RBI: Risk Based Inspection :

RISK-BASED INSPECTION (RBI)
Preventing shutdowns and protecting the environment

In today's highly competitive market, it has become a priority for heavy duty industrial companies, particularly in the Oil & Gas sector, to avoid any unplanned shutdowns. Additionally, worldwide regulatory incentives are also pushing for improved risk management aimed at protecting the environment and citizens from major industrial hazards. Companies must therefore ensure that their equipment is safe, reliable and does not pose a risk to the surrounding environment.

What is Risk-Based Inspection (RBI)?
Risk-Based Inspection is a process that identifies, assesses and maps industrial risks (due to corrosion and stress cracking), which can compromise equipment integrity in both pressurized equipment and structural elements. RBI addresses risks that can be controlled through proper inspections and analysis.
During the RBI process, engineers design inspection strategies (what, when, how to inspect) that most efficiently match forecasted or observed degradation mechanisms.

What are the benefits?
Operators of heavy duty industrial sites implementing RBI can benefit from the following:
- Increased knowledge of equipment which may pose a potential risk.
- More reliable equipment and plant operation.
- Increased safety.
- Cost optimization through switching to non-invasive inspection techniques.
- Possibility to tailor shutdown scope.
- Option to extend run lengths where applicable national regulations permit it.
- Increased teamwork during the implementation process.
- Development of a knowledge database including equipment design, process features, damage mechanisms and inspection strategies.