Use reliability-centered maintenance to identify real-world risks

Journal Article · Sun Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Hydrocarbon Processing

OSTI ID:122678

Jones, R B ^[1]

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1. Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, Hartford, CT (United States)

Using reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) methods, hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) companies can make realistic, tangible progress toward reducing risk, improving productivity, minimizing downtime and increasing profitability. Because the HPI uses complex processes and operational practices to manufacture products, an effective analytical technique such as RCM is needed to help identify and mitigate high-risk situations that may occur. RCM was created to provide guidelines on monitoring equipment and their failures and how to schedule maintenance tasks and at what frequencies to prevent unit malfunction. It is not a mathematical formula. Instead, it is a method by which a company can use its failure data, system design redundancies and operating experiences to develop a flexible and cohesive maintenance design. The paper describes how RCM was developed, the importance of human factors in plant operation and maintenance, and then illustrates the principles of RCM using a petroleum products pipeline system.

• OSTI ID: 122678
• Journal Information: Hydrocarbon Processing, Journal Name: Hydrocarbon Processing Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 74; ISSN HYPRAX; ISSN 0018-8190
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
ACCIDENTS
COMMUNICATIONS
DECISION TREE ANALYSIS
ERRORS
HUMAN FACTORS
IMPLEMENTATION
MAINTENANCE
MANAGEMENT
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
PIPELINES
RISK ASSESSMENT
SAFETY ANALYSIS