Inspectioneering

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Explore this topic

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology utilized in multiple industries involving the use of miniature tags to store information, and electromagnetic fields to retrieve it. The process involves attaching or embedding small microchips, known as tags, to an object. These tags have had information about the object loaded onto them. This information can then be quickly and easily read using an electromagnetic tag reader. Many RFID tags are read only, although in some cases these readers can be read/write so new data can be entered as well.

Radio identification technology has been around for awhile, having had been used as far back as World War II. True RFID technology wasn’t developed until more recently. The first real predecessor to RFID was a device developed on January 23, 1973 by Mario Cardullo for use as a toll device. It was a small radio transponder with memory that could be read using a signal. The term RFID though was only first used in a patent in 1983. The technology has continued to develop to this day.

The main use of RFID in the process industries is to store information about equipment or assets. Because RFID tags can be embedded, they can store the information within the part itself. This information can include things like born on dates, certification dates, part numbers, or days in use, among others. It can also be used to track and trace asset history, including inspection and maintenance activities.

This means that, unlike other methods of information storage, RFID tags can’t be lost, wear off, or associated with the wrong equipment, and are less prone to errors. Along with being longer lasting, RFID data acquisition is also ten times faster than bar codes. Moreover, because they are read with electromagnetic fields, they don’t require a line of sight to be read.

Relevant Links

Topic Tools

Share this Topic

Contribute to Definition

We welcome updates to this Integripedia definition from the Inspectioneering community. Click the link below to submit any recommended changes for Inspectioneering's team of editors to review.

Contribute to Definition
Articles about Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Blog

These are interesting times when it comes to inspection technology in the process industries. With the advent of big data, mobile and wireless technology, and various other technological advances, we thought it would be a good idea to provide a...

Authors: Nick Schmoyer
January/February 2015 Inspectioneering Journal

In the Oil & Gas business we have hundreds of event process chains, each of which bears a cost and contains certain elements of risk. So what can we do to reduce our burden and improve our business? Let’s take a look at the current state of...

September/October 2014 Inspectioneering Journal

Recently developed RFID best practices provide an opportunity for pipeline businesses to transform their asset management and pipeline integrity management processes away from traditional paper-based systems to more efficient, highly-integrated...

Partner Content

Equity Engineering Practices® (EEPs) are a collection of design and maintenance focused corporate standards that include >850 engineering standards, and >300 piping classes. Enhance your mechanical integrity programs, improve equipment...


    Inspectioneering Journal

    Explore over 20 years of articles written by our team of subject matter experts.

    Company Directory

    Find relevant products, services, and technologies.

    Training Solutions

    Improve your skills in key mechanical integrity subjects.

    Case Studies

    Learn from the experience of others in the industry.

    Integripedia

    Inspectioneering's index of mechanical integrity topics – built by you.

    Industry News

    Stay up-to-date with the latest inspection and asset integrity management news.

    Blog

    Read short articles and insights authored by industry experts.

    Expert Interviews

    Inspectioneering's archive of interviews with industry subject matter experts.

    Event Calendar

    Find upcoming conferences, training sessions, online events, and more.

    Downloads

    Downloadable eBooks, Asset Intelligence Reports, checklists, white papers, and more.

    Videos & Webinars

    Watch educational and informative videos directly related to your profession.

    Acronyms

    Commonly used asset integrity management and inspection acronyms.