Risk-Based Inspection (RBI)

Preventing shutdowns and protecting the environment

Business Challenge

In today’s highly competitive market, it has become a priority for continuous operations, 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 create threats to the surrounding environment.

What is Risk-Based Inspection (RBI)?

Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) 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.

Why Choose Bureau Veritas?

Bureau Veritas has developed an RBI approach following API 581, API 580 and EEMUA 159 (for tanks) principles and has created user-friendly software tools integrating RBI: “RB.eye” for quantitative analysis and “SOFFIA” for qualitative analysis. 

RB.eye is a Total R&M Corporate RBI tool. More than 30 refineries worldwide currently use RB.eye and its user interface is available in many languages. 

Bureau Veritas is also licensed to use and distribute the Total E&P Corporate RBI tool called “Fame+”. The services also include Pipeline Integrity Management and structural integrity management for fixed steel structures.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

• What type of defect to look for?

  This problem is related to the types of damage mechanisms that may occur in all or a portion of the equipment being evaluated. In the first case, process conditions and equipment material need to be reviewed. In the later, inspection records need to be considered.

• Where to find this defect?

  The first step is to identify which piece of equipment is involved in the damaged mechanism. The second step is to define and prioritize which specific areas of the identified part need inspection (e.g. bends, dead ends, low points, nozzles, etc.).

• What is the best technique to apply?

  This depends on the defect in question and should be decided on a case-by-case basis.

• Is there a best time to make inspections?

  Defining inspection dates is key to the success of RBI and depends on the project’s unique configuration. Inspections normally take place regularly until all the criteria are met.