RBI Implementation Challenges, Resolution Strategies, and the Proven Benefits: A Case Study from a Crude Oil Refinery

This presentation covered a case study of the establishment of Risk-Based Inspection based on API 581 methodology in a Refinery.

Daily refining capacity was 210,000 barrels. RBI implementation was required for pressure vessels, piping, and storage tanks. A joint team of Refinery personnel and LifeTech specialists was formed.

The presentation examined the implementation challenges of Data Availability & Quality, Identification of Damage Mechanisms, Non-Intrusive Inspection Assessment, Dead Legs & Nozzles Assessments, & Proposed Inspection Dates. Resolution strategies for these challenges were outlined with details of the proven benefits.

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The Advantages and Benefits of Performing Non-Intrusive Inspection as an Alternative to Intrusive Inspection

The inspection of pressure vessels began at a time when carrying out internal visual examinations was the only effective way of establishing the condition of the internal surfaces of the equipment. Internal Visual Inspection involved taking pressure vessels out of service, preparing them for inspection, and carrying out an internal visual examination.

With recent advances in NDT technology, however, it is now possible, to carry out effective inspections without taking the vessels out of service. This is known as Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII). This approach is widely used on the UK mainland in the process industries, and it has delivered significant financial benefits without compromising process safety.

The presentation outlined the NII process, a case study showing the benefits and savings of using NII, and, gave an example of RBI & NII using LifeTech’s RBLX Software.

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