Risk Based Inspection (RBI)

Risk-based inspection is a risk assessment and management process focused on preventing the loss of containment in pressurized equipment within processing facilities due to material degradation. These risks are primarily managed through regular equipment inspections.

It is also an approach to Asset Integrity Management that aims to optimize inspection activities based on the likelihood and potential consequences of equipment and system failures.

API 580: presents guidelines for developing an RBI program.

API 581 provides RBI methods to establish a risk-based inspection program.

What is Type of RBI Assessment?

Qualitative RBI: This approach requires data inputs based on descriptive information using engineering judgment and experience as the basis for the analysis of probability and COF.

The accuracy of results from a qualitative analysis is dependent on the background and expertise of the risk analysts and team members.

Semi-Quantitative RBI: Semi-quantitative is a term that describes any approach that has aspects derived from both the qualitative and quantitative approaches. It is geared to obtain the major benefits of the previous two approaches (e.g. speed of the qualitative and rigor of the quantitative). Typically, most of the data used in a quantitative approach is needed for this approach but in less detail.

Quantitative RBI: Fully QRA integrates into a uniform methodology the relevant information about facility design, operating practices, operating history, component reliability, human actions, the physical progression of accidents, and potential environmental and health effects.