A PROVEN PROCESS FOR ASSESSING THE TECHNICAL INTEGRITY OF AGING PRESSURE EQUIPMENT

摘要

This paper describes a detailed process for assessing two important aspects of aging pressure equipment infrastructure: 1) First by determining if the pressure equipment management systems (MS) are sufficiently effective to maintain and sustain the integrity and reliability of aging pressure equipment (vessels, tanks, and piping systems), 2) Secondly, by detailed individual equipment reviews (ER) to determine what vessels and piping systems may need recapitalization or major maintenance within the next 5-10 year timeframe. The two focused asset integrity reviews (FAIR+MS & FAIR+ER) can be completed in combination or separately in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a pressure equipment integrity maintenance program, as well as the actual condition of the highest risk pieces of pressure equipment and piping. The management system review surveys the 101 essential elements of pressure equipment integrity management and results in a benchmarking score for the operating site on the basis of 1000 points of excellence. This score allows the recipient to benchmark their status against many other sites that have already been reviewed and also facilitates the measurement of progress over time when the integrity reviews are repeated. The equipment specific review of individual pieces of equipment allows the recipient to determine how much it is likely to cost to maintain the facility (and to recapitalize, as necessary) in reliable operating order to support the on-going business. Both reviews result in specific recommendations on how the owner-operator can improve the pressure equipment management systems and maintain specific equipment.