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.
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:
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.
Reliability engineers are expected to:
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
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.
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.
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March/April 2020 Inspectioneering Journal
By Baher Elsheikh at SAFCO
This article presents a comprehensive integrity management program for catalyst tubes, including elements on monitoring, inspection, data analysis, remaining life assessment, and control of human factors. |
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Blog
February 27, 2020 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
The Journal was launched in 1995 with the core mission of helping the fixed equipment reliability community perform their jobs more effectively by arming them with information to better understand and apply available technologies and methodologies. |
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November/December 2019 Inspectioneering Journal
By Bryan Christiansen at Limble CMMS
This article introduces the P-F Interval and its importance in predictive maintenance, describes methods to detect failures early, and maps out a path to begin an effective Predictive Maintenance program at one’s facility. |
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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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November/December 2019 Inspectioneering Journal
By Ryan Myers at PinnacleART, and Sean Rosier at PinnacleART
Today's operators are implementing a myriad of Mechanical Integrity and Reliability programs to realize greater results from their facilities. However, for each of these programs to be effective, they must be fueled by quality and up-to-date data. |
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November/December 2019 Inspectioneering Journal
By Brent Ray at Marathon Petroleum Corporation
I have been involved with risk-based inspection and risk-based work process development for much of my career. The one thing I have learned as I’ve walked this path is that the concept of ‘risk’ extends far beyond our industry. |
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November/December 2019 Inspectioneering Journal
By Joel Andreani at The Equity Engineering Group
Much like the equipment and piping they support, structures should be part of a comparable structural integrity (SI) program. This article will examine key components of a comprehensive SI program as an essential companion to an MI program. |
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Blog
October 3, 2019 By Arcot (Radha) Radhakrishnan at Becht
Developing a comprehensive turnaround (TA) work scope for process equipment is a critical step for achieving a facility's business goals. Risk Based Work Selection is a proven process for prioritizing and optimizing planned work for an impending TA. |
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Blog
September 17, 2019 By Arcot (Radha) Radhakrishnan at Becht
Risk Based Work Selection (RBWS) is an industry best practice used to help refiners better-manage the safety and reliability of operations for a facility. When properly conducted, RBWS can help refiners optimize major turnaround projects. |
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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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July/August 2019 Inspectioneering Journal
By Jeannie Lewis at The Equity Engineering Group
This article provides a case study showing the real costs and effects of having a dated engineering standards program, as well as the financial benefits through increased reliability of having a thriving engineering standards program. |
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March/April 2019 Inspectioneering Journal
By Troy Goldman at Sun Coast Resources, Inc.
According to industry experts, particle contamination in lubricants is the number one cause of lubricant-related equipment failure. Fortunately, there are steps operators can take to reduce contamination and increase the service life of equipment. |
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January/February 2019 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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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January/February 2019 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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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Blog
January 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 Journal
By 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 Journal
By Tim Hill at Quest Integrity Group
This article provides an overview of the key components in establishing IOWs, the levels of IOW limits, and the basic principles and application of API Recommended Practice 584 to achieve reliable fired heater performance. |
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November/December 2018 Inspectioneering Journal
By John Campo at PinnacleART
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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September/October 2018 Inspectioneering Journal
By James "Chezo" Cesarini, PE at Pro-Surve Technical Services, LLC
The most valuable unit of measure within a turnaround is not money, but time. Successful turnaround planners are now integrating the Detailed Inspection Planner (DIP) within their teams to increase the accuracy of planning and reduce the time... |
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May/June 2018 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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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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... |
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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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March/April 2018 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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... |
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November/December 2017 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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... |
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July/August 2017 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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 Journal
By Rick Hoffman at Becht
Most plants have pieces of equipment with chronic problems that impact profitability due to the frequency of outages, cost of repairs, and lost production. It is critical that specific actions are taken to identify and eliminate these “Bad... |
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May/June 2017 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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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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... |
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March/April 2017 Inspectioneering Journal
By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Inspectioneering Founder & 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... |
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March/April 2017 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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... |
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January/February 2017 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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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January/February 2017 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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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September/October 2016 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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... |
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March/April 2016 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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 Journal
By 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... |
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January/February 2016 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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 Journal
By 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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September/October 2015 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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 Journal
By 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... |
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March/April 2015 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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 Journal
By 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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Blog
January 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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March/April 2012 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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... |
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May/June 2011 Inspectioneering Journal
By Joey Poret at Chevron Thailand
As the technology of NDT systems improve, it is important to assure that the people and processes using this technology are adequately prepared in order to take full advantage of the enhancements of the system. |
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September/October 2000 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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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November/December 1996 Inspectioneering Journal
By 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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November/December 1995 Inspectioneering Journal
By David A. Mauney at Southwest Research Institute
In the aging portion of an asset's life, the failure rate is exponential. This creates a need for predictive maintenance expenditures to maintain reliability. |
Although CUI is widely recognized as a primary driver for damage in the petrochemical industry, the solutions often lack the sophistication devoted to other damage mechanisms.
Many refining, gas processing, and petrochemical plants have already identified the need to define Integrity Operating Windows, but most are still unsure how to extract the most value from them.
In this Whiteboard Discussion, Greg Alvarado provides a simple answer to an even simpler question: Why do we inspect?
30-minute interview on the evolution of reliability and its role within the energy and process industries with Ryan Sitton, Texas Railroad Commissioner.
60-minute webinar presented by PinnacleART on the evolution of inspection and mechanical integrity programs in the refining and process industries.
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Checklist
This checklist serves as a companion piece to the Inspectioneering webinar, CUI: A Proactive Approach, and contains some elements to consider when looking for data gaps in your CUI program. |
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News
Reuters, March 20, 2020
Lyondell Basell Industries said maintenance operations were staffed at its Houston refinery to assure safety and reliability. |
