Michael O. Nichols: About the Author
Fixed Equipment Reliability Specialist, Marathon Petroleum Company
Michael O. Nichols is the Corporate Reliability Fixed Equipment Specialist for Marathon Petroleum, located in Russell, KY. His extensive experience has centered on fixed equipment fabrication, maintenance, repairs, inspection and refractory installation for the past 38 years. In addition his expertise includes mechanical integrity, non-destructive testing, and QA / QC of all types of refinery equipment, refractory, and piping, as well as, numerous reliability projects. Mike's inspection certifications include the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessels, API 510 / 570 / 936, and AWS Certified Welding Inspector.
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Published Articles
This article provides a discussion of a recent inspection performed at a U.S. refinery. Industry HF lines are experiencing piping failures in increasing numbers due to the presence of residual elements entrained within their carbon steel components.
Key Performance Indicators or KPIs are important for businesses to track measurable progress, or a lack thereof, as compared to pre-defined goals or benchmarks. For those of us in the inspection, fixed equipment reliability world, the same holds true. Often the efficacy of our inspection programs is measured against such goals.
