Integripedia Topic
API RP 581 - Risk Based Inspection Technology
API RP 581, Risk-Based Inspection Technology, Third Edition, is a recommended practice developed and published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) to provide quantitative risk-based inspection (RBI) methods that support the minimum guidelines presented by API RP 580. Originally released in 2000 and last updated in April of 2016 (third edition), this document details the procedures and methodology of RBI, an integrated methodology that uses risk as a basis for prioritizing and managing an in-service equipment inspection program by analyzing both the likelihood and the consequences of equipment failure.
Risk-based inspection (RBI) is a methodology that involves quantitative assessment of the probability of failure (PoF) and the consequence of failure (CoF) associated with each equipment item in a particular process unit. A properly-implemented RBI program categorizes individual pieces of equipment by their risks, prioritizes inspection efforts, and provides guidance for risk mitigation efforts, such as changes in materials of construction, the addition of linings, changes in operating conditions, etc.
API RP 581 was based on the knowledge and experience of several global practitioners of RBI with extensive experience in its implementation. According to API 581, an RBI program has four major goals:
- Identify and measure risk for all covered equipment.
- Impart an accurate understanding of risks and risk drivers.
- Enable effective risk management.
- Reduce risks associated with operating processing facilities.
Related Topics
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- API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 - Fitness-For-Service (FFS)
- API 594 - Check Valves: Flanged, Lug, Wafer, and Butt-Welding
- API 620 - Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks
- API 650 - Welded Tanks for Oil Storage
- API 660 - Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers
- API 661 - Petroleum, Petrochemical, and Natural Gas Industries Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers
- API RP 1173 - Pipeline Safety Management Systems
- API RP 1176 - Assessment and Management of Cracking in Pipelines
- API RP 538 - Industrial Fired Boilers for General Refinery and Petrochemical Service
- API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry
- API RP 576 - Inspection of Pressure-Relieving Devices
- API RP 580 - Risk Based Inspection (RBI)
- API RP 75 - Developing a Safety and Environmental Management Program for Offshore Operations
- API RP 751 - Safe Operation of Hydrofluoric Acid Alkylation Units
- API RP 939-C - Guidelines for Avoiding Sulfidation (Sulfidic) Corrosion Failures in Oil Refineries
- API RP 941 - Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures
- API RP 970 - Corrosion Control Documents
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
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BlogDecember 29, 2020 By John Reynolds at Intertek
A summary of some of the important topics that were discussed at the API Fall 2020 Refining and Equipment Standards Meeting that was held via virtual conferencing.
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July/August 2020 Inspectioneering JournalBy Ibrahim Kodssi at Husky Energy, and Hussain Fadhel
This article explores the API RP 581 third edition approach to HTHA damage factor calculations to obtain a probability of failure that subsequently affects risk. Sample calculations are provided to affirm an understanding of the concept.
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BlogJune 25, 2020 By John Reynolds at Intertek
A summary of some of the important topics that were discussed at the API Spring Refining and Equipment Standards Meeting that was held via virtual conferencing.
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BlogDecember 26, 2019 By John Reynolds at Intertek
A summary of some of the important topics that were discussed at the API Fall Refining and Equipment Standards Meeting in Atlanta.
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InVista is a lightweight, hand-held ultrasonic in-line inspection tool (intelligent pig) capable of detecting pipeline wall loss and corrosion in unpiggable or difficult-to-inspect pipelines. The pipeline geometry inspection data captured by the...
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September/October 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy Ricardo Gonzalez at Total Refining and Petrochemicals
The author discusses a method being used in most of their refineries and petrochemical facilities that allows them to optimize the scope of NDT during turnarounds, while improving the reliability of bundles.
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Reynolds Wrap Up: Highlights from the API Subcommittee on Inspection and Mechanical Integrity (SCIMI) Meetings at the Spring 2019 API Standards MeetingBlogJune 27, 2019 By John Reynolds at Intertek
A summary of some of the important topics that were discussed at the Spring Meeting, including the recently-held API Inspection and Mechanical Integrity Summit, subcommittee activities, and progress with the API Individual Certification Program.
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Advantages of Performing Risk-Based Inspection Analyses During Project Design and Construction Stages
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January/February 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy Houssam Sabry at ADNOC LNG, and Asad Ali at ADNOC LNG
An effective RBI system implementation results in, not only safeguarding your assets & people, but can also reduce unnecessary inspection activities that may be required due to conventional & nonsystematic approaches.
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BlogJanuary 9, 2019 By John Reynolds at Intertek
The 2019 API Inspection and Mechanical Integrity Summit will be kicking off later this month in Galveston, TX. This four-day event will begin with 14 high level training courses offered Monday, January 28th, and then a top notch conference and...
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November/December 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
This article shares examples of where RBI work processes either broke down or were non-existent, or where the user did not fully understand the technology or overall RBI logic and the results.
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Reynolds Wrap Up: Highlights from the API Subcommittee on Inspection and Mechanical Integrity (SCIMI) Meetings at the Fall 2018 API Standards MeetingBlogDecember 27, 2018 By John Reynolds at Intertek
A quick summary of some of the important topics that were discussed at the Fall Meeting, including the upcoming API Inspection and Mechanical Integrity Summit, subcommittee activities, and progress with the API Individual Certification Program.
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July/August 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Ibrahim Kodssi at Husky Energy
Software implementation, including RBI, comes with a lot of ad-hoc challenges and pitfalls. There are numerous options for RBI software currently available, and they may differ by design, purpose, function, scope and capabilities. This article...
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May/June 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Dheeraj Narang at Larsen & Toubro Hydrocarbon Engineering
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...
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March/April 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Ibrahim Kodssi at Husky Energy, and Houssam Sabry at ADNOC LNG
Implementing 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...
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March/April 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Fernando Vicente at ABB, and Laza Krstin at ABB
Myths, challenges, and good practices related to process piping integrity management activities that help inspection and maintenance managers make the right decisions to develop cost-effective piping inspection plans without compromising the...
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A New Risk Assessment Tool for Determining the Likelihood of Chloride Promoted Stress Corrosion Cracking in Austenitic Stainless Steels
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November/December 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Human factors, inspection effectiveness, and RBI all play an important role in running an effective asset management program. This article discusses how each is applicable to inspecting equipment in processing facilities.
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Examining the Latest Changes to API RP 581 Risk-Based Inspection Methodology Thinning and the Probability of Failure CalculationsNovember/December 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Lynne Kaley at Pinnacle
This paper provides the background for the technology behind the Third Edition thinning model as well as step-by-step worked examples demonstrating the methodology for thinning in this new edition of API RP 581.
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Reynolds Wrap Up: Highlights from the API Subcommittee on Inspection and Mechanical Integrity (SCIMI) Meeting at the Fall API Standards MeetingBlogDecember 29, 2016 By John Reynolds at Intertek
The Fall API Standards Meeting was incredibly productive and addressed, among other issues, the API Inspection Summit, balloting for the 11th edition of API 510, and improvements to the inspection section of each damage mechanism in API RP 571.
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BlogSeptember 12, 2016 By Lynne Kaley at Pinnacle
Experienced material specialists are in short supply and high demand these days. So if you are lucky enough to have one at your disposal, how can you squeeze the most out of that opportunity?
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BlogJuly 15, 2016 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Anyone who knows me knows that Risk Based Inspection (RBI) and Risk Management are true passions of mine. I have dedicated much of my career to studying them, understanding their intricacies, and witnessing the benefits of their successful...
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May/June 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
This brief article contains updates and highlights related to the Subcommittee on Inspection (SCI) at the 2016 API Spring Refining Equipment and Standards Meeting.
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BlogMay 16, 2016 By Valerie Magyari at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.
When was the last time you reviewed your Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) methodology? Are you using calculation procedures for probability of failure, consequence of failure, and risk that haven’t had their basis reviewed in years?
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In this interim report, Pinnacle analysts take data from the oil refining industry and dive into how that key sector is being affected by reliability today. Download your free copy!
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Reynold's Wrap Up: Highlights from the Subcommittee on Inspection Meeting at the Fall 2015 API Refining Standards MeetingBlogJanuary 4, 2016 By John Reynolds at Intertek
This article provides a summary of the Subcommittee on Inspection (SCI) discussions that occurred at the Fall 2015 API Refining Standards Meeting, including the Inspection Summit Planning Committee and the API ICP Task Group.
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July/August 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Asset managers need to know when repairs and replacement are required for many reasons, including safe operation, accurate budgeting, replacement planning, and on-going reliability. When predicting design life based on a simple, linear corrosion...
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November/December 2014 Inspectioneering JournalBy Alphonse W. Hegger Jr., P.E. at Stress Engineering Services
Today, more than ever, refinery operators are focused on maintaining safe operations for their employees and extending the life cycle of valuable operating equipment to optimize efficiencies and avoid expensive unforeseen shutdowns. When process...
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BlogNovember 17, 2014 By John Reynolds at Intertek
One of the most significant advancements to come along in the fixed equipment mechanical integrity (FEMI) business in the past two decades is the application of risk-based inspection (RBI) for inspection prioritization, planning, and scheduling. The...
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May/June 2014 Inspectioneering JournalBy Luciano Narcisi at Stork AMT
As an RBI consultant, I frequently get involved in discussions spawned from a misunderstanding of the relation between Risk Based Inspection (RBI) approaches and Fitness for Service (FFS) assessments. Questions like: If thickness is below the...
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BlogApril 21, 2014 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
A paper was presented at the 68th Conference of the Italian Thermal Machines Engineering Association entitled Updated Failure Rates and Risk Management in the Process Industries. It was presented in October 2013 by INAIL, an Italian insurance...
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BlogSeptember 9, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
We’ve been discussing Scalable Accuracy and its use related to Lifecycle Management technologies available to owner/operators. The last few topics have included Risk Based Inspection, Fitness for Service using Accuracy, the approach for Equipment...
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BlogSeptember 3, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
We’ve been discussing Scalable Accuracy and its use related to Lifecycle Management technologies available to owner/operators. The last few topics have included Fitness for Service using Scalable Accuracy, the approach for Equipment Lifecycle...
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BlogJune 3, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
This is the third of four blogs in a series about Risk Based Inspection (RBI). You can read the previous blogs on a history and reasons for RBI and on starting to define risk. This post deals with the second half of the equation used to define...
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BlogMay 20, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Anyone who knows me knows that Risk Based Inspection (RBI), and Risk Management, are a passion of mine, so my next few posts will feature these topics. These are not all-inclusive, but Inspectioneering.com has dozens of articles and you can...
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November/December 2012 Inspectioneering JournalBy Ryan Corn at Marathon Petroleum Company LP, and Matthew K. Caserta, PE at Becht Pono Division
As refiners continue operating aging infrastructure, safe operation and equipment availability continue to be key components of a sustainable operation. When considering optimizing inspection projects, more and more refiners are making Risk-Based...
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API RP 581 Risk-based Inspection Technology Demonstrating the Technology Through a Worked Example ProblemMay/June 2009 Inspectioneering JournalBy Lynne Kaley at Pinnacle
This article is Part 3 of a 3-Part series. The articles in this series provide a step-by-step example of utilization of API RP 581 and build off of each other. This article (Part 3) will cover the final risk analysis, inspection planning, provide a...
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API RP 581 Risk-based Inspection Technology Demonstrating the Technology Through a Worked Example ProblemMarch/April 2009 Inspectioneering JournalBy Lynne Kaley at Pinnacle
The previous article (Part 1) covered Probability of Failure (POF), including modeling of thinning and stress corrosion cracking and demonstrated how API RBI provides credits for past inspections, considering their effectiveness in detecting those...
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API RP 581 Risk-based Inspection Technology Demonstrating the Technology Through a Worked Example ProblemJanuary/February 2009 Inspectioneering JournalBy Lynne Kaley at Pinnacle
This article provides a unique opportunity to guide the reader through API RBI quantitative calculations per API RP 581, Second Edition, September 2008, using real data. The author guides you step by step from input data to final answers including,...
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January/February 2000 Inspectioneering JournalBy Gene R. Meyer at The Dow Chemical Company
Part 1 provided a review of RBI for pressure vessels and piping and an introduction to application of RBI to rotating equipment and the differences between approaching the two different types of equipment. As promised, Part 2 will delve more deeply...
Pinnacle builds and runs programs that empower facilities to make value-based decisions on how to manage risk, resulting in safe and profitable operations. We have gathered, organized, and analyzed more mechanical integrity and reliability data than any other company in the world.
Pinnacle builds and runs programs that empower facilities to make value-based decisions on how to manage risk, resulting in safe and profitable operations. We have gathered, organized, and analyzed more mechanical integrity and reliability data than any other company in the world.
MISTRAS Group, Inc. (NYSE: MG) is a US-based, leading "one source" multinational provider of integrated technology-enabled asset protection solutions, helping to maximize the safety and operational uptime for civilization’s most critical industrial and civil assets.
MISTRAS Group, Inc. (NYSE: MG) is a US-based, leading "one source" multinational provider of integrated technology-enabled asset protection solutions, helping to maximize the safety and operational uptime for civilization’s most critical industrial and civil assets.
Quest Integrity is a global leader in the development and delivery of asset integrity and reliability management services. Our integrated solutions consist of technology-enabled, advanced inspection and engineering assessment services and products that help organizations in the pipeline, refining, chemical, syngas and power industries improve operational planning, increase profitability, and reduce operational and safety risks.
Quest Integrity is a global leader in the development and delivery of asset integrity and reliability management services. Our integrated solutions consist of technology-enabled, advanced inspection and engineering assessment services and products that help organizations in the pipeline, refining, chemical, syngas and power industries improve operational planning, increase profitability, and reduce operational and safety risks.
PK Technology is a full-service inspection contractor, as well as, an in-house software development company specializing in the Oil and Gas industry. PK Technology is the creator of intelliSPEC, the worlds first Digital Data Management System (DDMS) which is a robust and intelligent solution designed to digitize, analyze and realize all vital data.
PK Technology is a full-service inspection contractor, as well as, an in-house software development company specializing in the Oil and Gas industry. PK Technology is the creator of intelliSPEC, the worlds first Digital Data Management System (DDMS) which is a robust and intelligent solution designed to digitize, analyze and realize all vital data.
Antea specializes in highly flexible RBI-driven AIM software solutions with 3D digital twin integration. Since 1989, we have used the synergy of integrated services with highly flexible software to facilitate digital transformation for oil & gas, power generation, and petrochemical plants. Protecting our clients’ investments is paramount.
Antea specializes in highly flexible RBI-driven AIM software solutions with 3D digital twin integration. Since 1989, we have used the synergy of integrated services with highly flexible software to facilitate digital transformation for oil & gas, power generation, and petrochemical plants. Protecting our clients’ investments is paramount.
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Sponsored Video Published on November 12, 2020Inspectioneering teams up with Johns Manville for the webinar, Mechanical Integrity Considerations for Your Insulation System. This webinar provides an overview of insulation systems, industry documents, insulation considerations, and more.
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Published on June 19, 2019In this Whiteboard Discussion, Chief Editor Greg Alvarado discusses the concept of "Scalable Accuracy," a term used to describe the varying levels of detail necessary to consider when planning and conducting a Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) assessment
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Published on April 24, 2017Greg Alvarado explains the inspection effectiveness tables found in API RP 581, the importance of them, and how they should be used.
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Published on March 24, 2017Greg Alvarado discusses the concept of "risk in square feet per year", a powerful metric found in the API RP 581 Risk Based Inspection methodology. Understanding metrics such as this one will allow you to begin trending your risks, identifying best...
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Published on February 17, 2017Greg Alvarado explains the concept of RBI risk thresholds: "How much confidence do I need to have in what I believe to be the true damage state of the equipment?"
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