10. RBI, RBM and RIMAP methods

10.1 Origin and background

The RBI risk-based inspection method was first pioneered in 1993 by the American Petroleum Institute and a consortium of petrochemical companies. RBI is a method which uses risk as the basis for prioritizing and organizing the activities of a structural inspection program for petroleum installations. RBI activities mainly concern the optimization of non-destructive testing techniques to reduce risk. The second approach, called "risk-based maintenance" (RBM), is an adaptation of the RBI concept to conventional maintenance activities. There is no standard associated with RBM. The third RBIM approach stems from the European RIMAP project, and offers recommendations for developing risk-based inspection and maintenance policies for all types of equipment,...