8 entries found for "Risk"

  What process do I need to follow to confirm an equivalent inspection technique?

by Michael Hurley, 3/3/2026

Tags: API 580 API 581 Corrosion CUI Damage Mechanisms HSE Inspection Mechanical Integrity Process Safety Management RBMI Regulation Risk Risk Based Inspection Risk Management Technology Work Process

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  Can you improve reliability focusing on safety 1st, environmental preservation 2nd, and production 3rd

by Michael Hurley, 2/25/2026

Tags: API 580 API 581 Asset Performance Management Consequence Corrosion CUI Damage Mechanisms Data Analysis Data Management HSE Inspection Integrity Operating Windows Mechanical Integrity Process Safety Management Risk Risk Based Inspection Risk Management Safe Operating Limits System Implementation Value Work Process

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  Is your risk-based inspection (RBI) implementation 3rd party really qualified to do the job?

by Michael Hurley, 2/17/2026

Tags: API 580 API 581 Corrosion CUI Damage Mechanisms Data Analysis Data Collection Data Management Data Migration Data Validation Inspection Integrity Operating Windows Mechanical Integrity Probability Process Safety Management Regulation Risk Risk Analysis Risk Based Inspection Risk Management Skills Validation System Implementation Technology Training Value Work Process

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  What Do Good Refining Corporate Cultures Look Like?

by Michael Hurley, 2/8/2026

Tags: API 580 API 581 Asset Performance Management Data Management HSE Human Factors Mechanical Integrity Process Safety Management RBMI Reliability Risk Risk Management Technology Training Value Work Process

In the refining industry, "culture" is often only analyzed after a failure occurs. However, a robust culture is defined by observable, repeatable behaviors and daily decisions made under pressure. This article outlines the seven practical attributes of high-performing refining organizations and demonstrates how alignment between leadership values and technical integrity creates a safer, more profitable operation.

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  Got Out of 2025 with Only 9 U.S. Refinery Fires and Explosions - A Safety Checkpoint Worth Noting

by Michael Hurley, 1/7/2026

Tags: Mechanical Integrity Process Safety Management Regulation Risk

In 2025, the U.S. refining industry recorded approximately nine publicly reported fires and explosions. Notable events at Chevron’s El Segundo facility and HF Sinclair’s Navajo refinery underscore the persistent risks associated with mechanical failure and process safety gaps. This report analyzes why these statistics, though seemingly modest, demand a continued focus on maintenance and hazard identification to prevent future high-consequence events.

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  Replacing Internal Visual Inspection with Non-Intrusive Techniques in Refineries: Practical Recommendations

by Michael Hurley, 12/17/2025

Tags: API 580 API 581 Damage Mechanisms Inspection Mechanical Integrity Risk Risk Based Inspection

While Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) promised to reduce intrusive vessel entries, corporate risk aversion and rigid API standards have hindered progress. This post examines why internal visual inspection (IVI) remains the standard despite its human-factor limitations. We analyze the Probability of Detection (POD) for advanced NII technologies - including PAUT, PEC, and Corrosion Mapping - to propose a roadmap for achieving technical and regulatory equivalency in refinery asset integrity.

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  The Top Three RBI Risks That Cannot Wait for a Budget Rebound

by Michael Hurley, 10/1/2025

Tags: CUI Inspection Mechanical Integrity Process Safety Management Regulation Risk Risk Analysis Risk Based Inspection Risk Management Value

When organizations face budget cuts, they may postpone projects, but certain risks are too critical to delay. This post highlights three such Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) risks that demand immediate attention: high-risk equipment, Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI), and overdue critical inspections. Acting now can safeguard people, assets, and the bottom line from costly failures.

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  Qualitative RBI of a Commercial Refrigeration System

by Rob Sladek, 8/7/2018

Tags: Consequence Probability Process Safety Management Risk Risk Based Inspection

How the application of qualitative RBI helped a client prioritize equipment damage mitigation in order to effectively scope a refurbishment project and achieve their system reliability goals. This scenario highlights a significant problem for some refrigeration system owner/users who may be maintaining their assets as prescribed but are unaware of the damage mechanisms that could affect the reliability of their assets and safety of their personnel.

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