What comprises a successful Risk Based Inspection (RBI) programme?

The American Petroleum Institute (API) defines RBI as an inspection approach that uses risk as a basis for prioritising and managing in-service equipment inspection program, by combining both the likelihood of failure and the consequence of failure. The oil and gas industry, as well as other sectors, has been adopting this methodology for a while as it is both safe and cost-efficient.

Improving the safety and integrity of pressurised systems requires both internal and external experts with the right competence, extensive experience and qualifications. Selecting the team you have in place could either bring you operational safety or integrity failure. Read on to know what comprises an RBI programme that will help you ensure the technical integrity of your pressurised systems.

Complete integrity management system for high and low-pressure piping systems, manifolds and pressure vessels

A holistic RBI strategy mitigates potential risks and serious injury from the hazard of pressure system failure. This requires a highly-skilled team with extensive engineering knowledge and expertise in assessing the risks that may lead to integrity failure.

Risk based strategy according to acknowledged methodologies

Reliable risk based inspection programmes must conform with recommended practices developed by acknowledge methodologies such as API 580, API 581 and DNV RP-G101 as these procedures systematically reduce the probability and consequence of failure by prioritising resources to high risk equipment.

Axess engineers analysing report

Full compliance with authority regulations

Third-party inspection companies with accreditations and compliance from statutory agencies, class societies, company internal guidelines and operator requirements have the expertise, resources and commitment to delivering RBI work effectively.

Predictable costs and an optimised replacement strategy

With RBI system in place, potential risk could be identified even before they materialise, thus maintenance and replacement strategies could be planned to prevent unexpected shutdowns.

Safe and cost effective long-term inspection programme

Inspection and maintenance resources focused on systems with the highest identified risks often results to reduced plant downtime, which then promotes safety and significant cost savings in the long run.

Systematic evaluation of inspection results and proposals for improvements and actions

Systematic evaluation and condition assessment from the RBI data is the foundation for high quality improvement report and long-term inspection programme which includes long-term benefits. Proposed solutions must cover a comprehensive scope of engineering disciplines—electrochemistry, material science and corrosion processes.

In a nutshell

Although no systems are entirely excluded in RBI programme, the systems with highest identified risk associated with the loss of containment will be subject to a higher level of inspection focus. This RBI approach ensures a correct focus for the utilisation of resources on systems where the greatest safety and maintenance benefits can be achieved.

Engage the right team with the right technical skills, knowledge and experience. Contact us at [email protected] for more information about our risk based inspection programme.

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