Equipment integrity and reliability programs are essential for refinery and chemical facility operators. The processes of the programs are developed to ensure safety, optimize component life cycles, and promote smooth and economical operations. Yet, before such programs can be correctly built or optimized, a mechanical integrity and reliability assessment can serve as a powerful tool for improvement.
Assessing: The Greater Context
Assessments should not be confused with audits. An audit is characterized by pass/fail, it must be enforced, requires documented proof, and demands actions from findings. An assessment, on the other hand, aims at sustained improvement, taking input as fact, and ensuring that findings lead to solutions.