Damage Mechanism Assessment

Reduce the High Cost of Corrosion

Damage mechanisms affecting process equipment are a complex function of the materials of construction and the operating or environmental conditions, both internal and external. A proper understanding of the damage mechanism affecting process equipment is critical to any mechanical integrity program.

Consideration must be given to active damage mechanism that may be in effect, as well as potential damage mechanisms resulting from process upsets, changes in operating conditions, and the presence of certain contaminants which aggravate or induce damage.

Equity engineers provide assistance in all levels of review to help identify damage mechanisms and provide information which promotes a better understanding of damage mechanisms to minimize the potential for failure. This includes:

• Reviewing PFD’s to identify active and potential damage mechanisms in each piece of equipment
• Identifying which materials of construction are appropriate for specific process services as well as those which may be susceptible to damage
• Determining and/or assessing the cause of damage found in equipment
• Assessing the rate at which damage is likely to occur in the future
• Identifying methods to mitigate or prevent damage
• Reviewing operating parameters to identify variables which affect damage and which may be controlled in certain ranges to minimize or eliminate damage
• Selecting appropriate inspection techniques and levels of inspection