Data and Information Collection
Four data families
RBI draws on four families of information, and each supports both POF and COF analysis:
- Design and construction – material of construction, nominal and current thickness, weld details and PWHT, linings, coatings, design code, design pressure/temperature, year built.
- Process and operating – fluid composition and contaminants, pressure, temperature, flow, cycling, water/chloride content, upsets, injection points, operating envelope.
- Inspection, maintenance, and failure history – past inspection methods, coverage, findings, repairs, alterations, leaks, and site and industry failure experience.
- Consequence data – inventory, release scenario inputs, population and occupancy, environmental receptors, production value, replacement cost.
Data quality is itself a finding
Every data element should carry a documented source and a confidence judgment. Where data are missing, the analysis cannot silently default to "low risk"; the conservative choice is to assume the less favorable condition and record the assumption, then plan inspection to resolve the uncertainty.
Frequent traps
- Treating design thickness as current thickness.
- Using a generic fluid description instead of actual composition and contaminant levels, which is what drives many damage mechanisms.
- Failing to gather industry and site failure history, which is often the best evidence for a credible mechanism.
- Confusing data collection with inspection: collecting records is not the same as establishing current condition.
Rule of thumb
Before analysis, ask "which damage mechanisms could this equipment experience, and is there data for each?" Missing data on a credible mechanism must be flagged, treated conservatively, and targeted in the inspection plan.