Implementing a Successful Risk Based Inspection Program

Production of Oil, Gas and Petrochemical from production units is becoming very competitive every day. As products are sold in open market, production cost drives an organization's profitability. To keep a plant available for production as much as possible, Asset Performance Management (APM) or Asset Integrity Management (AIM)is the key. Risk based inspection (RBI) is a decision making tool that deals with integrity management of static equipment and piping through focus on prioritizing inspection based on the risk. Review of published guidelines for RBI such as API RP 580/581, ASME PCC3, DNV-RP-G101, EN 16991 etc., suggests that they provide either oversimplified or complex explanations which makes it difficult for beginners to grasp all the aspects that are critical for a successful RBI project. Therefore, this paper is aimed to provide and discuss the essential elements for effective RBI implementation project in a simplified way. RBI project can be divided into four major phases i.e project initiation and pre-requisites, workshops & trainings, RBI analysis phase and post RBI actions. Each of these stages is discussed with details in this paper. An overview of successful RBI program used within the industry and from the ADNOC LNG RBI implementation experience, is provided with details. Project management approach for RBI program implementation is conveyed by dividing project into different phases and highlighting the inputs/outputs and activities for each phase. Objectives, time and resources such as data and personnel required, software features that are essential, project planning and monitoring are provided. RBI program implemented efficiently in accordance with suggested plan, results in an overall optimization of inspection for static equipment/piping while maintaining their integrity as part of a broader APM or AIM strategy.