API 580 Examination Prep (Bay Tech)

Inspection may identify flaws in equipment. A/an __________ can be performed to if the equipment can continue to operate safely under what conditions and for how long?

• Risk-Based assessment

• Extensive NDE Inspection

• Fitness for service analysis

• Finite element analysis

Answer explanation

Section 13.3 - Evaluating Flaws for Fitness-for-Service

Inspection may identify flaws in equipment. A Fitness-For-Service assessment (e.g. API 579-1/ASME FFS-1) may be performed to determine if the equipment may continue to be safely operated, under what conditions, and for what time period. A Fitness-For-Service analysis can also be performed to determine what size flaws, if found in future inspections, would require repair or equipment replacement.

Understanding the two-dimensional aspect of risk allows new insight into the use of:

• Innovative nondestructive methods and associated cost

• Employees or contractors to perform the required inspections

• Risk for inspection prioritization and planning

• Laser measuring devices or conventional measuring devices

Answer explanation

Section 5.2 - Consequence and Probability for RBI

Understanding the two-dimensional aspect of risk allows new insight into the use of risk for inspection prioritization and planning.

The amount and type of codes and standards used by a facility...

• Can have a significant impact on RBI results

• Will have little bearing on RBI results

• Must be the latest edition with current addendum

• Must be the edition and addendum the equipment was fabricated to

Answer explanation

Section 7.4 - Codes and Standards (National and International)

In the data collection stage, an assessment of what codes and standards are currently in use for in-service inspection and evaluation, or were in use during the equipment design, is generally necessary. The selection and type of codes and standards used by a facility can have a significant impact on RBI results.

It is usually more economical to modify the process or change metallurgy:

• During a major turnaround or outage

• Only after exhaustive studies are completed

• Just before the plant goes online

• When a plant is being designed

Answer explanation

6.2.7 - Identify Mitigation Alternatives

The RBI assessment may identify risks that may be managed by actions other than inspection. Some of these mitigation actions may include but are not limited to the following:

a) modification of the process to eliminate conditions driving the risk;

b) modification of operating procedures to avoid situations driving the risk;

c) chemical treatment of the process to reduce deterioration rates/susceptibilities;

d) change metallurgy of components to reduce POF;

e) removal of unnecessary insulation to reduce probability of corrosion under insulation;

f) reduce or limit available inventories to reduce COF;

g) upgrade safety, detection, or loss limiting systems;

h) change process fluids to less flammable or toxic fluids;

i) change component design to reduce POF;

j) process control and adherence to IOWs.

Identification of the credible damage mechanisms and failure modes for all equipment included in an RBI study is essential:

• In determining the most cost-effective method of conducting the study

• To the quality and effectiveness of the RBI analysis

• To ensure proper identification of the equipment

• To ensure that only the highest risk equipment is inspected

Answer explanation

Section 8.1.2 - Identification of Damage Mechanisms

Identification of the credible damage three mechanisms and failure modes for equipment included in a risk analysis is essential to the quality and the effectiveness of the risk analysis. The RBI team shall consult with a corrosion specialist to define the equipment damage mechanisms, damage modes (optional), and potential failure modes.

Quantitative models usually contain one or more:

• Customized failure scenarios or outcomes

• Standard failure scenarios or outcomes

• Generic plant failure scenarios or outcomes

• Inspection methodologies to detect failure modes

Answer explanation

11.2.3

The results of a quantitative analysis are usually:

• Numeric

• Only provided to upper management

• Alphabetically listed

• Reported as high, medium, or low

Answer explanation

11.2.3

Changes in process conditions and hardware changes, such as modification or replacement:

• Are not considered in the RBI assessment

• Can significantly alter the risk

• Since RBI is concerned with detection of deterioration mechanisms there would be no impact on the risk itself

• Should be reported to the jurisdictional authority within thirty days of the changes

Answer explanation

15.2.3

The best definition of mitigation is:

• Completely arresting and stopping a negative consequence

• Temporarily removing a negative consequence

• Limitation of any negative consequence

• Action taken to repair a negative consequence to prevent its recurrence

Answer explanation

4.1.27

An RBI assessment will:

• Determine the most appropriate way to handle the consequence of failure

• Determine the risk associated with the item assessed

• Determine the ultimate cost to reduce risks

• Determine the most appropriate repair methods

Answer explanation

7.2.3