API RBI Software, created by petroleum refinery and chemical plant owner/users, is based on API Publication 581, Base Resource Document - Risk-Based Inspection. Practical features are built into the technology, which is based on recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices.

Software licensees also have the privilege of participating in user group meetings with industry owner/user peers where participants share practical implementation experiences and establish the future evolution of the technology. Over 22 owner/user companies participate in the API RBI review and development process. Few other technologies can claim the high level of quality attained by subjecting the software to ongoing scrutiny by industry experts. This assures the best possible technology and features are available for practical, effective prioritization of inspection related resource allocation and risk management.

API RBI software users may rest assured that this innovative software program satisfies the requirements for RBI technology, as set forth in the latest editions of API Standards 510 and 570, and Recommended Practice 580, and allows the owner/user to establish inspection plans as an alternative to the traditional API 510 or API 570 approach.

Software features include:

• Analysis for pressure vessels, tanks, piping and pressure relief devices.
• Three levels of analysis from > semi-quantitative > quantitative.
• Automated inspection planning.
• Consequence values expressed in terms of risk per unit area, risk per unit area per year, financial risk, matrix cell location and provide the options to factor injury, equipment damage, downtime costs, and toxic, explosive, fire damage, and environmental effects into the analysis.
• Consequence models for various and gases commonly encountered in the refining, petrochemical and chemicals industries.
• Discrete risk values for each piece of equipment.
• Qualitative risk matrix rankings.
• Financial risk calculation options.
• Data transfer utility to speed up information entry.
• Expert system damage module for various specific corrosion mechanisms (localized and generalized), various specific cracking mechanisms, fatigue, creep, high temperature hydrogen attack, various embrittlement mechanisms, etc. These modules are based on recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices, i.e., the latest available industry information from recognized authoritative sources.
  
• Perform "What If" analyses to consider changes and new equipment/unit reviews.
• Report capabilities for all risk scenarios, matrices, risk summaries,
  consequence and likelihood basis reports and inspection plans.

Find out how API RBI software can help to better focus your resource allocation while lowering risk by sending an e-mail to rbi@api.org, or by contacting Greg Alvarado at e-mail: gcalvarado@equityeng.com.