Integripedia Topic
Risk-Based Inspection (RBI)
Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) is an analysis methodology and process that, as opposed to condition-based inspection, requires qualitative or quantitative assessment of the probability of failure (PoF) and the consequence of failure (CoF) associated with each equipment item, piping circuits included, in a particular process unit. A properly-implemented RBI program categorizes individual pieces of equipment by their risks and prioritizes inspection efforts based on this categorization.
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Probability of Failure
Probability of Failure (POF) is likelihood that a piece of equipment will fail at a given time and an important part of effective risk analyses. POF is half of the equation when determining risk as part of Risk Based Inspection (RBI) methodology. The POF, calculated together with the Consequence of Failure (COF), helps operators establish the risk level for a particular piece of equipment and set inspection intervals based on the calculated risk.
POF is calculated for individual pieces of equipment by looking at the potential damage mechanisms it could be susceptible to, a general frequency of failures, and management system factors. More details on POF are provided in the American Petroleum Institute's Recommended Practice 580 - Risk Based Inspection (RBI), which contains directions on developing, implementing and maintaining an effective RBI program.
Consequence of Failure
Consequence of Failure (COF) is one part of the equation to determine risk as part of Risk Based Inspection (RBI) methodology. COF is calculated by reviewing and ranking the potential consequences for the equipment, personnel, environment, etc. in the event of equipment failure. More details on COF are given in API RP 580 - Risk Based Inspection (RBI), which contains directions on developing, implementing and maintaining an effective RBI program.
Why use RBI?
RBI is used to identify and understand risk, risk drivers, and where equipment is in its lifecycle. RBI can indicate whether inspection is needed; however this requires additional data that is extremely targeted to reduce the underlying uncertainties associated with the risks about the current and future predicted damage state of the equipment. RBI should not be used to recommend any inspection when it will not improve knowledge about the damage state. In those cases, where PoF is driving the risk, RBI should point to other mitigation options such as replacement, repair, or other actions that satisfy the risk criteria.
RBI can be used to prioritize inspection-related activities, usually by means of nondestructive testing (NDT), in order to reduce the uncertainties around the true damage state of the equipment and the dynamics leading to such. The resulting inspection plan may outline the type and scheduling of inspection for an asset. In addition to NDE, additional risk mitigation activities identified by an RBI assessment might include a change in material of construction, installation of corrosion resistant liners, operating condition changes, injection of corrosion inhibition chemicals, etc.
Consistency and repeatability of analysis are critical to producing an effective RBI program, as RBI is based on relative risks. Caution should be used when mixing RBI platforms (e.g., using a qualitative method to perform the initial screening and quantitative methods to conduct the final analysis). Complementary methodologies must be calibrated against one another to ensure valid cut sets are achieved.
Codes and Standards
International engineering standards and practices that relate to risk-based inspection include, but are not limited to, API RP 580 and 581, ASME PCC-3, and RIMAP. API RP 580 sets out the minimum guidelines for implementing an effective, credible RBI program. API RP 581 details the procedures and methodology of RBI.
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This article discusses the header specification, design, fabrication, and inspection processes to identify where opportunities were available to proactively address the vulnerabilities that resulted in the header rupture.
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This article discusses some of the common roles of the RBI team and provides a glimpse of an RBI program gap assessment, while offering helpful advice for improvement.
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July/August 2020 Inspectioneering JournalBy Ibrahim Kodssi at Husky Energy, and Hussain Fadhel
This article explores the API RP 581 third edition approach to HTHA damage factor calculations to obtain a probability of failure that subsequently affects risk. Sample calculations are provided to affirm an understanding of the concept.
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The article describes the results from a recent CUI Joint Industry Project which resulted in an RBI methodology for managing the CUI threat. The methodology assesses 4 CUI barriers: material, coating, water wetting, and design.
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November/December 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy 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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September/October 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy Ricardo Gonzalez at Total Refining and Petrochemicals
The author discusses a method being used in most of their refineries and petrochemical facilities that allows them to optimize the scope of NDT during turnarounds, while improving the reliability of bundles.
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BlogOctober 17, 2019 By Pinnacle
Here is four-step process for developing effective and efficient piping management strategies that can help optimize costs, refocus resources, and reduce risk.
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BlogOctober 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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Partner Content
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BlogSeptember 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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July/August 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy Robert Sladek at Asset Optimization Consultants, Inc.
This case study is intended to demonstrate how a Qualitative Risk Assessment can be a cost-effective and resource-efficient means to prioritize equipment which is often “under the radar”.
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May/June 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy Vibha Zaman, P.E. at Asset Optimization Consultants, and Leomar Penuela at Asset Optimization Consultants
A well-implemented and managed reliability program incorporating RBI, DMR, and IOWs can identify potential damage mechanisms, optimize maintenance and inspection activities, reduce risks, and improve the governance in managing Ethane Crackers.
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BlogJune 27, 2019 By Inspector Frank
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BlogMay 14, 2019 By Pinnacle
This blog will walk through practical steps for managing IOWS and will demonstrate what successful IOW management can look like.
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Advantages of Performing Risk-Based Inspection Analyses During Project Design and Construction Stages
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January/February 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy 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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BlogJanuary 9, 2019 By John Reynolds at Intertek
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November/December 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
This article shares examples of where RBI work processes either broke down or were non-existent, or where the user did not fully understand the technology or overall RBI logic and the results.
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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 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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September/October 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Yousuf Hasani at Continental Marine Energy
This article presents a management approach for the implementation of Integrity Operating Window (IOWs) under API RP 584 and discusses the IOW planning process and how input from other programs like RBI and Corrosion Management Plans is critical to...
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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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May/June 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy James R. Widrig at Quest Integrity, and James Wilson at Quest Integrity
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May/June 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Dheeraj Narang at Haldor Topsoe India Pvt Ltd.
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March/April 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Cesar Espinoza at Pinnacle, and Sudhakar Mahajanam at Pinnacle
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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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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
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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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July/August 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Establishing risk targets is an important aspect of any risk-based inspection (RBI) program and is a requirement of API RP 580. Metrics and consistency are important considerations for those using RBI to measure and manage risks as part of their...
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March/April 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Vibha Zaman, P.E. at Asset Optimization Consultants, and Leomar Penuela at Asset Optimization Consultants
This article discusses the use of the RBI methodology supplemented by a well-designed IOW program to assess and manage aging in fixed equipment and piping in hydrogen generation units.
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A New Risk Assessment Tool for Determining the Likelihood of Chloride Promoted Stress Corrosion Cracking in Austenitic Stainless Steels
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January/February 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Israel D. Martinez at ORPIC
Evaluating remaining wall thickness of an asset is not enough to ensure its continued safe operation. Proactive strategies should be implemented to assess the entire environment affecting an asset’s condition, including the development of more...
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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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November/December 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Loganatha Pandian at Meridium, Inc.
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November/December 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
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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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September/October 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
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July/August 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Guy Bogar at HollyFrontier - Tulsa Refinery
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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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BlogJuly 15, 2016 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
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BlogJuly 8, 2016 By Jeremiah Wooten at Inspectioneering, LLC., and Josh Means at Inspectioneering
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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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BlogMay 16, 2016 By Valerie Magyari at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.
When was the last time you reviewed your Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) methodology? Are you using calculation procedures for probability of failure, consequence of failure, and risk that haven’t had their basis reviewed in years?
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March/April 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Tim Hill at Quest Integrity Group
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Online Article
Updated editions of both API 570 and API RP 580 were recently released by the American Petroleum Institute.
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July/August 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
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May/June 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Amanda Nurse at BP, and Josh Havekost at BP
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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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January/February 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
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BlogFebruary 9, 2015 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
I recently received an inquiry about performing risk-based inspection (RBI) at the design stage of a unit. More specifically, I was asked if it was possible to start an RBI project in the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) phase even though the...
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November/December 2014 Inspectioneering JournalBy Alphonse W. Hegger Jr., P.E. at Stress Engineering Services
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BlogNovember 17, 2014 By John Reynolds at Intertek
One of the most significant advancements to come along in the fixed equipment mechanical integrity (FEMI) business in the past two decades is the application of risk-based inspection (RBI) for inspection prioritization, planning, and scheduling. The...
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May/June 2014 Inspectioneering JournalBy Luciano Narcisi at Stork AMT
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BlogApril 21, 2014 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
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BlogMarch 31, 2014 By Nick Schmoyer at Inspectioneering
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BlogMarch 10, 2014
Is it possible to develop an internal RBI program without depending on third-party/commercial software?
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BlogFebruary 17, 2014 By Nick Schmoyer at Inspectioneering
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BlogSeptember 9, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
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BlogSeptember 3, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
We’ve been discussing Scalable Accuracy and its use related to Lifecycle Management technologies available to owner/operators. The last few topics have included Fitness for Service using Scalable Accuracy, the approach for Equipment Lifecycle...
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BlogAugust 19, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Continuing from last week’s blog, I want to go in depth into scalable accuracy for fixed equipment lifecycle management. In this post, I want to outline the scalable accuracy approach to fixed equipment lifecycle management.
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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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BlogAugust 19, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Continuing from last week’s blog, I want to go in depth into scalable accuracy for fixed equipment lifecycle management. In this post, I want to outline the scalable accuracy approach to fixed equipment lifecycle management.
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BlogAugust 12, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
In the next few blog posts, we will be going in depth on scalable accuracy. This post walks through the thinking needed prior to initiating. Then we will discuss two technologies immediately available to plant operators for fixed equipment...
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BlogJune 10, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
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BlogJune 3, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
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BlogMay 28, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
This is the second of four blog posts on Risk Based Inspection, or RBI. The first post covered a brief history and started the discussion on why you would want to use RBI. The next step is defining risk.Â
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BlogMay 20, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Anyone who knows me knows that Risk Based Inspection (RBI), and Risk Management, are a passion of mine, so my next few posts will feature these topics. These are not all-inclusive, but Inspectioneering.com has dozens of articles and you can...
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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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May/June 2013 Inspectioneering JournalBy Fernando Vicente at ABB
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BlogApril 29, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
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BlogMarch 3, 2013 By Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
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Partner Content
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November/December 2012 Inspectioneering JournalBy Ryan Corn at Marathon Petroleum Company LP, and Matthew K. Caserta, PE at Becht Pono Division
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September/October 2012 Inspectioneering JournalBy A.C. Gysbers at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.
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The question of how to set risk targets is a logical one and should be addressed prior to or in the very early stages of RBI implementation. This article will guide readers through the basic elements required to address this question within an...
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March/April 2012 Inspectioneering JournalBy Fernando Vicente at ABB
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January/February 2012 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
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September/October 2011 Inspectioneering JournalBy Barry Snider at Small Hammer Incorporated
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March/April 2011 Inspectioneering JournalBy Adnan A. Boudi, Ph.D, P.E., AVS. at SPE International
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March/April 2011 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
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November/December 2010 Inspectioneering Journal
Understanding, predicting, detecting and controlling high-temperature hydrogen attack (HTHA), have been elusive goals of materials engineers and scientists for over 70 years. The destruction of low alloy steel components exposed to hydrogen through...
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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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May/June 2010 Inspectioneering JournalBy P.A. Henry, P.E. at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc., D. Baham at ConocoPhillips, and Valerie Magyari at The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.
This article describes the API Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) methodology for pressure relieving devices (PRDs) as detailed in the soon to be released 2nd edition of API 581 "Base Resource Document On Risk-Based Inspection" This methodology has been...
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July/August 2009 Inspectioneering JournalBy Willis Perry
In the current economic environment, there is increasing pressure on petrochemical refineries and delivery systems to be more productive and to minimize unscheduled shutdowns due to leakage. Leakage can occur from either the piping itself or the...
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May/June 2009 Inspectioneering JournalBy Fernando Vicente at ABB
In the oil and gas industry, pressure vessel integrity is a major concern. After internal and external inspections various anomalies or defects can be reported and repairs could be required for pressure vessels in order to restore its original...
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API RP 581 Risk-based Inspection Technology Demonstrating the Technology Through a Worked Example ProblemMay/June 2009 Inspectioneering JournalBy Lynne Kaley at Trinity Bridge LLC / Trinity Bridge Digital
This article is Part 3 of a 3-Part series. The articles in this series provide a step-by-step example of utilization of API RP 581 and build off of each other. This article (Part 3) will cover the final risk analysis, inspection planning, provide a...
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API RP 581 Risk-based Inspection Technology Demonstrating the Technology Through a Worked Example ProblemMarch/April 2009 Inspectioneering JournalBy Lynne Kaley at Trinity Bridge LLC / Trinity Bridge Digital
The previous article (Part 1) covered Probability of Failure (POF), including modeling of thinning and stress corrosion cracking and demonstrated how API RBI provides credits for past inspections, considering their effectiveness in detecting those...
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API RP 581 Risk-based Inspection Technology Demonstrating the Technology Through a Worked Example ProblemJanuary/February 2009 Inspectioneering JournalBy Lynne Kaley at Trinity Bridge LLC / Trinity Bridge Digital
This article provides a unique opportunity to guide the reader through API RBI quantitative calculations per API RP 581, Second Edition, September 2008, using real data. The author guides you step by step from input data to final answers including,...
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July/August 2008 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
The following is an interview with Scot Haines, (Corrosion Engineering Advisor). The IJ wishes to thank Scot and the Hess Corporation for taking the time to share with the "IJ" community.
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May/June 2008 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Do we know how to free ourselves from the current level of thinking to rise to a higher level? It will take this for us to overcome many of our current challenges in the arena of equipment reliability.
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November/December 2007 Inspectioneering JournalBy Mark Vining at Sunoco Inc.
Facilities are often content in compiling event data, entering thickness measurements, assigning a system description, tracking work requests and recommendations in their databases. These are certainly valuable data points but using your database...
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November/December 2007 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Over the past 18 years of serious RBI involvement, it has become clear to me that there are certain hurdles, that when "cleared", have paved the way to jurisdictional acceptance of RBI (and fitness for service, for that matter). This article will...
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September/October 2007 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
In my travels around the world as one of the primary API RBI 580/581 training course instructors the question always comes up, “What risk threshold or tolerable risk should I be using?” and “If I do not have one, how can I implement RBI?”
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May/June 2007 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
This is part 2 in a multi-part series. Part 1 set the stage in explaining the basics of RBI. As I am most familiar with API Base Resource Document 581, I will continue to use this technical basis for this article.
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May/June 2007 Inspectioneering JournalBy 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 safety...
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March/April 2007 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
An earlier version of this updated article appeared in the January-February 1998 issue of the Inspectioneering Journal. It is hard to believe that nine years have passed so quickly. Fortunately the industry, as a whole, has learned much and...
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Pressure Vessels and Piping for Refineries and Oil Production Facilities Inspection - RBI - Fitness for ServiceNovember/December 2006 Inspectioneering JournalBy Don Cook at State of California
On July 26, 2006, the State of California revised its Petroleum Safety Orders. The Petroleum Safety Orders are part of the California Code of Regulations Title 8 and address the health and safety requirements for places of employment in the State of...
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July/August 2006 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
The Shell Martinez Refinery has been in operation since 1915, and is located 30 miles northeast of San Francisco on about 1,000 acres of land. The refinery combines state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to convert approximately 165,000 barrels...
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May/June 2006 Inspectioneering Journal
Revisions to the California Code of Regulations Title 8 Petroleum Safety Orders are nearly complete and the new regulations should be published late summer 2006. The regulations will affect both drilling and production facilities and refining,...
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January/February 2006 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
This survey did not make metrics the primary focus. More importantly, our focus was on practices that lead to better performance. You still have to link these practices to performance.
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March/April 2005 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
We are happy to announce the 10-year anniversary of the inaugural issue of the Inspectioneering Journal!
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March/April 2004 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Data management is an important issue in today's world. We have data all over the place. Every manager is looking for ways to migrate data from platform to platform to save on the cost of re-gathering data and ways to share output from various...
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July/August 2003 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
"Low Hanging Fruit" and "Step Change" are analogies that have been bantered around in our industries for some time. Picking the low hanging fruit is just the beginning and something that most passersby can glean. Also, real change that affects an...
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May/June 2003 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
There are many aspects to successful, effective and efficient implementation of RBI 1, such as; - Data collection - Operations data - Mechanical data - The role of inspection histories and inspection planning - How much data do I really need to...
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March/April 2003 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal, and Mahdi Al-Marzouqi at ADGAS
The large LNG facility is located on DAS Island, offshore of Abu Dhabi, in the Persian Gulf and experiences extremely high humidity year round. These conditions are known to produce a high potential for external corrosion and under insulation...
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November/December 2002 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
The Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) issued the requirements document, Risk Based Inspection Programs for Pressure Equipment, in March 2001. This document defines the minimum requirements for the development and use of risk based inspection...
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September/October 2002 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
In May 2002, after 6 years of preparation, the API published the first edition of API 580 Risk-based Inspection. The document is now an ANSI/API Standard, which was balloted and approved using the ANSI consensus process for creating American...
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July/August 2002 Inspectioneering JournalBy Mike Badeen at Phillips 66 Co., Mark Geisenhoff at Flint Hills Resources, and Lynne Kaley at Trinity Bridge LLC / Trinity Bridge Digital
Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) is an emerging technology available to plant engineers and managers as theyapply risk directed activities to prioritize work and available resources for equipment management. This paper describes the learning of highly...
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July/August 2002 Inspectioneering JournalBy Mark Geisenhoff at Flint Hills Resources
Risk Based Inspection (RBI) analysis is a powerful tool that all of us can use to help with the complex issues of risk. The opportunities for application are exciting and open the door for new ways of conducting business and focusing resources....
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May/June 2002 Inspectioneering JournalBy Mike Badeen at Phillips 66 Co., Mark Geisenhoff at Flint Hills Resources, and Lynne Kaley at Trinity Bridge LLC / Trinity Bridge Digital
Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) is an emerging technology available to plant engineers and managers as they apply risk directed activities to prioritize work and available resources for equipment management. This paper describes the learning of highly...
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March/April 2002 Inspectioneering Journal
The American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice for Risk Based Inspection, RP 580, is expected to be available for purchase in early May 2002.
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November/December 2001 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
A typical risk based inspection (RBI) analysis should include past inspection results, tempered by confidence in those results. For example, API's (American Petroleum Institute) RBI methodology and software when calculating the likelihood of failure...
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May/June 2001 Inspectioneering Journal
This is a summary about RBI application to plant utility boilers in a liquefied natural gas plant with a design life of 20 years, now 27 years old.
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March/April 2001 Inspectioneering JournalBy Gerrit Buchheim, P.E. at Becht
With the publication of API RP 579 For Fitness-For-Service and the planned publication of API RP 580 for Risk Based Inspection in 2001, these technologies will find increasing application in maintenance and inspection planning.
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September/October 2000 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
In part 1 of this series the importance of keeping the RBI process as simple as possible was stressed. Software, consequence and likelihood issues were covered. Consequences were handled directly while likelihood issues were covered in discussion...
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July/August 2000 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Hundreds of risk based inspection analyses have been completed by contractors and owner users worldwide, by now. Much is being learned as the various approaches gain acceptance. This editorial is only one perspective built upon the experiences of...
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March/April 2000 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
Two API projects are co-sponsoring an effort to develop a risk based inspection (RBI) method for atmospheric storage tanks (AST). One of the projects is the long standing RBI project that is developing RBI methods for all types of pressure...
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January/February 2000 Inspectioneering JournalBy Gene R. Meyer at The Dow Chemical Company
Part 1 provided a review of RBI for pressure vessels and piping and an introduction to application of RBI to rotating equipment and the differences between approaching the two different types of equipment. As promised, Part 2 will delve more deeply...
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November/December 1999 Inspectioneering JournalBy Gene R. Meyer at The Dow Chemical Company
Risk based inspection, RBI, is a method currently changing how corporations view their maintenance programs. Application of a systematic analysis process that focuses on the likelihood of a given failure and the consequence of this failure happening...
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November/December 1999 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Here are some of my observations based on numerous discussions with owner users and involvement in over 30 projects. This learning is from plant operators who have taken the RBI "plunge", after they have had time to think about their decisions and...
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September/October 1999 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
There are many analysis tools available in the market that lay hold of the "RBI" claim. I wanted to bring you, the reader, "up to speed" on some of the available technology based on my experience as an RBI project manager, client manager and member...
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September/October 1998 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
I have observed through literally hundreds of discussions and reading numerous articles on risk-based approaches that at least one potential business pitfall is appearing when owner-operators choose to begin with a "Level 1" (very qualitative)...
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September/October 1998 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal, and Paul Barringer at Barringer & Associates
Inspection to determine mechanical integrity is important to verify that equipment is suitable for intended use, i.e. to prevent or minimize the consequences of catastrophic releases of toxic, reactive, flammable, or explosive chemicals as required...
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May/June 1998 Inspectioneering JournalBy Roland A. Goodman at American Petroleum Institute
The API Subcommittees on Inspection and Pressure Vessels & Tanks are ever vigilant in keeping up with current trends and state-of-the-art technology for in-service inspection of pressure vessels, process piping, and aboveground storage tanks. One...
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January/February 1998 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
There is a potential for misconceptions about terms used regarding risk by non-risk management professionals. Understand that some risk is unavoidable. We can attempt to minimize risk to any extent desired, but without an effective process that...
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September/October 1997 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
The amount of serious questions regarding the various technology options for implementing an effective RBI program is growing by leaps and bounds. I, for one, have seen many forms of what various organizations refer to as RBI. Remember that there...
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March/April 1997 Inspectioneering Journal
The API Commitment on Refinery Equipment (CRE) has chartered a task group to develop an API recommended practice (RP 580), which will detail all the vital aspects of Risk-Based Inspection. This standard will not detail or propose any one specific...
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March/April 1997 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Our business paradigm is going through tremendous changes, as most of our readers can attest to. Look at the mega-mergers looming and happening in the petroleum business along with the tight margins most of them operate on.
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November/December 1996 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
Three levels of risk based inspection have been developed by the API sponsor group. Level 1: Qualitative RBI which utilizes a step-by-step workbook to rank entire process units or process systems into a 5 x 5 risk matrix...
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September/October 1996 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
In the January 1995 issue, I introduced the concept of Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) being developed by an API (American Petroleum Institute) project. This article is an update and status report on that project, which now has 20 sponsor companies,...
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March/April 1995 Inspectioneering JournalBy John Reynolds at Intertek
Many promising advances are being made in inspection technologies, today. Some are going to provide opportunities for companies to maintain and increase equipment mechanical integrity, quite possibly at lower costs.
Operational Sustainability, LLC® helps transform organizations through Intelligent Operations, leading to Operational Excellence. We holistically address key areas, moving you from separate departments to a resilient organization with real-time risk visibility and operational control through consulting, OESuite™ software, and technical content.
Operational Sustainability, LLC® helps transform organizations through Intelligent Operations, leading to Operational Excellence. We holistically address key areas, moving you from separate departments to a resilient organization with real-time risk visibility and operational control through consulting, OESuite™ software, and technical content.
PK Technology is a full-service inspection contractor, as well as, an in-house software development company specializing in the Oil and Gas industry. PK Technology is the creator of intelliSPEC, the worlds first Digital Data Management System (DDMS) which is a robust and intelligent solution designed to digitize, analyze and realize all vital data.
PK Technology is a full-service inspection contractor, as well as, an in-house software development company specializing in the Oil and Gas industry. PK Technology is the creator of intelliSPEC, the worlds first Digital Data Management System (DDMS) which is a robust and intelligent solution designed to digitize, analyze and realize all vital data.
Pinnacle builds and runs programs that empower facilities to make value-based decisions on how to manage risk, resulting in safe and profitable operations. We have gathered, organized, and analyzed more mechanical integrity and reliability data than any other company in the world.
Pinnacle builds and runs programs that empower facilities to make value-based decisions on how to manage risk, resulting in safe and profitable operations. We have gathered, organized, and analyzed more mechanical integrity and reliability data than any other company in the world.
E²G, an employee-owned engineering firm specializing in consulting services for new and aging infrastructure in refining, petrochemical, chemical and other industries. E²G helps clients improve profitability with consulting strategies and software tools that manage risk & control inspection costs throughout the life-cycle of a facility’s equipment.
E²G, an employee-owned engineering firm specializing in consulting services for new and aging infrastructure in refining, petrochemical, chemical and other industries. E²G helps clients improve profitability with consulting strategies and software tools that manage risk & control inspection costs throughout the life-cycle of a facility’s equipment.
MISTRAS Group, Inc. (NYSE: MG) is a US-based, leading "one source" multinational provider of integrated technology-enabled asset protection solutions, helping to maximize the safety and operational uptime for civilization’s most critical industrial and civil assets.
MISTRAS Group, Inc. (NYSE: MG) is a US-based, leading "one source" multinational provider of integrated technology-enabled asset protection solutions, helping to maximize the safety and operational uptime for civilization’s most critical industrial and civil assets.
Quest Integrity is a global leader in the development and delivery of asset integrity and reliability management services. Our integrated solutions consist of technology-enabled, advanced inspection and engineering assessment services and products that help organizations in the pipeline, refining, chemical, syngas and power industries improve operational planning, increase profitability, and reduce operational and safety risks.
Quest Integrity is a global leader in the development and delivery of asset integrity and reliability management services. Our integrated solutions consist of technology-enabled, advanced inspection and engineering assessment services and products that help organizations in the pipeline, refining, chemical, syngas and power industries improve operational planning, increase profitability, and reduce operational and safety risks.
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Sponsored Video Published on November 12, 2020Inspectioneering teams up with Johns Manville for the webinar, Mechanical Integrity Considerations for Your Insulation System. This webinar provides an overview of insulation systems, industry documents, insulation considerations, and more.
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Published on June 19, 2019In this Whiteboard Discussion, Chief Editor Greg Alvarado discusses the concept of "Scalable Accuracy," a term used to describe the varying levels of detail necessary to consider when planning and conducting a Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) assessment
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Published on April 24, 2017Greg Alvarado explains the inspection effectiveness tables found in API RP 581, the importance of them, and how they should be used.
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Published on March 24, 2017Greg Alvarado discusses the concept of "risk in square feet per year", a powerful metric found in the API RP 581 Risk Based Inspection methodology. Understanding metrics such as this one will allow you to begin trending your risks, identifying best...
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Published on February 17, 2017Greg Alvarado explains the concept of RBI risk thresholds: "How much confidence do I need to have in what I believe to be the true damage state of the equipment?"
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