Risk-Based Inspection Services

Risk-Based Inspection Services

Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) is a process that determines risks by determining the Probability of Failure (POF) and the consequence of failure (COF) associated with each component of an equipment item and the tasks required to manage the risks. RBI is a process used to develop inspection and other mitigation plans for maintenance based on risk.

A properly implemented RBI program categorizes individual pieces of equipment by their risks and prioritizes inspection efforts based on this categorization.

 

Typically, less than 10% of an organization’s assets are driving 90% of the risk. RBI is used to identify and understand risks, risk drivers, and equipment in its lifecycle.

RBI can indicate whether an inspection is needed or not. However, RBI should not recommend any inspection when it will not improve knowledge about the damaged 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 risks criteria.

Types of Risk-Based Inspection Assessment

1). Qualitative 

This approach requires data inputs based on descriptive information using engineering judgment—subject matter expertise and experience.

2). Quantitative

Quantitative programs are model-based approaches where numerical values are calculated, and more sensitive input data are used.

3). Semi-Quantitative

Semi-Quantitative is a term that describes an approach that has aspects derived from both the qualitative and quantitative methods.

What are the Benefits of Risk-Based Inspection?

  • Improved Control of risk.
  • A reduction in risk for the facilities and equipment assessed.
  • An understanding of the current risk.
  • Cost optimization on inspection resources.
  • Optimized schedule shutdown frequencies.
  • Increased knowledge of plant team about their equipment.
  • Improved uptime and reliability.
  • Reduced likelihood of catastrophic failure.
  • Greater business flexibility.
  • Improved quality of the inspection.
  • Spend focused on the high-risk items.
  • Potential for cost-saving.
  • Reduced downtime for inspection.
  • The extended interval between inspections.
  • Wasteful inspections eliminated.

What is Risk-Based Inspection Cost Savings?

Immediate cost savings are moving from a time-based to risk-based approach and, in some cases, inspection less and more effective inspection techniques to look for the appropriate damage mechanism. The key is to focus resources on the 5 to 10% of the assets driving the bulk of the risk. But in general, the cost benefits of RBI are:

  • It generally requires 50% to 90% fewer inspection points than a traditional API inspection program while reducing the risk of failures by 80% to 95%.
  • Extends plant shutdown intervals and reduces the number of equipment items opened by 30% to 60%.
  • Over five years, the benefit of RBI is generally 5 to 20 times the cost of its implementation and management.
  • Over the Risk-Based Inspection, the program is operational, inspection learning is fed back to help lower the risk profile of an asset’s equipment.

Risk-Based Inspection also:

  • Identifies when to perform Fitness for Service Assessments.
  • Provides information to help make informed decisions about how, when, and where to inspect.

Why Risk-Based Inspection is getting more attention?

Oil and gas facilities are getting older; the older a facility is meaning, the closer to its end of life). the higher the risks;

  • Government and society are now stricter about the health and safety of the public.
  • The environmental consequences are now way more concerning than in the past.
  • More competition in the industry needs more financial risk calculation and accepting some risks to reduce the cost.
  • Media (and specifically social media) could easily affect the reputation of corporations.
  • Nowadays, we know more about the dangers in the industry than before, so we are more concerned.

Who is a Risk-Based Inspection Specialist?

RBI Specialists must be familiar with:

  • RBI(Risk Based Inspection) assessment.
  • Pressure Equipment Inspection.
  • Corrosion Science.
  • Welding Inspection and Engineering.
  • Reliability Engineering.

In addition, to RBI Service GIC International  also offer a range of complimentary services:

  • Third-Party Inspection Services
  • Lifting Equipment & Crane Inspection Services
  • Construction Supervision Services
  • Pressure Vessel Inspection Services
  • Storage Tank Inspection Services
  • Steam Boiler Inspection Services