RMC-14-84 Heat Exchanger Threat Assessment Methodology

Description:

A threat assessment and mitigation procedure has been developed that provides a solution to the short and long term risks associated with heat exchanger pressure boundary and tube bundle failures. The foundational principle for the threat analysis is the quantitative risk based inspection methodology presented in the 2nd Edition of API 581, “Risk-based Inspection technology” and as implemented in the API RBI software, V9.0. Results from these analyses are risk mitigation recommendations whose goal is to improve reliability of each heat exchanger. This methodology provides a two or three page summary for each exchanger that documents the results of a materials/corrosion damage assessment, a review of exchanger operating conditions, a threats analysis and a risk analysis and provides short and long term risk mitigation strategies. Recommendations to mitigate risk are made where the calculated risk is determined to be above acceptable levels. The risk level, before and after risk mitigations have been implemented are displayed in a risk matrix. This paper provides a case study demonstrating the methodology and results.