A Lifetime of Integrity - Overcoming the Challenges in Managing the Life-Cycle of Aging Assets
Effect of Elemental Sulfur Deposits in Refinery Heat Exchangers - A Case Study
Effect of High Temperature Hydrogen Attack in Dissimilar Materials
Fitness for Service of Damaged Oil Pipeline Using Finite Element Analysis
Fitness for Service of FRP: Moving Towards Best Practices
Secrets to Becoming a Well-Informed Risk Based Inspection Professional
11 Things You Need to Know About Hot Spots in Pressure Equipment
Cognitive Inspection Analytics in Asset Performance Management
Development of a Wall Sticking Drone for Non-Destructive Ultrasonic and Corrosion Testing
Effectively Communicating Your Objectives to Achieve Mechanical Integrity Excellence
Four Realized Benefits of a Transition from a Time-Based to a Risk-Based Inspection Approach
Inspection of Relief Devices per API RP 576
RBI Implementation for Process Plant Piping — A Case Study Using an Optimized Approach
12 Things to Do After Discovering a Mechanical Failure
Advancements in Network-distributed Ultrasonic Sensors
Combating Sea Cooling Water Corrosion
How to Develop a Proactive Risk-Based Integrity Management Framework for Plant Assets
Observations on Flaw Tolerance and Brittle Fracture: The Effect of Post Weld Heat Treatment
Spending Your Turnaround Budget Contingency: Is it Inevitable?
Thermal Decomposition: A Technique for Cleaning Process Equipment
Using Digital Data Management Systems to Streamline Work Processes
Achieving the Full Potential of Asset Performance Management Platforms
Asset Integrity Management Enablers
Connecting the Proper Inspection Strategies to Damage Mechanisms
Convection Section Failure Analysis and Fitness-for-Service Assessment
Determining Pipeline Corrosion Growth Rates
Hamstrung by Hydrogen Damage Mechanisms
Non-intrusive FRP Inspection for Avoiding Premature Asset Retirement
Best Practices for Implementing a Risk Based Inspection (RBI) Program
Ensuring the Integrity of Oil and Gas Assets
Establishing a Mechanical Integrity Program for Fired Heater Tubes
Process-Based Risk Management: Layers of Protection to Avert Production Losses
The Role of Operations in Shutdown and Startup Best Practices
Advanced Buckling Analysis of a Reactor Tank Supported by Four Legs
Are Your FEMI KPIs Getting Old and Stale?
Beyond Hazardous Area Classification Mechanical Equipment Ignition Sources
Drone Inspection and NDT in the Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Industry
Establishing Risk Thresholds or Targets for RBI
Fight-or-Flight Inspection: Don't Let Big Findings Cloud the Big Picture
Investigating Pipeline Corrosion Failures
Making Bad Actor Elimination Programs Work
Microwave Inspection Technology Applied to Composite Pipeline Repair
Article Index
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March/April 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Simon Yuen, P.E. at Suncor Energy Inc., and Ken Gottselig at BP America Production CompanyHot spots – localized areas of overheating in pressure equipment – can lead to deformation or even loss of process containment. It is important to understand the effects of elevated temperature caused by hot spots on the mechanical integrity of equipment.
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January/February 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Neil Burns at Stress Engineering ServicesThe actions you take immediately after a failure are critical in understanding the cause and appropriate steps to remedy the problem. However, the wrong moves might prevent you from getting the answers you need.
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May/June 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy James R. Widrig at Quest Integrity, and James Wilson at Quest IntegrityAs assets age and production demands grow, it becomes increasingly critical to implement sustainable long-term AIM strategies and programs. This article dives into the elements that will help ensure the successful management of assets throughout their life-cycle.
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November/December 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Stephen Flory at PinnacleARTAPM implementation is anything but a pain-free process. Blame tends to fall on vendors, but there are oftentimes activities that do not get completed that tend to have a larger effect on the success of implementation. This article addresses some of those activities.
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Addressing the Great Crew Change - A Recap of the Fall 2017 Meeting of the Minds Roundtable Discussion
March/April 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Tyler Alvarado at InspectioneeringLast November, Inspectioneering and PinnacleART hosted a roundtable discussion for a select group of leading mechanical integrity experts. This forum explored how the MI field will have to prepare for the impending loss of knowledge resulting from the “Great Crew Change.”
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July/August 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Michael Turnquist at Quest Integrity GroupThis article outlines the engineering and assessment methodologies applied during the analysis of a failure of a 15-foot diameter reactor tank supported by four legs.
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January/February 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Bruce A. Pellegrino at Sensor Networks, Inc., and Mark Feydo at Sensor Networks, Inc.Over the past few years, network technologies have been developed to eliminate the need for long cables for UT thickness monitoring. Coupled with a software back-end, permanently-installed UT sensors have become much more competitive in the industrial landscape.
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July/August 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at IntertekAre your key performance indicators actually driving improvement? Could they be more effective? In this actionable and concise article, John Reynolds is back again to discuss some KPIs you could be using to monitor your progress down the path to FEMI excellence.
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November/December 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Hossam Aboegla at Lloyd's Register EnergyThe goal of achieving effective asset integrity management (AIM) throughout an asset’s life cycle requires certain “integrity enablers.” This article discusses six integrity enablers and their importance to a successful AIM program.
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September/October 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Stephen P. Webb at MetegrityThe challenges companies face when implementing an RBI program from scratch can make the practice seem daunting. To ensure that implementation is completed smoothly and the benefits of RBI are quickly realized, there are considerations that should be taken into account.
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July/August 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Richard W. Prugh at Chilworth Technology (a DEKRA Insight company)In deflagration incidents, electrical arcs and electrostatic sparks are often considered to be primary ignition sources. However, there are a variety of other ignition sources. Do you consider mechanical equipment and the significant non-electrical ignition hazards they may present?
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Building Your Reliability Program: An Interview with Eddie Acosta, Reliability Manager at Placid Refining
November/December 2017 Inspectioneering JournalIn this exclusive Inspectioneering interview, you’ll hear from Eddie Acosta, Reliability Manager at Placid Refining. During our discussion, he shared some of their challenges, strategies, and a transparent glimpse into some the real issues in his 82,000 bpd facility.
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March/April 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Vipin Nair at GE Digital, and Sarah Lukens at GE DigitalWith time being one of the most precious assets for turnaround teams, finding ways to optimize analysis and recommendations is crucial. This article demonstrates how the use of APM software can help prevent unplanned downtime by quickly identifying potential hidden failures.
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January/February 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Ashfaq AnwerSea water corrosion and erosion issues can affect almost all commonly used metallurgy in a refinery or petrochemical plant. This brief article explains the dangers behind sea water used in plant cooling systems and discusses several metallurgical and material solutions to resist sea cooling water corrosion.
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November/December 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal, and John Nyholt at John Nyholt Consulting, LLCThanks to the development of documents such as API RP 571 and API RP 586, as well as the emergence of qualification demonstration testing, we can align NDT techniques and inspection strategies better than ever. This article examines this progression and applies it to some sample NDT methods.
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November/December 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy James R. Widrig at Quest IntegrityIn-service equipment failures present a considerable challenge to reliability engineers. This article presents a case study of a convection tube failure in a furnace and the analyses that were performed to understand the root cause and determine the remaining tube life.
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November/December 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Elizabeth Allen at DNV GL, and Michelle Havlock at DNV GL
This article explains the Statistically Active Corrosion Assessment, which is a tool for determining appropriate and realistic corrosion growth rates which can assist pipeline operators in optimizing the value of in-line inspection data, remediation programs and excavation costs, and determine a re‑inspection interval; all while maintaining safety.
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Developing a Fitness for Service Approach for Reduced Toughness Carbon Steel Piping, Flanges & Fittings
May/June 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Ralph E. King P.E. at Stress Engineering Services Inc., John Norris, P.E. at Stress Engineering Services, Dr. Kannan Subramanian, Ph. D., P.E. at Stress Engineering Services Inc., and Daniel Ayewah, P.E. at Stress Engineering Services Inc.There is concern in the industry over recent findings of reduced toughness fittings and flanges at risk of brittle fracture. This article provides an overview; possible contributors; measures taken to address; and a proposed FFS approach to address the issue.
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Partner Content
LOTIS utilizes laser profilometry to conduct internal steam reformer tube inspections. The data captured by LOTIS is exceptionally powerful when combined with our LifeQuest™ remaining life assessment capabilities, providing an integrated solution set for the process and syngas industries.
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March/April 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Rami Mattar at Amerapex CorporationThis article features a case study on the feasibility of a wall-sticking drone for effectively conducting ultrasonic testing and other NDT methods on equipment at elevated heights.
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July/August 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Chris Leightell at Industrial SkyWorksThe adoption of drones for use in industry is a trend that has grown rapidly over the past few years. As the technology increases in popularity, its capabilities continue to evolve beyond basic visual imaging, boosting the list of ever-growing applications.
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May/June 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Nayef Alanazi at Saudi Aramco R&D Center, and Muthukumar Nagu at Saudi Aramco R&D CenterThis article presents a case study from a Middle Eastern refinery that explores a heat exchanger that failed unexpectedly after five years in service. There are multiple initiators that can cause under deposit corrosion (UDC) in heat exchangers in addition to sulfur, which is the focus of this article.
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May/June 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Samer E. Ibrahim at woodHTHA of hydrogen-containing equipment can be prevented with appropriate material selection and fabrication, appropriate welding procedures, regular inspection of equipment using proven, effective technologies and equipment operated by qualified technicians, well monitored and controlled temperatures and hydrogen partial pressure.
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March/April 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at IntertekThis article is designed to help the reader better communicate their FEMI Mission, Vision, Core Values and Responsibilities to all stakeholders at their site.
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September/October 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Tata L.N. Murthy at Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation LtdEnsuring the integrity of oil and gas assets is a challenge for oil and gas operators. This article discusses several “pillars” of asset integrity management on which successful O&G operations rely, including Material Selection, Process Safety, Inspection, and more.
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September/October 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Arun Sreeranganathan at Stress Engineering Services Inc., and John Norris, P.E. at Stress Engineering ServicesFired heaters are among the most critical equipment in refineries and chemical plants, and failure of heater tubes presents significant safety and financial concerns. This article provides an overview of what a fired heater tube mechanical integrity program should include.
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July/August 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering JournalEstablishing risk targets is an important aspect of any risk-based inspection (RBI) program and is a requirement of API RP 580. Metrics and consistency are important considerations for those using RBI to measure and manage risks as part of their decision-making process.
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Partner ContentAuto-refrigeration can impose low temperatures onto process vessels and piping causing them to be at risk of brittle fracture, the sudden break-before leak phenomena that can result in catastrophic rupture of the equipment.
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Establishing the Right Mindset as Industry Seeks Improved Performance - An Important Challenge as We Move into 2018
January/February 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering JournalMost of us that work integrity and reliability understand what we do and how we do it. But how many of us understand WHY we do things? Understanding the motives behind our activities, initiatives and programs can help to galvanize and lay a foundation for long term success.
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July/August 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Mark Savage at Sentinel Integrity Solutions, Inc.3 common repair scenarios include routine maintenance, scope repairs, and major discoveries. An inspector’s ability to properly manage each situation can mean the difference between mechanical integrity success and failure.
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May/June 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Dhananjay H. Rawal at Systech Consultancy ServicesThis article details the experience an oil company had when using FEA to evaluate the implications of a damaged pipeline. Specifically, it presents an efficient method that combines analytical techniques with FEA to determine the pipeline’s fitness for continued service.
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May/June 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Geoff Clarkson at UTComp, Inc.With no industry consensus documents in existence that provide guidance for determining FFS of FRP, this article provides a case study that illustrates how an existing European design standard on GRP tanks can be used to calculate expected changes in FRP for FRP vessels.
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March/April 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Cesar Espinoza at PinnacleART, and Sudhakar Mahajanam at PinnacleARTAs RBI continues to proliferate across industry, there are still those that are reluctant to transition from a time-based to risk-based inspection approach - especially in the upstream oil & gas business. These 4 benefits might help to lessen the resistance to RBI.
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Partner ContentFacilities are facing increasing challenges, including justifying inflated budgets, managing contractor hours, ensuring regulatory compliance and qualifying the work being completed. To help facilities manage evolving inspection requirements, PinnacleART offers Fixed-Price Inspection (FPI), meaning we will develop and execute a comprehensive Risk-Based Inspection plan for one fixed-price. Yes, you read that right – one fixed-price.
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November/December 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Marc McConnell, P.E. at Pro-Surve Technical Services, and David A. Hansen, PhD, PE at Metallurgical Consulting, Inc.Hydrogen is a common culprit of equipment damage in the process industries. As hydrogen-induced damage can occur in multiple forms, it’s critical to identify the specific damage mechanism you’re dealing with before undertaking measures to prevent, mitigate, or repair.
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High Resolution Inspection Data and Advancements in Finite Element Analysis Make Level 3 FFS More Affordable
September/October 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Tyron Kimble at SonomaticDue to its high-cost, Level 3 FFS is typically carried out after Levels 1 or 2 and only in extreme cases. However, advancements in inspection technology and improved use of inspection data have made Level 3 analysis more practical and affordable, even in less critical cases.
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January/February 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Mohamed Attia at Saudi AramcoThis article, the first of a multi-part series, discusses the methodology and need for establishing an integrated and holistic framework for managing asset integrity on a day-to-day basis.
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Importance of Amine System H2S and CO2 Recovery Efficiency to Avoid Fouling and Elevated Corrosion Rates
September/October 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Massimo Capra at AggrekoAmine systems that scrub H2S from hydrogen-rich gas experience rapid fouling of the heat transfer equipment, especially in a hot summer. Learn how temporary cooling solutions can improve process conditions during critical periods of the year with no production interruption.
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March/April 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Keith Lapeyrouse at Process Reliability SolutionsThis article demonstrates the process of converting API RP 576, Inspection of Pressure-Relieving Devices, into a work process that is suitable for conversion into a job procedure. It also explores some lessons learned that will make the document more relevant.
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July/August 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Rick Eckert at DNV GL - North America Oil & Gas, and Dr. Kathy Buckingham at DNV GLFailure analysis of piping that has experienced corrosion damage provides operators with valuable information needed to prevent future failures. Effective processes and procedures are essential when investigating the cause of corrosion on pipelines and piping systems.
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July/August 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Rick Hoffman at Becht EngineeringMost plants have pieces of equipment that are chronic problems. These problems impact profitability due to the frequency of outages, unexpected cost of repairs, and cost of lost production. It is critical that some specific actions are taken to identify and eliminate these “Bad Actors.”
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July/August 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Buddy Powers at Clock Spring Company, and Donald McNichol at Evisive, Inc.Composite technology developed for pipeline repair can be a cost-effective method of improving safety while keeping maintenance costs down. However, composite materials present significant challenges to conventional NDT methods.
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November/December 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Geoff Clarkson at UTComp, Inc.This article, part two in a series, provides a case study of an inspection and evaluation of a Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) column using nondestructive ultrasound readings on the outer surface of the FRP.
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January/February 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Phillip E. Prueter at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.Given the concern throughout industry regarding the potential for brittle fracture failures, PWHT guidance to address potential issues arising from the recent changes in PWHT code requirements for carbon steel is examined in this article, and commentary on the potential reduction in fracture toughness due to PWHT is provided based on a review of published literature.
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September/October 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Daniel Cypriano at Petrobras, and Henrique Ventura at PetrobrasAlthough value-drivers often differ between facilities, all can agree that effective asset management strategies should lead to better decision making. In this case study, the authors detail how process-based risk management strategies can make for improved use of equipment.
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March/April 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Ibrahim Kodssi at ADNOC LNG, and Houssam Sabry at ADNOC LNGImplementing RBI for process piping can be a very tedious and lengthy exercise, especially for major process plants with thousands of feet of interconnected piping. This article shares the experience of ADNOC LNG following a structured RBI approach for piping groups.
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May/June 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Dheeraj Narang at Haldor Topsoe India Pvt Ltd.This article intends to use a top-down approach of describing RBI methodology and how it fits in a facility management system. The main idea of this article is to provide a comprehensive picture of RBI methodology in terms of basics, technology trends, implementation guidance, and evaluating a potential RBI technology partner.
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May/June 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Chad Patschke, CPSA at Ethos Mechanical Integrity SolutionsAccording to API 570, facilities must have a mechanical integrity program in place for critical check valves. But what criteria determines whether or not a check valve is critical in your process? How should check valves be inspected and by whom?
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January/February 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Mark Rigdon at T.A. Cook Consultants, Inc.Teams planning and executing turnarounds are obliged to not only stay within budget, but to reduce or eliminate the need to spend the contingency allowance. This article introduces a risk-based approach to help avoid squandering finances.
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September/October 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Lee Williamson at T.A. Cook Consultants, Inc.Detailed operations planning and scheduling is an essential, yet often marginalized, element of an effective turnaround. To increase the likelihood of executing successful turnarounds, facilities should create and update sound operational shutdown and startup procedures.
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September/October 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at IntertekAlthough commonly lumped together as a singular acronym, there are important distinctions between Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC). This article defines and distinguishes the role of QA and, in particular, how source inspection factors into that role.
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January/February 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Kyle Dunn at Dunn Heat Exchangers, Inc.Cleaning of heat exchangers and other process equipment is typically done with the use of pressurized water (e.g., hydro-blasting). However, in some situations thermal decomposition, a technique that utilizes heat rather than water to break down foulants, might more effective.
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January/February 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Jonathan Martinez at PK TechnologyInspection data is vulnerable to flaws in collection and retention. For example, data might be inaccurate, duplicate, or incomplete due to procedural breakdowns. This article introduces Digital Data Management Systems (DDMS) as a response to these widespread data inaccuracies.
