In most refining and chemical process plants, a large portion of the total unit risk is concentrated in a relatively small percentage of the equipment items. These potential high risk components may require a greater degree of attention than others, so knowing which areas to prioritize becomes paramount. The API RBI software, created by owner/users for owner/users, is based on API Publication 581, Base Resource Document – Risk-Based Inspection. Practical features are built into the technology, which is based on recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices. The purposes of a risk-based inspection program are summarized as follows:
- Screen operating units within a plant to identify areas of high risk.
- Estimate a risk value associated with the operation of each equipment item in a refinery or chemical process plant based on a consistent methodology.
- Prioritize the equipment based on the measured risk.
- Design an appropriate inspection program.
- Systematically manage the risks associated with equipment failures.
RBI defines the risk of operating pressurized process equipment as the combination of two separate elements: the consequence of failure and the likelihood of failure. Software features include:
- Analysis for pressure vessels, tanks, piping and pressure relief devices.
- Three levels of analysis from qualitative > semi-quantitative > quantitative.
- Automated inspection planning.
- Consequence values expressed in terms of risk per unit area, risk per unit area per year, financial risk, matrix cell location and provide the options to factor injury, equipment damage, downtime costs, and toxic, explosive, fire damage, environmental, effects into the analysis.
- Consequence models for various fluids and gases commonly encountered in the refining, petrochemical and chemicals industries.
- Discrete risk values for each piece of equipment.
- Qualitative risk matrix rankings.
- Financial risk calculation options.
- Data transfer utility to speed up information entry.
- Expert system damage module calculators for various specific corrosion mechanisms (localized and generalized), various specific cracking mechanisms, fatigue, creep, high temperature hydrogen attack, various embrittlement mechanisms, etc. These modules are based on recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices, i.e. the latest available
- Perform “What If” analyses to consider changes and new equipment/unit reviews.
- Report capabilities for all risk scenarios, matrices, risk summaries, consequence and likelihood basis reports and inspection plans.
Software licensees also have the privilege of participating in user group meetings with industry owner/user peers where participants share practical implementation experiences and establish the future evolution of the technology. Over 22 owner/user companies participate in the API RBI review and development process. Few other technologies can claim the high level of quality attained by subjecting the software to ongoing scrutiny by industry experts. This assures the best possible technology and features are available for practical, effective prioritization of inspection related resource allocation and risk management.
API RBI software users may rest assured that this innovative software program satisfies the requirements for RBI technology, as set forth in the latest editions of API Standards 510 and 570, and Recommended Practice 580, and allows the owner/user to establish inspection plans as an alternative to the traditional API 510 or API 570 approach.
Contact us at rbi@api.org to find out how the API RBI software can help maximize your resource allocation while lowering risk.
To purchase a copy of API Publication 581 - Base Resource Document contact our publications distributor, Global Engineering Documents.
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