Fixed Equipment, sometimes also known as static equipment, is a term generally used to describe non-moving equipment in the oil and gas and process industries. Some examples include things like pressure vessels, heat exchangers, piping, storage tanks, valves, pressure relieving devices, boilers, furnaces/heaters and structures. On the other hand, fixed equipment does not include things such as pumps, compressors, turbines, electrical equipment, or instrumentation (I&E), even though they typically don't move.
The risks from fixed equipment are highest compared to other equipment types because of the sheer number of equipment pieces and quantity of stored fluid. In a typical refinery or petrochemical facility, a significant portion of the capital/maintenance cost and reliability events or failures are associated with fixed equipment. A significant percentage of industry incidents that have resulted in injuries or asset loss also have been associated with fixed equipment.
Fixed equipment is often subjected to fairly extreme operating conditions and varying damage mechanisms. In most cases, the damage is not immediate and damage rates are not linear. A good example of this is corrosion under insulation (CUI) damage, which can develop over time, but is not immediately obvious.
Unlike other types of equipment, fixed equipment doesn’t have complex sensors that can be used to monitor for corrosion and damage in real time. For this reason fixed equipment must be monitored by inspections at fixed intervals. This is why it’s so important to have a reliability plan in place for all fixed equipment.
Fixed equipment is an essential part of every plant and facility, so it is important to keep it in good condition.
Is this definition incomplete? You can help by contributing to it.
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May/June 2018 Inspectioneering Journal
By Chad Patschke, CPSA at Ethos Mechanical Integrity Solutions
According 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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May/June 2018 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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 Journal
By Samer E. Ibrahim at wood
HTHA 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 Journal
By 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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January/February 2018 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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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Blog
February 27, 2018 By John Reynolds at Intertek
In 2017, a joint-initiative from API and AFPM released a helpful brochure that summarizes all the key API standards that deal with fixed equipment mechanical integrity. It describes the latest edition of 42 API standards addressing FEMI issues, including fabrication, construction, in-service inspection, engineering evaluation, maintenance, and more. |
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September/October 2017 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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 improved use of equipment. |
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September/October 2014 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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 systems continue to fail, thus causing significant process safety events (e.g. explosions, fires, toxic releases, environmental damage, etc.). |
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July/August 2013 Inspectioneering Journal
By John Reynolds at Intertek
I have written numerous technical articles addressing how to improve your fixed equipment mechanical integrity (FEMI) program. This time I will deviate from the FEMI technologies and methodologies to address a topic that may be equally important to improving your FEMI program – managing your manager(s). |
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July/August 2013 Inspectioneering Journal
By John Reynolds at Intertek
I have written numerous technical articles addressing how to improve your fixed equipment mechanical integrity (FEMI) program. This time I will deviate from the FEMI technologies and methodologies to address a topic that may be equally important to improving your FEMI program – managing your manager(s). |
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September/October 2006 Inspectioneering Journal
By F. Walter Pinto at Lyondell Chemical Company
This series of articles describes the elements for a successful fixed equipment reliability program in a petrochemical facility. These articles will address management systems, engineering practices, preventive/predictive maintenance/inspection systems, performance metrics and resources. The fixed equipment reliability program at Lyondell Chemical Company and a number of best practices developed as part of the reliability program will serve as much of the basis. Some success stories and lessons learned are shared. |
