This course provides a structured understanding of Risk Based Inspection (RBI) principles and implementation using API 580 and API 581. It explains how RBI supports inspection planning by combining probability of failure, consequence of failure, damage mechanisms, inspection effectiveness, remaining life, and risk management. The course is designed for professionals involved in mechanical integrity, inspection planning, pressure equipment integrity, corrosion management, maintenance optimisation, and regulatory or company integrity programmes. Participants learn how to use RBI to prioritise inspection resources, justify inspection intervals, improve decision-making, and support safe and cost-effective asset management.
Who Should Attend
Integrity engineers and inspection engineers responsible for inspection planning
Corrosion and materials engineers involved in damage mechanism assessment
Maintenance engineers and asset managers supporting inspection optimisation
Managers responsible for inspection and integrity programmes
Prerequisites
Technical background in pressure equipment, inspection, corrosion, maintenance, or asset integrity is recommended. Familiarity with pressure vessel, piping, or process plant inspection is beneficial.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the purpose and principles of Risk Based Inspection
Explain the relationship between probability of failure, consequence of failure, and risk
Distinguish between qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative RBI approaches
Recognise typical damage mechanisms affecting pressure equipment and piping
Understand how inspection effectiveness influences risk and inspection interval
Apply API 580 and API 581 frameworks to RBI programme development
Use RBI results to optimise inspection intervals and inspection scope
Understand RBI documentation, review, reassessment, and management of change requirements
Course Outline
Module 01
Introduction to Risk Based Inspection
Purpose of RBI and its role in mechanical integrity
RBI as part of asset integrity management
Benefits and limitations of RBI
Regulatory and owner-user considerations
Overview of API 580 and API 581
Module 02
API 580 RBI Principles and Programme Framework
RBI programme structure and governance
Risk management process — identification, analysis, evaluation, treatment
Roles and responsibilities in an RBI programme
Data requirements — inspection history, process data, materials
Documentation, review, and management of change
Module 03
API 581 RBI Methodology
Qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative RBI
Probability of failure — thinning, cracking, and other damage factors
Consequence of failure — flammable, toxic, and environmental categories
Risk ranking and risk matrices
Inspection planning outputs from API 581
Module 04
Damage Mechanisms and Degradation
Internal and external corrosion — thinning mechanisms
Corrosion under insulation (CUI)
Erosion and erosion-corrosion
Fatigue and cyclic damage
Creep and high-temperature damage
Hydrogen damage and stress corrosion cracking mechanisms
Brittle fracture considerations
Module 05
Inspection Effectiveness and NDT Selection
Inspection effectiveness categories — A through E
NDT method selection for damage mechanism and geometry
Inspection confidence and reduction of probability of failure
Inspection history and data quality considerations
Updating risk based on inspection results
Module 06
RBI for Pressure Equipment and Piping
Pressure vessel RBI — component screening and analysis
Process piping RBI — corrosion circuit approach
Heat exchanger RBI — bundle and shell
Storage tank considerations
Relief device inspection and risk considerations
Module 07
Inspection Planning and Optimisation
Inspection interval development from RBI results
Inspection scope and method definition
Risk mitigation options — inspection, process control, material upgrade
Remaining life and reassessment interval
Integration with maintenance planning and turnaround
Module 08
RBI Implementation and Governance
RBI procedures and written programme requirements
Data management and quality assurance
Management of change in an RBI programme
RBI review cycles and re-assessment triggers
Auditing and continuous improvement of RBI programmes
Contact TES to discuss available delivery dates, onsite programme options for your organisation, or customised training scope for your team's specific technical needs.
