Jay N. Rothbart: About the Author
PCMS Division, Conam Inspection Inc.

We have been asked many times by existing and prospective users of PCMS (a computerized, inspection database management system), how many TMLs (Thickness Management Locations) should be installed per piping circuit. These inquiries must be addressed indirectly, because each specific site differs in its operation, mission and objectives. We firmly believe it is up to each site to make choices based upon their own circumstances. When pressed on the issue we have pointed toward a couple of papers published or generated within our User Community. While these provide cookbook methods, they do not encompass all the issues facing the User Group. Based upon the continuing questions in this area we decided to provide a review of the issues.

This task though tedious and exasperating is a key part of the operation. Plant personnel often find ingenious uses and filing systems for key data such as UW 1 forms. The more remote the plant site is, the more extraordinary the hiding places. In addition, the adage "garbage in = garbage out" keenly applies. To avoid this concern, it is vital to quality assurance check the data prior to input.

Regulatory requirements such as OSHA 1910, industry codes and practices coupled with an international drive for more cost-effective preventative maintenance are leading the industry toward data information management systems to assist in organizing and prioritizing preventive maintenance strategies. This shift coincides with the movement toward a risk-based inspection approach to plant condition management. This approach ranks units or individual equipment according to criticality or risk, allowing inspection efforts to be focused where they can have the greatest effect in risk reduction. There are a number of points to bear in mind when planning to implement a plant condition management system.