Inspection
Confidence
in Risk-Based
Inspection
(RBI)
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
Introduction to Inspection Confidence
in RBI
• Definition: Assurance level in inspection results
regarding asset condition.
• Key Component of Risk-Based Inspection (RBI)
methodologies.
• Direct impact on Probability of Failure (PoF)
calculations.
• Influences inspection intervals and resource
allocation.
• Goal: Ensure accurate asset condition assessment
for effective risk management.
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
Importance of Inspection Confidence
in RBI
• Improves accuracy in assessing asset health
and safety.
• Enables better decision-making in
maintenance and inspection frequency.
• High confidence minimizes unexpected
failures.
• Reduces operational risks by identifying
potential damage early.
• Key for optimizing resource allocation in RBI.
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
Factors Affecting Inspection
Confidence
• Inspection Technique: Different techniques offer
varying accuracy.
• Inspector Skill Level: Experience and training
directly impact results.
• Equipment Condition: Physical state (e.g., fouling)
may hinder accurate inspection.
• Accessibility: Some areas may be difficult to
inspect thoroughly.
• Data Quality: Consistent, reliable data increases
confidence.
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
Inspection Techniques and Their
Impact on Confidence
• Ultrasonic Testing (UT): High accuracy for
thickness and corrosion.
• Radiographic Testing (RT): Effective for internal
flaws, but costly.
• Phased Array UT: Provides detailed imaging for
complex structures.
• Visual Inspection: Quick but may miss subtle or
hidden issues.
• Advanced Sensors: Real-time monitoring
increases reliability.
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
Inspector Skills and Experience
• Qualified inspectors bring higher reliability in
results.
• Training and certifications ensure skill in
advanced techniques.
• Experience with specific damage mechanisms is
essential.
• Knowledge of equipment and historical issues
aids in accuracy.
• Continuous education on new technologies
boosts confidence.
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
Condition and Accessibility of
Equipment
• Equipment state affects inspection outcomes
(e.g., scaling reduces UT accuracy).
• Accessibility challenges can limit inspection
thoroughness.
• Certain areas may require specific techniques for
accurate results.
• Frequent cleaning and preparation increase data
quality.
• Planning for inspection during accessible
conditions helps confidence.
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
Role of Data Quality and Integrity
• High-quality, consistent data ensures reliable risk
analysis.
• Centralized data storage enables trend analysis
and accuracy.
• Data validation methods catch errors before
analysis.
• Automation reduces manual entry errors,
increasing consistency.
• Reliable data enhances trend-based decisions in
RBI.
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
Inspection Frequency and History
• Regular inspections provide a baseline for asset
health.
• Consistent findings over time build confidence in
asset stability.
• More frequent checks are necessary for high-risk
areas.
• Historical data can justify extending intervals for
low-risk assets.
• Tracking changes in results helps predict future
issues.
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
Impact of Inspection Confidence on
Probability of Failure (PoF)
• Higher confidence in inspection reduces PoF by
clarifying asset conditions.
• Accurate results allow for extended inspection
intervals when safe.
• Reduces risk of sudden failures by addressing
issues early.
• Builds a foundation for proactive maintenance
decisions.
• Enables focused inspection efforts on high-risk
areas.
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
Strategies to Enhance Inspection
Confidence
• Use advanced NDT methods with high reliability
(e.g., Phased Array UT).
• Continuous inspector training and certifications.
• Implement automated and real-time monitoring
systems.
• Improve data management practices for
consistent quality.
• Regularly review and update inspection protocols
based on findings.
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
• Inspection Confidence is essential for accurate
RBI risk assessments.
• Directly influences PoF, inspection frequency, and
resource use.
• Requires skilled inspectors, quality data, and
effective inspection methods.
• Strategies like real-time monitoring and training
enhance confidence.
• High inspection confidence leads to safer, more
cost-effective operations.
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
Further Reads/ Presentations;
Material selection in Oil & Gas Industry (Sour & Non-Sour) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-
usman-asghar-ba867a32_material-selection-in-oil-and-gas-industry-activity-7246870191932923904-
YhdO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
RBI Vs Traditional Inspection https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-ba867a32_rbi-vs-traditional-
inspection-activity-7262022565135581185-gkne?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Role of Data in RBI https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-ba867a32_role-of-data-in-rbi-
challenges-recommendations-activity-7264551739171733504-
e5Ei?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Overview of Thickness Monitoring Locations (TMLs) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-
ba867a32_overview-of-thickness-monitoring-locations-activity-7260206891643899904-
IBWi?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Optimizing Thickness Monitoring Locations (TMLs) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-
ba867a32_optimizing-thickness-monitoring-locations-activity-7261343062423965696-
qM9e?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Are Corrosion Inhibition & Chemical Injection the same? https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-
asghar-ba867a32_corrosion-inhibition-and-chemical-injection-activity-7259562638169231360-
HzbW?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-
ba867a32_microbiologically-influenced-corrosion-activity-7258772417366409216-
5xaL?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Stainless Steel uses in Oil & Gas Industry https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-
ba867a32_stainless-steel-materialsuses-in-oil-and-activity-7251218037507321857-
jMOI?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
Further Reads/ Presentations;
Protective Coatings and Linings (O&G industry): https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-
ba867a32_protectivecoatingsandlinings-activity-7265997549654712320-
PtIW?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI): https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-ba867a32_corrosion-
under-insulation-cui-activity-7263460821781925888-l6sH?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Corrosion Rate, Remaining Life, Inspection Intervals: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-
ba867a32_corrosion-rate-calcs-remaining-life-inspection-activity-7241400991596597248-
lpLx?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Corrosion Monitoring: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-ba867a32_corrosion-monitoring-
activity-7238834613719040000-xseU?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Bacteria in the Oil & Gas Industry-Sessile & Planktonic Bacteria https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-
asghar-ba867a32_bacteria-in-the-oil-gas-industry-sessile-activity-7262758687247581184-
cIOH?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
“Stress Relieving (SR)” is confused with “Heat Treatment”: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-
asghar-ba867a32_heat-treatment-methods-types-activity-7234455048959737857-
LWep?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
What is Sour Service: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-ba867a32_nace-ampp-sourservice-
activity-7232376576741437440-KwxI?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Pipelines- Internal & External Coating: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-ba867a32_pipelines-
internal-external-coating-activity-7232276879649501186-Ctjv?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Corrosion Vs Rust: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-ba867a32_corrosion-vs-rust-activity-
7235898861540507648-ggl2?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
Further Reads/ Presentations;
Corrosion Allowance: Theory & Calculations (Part-1) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-
ba867a32_corrosion-allowance-theory-calculations-activity-7244604477159206914-
zr_6?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Corrosion Allowance: Theory & Calculations (Part-2) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-
ba867a32_factors-affecting-corrosion-allowance-activity-7248956754024140800-
o3L_?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Chemical Injection Systems & their Materials Selection https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-
ba867a32_chemical-injection-systems-their-materials-activity-7269625162373767169-
yfVX?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Optimizing Coating Selection for Diverse Environments https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-
ba867a32_optimizing-coating-selection-for-diverse-activity-7268537991323656192-
HNOF?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Engineering Materials in Oil & Gas and Processing Industries https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-
ba867a32_engineering-materials-in-oilgas-and-processing-activity-7267088452859428865-
oxfJ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Common_Damage_Mechanisms_in_Refineries https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-ba867a32_most-
common-damage-mechanisms-found-in-refineries-activity-7262377420048003073-
K0DF?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Modular Construction/ Fabrication Oil and Gas https://www.linkedin.com/posts/muhammad-usman-asghar-
ba867a32_modularization-modular-construction-oil-activity-7252303261230088192-
04T_?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
Thank You!
By: Muhammad Usman Asghar
