Integripedia Topic
Asset Integrity Management (AIM)
Asset Integrity Management (AIM) is a standard of operating that aims to protect equipment, health, safety, and environment. While there are numerous definitions of AIM, we define AIM as the cradle-to-grave approach to understanding and operating equipment in a safe, reliable manner. AIM does not apply merely to aging infrastructure; instead, it considers all stages of the equipment life cycle, from conception, to engineering and design, construction, operation, inspection, and finally to repair/replacement when necessary.
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September/October 2020 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
This article presents a methodology for calculating and understanding how many qualified API inspectors you need to staff in order to improve fixed equipment mechanical integrity and reliability at your operating site.
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September/October 2020 Inspectioneering JournalBy Wenwu Shen at Saudi Aramco, Dr. Zhenzhu Wan at Saudi Aramco, Rashed Alhajri at Saudi Aramco, and Nasser M. Balhareth at Saudi Aramco
Understanding asset integrity and its management framework is important to sustaining the integrity of assets in the oil and gas industry. This article will discuss eleven primary elements that make up an asset integrity management program.
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BlogJune 25, 2020 By Inspector Frank
Trying too hard to bring attention to the myriad concerns of a robust equipment integrity program can end up backfiring on you. You don’t want to be the “inspector who cried wolf” with no one listening when you actually have a problem.
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BlogFebruary 27, 2020 By Inspector Frank
In a nutshell, Schwerpunkt means focusing your force in the area it will be the most effective. As a strategy, it means overall strategic intent has to be known and understood by everyone. All levels know their part in the plan.
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Partner Content
Our proprietary furnace tube inspection system, FTIS is an ultrasonic inspection technology capable of rapid, automated fired heater coil inspection in refinery fired heaters. The data captured by our furnace tube inspection system is...
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Work Smarter, Not Harder: Cloud-Based Mobile Tablets Streamline Inspection Reporting and Asset Management Enterprise SystemsJuly/August 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy Stephen P. Webb, P.E. at Metegrity
This article demonstrates how substituting inspection reports that originate from pen and paper to reports generated using a stylus and tablet at the time and location of inspection can eliminate data entry errors and other common mistakes.
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July/August 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy Elizabeth Brueckner at G.K. Hills Consulting Ltd.
Tank inspection to achieve regulatory compliance has often been viewed as just another expense. This article takes the opposite view by utilizing regulatory compliance as a means for enhancing overall efficiency, awareness, safety, and profitability.
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BlogApril 18, 2019 By Molly Beckel at TransCanada
Young asset integrity management professionals need effective tools to create a sustainable future. YPAC surveyed members to establish a baseline measurement of the effectiveness of their professional development and to evaluate perceived gaps.
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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...
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January/February 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
This article provides a summary of the 2019 API Inspection & MI Summit keynote address, which offers a past, present, and future outlook on fixed equipment mechanical integrity from an industry professional with 50+ years of experience.
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PDF Download: Inspectioneering Journal 2019 API Inspection and Mechanical Integrity Summit Special Edition
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November/December 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Efrain Rios at Fortress Oil & Gas, LLC
This article describes how an international oil and gas company built an inspection data management program for its U.S. operations yielding improved confidence in decision-making information, cost savings through increased efficiency, and an...
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November/December 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Mike Asquini at T.A. Cook
This article discussed the importance of an asset management philosophy that integrates software, maintenance tools (RCM, FMECA, RBI, PM, and PdM), data collection, and analytics to improve and optimize asset management through emerging technologies...
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November/December 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Campo at Pinnacle
This article walks you through a three-step approach, while providing different scenarios, for identifying and proving the value of reliability improvement initiatives.
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November/December 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Stephen Thomas at PK Companies
An effective outage requires an efficient work effort, driven by a detailed work scope. Of all the different roles and efforts involved in these major events, Inspection plays a significant role in ensuring an outage’s success.
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September/October 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Richard B. Eckert at DNV GL, and Gerry Koch at DNV GL
Corrosion control knowledge and resources can be applied more effectively through the development and implementation of a corrosion management system (CMS). A CMS better-connects management system elements to the process of managing corrosion...
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September/October 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Stephen P. Webb, P.E. at Metegrity
Whether implementing a comprehensive AIM strategy for the first time or looking for ways to create overlap between AIM activities and documents that historically have acted as information silos, consider utilizing CCDs. They serve as a useful...
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BlogOctober 29, 2018 By Efrain Rios at Fortress Oil & Gas, LLC
In the fifth and final blog of this 5-part series, readers will learn the key obstacles faced in an implementation project and what measures can be taken to help prevent and mitigate their impact.
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BlogSeptember 27, 2018 By Efrain Rios at Fortress Oil & Gas, LLC
In this article, the author discusses how standardizing IDMS usage can help integrity teams perform more efficiently and effectively.
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July/August 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy David McCann at Sentinel Integrity Solutions Inc.
As mentorship programs continue to fade across the oil & gas, chemical, petrochemical, and other process industries, this article discusses a few of the main causes as well as the importance for stopping this trend.
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Making the Leap to Upgrade Your Software – A Follow-up to Achieving the Full Potential of Asset Performance Management ApplicationsJuly/August 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Stephen Flory at Pinnacle, Brian Maslar at Amplify Technology Solutions, and Pete Ankner at Amplify Technology Solutions
This article discusses Asset Performance Management (APM) software implementation strategies and the challenges owners face when upgrading their software to the newest version.
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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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Understanding Inspection Data Management Systems, Part 3: Filling Functionality Gaps Through DevelopmentBlogAugust 23, 2018 By Efrain Rios at Fortress Oil & Gas, LLC
There are cases where selecting the best IDMS application for the company means that the end users will not immediately obtain all desired functionality. In some instances, users must forgo desirable features to satisfy more valuable requirements of...
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May/June 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy James R. Widrig at Quest Integrity, and James Wilson at Quest Integrity
As 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...
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BlogJune 6, 2018 By Efrain Rios at Fortress Oil & Gas, LLC
In the industry today, there are numerous applications being used to manage asset integrity information, i.e. data and records associated with design, construction, corrosion, inspection, process chemistry, and degradation remediation. In the second...
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March/April 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Vipin Nair at GE Compliance and Integrity Management, and Sarah Lukens at GE Digital
This article demonstrates how the use of APM software can help prevent unplanned downtime by quickly identifying potential hidden failures.
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March/April 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
This 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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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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BlogApril 16, 2018 By Efrain Rios at Fortress Oil & Gas, LLC
In the industry today, there are numerous applications being used to manage asset integrity information, i.e. data and records associated with design, construction, corrosion, inspection, process chemistry, and degradation remediation. As the first...
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January/February 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Ashfaq Anwer
Sea 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...
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January/February 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Neil Burns at Stress Engineering Services
The 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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Establishing the Right Mindset as Industry Seeks Improved Performance - An Important Challenge as We Move into 2018January/February 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Most 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...
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January/February 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Mohamed Attia at Saudi Aramco
This 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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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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November/December 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Hossam Aboegla at Lloyd's Register Energy
The 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 Daniel Cypriano at Petrobras, and Henrique Ventura at Petrobras
Although 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...
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September/October 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Tata L.N. Murthy at Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Ltd
Ensuring 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...
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September/October 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Stephen P. Webb, P.E. at Metegrity
The 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...
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May/June 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Mike Asquini at T.A. Cook
Risk is an inherent aspect of asset management. Unfortunately, controlling it is easier said than done. Risk must be managed beginning with the initiation of a project and lasting until completion. How can one implement a reliable risk management...
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May/June 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Hossam Aboegla at Lloyd's Register Energy
Asset integrity and life cycle management are unique but intertwined concepts. The dynamic process between these principles has a significant impact on the lifecycle of individual assets and, therefore, the integrity of an entire plant.
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January/February 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Abdelmounam Sherik at Saudi Aramco Research and Development Center, Mark Rosa, PE at Harvard Business School, and Abderrazak Traidia at Saudi Aramco Research and Development Center
This article summarizes a comprehensive survey conducted by the Research & Development Center (R&DC) of Saudi Aramco to understand top corrosion damage mechanisms experienced by its operating onshore surface facilities.
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January/February 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
In this article, the roles and responsibilities of the corrosion and materials SME will be outlined as I see them, fully recognizing that there is probably no one person out there with all the knowledge and skills suggested herein.
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January/February 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Edwin A. Merrick, PE at The Augustus Group
This article presents a perspective on the human factor and emphasizes the value of using risk tools at all levels in the organization to help provide management focus during times of severe economic pressure.
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January/February 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Chuck Provost at Sentinel Integrity Solutions
Some facilities lead the industry with streamlined RBI/IOW programs, and some facilities are just implementing standard calendar-based programs. Both are still susceptible to inspection interval gaps.
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November/December 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Mohamed Amer at TUV Rheinland
This article describes a high-level dead leg integrity management program overview and is based on experience, knowledge, and adaptation of inspection management philosophies currently being implemented within the Oil & Gas and the petrochemical...
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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 Trinity Bridge LLC / Trinity Bridge Digital
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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November/December 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Marc McConnell, P.E. at Pro-Surve Technical Services, and Grady Hatton at Versa Integrity Group
The concept of reducing Condition Monitoring Locations (CMLs) is misguided, and the number and location of CMLs should be OPTIMIZED, not systematically reduced. CML allocation in piping requires a good process, otherwise, you can run into a lot of...
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September/October 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Risk-based inspection (RBI) programs and processes are front and center, both as a challenge to get it right, and as an integral tool and process to help us achieve success in risk management and equipment reliability. It has to be implemented,...
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September/October 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
Did you ever wonder where you fit into the entire hierarchy of a fixed equipment asset integrity management (FE-AIM) program? Or who is responsible and accountable for what aspects of FE-AIM at your site? All the way from top management down to...
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Program Evergreening and Sustainability Assistance is Key to Establishing Successful Integrity and Reliability ProgramsSeptember/October 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Kevin Birkby at Pinnacle
Integrity and reliability personnel at processing facilities are no strangers to initiatives to improve processes in the pursuit of establishing best-in-class reliability programs. It is common practice for operators to enlist help from third...
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September/October 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Tata L.N. Murthy at Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Ltd
For all operators, a system made up of a variety of equipment must be available to carry out continued operations. Planning plays a vital role in the success of major maintenance projects. Integrating all departments in the maintenance plan can save...
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BlogOctober 27, 2016 By John Reynolds at Intertek
I hope by now, everyone is aware that the next API Inspection Summit will be held again at the Galveston Convention Center from January 31– February 2, 2017.
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July/August 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Grady Hatton at Versa Integrity Group, and Melissa Guerra at Chevron Products Company
Many plants inspect PRDs on preset intervals as recommended by inspection code API 510, and implement inspection practices such as API RP 576. Just seeking PRD compliance with codes and standards usually results in mediocre mechanical integrity and...
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BlogAugust 25, 2016 By John Reynolds at Intertek
Sometimes with our busyness with the “Daily Grind”, we can forget about our most important mission – prevention of a big event caused by an unanticipated fixed equipment mechanical integrity (FEMI) failure. Those big events are the ones that...
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May/June 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Dr. Yury Sokolov at SVT Engineering Consultants
RBI and NII are designed to achieve significant cost savings and risk mitigation benefits over a piece of equipment’s lifetime in the long term.
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Online Article
Inspectioneering recently had the opportunity to chat with Jim Weynand, Chief Revenue Officer for Check-6, a global leader in accelerating human performance. Our discussion focused on the effect human factors have on plant operations and how...
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BlogMay 6, 2016 By Nick Schmoyer at Inspectioneering
We recently invited asset integrity professionals to rate various mechanical integrity performance characteristics in their facilities. Here are the results.
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March/April 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Tim Hill at Quest Integrity Group
Achieving fired heater reliability in conjunction with meeting performance standards can be a challenging feat. Performance is a measure of the degree to which the fired heater is in an operable condition at any given time.
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March/April 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy André Lamarre at Olympus Scientific Solutions Americas
This article highlights the evolution of corrosion monitoring from conventional ultrasonic to ultrasonic phased array manual and automated solutions and their use for both general purposes and complex applications.
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Keys to Success: How to Design and Use Effective Reliability and Integrity Program Assessments to Drive Sustainable ImprovementsJanuary/February 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Walt Sanford at Pinnacle, and Mauricio Olivares at Pinnacle
Equipment integrity and reliability programs are essential for refinery and chemical facility operators. The processes of the programs are developed to ensure safety, optimize component life cycles, and promote smooth and economical operations.
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January/February 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Dr. Jake Davies at Permasense Ltd.
Fixed equipment in a refinery can be susceptible to corrosion from the process side, necessitating an inspection strategy to understand the condition of that equipment. Online measurement of pipe and pressure vessel wall thickness is made possible...
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BlogJanuary 4, 2016 By Jeremiah Wooten at Inspectioneering, LLC.
We at Inspectioneering would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our subscribers, followers, clients, and industry partners for a great 2015, and wish every member of the Inspectioneering community a happy and healthy 2016!
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Partner Content
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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November/December 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Walt Sanford at Pinnacle
Maximizing return on investment of physical assets, while at the same time operating safely and in an environmentally responsible manner is now more critical than ever for organizations within the heavy process industries.
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November/December 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Fernando Vicente at ABB, and Khulani Ndimande at ABB Consulting
This article highlights several benefits of sound reliability and mechanical integrity practices and how they serve as the cornerstone of effective asset management. Moreover, we believe effective asset integrity management is not only important,...
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Insights Into Fixed Equipment Vibration – How a Piping System Was Affected by Flow-Induced VibrationNovember/December 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Paolo Torrado at Engineering and Inspection Services, LLC., and Dr. Reza Azizian at Engineering & Inspection Services, LLC
Excessive vibration is a problem frequently encountered in industrial plants and their peripheral equipment, including piping systems, pressure vessels, and steel structures. Long term excessive vibration can lead to fatigue crack propagation and...
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November/December 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
Once upon a time in the land of Ooze, there were two processing plants that boiled oil to make fuels and various other valuable petrochemical products. On one side of the river, rests a site called Perfecto Process Plant, while just across the river...
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September/October 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy A.C. Gysbers at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.
This article addresses a debate mechanical integrity professionals in the O&G and Chemical Processing industries periodically have about how thickness data gathered during a thickness monitoring inspection (TMI) should be recorded.
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September/October 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Virginia Edley at Trinity Bridge, LLC.
If everyone in an industrial setting actively looked for things that were not right or seemed different, or looked at small mistakes as opportunities to prevent larger ones, what would the future look like?
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September/October 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Brad Moore at Pinnacle
Operators in all industries are trying to increase equipment availability, yet oftentimes critical process equipment is not available due to planned or unplanned maintenance. To increase equipment availability, steps must be taken to reduce...
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BlogAugust 31, 2015 By Jeremiah Wooten at Inspectioneering, LLC.
Inspectioneering recently had the opportunity to speak with Tom Redlinger about QA/QC practices in the O&G business and what companies can do to create programs that are both effective and sustainable. We hope you find the exchange as interesting as...
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July/August 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
Rarely is there a new and unknown cause of a major Fixed Equipment Mechanical Integrity (FEMI) failure in the petrochemical and refining industry. This article briefly summarizes five major fixed equipment mechanical integrity (FEMI) failures from...
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Partner Content
Download Pinnacle's Economics of Reliability Report - Refining to see how reliability is affecting profitability.
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In-Place Pipe Support Load Testing & Hanger Surveys – Part of a Best in Class Fitness-for-Service ProgramJuly/August 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Joe Frey, PE at Stress Engineering, Inc., Lange Kimball at Stress Engineering Services, and Britt Bettell at Stress Engineering Services
This article introduces portions of a “Best-In-Class” Fitness-for-Service (FFS) program that includes the performance of regular visual inspections of pipe supports and hangers, coupled with in-situ load testing of suspect supports. This...
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May/June 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Amanda Nurse at BP, and Josh Havekost at BP
Assessing risk is an integral part of working at a refinery. Infrastructure supporting the miles of piping, process vessels, and the platforms and ladders used in daily unit operations are often taken for granted. The Civil Structures Management...
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March/April 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Walt Sanford at Pinnacle
Today, many managers are finding that they can address the reliability of all types of assets by combining RBI and Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) processes together into one comprehensive reliability management process.
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March/April 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Andy Kates at Versa Integrity Group
Rope access allows for a wide variety of work to be performed at high elevations or other hard to reach areas without the use of scaffolding or heavy equipment. It has evolved from techniques used in rock climbing and caving to become an extremely...
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March/April 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy A.C. Gysbers at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.
The tubes of heat exchangers (HX), whether for a shell and tube bundle or an airfin, are typically subject to some form of nondestructive examination (NDE) to try and quantify the remaining wall thicknesses and corrosion rates to help a plant to...
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March/April 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Matt Midas at GenesisSolutions
With the advancements in today’s technology and improvements to Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), if we deploy them properly and in line with best practices, it is possible to reach...
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January/February 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Pamela Hamblin at Thielsch Engineering, Inc.
Avoiding cracking under pressure when managing high-energy piping systems is common subject matter in the power industry. Just as high-energy piping can give way to pressure, stress and fatigue, so can the people in charge of operating them when...
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January/February 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Harold Marburger at Dunn Heat Exchangers
Whether onsite or offsite, the methods for cleaning shell and tube heat exchangers can vary. Refining and petrochemical operators will agree that high standards must be employed with each method. Choosing the right method can make the difference...
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January/February 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Fred Schenkelberg at FMS Reliability
Reliability engineering tools and concepts can be used to avoid or delay failures, thus increasing product service life. Design or maintenance teams use reliability engineering techniques to identify failures and their causes.
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January/February 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Matthew Green at Neptune Research, Inc.
Engineered Composite Repair (ECR) systems are moving into mainstream usage at a faster pace than ever. This increased usage and exposure is working to push them into new frontiers and commands a more demanding understanding of their basic functions.
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January/February 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Challenges abounded in 2014 for the process industries, and it does not look like they will let up soon. But then again, that’s life, as they say. After 40 years in the industry the old adages still ring true, “there is nothing new under the...
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November/December 2014 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
Based on my 45+ years of experience working with fixed equipment mechanical integrity (FEMI) issues in the refining and petrochemical processing industry, this article summarizes what I believe are the top 10 reasons why pressure vessels and piping...
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November/December 2014 Inspectioneering JournalBy Marc McConnell, P.E. at Pro-Surve Technical Services, Josh Yoakam at Holly Frontier Companies, and Jeannie Beth Richey at Sasol North America, Inc.
The role of an API inspector is rapidly changing. Necessary skills for success have transformed as technology, standardization, and regulations have become part of the way of life.
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July/August 2014 Inspectioneering JournalBy A.C. Gysbers at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.
One of the more common inspection monitoring programs for pressure vessels is to perform thickness measurement at Corrosion Monitoring Locations (CMLs) to allow monitoring of minimum thicknesses and provide estimates for corrosion rates. These...
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BlogAugust 11, 2014 By John Reynolds at Intertek
This blog post is the second part of a two part series that assesses the top ten reasons for FEMI failures that cause process safety incidents. The ten reasons I’ve outlined are a result of doing 60+ FEMI audits within refineries and chemical...
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BlogJune 25, 2014 By Tyler Alvarado at Inspectioneering
We are constantly striving to improve Inspectioneering. The most important ways we do this are by persistently seeking high-quality asset integrity information; creating clear, simple, and intuitive ways for you to utilize our resources; and forging...
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May/June 2014 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
There are typically three tiers to pass through for most fixed equipment mechanical integrity (FEMI) programs before they reach excellence in FEMI. In my 45 years in the FEMI business, I have observed FEMI programs in all three tiers (phases).
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BlogJanuary 27, 2014 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
2013 was a year of introspection and progress for the process industries, largely motivated by recent (within the last 10 years) equipment failures and their consequences, some highly publicized.
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BlogJanuary 6, 2014 By Nick Schmoyer at Inspectioneering
In 2013 Inspectioneering published content covering a wide array of topics, from risk-based inspection, to advanced nondestructive testing methods, to pipeline integrity management systems. Last year, we published more content than any year prior;...
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November/December 2013 Inspectioneering JournalBy Fernando Vicente at ABB
Service failures and safety incidents of machines, structures, and pressure equipment have been experienced in the oil and gas industry for many years without warning, with varying degrees of consequential damages to health, safety,...
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BlogNovember 25, 2013 By John Reynolds at Intertek
Without an effective organizational strategy for pressure equipment integrity (PEI), many of the 101 essential elements of PEI can "drop between the chairs" because their may be no management systems (MS) in place to make sure that each element of...
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BlogOctober 28, 2013 By John Reynolds at Intertek
Today’s blog post is a continuation on the 10 essential Management Systems needed for an effective PEI program that can achieve excellence. My previous posts covered the first six of these, including LCM, Risk Assessment and Inspection, and...
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September/October 2013 Inspectioneering JournalBy Jeremiah Wooten at Inspectioneering, LLC.
Earlier this year, our friends at Pinnacle Asset Integrity Services hosted a webinar entitled Mechanical Integrity Assessment: Why Bother? The broadcast included discussions on the history and value of asset integrity programs, as well as the...
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BlogSeptember 16, 2013 By John Reynolds at Intertek
From time to time, I’m asked why some operating sites don’t seem to pay adequate attention to the need to protect and preserve pressure equipment integrity (PEI). Too often a few sites don’t seem to "get it" until they have a major process...
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BlogJune 24, 2013 By John Reynolds at Intertek
I have written several articles for Inspectioneering Journal to help create successful programs to achieve excellence in pressure equipment integrity and reliability (PEI&R).
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BlogMay 6, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
We are in the middle of our 2013 Asset Integrity Management Benchmarking Survey. The last Facilities Survey was held seven years ago, in 2006. Some aspects of this year’s survey have remained the same as before.
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May/June 2013 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
One of the reasons we continue to have too many fixed equipment mechanical integrity (FEMI) events in the refining and process industries is the lack of understanding and appreciation by site management for the hazards posed by the 101 FEMI issues.
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March/April 2013 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
A pattern of requests for key performance indicators (KPIs) related to equipment integrity management (IM) programs has appeared on Inspectioneering’s LinkedIn group discussion as well as other industry forums. Furthermore, the topic came up...
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March/April 2013 Inspectioneering JournalBy Thomas Phan at Bureau Veritas Inspectorate, and Mike Bartholmey at Bureau Veritas Inspectorate
For crude oil refiners and traders, information is the lifeblood of their operations and business decisions. The information obtained by crude oil assays, which includes physical properties and compositional analysis of a crude oil, provides...
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January/February 2013 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
In response to reader feedback, we implemented some important improvements in 2012. As we broaden our scope to include all aspects of Asset Integrity Management, its synergy and leverage become increasingly important. We will sustain this forward...
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July/August 2012 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
This is the last out of the ten articles in this series. Clearly, Continuous Improvement (CI) has a major role in achieving excellence in PEI&R. All the advances we’ve made over the years in achieving excellence in PEI&R stems from our continuous...
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May/June 2012 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Development of shale requires the utilization of numerous types of fixed equipment. Due to the high cost and risk associated with hydrocarbon production and processing, E&Ps must continue to manage cost-effective and safe fixed equipment programs....
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March/April 2012 Inspectioneering JournalBy Fernando Vicente at ABB
Air-cooled heat exchangers (AC-HEs) are used extensively throughout the oil and gas industry, from upstream production to refineries and petrochemical plants, under high pressure and high temperature conditions, as well as corrosive fluids and...
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The Role of Record-keeping and Data Management in Achieving Excellence in Pressure Equipment Integrity and ReliabilityJanuary/February 2012 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
Clearly, record-keeping and data management have a major role in achieving excellence in pressure equipment integrity and reliability (PEI&R). Everything else we do to achieve excellence in PEI&R stems from keeping high quality and complete PEI&R...
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The Site Procedures and Work Processes for Achieving Excellence in Pressure Equipment Integrity and ReliabilityNovember/December 2011 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
In the first article entitled How to Put It All Together - Guide to Organizing a Successful PEI Program in the current series of articles that I am writing, I provided an overview of the necessary Management Systems (MS) for a successful program to...
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November/December 2011 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
The original article on scalable accuracy which laid the groundwork for the concept was published in the March April 2011 issue of the Inspectioneering Journal, entitled Scalable Accuracy, Key Roles of Risk Based Inspection and Fitness for Service,...
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September/October 2011 Inspectioneering JournalBy Barry Snider at Small Hammer Incorporated
Maintenance has been around since prehistoric man fixed a broken, trusted spear instead of fashioning a new one. One concept of maintenance is any activity that extends the useful life or enhances the performance of an item of interest. A broad...
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The Role of Industry Codes and Standards in Achieving Excellence in Pressure Equipment Integrity and ReliabilityJuly/August 2011 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
In the first article in this series entitled How to Put It All Together - Guide to Organizing a Successful PEI Program, I provided an overview of the necessary Management Systems for a successful program to achieve excellence in pressure equipment...
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The Role of Life Cycle Management in Achieving Excellence in Pressure Equipment Integrity and ReliabilityJanuary/February 2011 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
In the first article in this series entitled How to Put It All Together - Guide to Organizing a Successful PEI Program, (1) I provided an overview of the necessary Management Systems (MS) for a successful program to achieve excellence in pressure...
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The Role of Risk Assessment and Inspection Planning in Achieving Excellence in Pressure Equipment Integrity and ReliabilitySeptember/October 2010 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
In the first article in this series entitled How to Put It All Together - Guide to Organizing a Successful PEI Program, (1) I provided an overview of the necessary Management Systems (MS) for a successful program to achieve excellence in pressure...
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July/August 2010 Inspectioneering JournalBy Craig Emslie BSc at Sonomatic Ltd., and Karen Gibson at Sonomatic Ltd.
Inspection intervals for equipment have in the past been defined in a prescriptive manner. However, industry is now embracing the Risk Based Inspection (RBI) approach which in contrast prioritises inspections based on an assessment of the risk to...
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July/August 2010 Inspectioneering JournalBy Craig Emslie BSc at Sonomatic Ltd., and Karen Gibson at Sonomatic Ltd.
Inspection intervals for equipment have in the past been defined in a prescriptive manner. However, industry is now embracing the Risk Based Inspection (RBI) approach which in contrast prioritises inspections based on an assessment of the risk to...
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The Role of Corrosion Control in Achieving Excellence in Pressure Equipment Integrity and ReliabilityMay/June 2010 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
Clearly, corrosion prevention and control has a major role in achieving excellence in Pressure Equipment Integrity and Reliability (PEI&R). But there is a lot more to PEI&R than just corrosion control. This article will show how corrosion control...
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March/April 2010 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
This article in the series will focus on two more of the necessary MSs for achieving excellence in PEI: Integrity Operating Windows (IOWs) and Management of Change (MOC).
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January/February 2010 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
Like all of the other 10 MSs in our filing cabinet, this MS on Management Leadership and Support of PEI (shown in Figure 2 below) is vital to success and linked inextricably to all the other PEI MSs.
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September/October 2009 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
Knowing what needs to be accomplished in order to achieve excellence in pressure equipment integrity (PEI) is one thing, but knowing how to organize it all for success is quite another.
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July/August 2008 Inspectioneering Journal
ECUI, the European Committee of User Inspectorates, was conceived during late 1992 as a result of an initiative by the Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association (EEMUA) in the UK. This initiative was developed by a nucleus of parties...
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September/October 2000 Inspectioneering JournalBy T.C. Ridgeway & Staff at TCRI
In part 1 of this article we covered the importance of quality assurance of UT data, that is, understanding for each particular application, the accuracy required of the UT data, and new ways/graphical program to analyze and show the...
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January/February 1999 Inspectioneering JournalBy Joseph E. Pascente at Lixi, Inc.
One of the greatest challenges facing many of refining, fossil power, and pulp and paper industries is: How to effectively examine their insulated piping?
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November/December 1998 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
In Part 1 of this article, in the last edition of the IJ, I introduced the work process that we use to assess the effectiveness of our pressure equipment integrity (PEI) management. It involves a self-assessment workbook filled out by site...
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September/October 1998 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
In this first part of a two-part article, I will outline a process that our company uses to review and measure the effectiveness of our pressure equipment integrity management process. Then in Part 2, next issue, I will "fill in the blanks" on some...
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March/April 1997 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
This is the second in a series of articles on piping inspection. In the last article, I enumerated four inspection issues that I believe contribute to inadequate piping mechanical integrity in the hydrocarbon process industry.
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Sponsored Video Published on February 19, 2021MISTRAS Digital is an end-to-end workflow solution that helps boost productivity by streamlining time-consuming, inefficient work processes to help your inspection, maintenance, and reliability teams.
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Published on July 25, 2018In this Whiteboard Discussion, Greg Alvarado provides a simple answer to an even simpler question: Why do we inspect?
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Sponsored Video Published on July 29, 2016Those involved in the implementation or management of mechanical integrity (MI) programs understand the value of good feedback. An effective feedback loop is critical to ensuring your MI program is achieving the desired results.
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Sponsored Video Published on August 18, 201530-minute interview on the evolution of reliability and its role within the energy and process industries with Ryan Sitton, Texas Railroad Commissioner.
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Sponsored Video Published on May 27, 201560-minute webinar presented by PinnacleART on the evolution of inspection and mechanical integrity programs in the refining and process industries.
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Sponsored Video Published on September 26, 2013Pinnacle Webinar - Mechanical Integrity Assessment: Why Bother? from PinnacleAIS Government regulations require facilities to have a documented safety program in place, yet there are still many plants without any type of mechanical integrity...
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Published on September 22, 2011U.S. Chemical Safety Board safety video covering three accidents that occurred over a 33-hour period in 2010 at the Dupont plant in Belle, WV.
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Published on April 1, 2011Marking the one year anniversary of the tragic accident at the Tesoro Refinery in Anacortes, Washington, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released a video safety message.
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Published on March 21, 2011U.S. Chemical Safety Board safety video depicting events leading to the August 28, 2008, catastrophic explosion and fire at the Bayer CropScience facility in Institute, WV, that fatally injured two workers and injured eight.
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Published on November 9, 2009U.S. Chemical Safety Board safety video discussing how improperly installed or modified pressure vessels have led to a number of serious chemical accidents.
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Published on January 7, 2009As temperatures continue to drop, it's important for process plants to be prepared for the unique safety challenges of subfreezing weather, according to U.S. Chemical Safety Board Chairman John Bresland.
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Sponsored Checklist
The Mechanical Integrity Audit Checklist serves as a companion piece to the Inspectioneering webinar, Auditing My Mechanical Integrity Program, presented by Mr. Reuben Laurel.
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Partner Content
Our proprietary furnace tube inspection system, FTIS is an ultrasonic inspection technology capable of rapid, automated fired heater coil inspection in refinery fired heaters. The data captured by our furnace tube inspection system is...
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Partner Content
Download Pinnacle's Economics of Reliability Report - Refining to see how reliability is affecting profitability.
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NewsUS Chemical Safety Board, October 28, 2014
Today the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released a safety video into the fatal April 2, 2010, explosion and fire at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes, Washington.
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CSB Releases Safety Message Highlighting Important Role of Recommendations Program in Agency MissionNewsUS Chemical Safety Board, October 9, 2014
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board today released a video safety message discussing the role that the CSB recommendations program plays in ensuring that the Board’s accident investigations have a lasting impact on industrial safety.
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NewsJuly 18, 2014
We are excited to announce the completion of the updated and revised 101 Essential Elements in a Pressure Equipment Integrity Management Program by John Reynolds.
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