Update on API Risk-Based Inspection Project

In the January 1995 issue, I introduced the concept of Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) being developed by an API (American Petroleum Institute) project. This article is an update and status report on that project, which now has 20 sponsor companies, and more joining each quarter.

Phase I is complete with the development of the RBI base resource document and completion of the initial pilot study. Phase II is well underway and includes software development, several methodology improvements, and an expansion of the methodology improvements, and an expansion of the methodology to include furnace reliability. Parallel to Phase II, an API Task Group has been formed to write an RBI recommended practice (RP 580); the drafting process for that RP has begun.