Risk-Based Inspection - RBI
In the context of industrial reliability, the universe of physical assets can be classified into two broad categories: rotating equipment, characterized by its movement, and static equipment or infrastructure without moving parts. Reliability analysis for rotating equipment is primarily based on the study of mechanisms, vibration monitoring, and optimal lubrication management, critical factors that influence their performance and service life.
On the other hand, static equipment requires a different approach, as its reliability is predominantly affected by deterioration caused by both environmental factors and the operating environment. In this case, the concept of Mechanical Integrity takes on special relevance, as it represents the set of practices and assessments aimed at ensuring that the infrastructure maintains its safety and functionality over time.
The energy industry, particularly the oil and gas sector, uses the RBI (Risk Based Inspection) methodology under API 580 to manage the mechanical integrity of static equipment. This approach, although originated in the energy industry, also applies to other areas with assets or infrastructure subject to wear and tear or deterioration.
RBI consists of strategic inspection planning, prioritizing assets based on the risk they pose to operations. This risk is defined as the product of the Probability of Failure (PoF) and the Consequence of Failure (CoF), which allows resources to be focused on equipment and circuits whose possible failure would have the greatest impact on safety, the environment, and business continuity. Rather than applying uniform inspections to the entire infrastructure, the RBI methodology directs efforts to critical points by systematically identifying and evaluating the factors that increase risk. This approach provides significant advantages: optimization of the inspection and maintenance budget, greater effectiveness in risk mitigation, and better alignment with the organization's strategic objectives.
Adopting RBI not only raises operational safety standards but also contributes to business sustainability by extending asset lifespans, reducing unplanned downtime, and minimizing incident-related costs. In this context, the integration of advanced technological solutions and specialized applications further improves monitoring and decision-making processes, thus consolidating the reliability and performance of industrial equipment.
Digitizing an RBI process is extremely critical, considering the importance of properly documenting field records, as well as their protection and monitoring over time. These records determine inspection frequencies and the schedule that must be developed in a disciplined manner over time by field inspectors.
Our strategic partner AsInt offers an innovative solution that covers all aspects of an RBI process, including inspection management, corrosion measurement points, recommendation management, and several other aspects relevant to the process.
AsInt's solution is built on decades of in-depth field expertise. This knowledge translates into recommendations and estimates that AsInt offers as a value-added content element within the same RBI application.
Technologically, it is an application developed with the latest integration standards with ERP platforms, whether with SAP through its SAP BTP platform as a service, following the spirit of Clean Core or with other ERPs on the market.
Why Iquant?
Our strategic alliance with AsInt in Latin America allows us to provide advanced solutions for the digitalization and comprehensive management of RBI processes. We are supported by AsInt's multidisciplinary team of engineers and developers, who collaborate closely with Iquant in the implementation of each project, ensuring that each client's specific needs are met with precision and flexibility.
These cloud solutions are developed jointly, allowing us to support clients from the initial diagnosis stage through integration and implementation, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition. Furthermore, we maintain constant monitoring throughout the solution's lifecycle, incorporating the latest innovations and technological updates developed by AsInt.
Thanks to this ongoing collaboration, our clients can access cutting-edge tools for inspection management, asset integrity monitoring, and advanced risk analysis. The specialized features of AsInt's application, including corrosion measurement point management, automated recommendation tracking, and integration with leading ERP platforms such as SAP BTP, ensure efficient and transparent management of critical operational information.
This personalized approach and direct access to AsInt's specialized knowledge allow us to support companies seeking to strengthen their reliability systems and maximize the value of their industrial assets, thus consolidating more robust, agile processes aligned with international best practices.
What are the Expected Benefits?
Effective digitalization of the RBI process not only increases the reliability and safety of industrial systems but also enables significant optimization of operational resources. By reducing low-value inspections and focusing efforts on truly critical areas, companies can reduce OPEX and minimize downtime, resulting in greater asset availability.
It's important to highlight that the RBI methodology is aligned with international benchmarks, such as API 580 and API 581, and can complement specific regulatory requirements, such as NR-13 in Brazil. This approach helps organizations exceed the minimum legal requirements and adopt a more sophisticated and proactive risk management culture.
Furthermore, integrating RBI systems with advanced technology platforms provides real-time information, facilitates decision traceability, and ensures transparency in the management of critical data. Access to recommendations and estimates based on decades of experience provides companies with tools to strengthen their reliability systems and transform the way they manage the integrity of their assets, promoting more robust, agile processes aligned with international best practices.