deficiency-free application package for registration.
The RPR is responsible to perform a fitting evaluation to ensure that the

proposed EPE fitting design meet the owner’s process service and mechanical
requirements as well as the regulatory requirements. This may include, but not
limited to fitting support structures, fit and interference, accessibility, and design
applicability.
Under the Quality Plan Process the RPR is responsible to ensure the RRIMR
procedure complies with the regulatory requirements and this Annex before
submitting the RRIMR procedure for registration. The RRIMR procedure shall
include the AB-270, or equivalent form, and the RPR shall declare if the
registered EPE fitting and submitted RRIMR procedure is in compliance with the
requirements of Table 1 and 2. The RPR shall ensure that the RRIMR procedure
registration application be deficiency-free.
A-2.3 RPR Competencies
The Quality Plan Process shall establish the requirements for a RPR
competencies and a method of monitoring to measure the effectiveness of the
RPR to administer the Quality Plan Process. The method of monitoring shall
have the ability to assess whether the RPR is achieving the desired output, a
deficiency-free application package for registration. This process shall include
incorporation of any observed corrective action into the Quality Plan Process.
The competency requirements shall consider elements of qualification and
experience

A-2.3.1 RPR Qualifications and Experience
The RPR should have the qualification, knowledge and experience in the
following areas, but not limited to:
1) Appropriate education and technical training in pressure equipment
2) Experience with pressure piping design and repair methods
3) Experience with EPE fitting including design and installation methods
4) Experience with Root Cause Analysis
5) Experience with Risk Analysis
6) General Experience
a. P&ID & Line Lists
b. Safety Codes Act, PESR, PEEO
c. AB-506, 508, 512, 513, 516, 521, 522, 525, 529, 532
d. CSA B51, Z662
e. ASME B31.1, 31.3
f. ASME PCC-2
g. API 520, 521, 579
h. AER Directive 077
i. Applicable Information Bulletins
j. Recommended seminars/training
k. Misc. owner-user training
A-2.4 EPE Fitting Design Acceptance by the Owner-User
The Quality Plan Process shall consider

1) Evaluate and validate the fitting design and applicability
2) Process of acceptance of the fitting design
3) Documents and records
A-2.4.1 Evaluate and validate the fitting design
The Quality Plan Process shall describe how the EPE fitting design will be
evaluated. The evaluation is to ensure that the design is suitable for the
operating and design conditions with consideration of all loading
parameters anticipated for the service life of the EPE.
The Quality Plan Process shall describe the validation process. The
validation process is to ensure the design complies with owner-user and
regulatory requirements. The EPE fitting can be registered ahead of the
RRIMR procedure registration submission or in conjunction.
A-2.4.2 Process of acceptance of the fitting design
The EPE fitting design and acceptance shall conform to the PEIM system
elements that address the design and control of an EPE fitting. The
Quality Plan Process shall identify the appropriate personnel for approval.

A-2.4.3 Document and Records
The EPE fitting acceptance for use shall be documented in accordance

with the PEIM system elements that govern documents and records.
A-2.5 RRIMR Procedure Elements
The Quality Plan Process shall establish each component of the RRIMR.
1) Risk Assessment,
2) Root Cause,
3) Installation,
4) Maintenance and Monitoring, and
5) Removal procedure.
A requirement of the RRIMR procedure is that the Owner-User accepts the

resulting report or document generated from that component. By completing and
submitting section 34 of Form AB-270 General Engineering Requirements for the
Use of Engineered Pressure Enclosures, the owner accepts the risk assessment.
The acceptance may also be documented on an accepted equivalent Owner-
User form.
When developing the QP Process, use the following elements and process
definitions described below.
A-2.5.1 Risk Assessment
The use of an EPE fitting on damaged pressure equipment shall be

evaluated prior to installation. The risk assessment process of pressure
equipment failure and its consequence of failure, differ from owner-user to
owner-user and for each application, however the safe operating limits
established by the owner-user shall be maintained. The use of an EPE
fitting shall not create an unsafe operating condition.
The Owner-User may reference a standardized Risk Assessment

Procedure as part of their PEIM system or develop a Risk Assessment
Procedure as part of the Quality Plan Process. The risk assessment shall
be appropriate for the risk matrix being evaluated. The Quality Plan
Process Risk Assessment Procedure shall address the disciplines and
roles that are required to perform and accept the risk assessment
documents. The risk assessment shall address the potential to introduce
new failure modes or additional loads when an EPE fitting is used.
A summary report of the risk assessment shall be accepted by the Owner-

User and submitted to ABSA as part of the registration of the RRIMR
procedure.

A-2.5.2 Root Cause
The Quality Plan Process shall have a means to address Root Cause. For
the purpose of the Quality Plan Process, the Owner-User, as a minimum,
shall submit to ABSA a reasonable cause for the failure and its damage
mechanism as part of the RRIMR procedure registration. The root cause
shall be documented in accordance with the PEIM system Management of
Change Procedure.
A-2.5.3 Installation Procedure
The written procedure shall incorporate considerations for EPE fitting

installation location, maintaining personnel safety and equipment integrity.
The procedure should be written by experienced personnel, either the
Owner-User or designated agent.
The installation procedure shall be reviewed, accepted, and recorded by

the Owner-User and submitted to ABSA for registration as part of the
RRIMR procedure registration.
A-2.5.4 Maintenance and Monitoring
The EPE fitting shall be maintained and monitored to ensure the continued
safe operation of pressure equipment until a permanent repair can be
made to the damaged pressure equipment and the EPE fitting can be
safely removed. The Quality Plan Process shall establish a description of
the methods of maintenance and monitoring that will be used while the
EPE fitting is installed. The frequency of maintenance and monitoring shall
consider the type of EPE fitting, accessibility, process fluid, service
conditions, and the risk assessment results.
The maintenance and monitoring procedure shall be accepted by the

Owner-User and submitted to ABSA for registration as part of the RRIMR
procedure registration.
A-2.5.5 Removal
The Owner-User is responsible to prescribe a removal date for the EPE

fitting. Limitations of the prescribed removal date can be found in AB-521
section 5.1.2.6.
A contingency plan shall be in place in the event that the EPE fitting shall
be removed prior to the prescribed removal date. As a part of design
registration process of the RRIMR procedure, the ABSA SCO may require
a copy of the Owner-User’s contingency plan.

The removal date shall be accepted by the Owner-User and submitted to

ABSA for registration as part of the RRIMR procedure registration.
A-2.6 RPR Application and Recognition Process
An Owner-User that elects to participate in the Quality Plan Process shall revise
its PEIM system to address the requirements specified in this Annex and shall
apply to ABSA for acceptance of the PEIM system revisions. The application
shall include:
1) Form AB-31 Design Registration Application,
2) Letter request to participate in the Quality Plan Process,
3) The application shall include the Owner-User certificate or confirmation that
the nominee is competent to perform duties in accordance with section A-
2.3 above,
4) A copy of the Quality Plan Process, and
5) Form AB-260 Nomination Letter for a Quality Plan Process.
The Owner-User’s Quality Plan Process and RPR nomination will be reviewed by
an ABSA Design Survey Auditor. If the written description of the Quality Plan
Process and the RPR nomination are acceptable for recognition, then the Design
Survey Auditor may request an initial demonstration of the Quality Plan Process
prior to accepting for recognition and issuing a Letter of Recognition for the RPR.
The purpose of the initial demonstration is to verify that the Quality Plan Process
is integrated as part of the owner’s PEIM system and that the Quality Plan
Process is effective in producing a deficiency-free RRIMR procedure submission,
before submitting under the Quality Plan Process. A deficiency-free RRIMR
procedure submission is a submission which considers and complies with
Owner-User requirements, code of construction, and regulatory requirements.
Upon successful completion of the initial demonstration, the RPR will be provided
with a Letter of Recognition which confirms the RPR has been recognized by an
ABSA Design Survey Auditor to administer the Owner-User’s Quality Plan
Process. Failure to meet regulatory requirements or the intent of the Quality Plan
Process may result in withdrawal of recognition for the RPR.
The initial demonstration shall involve the QP Process Manager, RPR, and ABSA
Design Survey Auditor whereby the RPR will confirm that all process functions
have been performed. In performing the process steps, the RPR will confirm that
the EPE fitting design and RRIMR procedure submission package to ABSA for
registration:
a) meets the owner’s process and mechanical requirements;

b) complies with the regulatory requirements; and
c) complies with the code of construction.

A-2.7 Letter of Recognition (RPR Letter)
The Letter of Recognition is a letter issued by ABSA, to the Owner-User, that

ABSA has accepted the RPR nomination. The person named on the Letter of
Recognition may submit designs in accordance with the Quality Plan Process.
Each RPR Letter expires when any of the conditions below are applicable:
a) On the date the Owner-User PEIM system (CAP) expires.
b) On request by ABSA.
c) On request from the Owner-User.
d) On termination of employment of the RPR with the Owner-User.
A-2.8 Control of Documents and Records
As part of a PEIM system, an element has been established for controlling

documentation and records. The AB-512 Owner-User Pressure Equipment
Integrity Management Requirements refer to this as Quality System
Documentation and will be supplemented by the following.
A Management of Change should be initiated to control the documents and

records of the EPE fitting as a result of the RRIMR procedures. A section of the
MOC will address the permanent repair or reference another MOC that specifies
the repair procedure for the damaged pressure component.
A log of all accepted RRIMR procedures registered under the Quality Plan
Process be implemented and maintained.
A-2.9 Continual Improvement
The Quality Plan Process continual improvement goal is to improve the process,
capabilities, and efficiency of the Owner-User’s processes in an effort to deliver a
safe and effective Quality Plan for EPE fitting design validation and RRIMR
process.
As part of an owner’s PEIM system, an element of continual improvement has

been established with a documented procedure for corrective and preventative
action program. This corrective and preventative action program applies to the
Quality Plan Process. Any actions used to correct a design submission package
deficiency shall be applied to the submission and all affected submissions.
A-3.0 AUDIT
Internal audits of the Quality Plan Process will be performed as specified in the
owner’s PEIM system to determine its effectiveness.
This Quality Plan Process may be reviewed at the PEIM system renewal or
surveillance audit.

8.0 Revision Log
Edition # Revision # Date Description

1st Edition Rev.0 2016-02-02 New issuance
Rev.1 2017-02-21 Revision includes changes that are
marked with vertical line right of
the revised text and editorial
changes that are not marked.
Rev. 2 2018-02-21 Reaffirmation
2nd Edition Rev. 0 2019-07-02 Added Flowchart & Annex A.
Content & editorial updates
throughout.

Ab 521 Requirements For Engineered Pressure Enclosures

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the pressure equipment safety authority

Edition 2, Revision 0 - Issued 2019-07-02

Issued 2019-07-02 AB– 521 Edition 2, Revision 0 i

ANNEX A: QUALITY PLAN REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ALBERTA OWNER-USER

Issued 2019-07-02 AB–521 Edition 2, Revision 0 Page ii

Issued 2019-07-02 AB–521 Edition 2, Revision 0 iii

Please provide your comments to:

Issued 2019-07-02 AB–521 Edition 2, Revision 0 Page 1 of 35

3.0 DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

ABSA – is the organization delegated by the Government of Alberta to administer the

Issued 2019-07-02 AB–521 Edition 2, Revision 0 Page 2 of 35

Administrator – means the Administrator in the pressure equipment discipline

Alteration – means any change to an item of pressure equipment as described in the

Certificate of Authorization Permit (CAP) – means a permit issued pursuant to

Engineered Pressure Enclosure (EPE) – is an enclosure used for containing a leak or

General Engineering Requirements (GER) Form – means a form that provides

Issued 2019-07-02 AB–521 Edition 2, Revision 0 Page 3 of 35

Inspector – means an Owner's Inspector, an In-service Inspector, or an ABSA Safety

Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) – maximum allowable working

MDMT – Minimum Design Metal Temperature

MOP – Maximum Operating Pressure

MOT – Maximum Operating Temperature

Nondestructive Examination (NDE) – means any of a number of techniques that can

Owner-user – an owner that has provided an Integrity Management System in

Pressure Equipment Integrity Management (PEIM) – a PEIM system is a quality

PESR – means Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation, Alberta Regulation 49/2006

Issued 2019-07-02 AB–521 Edition 2, Revision 0 Page 4 of 35

Pressure Equipment – means a boiler, a fired-heater pressure coil, a thermal liquid

QP – means Quality Plan Requirements.

RRIMR – is a procedure that includes Risk assessment, Root cause analysis,

Issued 2019-07-02 AB–521 Edition 2, Revision 0 Page 5 of 35

WPS - means a Welding Procedure Specification meeting the requirements of ASME

4.0 REFERENCE PUBLICATIONS

The following documents have been accepted by the Administrator as requirements

AB-512 - Owner User Pressure Equipment Integrity Management Requirements

AB-512a - Owner-User Scope and Responsibilities form

AB-513 - Pressure Equipment Repair and Alteration Requirements

AB-516 - The Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation User Guide

AB-524 - Pressure Relief Devices Requirements

AB-96 - General Engineering Requirements for Design & Construction of

IB10-006 - ABSA Requirements for Steam Pipelines.

Issued 2019-07-02 AB–521 Edition 2, Revision 0 Page 6 of 35

Adopted codes and standards

ASME BPVC, Section l Rules for Construction of Power Boilers

Recognized and generally accepted good engineering standards

Issued 2019-07-02 AB–521 Edition 2, Revision 0 Page 7 of 35

5.0 Requirements for the use of EPE

The requirements of this document shall be followed by anyone planning to construct

The use of an EPE to contain a leak or to reinforce a degraded or damaged pressure

5.1 Registration Requirements

Issued 2019-07-02 AB–521 Edition 2, Revision 0 Page 8 of 35

5.1.1 Fittings Design Registration Requirements

EPE fitting designs require design registration in accordance with the

TABLE 1: Acceptable Scope for EPE Catalogues

The scope and limitations shown in Table 1 apply to design registration of

Issued 2019-07-02 AB–521 Edition 2, Revision 0 Page 9 of 35

5.1.1.1 EPE Fitting Registration Requirements

All EPE fitting designs (individual or catalogues) must be submitted