🧪 What Are Integrity Operating Windows (IOWs)?
IOWs are defined limits for operating/process parameters (like temperature, pressure, pH, or flow) that, if exceeded, could lead to accelerated degradation, corrosion, or even failure of fixed equipment.
“IOWs are the first line of defense in proactive integrity management.”
— API RP 584
IOWs act as early-warning indicators. They help you know when you’re drifting toward damage — before it becomes a costly shutdown.
🔍 Why IOWs Matter
Without IOWs, operators and engineers rely on reactive inspection:
Something goes wrong → Investigate → Find damage too late.
With IOWs, you shift to proactive integrity:
- 📉 Detect process upsets
- ⚠️ Trigger alerts before damage escalates
- 📅 Plan inspections around real-time risk
🧠 3 Tiers of IOWs (Based on API RP 584)
| Tier | Use | Users |
| Tier 1 | Equipment-specific parameters | Inspectors, Engineers |
| Tier 2 | Corrosion/damage mechanism level | Integrity teams |
| Tier 3 | Unit-wide or generic process | Operators, Control Rooms |
✅ RBLX™ supports all 3 tiers, with risk weighting and inspection linkage.
⚙️ What Makes a Good IOW?
A proper IOW includes:
✅ Parameter (e.g., temperature, velocity, pH)
✅ Safe range or threshold
✅ Associated damage mechanism (e.g., HTHA, FAC, SCC)
✅ Action plan for when it’s breached
✅ Alert or trigger escalation
💻 How RBLX™ Handles IOWs
The IOW module in RBLX™ connects process monitoring with inspection logic.
🔹 Define IOWs per equipment, loop, or damage mechanism
🔹 Assign automatic alerts for excursions
🔹 Link violations to RBI risk reassessments
🔹 Visualize live performance and trends
🔹 Trigger updates to CCD, RBI, and inspection schedules
🎯 In one refinery, an unnoticed IOW excursion triggered a wall loss spike. With RBLX, the alarm was caught, the equipment was inspected early, and a leak was prevented.
📈 Real Benefits of IOWs in Practice
- 🔔 Detect corrosion early
- 📅 Optimize inspection schedules
- 🚨 Prevent unexpected failures
- 📊 Improve RBI accuracy
- 📋 Comply with API 584 and corporate governance
✅ Summary
IOWs give you operational awareness and integrity control in one system. When managed through RBLX™, they become a powerful tool to link process risk with inspection planning.
📩 Want to implement a smart IOW system?
🔗 Book a demo: lteng.co.uk/contact
📧 info@lteng.co.uk