Equipment Reliability

Assessing Mechanical Integrity Systems

Reliability can be defined as the probability that equipment can meet its defined function efficiently over a designated time. It is typically determined through a probability (probabilistic) assessment. Reliability assessments can also include: root cause failure analysis, failure modes and effects analysis, periodic or condition based tasks (repairs, inspections, replacement), mean time between failures (MTTF), mean time to repair (MTTR) and audits. Reliability should include evaluation of the life-cycle cost of an equipment item.

Benchmark FERMI Reviews

A reliability assessment can include a benchmark review of the plant (refinery, petrochemical, or upstream) mechanical integrity. These assessments are called FERMI (fixed equipment reliability mechanical integrity). A FERMI is an assessment that provides a comprehensive review of mechanical integrity with a focus on fixed equipment and piping and opportunities and vulnerabilities related to industry best practices. Other areas such as safety, operations, maintenance, management and training are addressed where they relate to mechanical integrity and reliability. The assessment reviews mechanical integrity systems, practices and cultures not only against compliance but also with respect to industry best practices.

The FERMI assessment generally includes: formal interviews with different people involved in the facility’s mechanical integrity / fixed equipment reliability program, file review and verification, follow-up interviews, reporting of results, and prioritization of recommendations. A review protocol has been developed and consists of a series of structured statements categorized into focus areas. Scoring of results can be done to track progress overtime and comparisons to other facilities.