The RBI methodology is not defined by a single text, but by a set of texts, each adapted to the type of equipment concerned.
Which texts should we refer to?
In English-speaking countries, APIs (American Petroleum Institute) are preferred, but they can be used in France:
The types of equipment concerned are :
- Pressure vessels
- Heat exchangers (shell and components side, pressure limit tube side)
- Heat exchanger boxes and bundles
- Hoses and Tubes
- Atmospheric storage tank shell and bottom sheets
- Compressors (Pressure limit only)
- Pumps (Pressure limit only)
- Pressure relief devices (including equipment protection)
In France, we will also give preference to recognized professional guides.
The reference texts for equipment under pressure or in voluntary follow-up are :
- DT 32 Guide for the establishment of an inspection plan (5 and 10 year IP and RP periodicity)
- Guide for the establishment of an inspection plan (IP and RP periodicity> 5 and >10 years)
API 580 & 581 can also be used.
We can also combine two methodologies. This criticality is expressed by a “Probability-Consequence” matrix, described in the UFIP/UIC DT84 Guide for the general fields, and API 581 for the details on the criteria to be retained.
The reference texts for cylindrical aboveground storage tanks are :
- EEMUA 159 (Engineering Equiment and Materials User Association) “Users’ Guide to the Inspection, Maintenance and Repair of Above Ground Vertical Cylindrical Steel Storage Tanks”
- API 580 & 581
- Professional Guides DT 32 and DT 84, which can be used by Recognized Inspection Services (RIS)
Note: The repositories used as a basis for the RBI methodology will have to be available at the industrial site concerned.
