Risk-Based Inspection Services

Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) is a process that determines risks by determining the Probability of Failure (POF) and the Consequence of Failure (COF) associated with each component of an equipment item and the tasks required to manage the risks. RBI is a process used to develop inspection and other mitigation plans for maintenance based on risk.

A properly implemented RBI program categorizes individual pieces of equipment by their risks and prioritizes inspection efforts based on this cat Less than 10% of an organization’s assets drive 90% of the risk. RBI is used to identify and understand risks, risk drivers, and equipment in its lifecycle.

RBI can indicate whether an inspection is needed or not. However, RBI should not recommend any inspection when it will not improve knowledge about the damaged state. In those cases where POF drives the risk, RBI should point to other mitigation options, such as replacement, repair, or other actions that satisfy the risk criteria.

Types of Risk-Based Inspection Assessment

  1. Qualitative 

    This approach requires data inputs based on descriptive information using engineering judgment—subject matter expertise, and experience.

  2. Quantitative

    Quantitative programs are model-based approaches where numerical values are calculated, and more sensitive input data are used.

  3. Semi-Quantitative

    Semi-Quantitative is a term that describes an approach with aspects derived from qualitative and quantitative methods.

What are the Benefits of Risk-Based Inspection?

  • Improved Control of risk.

  • A reduction in risk for the facilities and equipment assessed.

  • An understanding of the current risk.

  • Cost optimization on inspection resources.

  • Optimized schedule shutdown frequencies.

  • Increased knowledge of plant team about their equipment.

  • Improved uptime and reliability.

  • Reduced likelihood of catastrophic failure.

  • Greater business flexibility.

  • Improved quality of the inspection.

  • Spend focused on high-risk items.

  • Cost-saving potential.

  • Reduced downtime for inspection.

  • The extended interval between inspections.

  • Wasteful inspections eliminated.

Why is Risk-Based Inspection getting more attention?

Manufacturing facilities are getting older; the older a facility is meaning, the closer to its end of life). the higher the risks;

  • Government and society are now stricter about the health and safety of the public.

  • The environmental consequences are now way more concerning than in the past.

  • More competition in the industry needs more financial risk calculation and accepting some risks to reduce the cost.

  • Media (specifically social media) could easily affect corporations’ reputations.

  • Nowadays, we know more about the dangers in the industry than before, so we are more concerned.

Who is a Risk-Based Inspection Specialist?

RBI Specialists must be familiar with:

  • RBI (Risk Based Inspection) assessment.

  • Pressure Equipment Inspection.

  • Corrosion Science.

  • Welding Inspection and Engineering.

  • Reliability Engineering.