F.A.Q.

Risk Based Inspection (RBI) will allow you to create an individual inspection plan for each asset/equipment based upon that individual asset’s properties, e.g. material; operating pressure & temperature; chemical compositions; operational impact; corrosion rates; etc. rather than a fixed interval/half remaining life model typically used.

Our Risk Based Inspection (RBI) method utilizes a combination of industry recognized models and real life inspection data. Throughout the RBI study, inspection gaps or deficiencies may be noted, and in the absence of high quality inspection data, this can be supplemented with conservative models and assumptions which may create a conservative inspection plan for your assets.

In this case you may see an initial increase in inspection activities to collect missing data to provide a more accurate assessment; however, typically RBI looks to optimize inspection programs which over time can result in fewer (but more detailed) inspections.

Risk Based Inspection (RBI) is typically presented in three methodologies: Qualitative; Semi-Quantitative and Quantitative.

Qualitative RBI uses data based on descriptive information using engineering judgment and industry experience as the basis for the analysis of probability and consequence of failure.

Semi-Quantitative RBI incorporates aspects from both the qualitative and quantitative approaches. Engineers gauge Likelihood of Failure (a quantitative measurement) alongside the qualitative Consequence of Failure to determine risk.

Quantitative RBI integrates relevant information such as facility design, operating practices, and operating history into a uniform methodology. It is a much more in-depth, data-intensive analysis than a qualitative or semi-quantitative assessment.

At Houston Integrity Consultants, we are able to adjust and modify our Risk Based Inspection (RBI) methodology to work with your company’s standard risk matrix. We can configure our assessments to meet the same standards and criteria you will be familiar with in other risk assessments such as PHA HAZOP studies.

Risk Based Inspection (RBI) can provide you with a priority list of assets which have the highest risk associated with them. We calculate risk as a combination of Probability of Failure (PoF) and Consequence of Failure (CoF). This can provide direction and guidance as to the assets that require your most immediate attention and inspection.

Yes we can!

We can assist in reviewing inspection data, calculating minimum thicknesses and allowable loss, remaining life, and next inspection due dates (whether using Risk Based Inspection or Fixed Interval).

SHIELD utilizes a SQL Server Database and is compatible with SQL Server 2012 onward. The SQL Server can be cloud, local network, or local machine installed, with the user interface client either being installed locally or distributed through a workspace service such as Citrix Receiver/Workspace or AWS Workspace.

SHIELD is available for use by owner/operators of plants, and also by inspection companies and contractors.

We have a range of licensing terms available for single sites; regional; full company; and other options to suit your needs.

Please email contact@houstonintegrity.com to discuss.

Yes!

If you wish to see a demonstration of SHIELD or trial SHIELD, please email contact@houstonintegrity.com.

Absolutely!

We can host the SHIELD software and database and provide you with online access to access and update your data.

Please email contact@houstonintegrity.com to allow us to tailor a solution to your needs.

Yes!

For example, our SHIELD RBI module can be customized to match your company standard risk matrix. This ensures that the risk matrix is familiar and understood across different disciplines and matches matrices used during other projects and exercises, such as PHA HAZOP’s.

Yes!

We have lots of experience with migrating data from other data sources such as UltraPIPE (and other software services) to SHIELD.

In 2020 alone we have migrated 150+ process plants from UltraPIPE to SHIELD.

We can provide full training for both our software solutions and our engineering services.

For SHIELD a detailed training program is established as part of the licensing terms which can be provided in person or remotely. Dependant on which SHIELD modules are licensed this training can be between 1 day and 3 days of training.

Ongoing training and support can also be provided remotely or in person, as well as new team member training and/or user fresher training.

We always love to hear how we can improve our SHIELD software suite. If you have a new feature request or question, please email contact@houstonintegrity.com with details.

We will review your request and can set up a meeting to discuss your request in more detail.

We would be happy to help with your questions.

In first instance, please email contact@houstonintegrity.com, providing as much detail as possible. This will allow us to route your question to the correct person and we aim to respond within 1 business day.

We aim for a maximum of two SHIELD releases per year to allow us time to incorporate new feature requests and bug fixes/improvements.

If there is an urgent need for a feature update/request we may be able to expedite this, however to minimize user disruption we try to avoid frequent updates.