#850 - Risk-Based Inspection Implementation and the Effects of Damage Mechanisms

Course Objective

Upon completion of this course, attendees will have gained a practical understanding of the concepts of Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) and the means to implement an RBI program within their organization using both API recommended practices and industry-accepted programs. They will also be introduced to the primary damage mechanisms that cause deterioration and failure in process plant equipment.

Who Should Attend?

Individuals who are responsible for implementing risk-based inspection programs within their own company or plant facility.
Mechanical integrity, equipment reliability, and inspection personnel who are responsible for maintaining the serviceability of process plant equipment based on a cost-effective inspection program.
Maintenance personnel, operations supervisors, and process specialists who are expected to make decisions regarding the suitability of equipment for continued service.

Course Description

Rather than being just a discussion of API Recommended Practice 580, Risk-Based Inspection, this course presents the process and framework by which an individual can implement a risk-based inspection program that is properly suited to their organizational needs and requirements. While the course is based on API RP 580 and API Publication 581, Base Resource Document, the course material goes beyond those specific recommendations and general concepts to discuss feasible means and alternatives for achieving a successful program. The course presents qualitative and semi-qualitative means to accomplish a risk-based inspection program without undue complication. Furthermore, the course includes a discussion on the damage mechanisms that cause deterioration and failure of process plant equipment, as presented in the newly published API RP 571, Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry. The course material also prepares the attendee to be in a more knowledgeable position to evaluate and select the most appropriate commercially available RBI software program, if considered appropriate.

Sample problems and exercises are used as training aids throughout the course. These illustrate the topics that are discussed and give attendees practical experience in applying them.

Course Outline

Day 1

Introduction to the basic concept of risk-based inspection and the basis for the API RBI program
Discussion of the purpose, scope, and examination of the critical steps in the RBI process
Definitions and acronyms used in RBI assessments
Discussion of the basic concepts of risk; acceptance, assessment, and perception of risk; risky decision event tree analysis; management and reduction of risk; risk-based inspection; and evolution of inspection approaches
RBI and the next generation of inspection optimization

Day 2

Introduction to the API RP 580 Risk-Based Inspection methodology
Discussion of planning issues related to a risk-based inspection assessment
Review of data and information requirements for the RBI assessment
Overview of deterioration mechanisms and failure modes affecting process plant equipment

Day 3

Introduction to the probability of failure and the various factors which make up the probability determination
Introduction to the consequences of failure and the various factors which make up the consequences determination
Introduction to the risk-based inspection priority matrix and the means to utilize its results in determining inspection priorities
Introduction to the iso-risk plot and its use, especially in combination with the risk-based inspections priority matrix

Day 4

Overview of risk determination, risk assessment, and risk management
Discussion of risk management and inspection activities
Discussion of other risk mitigation activities
Discussion of reassessments and means for updating RBI assessments

Day 5

Examining the RBI assessment team roles and responsibilities, personnel training and qualifications
Discussion of risk-based inspection documentation and record-keeping needs
Detailed review of significant damage mechanisms including description, characteristic damage, driving forces, and susceptible equipment