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Overview of Reliability
Reliability is a special attribute that describes the dependability of a component. This means that the component consistently performs a desired function under certain conditions for a certain period of time in order to meet business goals and customer needs. Theoretically, reliability can be described as:
Reliability = 1 - Probability of Failure
Thus, the lower the probability of failure, the greater the reliability of the system. However, there are many factors that can contribute to the uncertainty involved with any new design and capital project including variations in materials, manufacturing plants, shipping, storage, and use.
Another way of thinking about reliability is the quality of the component over time. A common term used in a reliability engineering context is mean time between failures (MTBF). MTBF is a metric that describes the average time it takes for a specific component to failure. MTBF does not measure the time when a component is waiting for repair or being repair; rather, it measures the time only when the component is operating. This is an important parameter to consider in the decision-making process when investing in new equipment. The higher the MTBF the higher the reliability of the product.
Reliability Engineering
The responsibility of a reliability engineer is to increase the dependability and safety of a component in service. Additionally, reliability engineers work together with design, inspection, and maintenance individuals to identify failures and their causes. Common tools reliability engineers use across the entire equipment lifecycle include:
- Risk analysis techniques
- Exploratory experiments
- Accelerated life testing
- Modeling
- Process control techniques
- Product and process testing
- Root cause analysis
- Failure modes and effects analysis
- Field data analysis1
Furthermore, reliability engineers are expected to be able to align equipment performance with business goals, identify risks and failure modes, estimate remaining life and performance, and minimize variability.
Common Responsibilities of a Reliability Engineer
Reliability engineers are expected to:
- Notify management of upcoming inspections and recommendations, deficiencies in processes, and corrective actions.
- Use probability and statistic tools for risk and process hazard assessments.
- Comply with standards and specifications defining requirements for design, construction, inspection, testing, decommissioning, and integrating new components with aging infrastructure.
- Analyze and interpret reliability data and provide recommendations on how the data can be used to measure and improve performance and reliability.
- Understand the value of reliability and how to build a business case
- Establish testing, inspection, and maintenance priorities and recommend frequency in which these procedures should be performed.
- Develop strategies for planning, inspecting, and maintaining the reliability of assets throughout the equipment’s lifecycle.
- Measure and report key performance indicators.
- Understand the value of investing in reliability and how to build a business case to present to the owners of the company.
- Lead change (i.e., change in processes, strategies, etc.).
- Stay informed about new and developing processes.
- Maintain equipment history and inspection and maintenance records. Data should be stored in a centralized computer maintenance management system. Changes to data can only be done so in a master database system.
Certification and Training
A certified reliability engineer is one who aims for performance improvement and manages asset safety, reliability, and maintenance throughout the component’s life cycle.2 A combination of professional work experience and education are considered for certification. The following outline provides an overview of specific topics that a reliability engineer should be familiar with for certification. A detailed list of the minimum necessary knowledge and skills can be found in the Body of Knowledge document.3
- Reliability Management
- Probability and Statistics for Reliability
- Reliability in Design and Development
- Reliability Modeling and Predictions
- Reliability Testing
- Maintainability and Availability
- Data Collection and Use
Equipment Reliability
Strategy for Optimizing Equipment Reliability
Equipment reliability is measured in terms of quality, performance, and productivity. The goal of an equipment reliability program is to effectively monitor equipment, procedures, and data covering the life of equipment. Advantages of a reliability program include eliminating unexpected shutdowns, reducing production losses that occur between start-up and operation, and extending the life of the asset. Additionally, company’s typically experience a reduction in costs of repair and maintenance, reduction in delay, and increases in safety.
Methods to Ensure Reliability of Equipment
Besides the engineering practices described above, there are three other essential components to equipment reliability: maintenance, inspection, and technology.
1) Maintenance
Maintenance can be divided into three categories, preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance. Preventive measures are taken to eliminate unnecessary inspection and repair tasks. Predictive maintenance generally involves nondestructive inspection techniques to monitor the serviceability of the equipment. Corrective maintenance involves repairing or replacing components to restore equipment back to its operating conditions. Collectively, these tasks should be managed in a well developed reliability centered maintenance program.
2) Inspection
Nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques are used extensively throughout the lifecycle of equipment to locate and monitor damage mechanisms. Furthermore, inspection plays a major role in any equipment reliability program. Some common NDT methods used in the petroleum and chemicals industries include radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing, electromagnetic testing, and many more. When selecting an NDT method several considerations should be taken into account including the type of damage, where the damage is located (external or internal), and the size, shape, and orientation of the damage.
Additionally, there are two other types of inspection that provide information on the reliability and remaining life of equipment. These include risk-based inspection (RBI) and fitness-for-service (FFS) assessments. Put simply, the purpose of RBI is to identify and understand risk in order to reduce uncertainty about the condition of equipment. FFS assessments are performed to determine if a component is suitable for continued service.
3) Technology
New advancements in technology, such as sensors, will be able to greatly improve the overall reliability of the system. Sensors can provide data on the performance and condition on the equipment in real-time to make better decisions for preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance.
References
- Schenkelberg, Fred. “Introduction to Reliability Engineering Management.” Inspectioneering Journal, vol. 21, no. 1, 2015.
- Reliability Engineer Certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ)
- ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) Body of Knowledge
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Articles about Reliability
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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 their life-cycle.
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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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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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Addressing the Great Crew Change - A Recap of the Fall 2017 Meeting of the Minds Roundtable DiscussionMarch/April 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Tyler Alvarado at Inspectioneering
Last 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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Building Your Reliability Program: An Interview with Eddie Acosta, Reliability Manager at Placid Refining
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November/December 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Stephen Flory at PinnacleART
APM 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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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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July/August 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Rick Hoffman at Becht Engineering
Most 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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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 program while balancing organizational demands?
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Partner Content
Offshore platforms are exposed to some of the roughest conditions on earth and require regular attention to ensure they are structurally sound and safe for continued operation. With so many components and major joints at elevated locations, it is clear why a well-trained rope access technician can be an invaluable resource for offshore operators.
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Online Article
The Valve World Americas Conference provides an opportunity for people from all sides of the flow control industry to come together to discuss experiences, share insights and work together to resolve common challenges. Sharing knowledge and networking between professionals is essential to gain benefits from the latest news within the industry and to help ignite and inspire interest in the industry.
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March/April 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Inspectioneering Founder and Chief Editor, Greg Alvarado, recently had the privilege to sit down with Clay White, Director of Mechanical Integrity for Phillips 66 (Downstream), to discuss the world of fixed equipment reliability in the refining and petrochemical industry.
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March/April 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy A.C. Gysbers at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.
Integrity Operating Windows (IOWs) have a subset of operating variables that are important for degradation monitoring, but may not have direct operational controls. Per API RP 584 Integrity Operating Windows, these are known as IOW Informational Limits, which are often neglected or misunderstood by operations or technical personnel within a plant.
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January/February 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy David Aldrich at North Highland, and Teri Mendelovitz at North Highland
This article covers where to start, what to look for, and how to execute a data and systems-focused performance improvement project that can drive large overhead savings.
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Partner Content
Industrial Rope Access is a proven method of achieving a safe work position at elevated heights or areas that are difficult to access. When combined with advanced NDE technologies, rope access technicians can substantially reduce the cost of inspections and maintenance activities by virtually eliminating the need for fixed scaffolding.
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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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Program Evergreening and Sustainability Assistance is Key to Establishing Successful Integrity and Reliability ProgramsSeptember/October 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Kevin Birkby at PinnacleART
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 parties that specialize in implementation of programs like Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) and Asset Management.
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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 Jeremiah Wooten at Inspectioneering, LLC.
Inspectioneering recently had an opportunity to sit down with Walt Sanford, President and COO of Pinnacle Advanced Reliability Technologies, and discuss what Reliability means to his clients and others in our industry. We hope you find the exchange interesting and informative.
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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 PinnacleART, and Mauricio Olivares at Pinnacle ART
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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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, but essential, to overcoming the challenges presented by operating in the current oil and gas market.
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September/October 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Jeremiah Wooten at Inspectioneering, LLC.
Inspectioneering recently had the opportunity to sit down with Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton and discuss the evolution of reliability in the oil and gas industry.
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September/October 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Brad Moore at PinnacleART
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 downtime. One way to achieve this is to ensure that spare parts are organized and available in the event repairs are needed.
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March/April 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Walt Sanford at PinnacleART
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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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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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; we expect the same trend to continue into 2014.
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March/April 2012 Inspectioneering JournalBy Barry Snider at Small Hammer Incorporated
Risk Based Integrity Management (RBIM) is the latest process for developing strategies to properly operate and maintain a manufacturing or production facility in the Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Industry (OG&P). RBIM is a significant change from previous processes that drive the industry into specific directions for managing risk.
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May/June 2011 Inspectioneering JournalBy Joey Poret at Chevron
The reliability of equipment is determined by several factors including equipment condition, service history, failure modes, and maintenance. A subsection of equipment reliability is the ability to detect defects before they contribute to the failure of the equipment. In many cases, Nondestructive Testing (NDT) methods are utilized to detect and monitor these defects both in-service and during fabrication.
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September/October 2000 Inspectioneering JournalBy Russel T. Mack at National Association of Inspection Companies (NAIC)
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 interrelationships of data by location for trending. Part 1 article areas then included: -UT Data Reporting and Evaluation -Imaging UT Data Evaluating the Quality of Static UT Data -Visual Trending of UT data -Mathematical Trending of UT Data Now, in Part 2, we will cover data quality issue statistics and possible sources of poor quality UT data.
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November/December 1996 Inspectioneering JournalBy Lynne Kaley at Trinity Bridge LLC / Trinity Bridge Digital, Eivind Johnsen at DNV Inc., and Andy Tallin at DNV Inc.
Petroleum coke production is an important source of revenue for many refineries. While coking units were initially constructed to deal with a waste product, these units are now of significant economic value.
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Videos related to Reliability
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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 February 22, 2018The Downstream Conference & Exhibition is positioned at the forefront of the booming Downstream industry in North America. This industry leading event is regarded as the most significant meeting place for Downstream Capital Project, Engineering, Maintenance, Reliability & Turnaround professionals, where they meet to do business.
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Sponsored Video Published on February 22, 2018Replay this webinar as top executives from McKinsey & Company, Bechtel Oil, Gas & Chemicals and Kiewit explore the best opportunities for growth in the Downstream market through 2020.
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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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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.
White Papers related to Reliability
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Managing Risks Associated with the Integrity and Reliability of Subsea Fields using Bayesian Networks
Downloads & Resources related to Reliability
Events related to Reliability
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Feb 27 - Mar 1 2019Location: Banff, Alberta, Canada
Hosted By: IPEIA
Dates: February 27, 2019 - March 1, 2019
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November 13 - 14 2018Location: Houston, Texas, United States
Hosted By: KCI World
Dates: November 13, 2018 - November 14, 2018
Conferences Exhibitions & Trade Shows -
January 28 - 31 2019Location: Galveston, Texas, United States
Hosted By: American Petroleum Institute
Dates: January 28, 2019 - January 31, 2019
Conferences Exhibitions & Trade Shows Training Courses
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September 19 - 20 2018Location: Houston, Texas, United States
Hosted By: American Petroleum Institute
Dates: September 19, 2018 - September 20, 2018
Conferences Exhibitions & Trade Shows -
September 25 - 27 2018Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Hosted By: dmg::events
Dates: September 25, 2018 - September 27, 2018
Conferences Exhibitions & Trade Shows -
October 1 - 4 2018Location: Doha, Qatar
Hosted By: Global Tadreeb Centre
Dates: October 1, 2018 - October 4, 2018
Conferences Exhibitions & Trade Shows -
November 12 - 15 2018Location: Orlando, Florida, United States
Hosted By: American Petroleum Institute
Dates: November 12, 2018 - November 15, 2018
Exhibitions & Trade Shows Standards & Committee Meetings
News related to Reliability
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Press ReleaseManaging Aging Plants USA, April 2, 2018
Managing Aging Plants USA is seeking presentations for their 2018 conference, scheduled to take place November 13-14, 2018 in Houston, TX.
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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 exceptionally powerful when combined with our LifeQuest™ remaining life assessment capabilities, providing an integrated solution set for refinery fired heaters in the refining and chemical industries.
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NewsAmerican Petroleum Institute, March 7, 2018
API is looking for abstract submissions for it 2019 Inspection and Mechanical Integrity Summit taking place January 28-31, 2019 in Galveston, TX.
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NewsFox Business, December 19, 2017
Valero Energy reported a unit shutdown and emissions Monday at its 200,000 bpd McKee refinery in the Texas panhandle.
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NewsAFPM, September 28, 2017
AFPM is seeking presentations for the 2018 Reliability & Maintenance Conference, scheduled to take place May 22-25, 2018 in San Antonio, TX.
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Partner Content
It is difficult to cover all inspection applications with basic inspection procedures like radiography, ultrasonics, magnetic particle testing, and dye penetrant inspection. Owner-operators are finding that advanced NDE services such as guided-wave ultrasonics, AUT corrosion mapping, and eddy current testing are essential tools to keep their facilities operating safely and efficiently.
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