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 …
A-Z of Pressure Equipment Integrity We’re often asked, “What kind of things do your courses cover?” Well, we couldn’t get that all down on here, but here is an A-Z snapshot of some common topics that are covered in our training courses. A – Anodic Protection Anodic protection is a technique used to prevent the corrosion of metal surfaces by …