The API Methodology for risk-biased inspection (RBI) analysis for the petroleum and petrochemical industry.

Abstract

Twenty-one petroleum and petrochemical companies are currently sponsoring a project to develop risk- based inspection (RBI) methodology for application in the refining and petrochemical industry. This paper describes that particular RBI methodology and provides a summary of the three levels of RBI analysis developed by the project. Also included is a review of the first pilor project to validate the methodology by applying RBI to several existing refining unites. The failure of pressure equipment in a process unit from corrosion or deterioration can have several undesirable effects. For the purpose of RBI analysis, the API RBI program categorizes these effects into four basic risk outcomes: flammable events, toxic releases, major environmental damage., and businessinterruption losses. API RBI is a strategic process, both qualitative an quantitative for understanding and reducing these risks associated with operating pressure equipment in corrosive services. This paper will show how API RBI assesses the potential consequences of a failure of the pressure boundary, as well as assessing the likelihood of failure. Risk-based inspection also prioritizes risk levels in a systematic manner so that the owner-user can then plan an inspection program that focuses more resources on the higher risk equipment; while possibly saving inspection resources that are not doing an effective job of reducing risk. At the same time, if consequence of failure is significant driving force for high risk equipment items, plant management also has the option of applying consequence mitigation steps to minimize the impact of a hazardous release, should on occur. The target audience for this paper is engineers, inspectors, and managers who want ot understand what API Risk-Based Inspection is all about, what are the benefits and limitations of RBI and how inspection practices can be changed to reduce risks and/or save costs without impacting safety risk.