On April 2, 2010, the catastrophic failure of a heat exchanger at the Tesoro Anacortes Refinery in Washington led to a deadly explosion, killing seven workers. The root cause was identified as High-Temperature Hydrogen Attack (HTHA), a damage mechanism that degrades steel when exposed to hydrogen at high temperatures and pressures. Although the equipment was operating under conditions deemed safe …
The Importance of Integrity Operating Windows (IOWs) in Inspection Programmes
Training | Oct 22, 2024
Pitting corrosion poses a serious threat to the integrity of metallic structures, primarily due to its highly localised nature. Unlike uniform corrosion, which affects larger areas more predictably, pitting targets small, concentrated spots on a metal’s surface, leading to the formation of cavities or “pits” that can penetrate deeply into the material. Even when the overall mass loss is minimal, …
Developing a comprehensive inspection plan (WrittenScheme of Examination) for pressure vessels is not just usually a regulatory requirement—it is essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of industrial equipment. For those in industries such as oil refining, chemical processing, and petrochemicals, the extreme operating conditions and hazardous materials involved make a well-structured inspection plan critical. This article explores the …
Offshore structures are essential to the energy industry, supporting everything from oil and gas platforms to renewable energy installations. These complex assets operate in some of the most challenging environments on earth, requiring meticulous inspection and effective risk management to maintain their integrity and safety. Wilkinson Coutts Engineering Training Ltd is proud to launch our Offshore Structures Inspection and Risk …