Abstract

VIVIERS, J.J.  and  VISSER, J.K.. A risk management methodology for non-metallic process equipment. S. Afr. J. Ind. Eng. [online]. 2008, vol.19, n.2, pp.61-76. ISSN 2224-7890.

Many companies in South Africa have implemented the risk-based inspection (RBI) methodology as a maintenance strategy. The risk involved in operating a piece of equipment, past history, non-destructive examination techniques, failure modes, and many other aspects determine the frequency of inspections required to meet legislation. The main purpose of the RBI methodology is to prevent failures of process equipment. The methodology for risk-based inspection for metal equipment is well-established and has been proven in industry, becoming the norm nationally and internationally. However, it is not possible to apply all the techniques to non-metallic equipment owing to vast differences between the two types of materials. This paper discusses the results of data gathered on the RBI methodology for non-metallic equipment, and proposes a risk-based model that can be used to perform a risk assessment for non-metallic equipment in a process plant. The risk assessment can be used to formulate the next inspection interval for the asset.

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