Upon Further Inspection
Upon Further Inspection, the mechanical integrity podcast, uses engaging interviews to celebrate the people, stories, and real-world industrial reliability experiences.
Every episode explores topics that matter most to professionals in oil & gas, refining, petrochemical, and other process industries. Through in-depth conversations with industry experts, we discuss themes like continuous improvement, safety, technology advancements, compliance, risk-based inspection, and professional growth.
Upon Further Inspection
Episode 9 - RBI Was the Way of the Future (featuring John Reynolds)
In episode nine, RBI Was the Way of the Future,' Branden and Greg continue their conversation with industry legend John Reynolds. Join us and hear about the evolution of mechanical integrity practices through John’s shared experiences and expertise.
In part two of this three-part series, the discussion traces the history of risk-based inspection (RBI), detailing its evolution from the nuclear power sector to its codification in API 580 and API 581 standards. Discussing the early days of RBI in the 1990s, the transition from time-based and condition-based inspection to RBI's formalized process. John shares insights from his tenure as the API 581 committee chair, recounts how he advocated for the shift towards RBI to improve industry reliability and safety. This episode also touches upon the challenges inspectors face with data overload and emphasizes the need for effective data analysis to prevent major incidents.
Stay tuned for the final segment of our interview with John Reynolds – it will be published on August 7, 2025. If you missed part 1, "The Mountains We Still Need to Climb", please listen here.
00:25 Early Days of RBI
03:35 The Evolution and Impact of Risk-Based Inspection
08:29 Challenges in Data Analysis for Inspectors
14:14 Conclusion
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Episode Acronyms & Abbreviations
API 580 – Risk-Based Inspection
API 581 – Risk-Based Inspection Technology
API RBI – Equity Software’s RBI desktop software available through PlantManager
CBI – Condition-based Inspection
CML – Condition Monitoring Locations
FEMI – Fixed Equipment Mechanical Integrity
MI – Mechanical Integrity
PSSAP – Process Safety Site Assessment Program
RBI – Risk-based Inspection
TBI – Time-based Inspection
TML – Thickness Monitoring Locations
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Note: The views and opinions expressed by the guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or the Upon Further Inspection podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own qualified advisors for guidance.
