Shutdowns and turnarounds are high-pressure events for industrial plants. Refractory work during these periods directly affects the reliability of critical equipment after restart. Despite this, refractory installation is often treated as a routine activity rather than a specialized engineering discipline.

This is where API-936 certified refractory inspectors add measurable value.

Understanding API-936 Certification

API-936 is a globally recognized certification issued by the American Petroleum Institute. It validates an inspector’s competence in:

• Refractory materials and properties
• Installation methods
• Inspection checkpoints
• Acceptance criteria
• Dry-out and heat-up procedures

Certified inspectors bring standardized quality control to complex refractory installations.

Key Responsibilities During Shutdowns

API-936 inspectors oversee critical activities such as:

• Surface preparation and anchoring
• Verification of material storage and handling
• Monitoring mixing, placement, and finishing
• Ensuring proper curing and dry-out

Each of these steps directly impacts refractory lifespan.

Preventing Costly Rework and Failures

Without qualified inspection, minor deviations often go unnoticed during shutdowns. These deviations later result in:

• Hot spots
• Structural lining failure
• Emergency shutdowns

Third-party inspection provides independent verification and protects asset owners from long-term reliability issues.

Supporting Multiple Industries

While API-936 originated in the hydrocarbon sector, its principles are equally applicable to aluminium, cement, power, and steel plants—especially during high-temperature refractory installations.

API-936 certified inspectors are not an added cost—they are a risk-reduction investment. Their involvement ensures compliance, quality, and long-term operational reliability, making them essential for modern shutdown and turnaround projects.