API-571 Exam Dumps : Corrosion and Materials Professional

According to API RP 571, under the section "4.2.1.2 Brittle Fracture", the following conditions are explicitly identified as most critical for brittle fracture risk:

"Most processes run at elevated temperature, so the main concern is for brittle fracture during startup, shutdown, hydrotest, or other situations where equipment may be exposed to low temperatures."

"Equipment fabricated from materials susceptible to brittle fracture (e.g., carbon steel) is most vulnerable when exposed to low temperatures combined with high stress or pressure."

"A brittle fracture is characterized by a sudden and rapid crack propagation with little or no plastic deformation."

(Reference: API RP 571, Section 4.2.1.2 – Brittle Fracture)

Thus, while other options represent stress events, the main concern specifically noted by the standard is during start-up and shutdown—especially due to cooling and repressurization at low temperatures—making option A the most accurate choice.

According to API RP 571, under Oxidation:

“Austenitic stainless steels (300 Series) are generally used for oxidation resistance up to about 1500°F (815°C). At higher temperatures, scaling and loss of protective chromium oxide layers increase.”

“Above these temperatures, specialized high-temperature alloys may be required.”

(Reference: API RP 571, Section 5.1.1 – Oxidation)

Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

API RP 571 notes that for detecting existing cracks or flaws that may lead to brittle fracture, especially those that initiate at welds or surface stress points:

“Wet fluorescent magnetic-particle inspection is highly effective for detecting surface-breaking flaws in ferromagnetic materials that are susceptible to brittle fracture.”

“It is sensitive to tight cracks and surface discontinuities that may serve as initiation sites for brittle fracture.”

(Reference: API RP 571, Section 4.2.1.2 – Brittle Fracture)

Therefore, option A is correct as it is the most effective NDE technique for detecting early signs of brittle cracking.