1996 Index Summary
"Digital Still Cameras Improve Reporting Effectiveness"
by Chuck Foster, (IJ) Editor, Pacific Gas and Electric, San Francisco, CA
An example of how digital cameras improved reporting time, versatility and effectiveness of inspection. An actual example of a utility plant boiler is shown with references to camera equipment and specifications.
"Editorial- Readers Provide Foundation"
by Greg Alvarado, Chief Editor
An editorial summarizing the importance of the (IJ) foundation, i.e. readers’ input and participation. The synergy of (IJ) readers is critical in these "changing times". Keep an eye out for reader surveys and participate for maximum value!
"Reformer Furnaces - Letters to the Editor"
A reader request for information on the best methods for detection of creep in high alloy cast SS reformer furnace tubes.
"Invest in Inspectors for World Class Reliability"
by John T. Reynolds, Shell Oil Company and (IJ) Editor
An article on the importance of investing in inspection personnel. A "snapshot" of Shell Oil’s inspector program is shared.
"Places to Visit on the Net"
by Greg Alvarado, (IJ) Chief Editor
Regular column
"The New ASME Post - Construction Committee"
by Will Carter, Consultant, Vice-Chairman ASME Post Construction Committee
A review of the areas of activity for this committee and the reasons for it’s creation. This was near it’s beginning of their activities and announced the start-up of the Flaw Evaluation and Inspection Planning committees. PCC codes and standards are not to replace existing standards such as the Pressure Vessel Inspection Code - API 510 or the National Board Inspection Code, but are to provide technology based codes which will supplement those standards.
"Talk to Us" - Take Advantage of All Your Resources in the IJ
A request for (IJ) articles/information and topics desired as requested by readers. Some of the benefits of participating in the process of article submission are covered.
"NDT Market Rebound"
by Dr. G. Fulop, Maxtech International, Inc.
Detailed results of marketing studies of NDT services’ markets and average spending by those industrial market sectors in 1993, 1994 & 1995. Projections are made through 1999. A "must read" article for those interested in the competitiveness of the NDT service industry and predictions for future service levels in the various service sectors.
"More on Gussets"
by Del Underwood and Tim Munsterman, Det Norske Veritas
Part 2 in a series on the critical considerations in the design of gussets. Various designs are shown to help the inspectioneers notice designs that might warrant further inspection.
(IJ) Industry Activities Planner
A schedule of interest to the inspectioneer with dates, locations and activities, where provided.
"On - Line Condition Monitoring of Power Plant Equipment"
by George Jones, ERA Technology Inc.
The value of on-line monitoring technologies such as, strain gages, and other state-of -the-art devices, is discussed when used in addition to of-line techniques for boilers and other elevated temperature equipment. This information can add great value to damage and remaining life modeling as well as assist in realizing what operating conditions are affecting damage states.
"PERF Update" (Joint Industries NDE Initiative)
by E. B. Lendvai- Lintner and H.A. Wolf, Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
Three joint industry projects, i.e.; Advanced NDE for Piping Inspection, Heat Exchangers and Acoustic Emission are announced.
"A Primer on RFEC ( Remote Field Eddy Current ) for Tubes"
by Jim Yukes, Russell Technologies, Inc.
A review of this technology with diagrams and a histogram of results over the years.
"NACE Meeting Announcement - Acoustic Emission - Call for Presentations"
For Corrosion ‘96’ in Denver, CO
"Reader Survey"
Covering inspection techniques, qualifications and training.
"Impacts to the Environment Not as Severe as Thought"
Brief summary of results and recommendations of an environmental study on the effects of leaking underground fuel tanks. The study was commissioned by the US EPA, Region IX. Risk Based Corrective Action decision making is referenced.
"Practices for Inspection of Atmospheric and Low Pressure Storage Tanks, API RP-575"
Announcement of API recommended practice availability, pricing and how to order.
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"Structural Characterization of a Coke Drum", Part 1
by Richard S. Boswell, P.E., Stress Engineering Services, Inc. and Tom Farraro, CITGO Petroleum Corp.
Part of a 3 part series on monitoring and analysis of damage in delayed coking drums. Strain gages and thermocouples were used for field measurements. Much was learned about damage parameters to assist in decision making for improving reliability and safety in drum operation as regards materials engineering and inspection.
"Tips for Successful contracting of NDE Services"
by Greg Alvarado, IJ Chief Editor
A listing of points to consider, logistically and philosophically, to guide planning for NDE projects. Other points include what to look for in NDE contractors and how to evaluate bids and structure contracts.
"ISO 9000 for Inspection and Service Companies"
by Yehuda Dror, General Manager, DNV (USA) Certification, Inc.
A very good, brief explanation of the ISO 9000, 9001, 9002 series of standards and what they mean for and about inspection service companies.
"Do Annual or Bi-annual Boiler Inspections Really Add Safety Value In Our Industry?"
by John T. Reynolds, Shell Oil Company, IJ Editor
A discussion of industry initiatives where revisions to existing requirements/codes are being proposed an worked on where they do not add value.
Heavy Wall Chrome-Moly Reactors - NDE Workshop
Announcement of a joint industry workshop held in Chicago, IL on May 16, 1996.
Western States Corrosion Seminar: ARCO Presents Examples of Computerized Record-Keeping Systems and Root Cause Failure Analyses
NACE Seminar at California State Polytechnic University, May 7-9, 1996.
"Places to Visit on the Net"
by Greg Alvarado, IJ Chief Editor
An explanation of Usenet/Newsgroups and the World-Wide Web accompany this growing list of Locations of Interest on the Net.
IJ Industry Activities Planner
Regular Column
API-653, A Case Study
by P.E. Myers, Chevron Research & Technology Co.
Review of an inspection project where six months after inspection a major leak occurred. Reasons for the leak and the connection to the previous inspection are discussed along with repair plans and execution on bottom plates above potentially volatile areas.
"What Are They Doing on My Tank?" - the Role of the API-653 Inspector
by Steven L. Braune, P.E., AEC Engineering, Inc.
The API 653 aboveground storage tank inspection program and helpful considerations when planning & executing an inspection.
Engineering evaluation topics are covered, too.
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"PSM Regulation Citations: Trends in OSHA PSM Enforcement"
by Rolland E. Stroup, JBF Associates, Inc.
Statistics & trends in OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) citations from May of 1992 through may of 1995 are shown. Citations are broken out by subsection, this means Mechanical Integrity, too, which was second in the number of citations.
"Places to Visit on the Net", (Updated)
by Greg Alvarado, IJ Chief Editor
Executive summary/ explanation history of Newsgroups. The cumulative list is growing.
ASTM Symposium on Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics
Announcement for event held June 25th to 27th in Saratoga Springs, New York.
"Inspector’s Responsibilities for New FRP Vessels", Part 1
by John E. Niesse, Consultant, St. Louis, MO (314) 394-9341
Part 1 of a highly informative 2 part series on the history, fabrication/testing and inspection standards
for fiberglass reinforced plastic vessels. Inspector roles and requirements are covered.
"Status of California Underground Storage (UST) Tank Clean-Up Activities"
Update of news article covered in the January/February 1996 IJ.
"Letters to the Editor"
A letter in response to an earlier IJ article by editor John Reynolds, Shell Oil Company, Houston, TX, (January/February, 1996, Inspectioneering Journal) on world-class reliability. The writer covers the lack of formal training and certifications for Plant Inspection (Pressure Equipment Inspector) Engineers in the UK He thanks Mr. Reynolds for giving him the incentive and numerous ideas for a training and certification path.
Referencing the same IJ article another writer/subscriber (refinery materials engineer) has some specific questions for Mr. Reynolds regarding Shell Oil’s Pressure Equipment Inspector Training Program. John Reynolds then answers all 8 questions. A "must read".
"Verification of Fitness-for-Service Prediction Methodologies", (Seeking Cracked Vessels from Petrochemical Industries)
by Walter G. Reuter, INEL
The Idaho National Laboratories announces a search for service exposed structural components to be used as part of this jointly sponsored industry project. The contact name and telephone numbers are given, as well.
"Materials Societies Focus on a National Materials Policy"
News bit/announcement on a national materials conference held in Baltimore, MD June 17-20th. The US national perspectives and policies on materials were to be covered. Central theme was "A Materials Agenda for the 21st Century". The contact name and number in Washington, DC are provided.
NACE Spring Meeting Highlights: Oil & Gas Production & Refining Corrosion
Updates from recent NACE Intl. "Corrosion ‘96’" meetings/conference. Useful technical committee reports, test methods, etc. are referenced and reviewed along with costs and reference telephone numbers.
TAPPI - 1997 Engineering & Papermakers: Forming Bonds for Better Papermaking Conference (Call for Papers)
Announcement of conference held in Nashville, TN, October 6-9, 1997. A description of topics of interest to the Inspectioneer are provided in the July/August 1997 InspectioneeringTM Journal.
"Structural Characterization of a Coke Drum, Part 2"
by Richard S. Boswell, P.E., Stress Engineering Services, Inc. and Tom Farraro, CITGO Petroleum Corp.
See last issue for background details. Added to this article are drum growth observations and thickness surveys in specific locations.
"Gusset Problems - No. 3"
by Del Underwood, Metallurgist, Det Norske Veritas, (DNV),USA, Inc.
Part 3 in this series covering tubulars, gussets, bending & lifting loads and some common mis-conceptions. Includes graphic drawings of configurations.
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"Inspector’s Responsibilities for New FRP Vessels" - Part 2
by John E. Niesse, Consultant
Inspector responsibilities under various international codes are covered. Inspection methods and tools are described along with a discussion of the current state of inspector training and certification programs and needs. This series is extremely valuable for those involved in assuring the integrity/reliability of FRP vessels, pressure and static.
"A Promising Technology for Inspection of Insulated Piping"
by Hegeon Kwun and Richard Lopushansky, Southwest Research Institute
An emerging technology, magnetostrictive, for evaluating corrosion in relatively long lengths carbon steel piping
Results of phase 1 testing are covered along with principles and how to join this joint industry sponsored research project.
Structural Characterization of a Coke Drum", Part 3
by Richard S. Boswell, P.E., Stress Engineering, Inc. and Tom Farraro, CITGO Petroleum Corp.
Part 3 in this series where laser optic drum wall deflection measurements and stress and strain are compared. Stresses and relation on pressure ratings are discussed.
IJ Survey Results
Results on an IJ survey of NDE technologies and personnel utilized from refineries, chemical, utility and pulp and paper plants. Technologies such as UT, AE, eddy current and detection, characterization and sizing responses are tabulated and reported. Statistics on the needs for training are also covered.
CCPS to Create Equipment Reliability Database
by Joseph Mettalia, Jr., AiChE/CCPS
A joint industry project to create and operate an equipment reliability database is announced along with then-current members. Costs and deliverables are explained.
"Places to Visit on the Net" (Updated)
by Greg Alvarado IJ Chief Editor
Explanations of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and Web Browsers are provided. The list grows.
Highlights of NACE Acoustic Emission Group Meeting
From NACE Intl. "Corrosion ‘96’" Conference and Exhibition in Denver, CO.
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"Update on API Risk-Based Inspection Project", Part 1
by John T. Reynolds, Shell Oil Company, IJ Editor
Part 1 of a two part series explaining API’s (American Petroleum Institute) "spin" on the development of risk based Inspection (RBI) technology. The logic of such an approach to the many aspects of inspection and risk management of plant processing equipment is outlined with real examples.
US DOE and Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) Sign Responsible Care Agreement
Announcement of the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) recognition of CMA’s "Responsible Care" approach to plant health, safety & environmental performance in the chemical industry.
"Places to Visit on the Net" (Firewall and Proxy Servers)
by Greg Alvarado IJ Chief Editor
Explanations of Firewalls and Proxy Servers, security tools, in the network computer world.
"Detection of Erosion/Corrosion with NDE: Practical Considerations" (Utility Plant Perspective)
by Joe Mazzeo, Consultant for PG&E, San Francisco, CA
Limitations and benefits of various NDE techniques is explored with diagrams and samples.
Materials properties Council (MPC) Leverages Industries’ Efforts
Announcement of MPC forming joint committees, power & chemical and petroleum industries, to address various NDE and engineering challenges.
"Committee Reports, Recommended Practices & Standards - Benefits"
by Greg Alvarado, IJ Chief Editor
A review of 10 recently published industry practices, codes and publications related to NDE, inspection planning, equipment integrity for the chemical, refining and oil & gas producing industries.
Worldwide Survey Evaluates Acoustic Emission for In-Service Testing ERA Technology Ltd.
Announcement of survey hoped to form the basis of a ‘best practice’ guide to AE testing application. For the refining, utility and chemical industries.
Letter to the Editor
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"Update on API Risk-Based Inspection Project", Part 2
by John T. Reynolds, Shell Oil Company, IJ Editor
Part II of this highly informative study of API’s approach to RBI. Issues like inspection effectiveness, the various levels of approach and options for risk management through inspection planning are covered as well as future ties to reliability.
"Reliability of Coke Drums", Part 1
by Eivind Johnsen, Lynne Kaley and Andy Tallin, DNV Inc.
Part I of a 3 part series on damage prediction & control in this critical pieces of equipment in some refineries.
In this part, a background to the process and damage mechanisms are given along with some measured strain and temperature curves and a surface temperature distribution plot.
"Inspection Techniques for Detecting Corrosion Under Insulation"
by Michael Twomey, CONAM Inspection Inc.
Benefits, limitations and results of 6 NDE methods are covered in practical detail with samples and diagrams.
"API Program Highlights"
- Status of the API-510 pressure vessel inspection program. December 1996 is the first multiple choice format.
- The first international API-653 aboveground storage tanks inspector certification tests are announced.
- The API certification fee structure is updated.
NACE International Fall Committee Week 1996 Highlights
Covers Petroleum Production, Corrosion by Waters, Refining Industry and ISO/TC35/SC12 Coatings activities.
"Automatic Flaw Detection in TOFD Images for NDT During Welding"
by Shaun W. Lawson, Mechatronic Systems and Robotics Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
Automated time of flight diffraction ultrasonic scanning is briefly explained along with activities of a European
joint industry group’s efforts to improve analysis accuracies through the use of artificial neural networks.
First Annual Pressure equipment Industry Conference
Announcement of this conference in Alberta, Canada.
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