API 580

study cards

What is the primary focus of RBI according to API 580?

Managing risk of equipment failure due to deterioration (maintaining mechanical integrity

Name two industries where RBI is commonly applied?

Refining and chemical process industry

How does RBI relate to traditional time-based inspection programs?

It prioritizes inspections based on risk rather than fixed intervals - focusing on higher-risk equipment can extend or optimize intervals for low-risk ones.

Why is RBI described as “mechanical integrity focused” and how does it differ from a PHA?

RBI deals with damage mechanisms and inspection to prevent failures, complementing PHA which looks at process design and operating deviations

List two benefits and two limitations of an RBI program.

Benefits - focuses resources on highest risk, identifies critical damage mechanisms, potentially reduces inspection frequency

Limitations - relies on good data and knowledgeable team, cannot overcome poor design or operation, must still comply with regulatory minimums

How does API 580 define “risk” in the context of RBI?

Risk = combination of probability of pailure and consequence of failure (Often PxC)

What does POF stand for and what does it mean?

Probability of Failure - the likelihood an equipment will fail due to degradation

Explain the difference between relative risk and absolute risk

Relative risk is a comparative ranking among items

Absolute risk is the specific risk value against a fixed criterion

What is meant by “residual risk”?

Residual risk is the risk remaining after mitigation actions have been taken

Risk is a combination of which two factors?

Probability of Failure and Consequence of Failure.

If an item has a very high probability of failure but very low consequences, would its risk necessarily be high? Why or why not?

Not necessarily – risk might be moderate or low because the consequence is negligible; risk depends on both factors (e.g., frequent small leaks with no impact are low risk).

What is one way to reduce the risk of a specific equipment item?

Reduce POF by increasing inspection or improving equipment (thus catching or preventing failures), or reduce COF by lowering inventory, adding safety systems, etc.

Explain the difference between prioritizing by relative risk and checking against an absolute risk criterion.

Relative risk ranking orders equipment by risk to decide who’s highest, whereas absolute risk criteria determine if a risk level is tolerable or needs action (even if it’s the highest, it might still be below an acceptable threshold, or conversely a moderate item could exceed a strict criterion).

In RBI, why is it important to understand both probability and consequence rather than just one or the other?

Because a “likely but trivial” event and an “rare but catastrophic” event might both be moderate risk – you need both dimensions to properly manage and communicate what the risk really means.)

What best describes the primary focus of an RBI program per API 580?

Managing the risk of equipment failure due to material deterioration.

According to API 580, risk is defined as:

The combination of probability and consequence of a failure event.

Which two factors are multiplied together to calculate risk in quantitative RBI?

Probability of Failure and Consequence of Failure.

The use of RBI for inspection planning is:

Entirely optional and subject to other code requirements.

API 580 recommends that RBI assessments be performed by:

A multidisciplinary team of qualified personnel.

What document is cited by API 580 for comprehensive information on damage mechanisms?

API 571.

What is the primary role of API RP 581 in relation to API RP 580?

It provides quantitative RBI calculation methods to complement API 580’s guidelines.

In the context of RBI, POF stands for

Probability of failure.

COF in RBI refers to:

Consequence of failure (impact if failure occurs).

Describe relative vs. absolute risk

Relative risk compares an item’s risk to others, whereas absolute risk measures against set criteria.

Per API 580, the evolution of inspection intervals moved from time-based to condition-based to:

Risk-based intervals.

What is the inspection interval philosophies is associated with codes like API 510/570/653?

Intervals based on half-life of equipment and condition-based adjustments.

RBI primarily aims to link which two aspects for each equipment item?

Failure mechanisms and appropriate inspection approaches.

In RBI, a “mechanical integrity focused” approach means:

Focusing on preventing leaks and ruptures due to material degradation.

How does RBI complement a Process Hazards Analysis (PHA)?

RBI focuses on equipment deterioration risk, complementing PHA’s focus on process design and operational hazards.

The target audience for API RP 580 primarily includes:

Mechanical integrity personnel such as inspectors and engineers.

Why does API 580 emphasize involvement of operations and process personnel in RBI teams?

Because operations can provide insight on process conditions and consequences, aiding risk assessment.

One benefit of an RBI program is identification of “risk drivers.” Which of these is a risk driver?
A. The technician’s schedule.
B. The specific damage mechanisms dominating risk for an equipment.
C. A list of all equipment in the unit.
D. Weather patterns near the plant.

B. The specific damage mechanisms dominating risk for an equipment.

What is NOT typically a benefit of RBI?

Complete elimination of all failures for the lifetime of equipment (guarantee).

According to API 580, an RBI assessment will NOT compensate for:

Inaccurate or missing data.

What is considered a limitation of RBI?

RBI’s effectiveness is limited if the data quality is poor.

Normative references in API 580 include API 510, 570, and 571. These references are important because:

They provide mandatory rules that RBI programs must still follow.

“Garbage in, garbage out” in RBI refers to:

The idea that poor quality or missing data will lead to unreliable RBI results.

Integrity Operating Windows (IOWs) relate to RBI how?

Exceeding IOWs can accelerate damage; RBI should consider IOW excursions in POF.

What best describes a qualitative RBI assessment?

An RBI that uses broad categories and expert judgment rather than detailed numeric calculations.