FIXED EQUIPMENT MECHANICAL INTEGRITY

ABSTRACT
Mechanical Integrity of fixed equipment such as tanks, pressure vessels, and boilers, means that the equipment is
designed, built, operated and maintained in such a manner as to contain the process. The goal is to prevent releases
of any kind and results in safe and reliable operations.
To best apply industry codes, standards and practices that ensure mechanical integrity, the life cycle of fixed
equipment is divided into two distinct stages. The first is the construction stage which involves design, fabrication
and installation. Once the design code name plate is permanently attached to the vessel, this stage is deemed
complete. It will never occur again. Instead, the post-construction stage takes over which covers the ongoing cycle
of operations and maintenance.
Post-construction codes take into account that equipment can corrode or crack in service and change from its
original start-up condition. There are three critical aspects to mechanical integrity during this stage. The first is
knowledge of the damage mechanisms that affect fixed equipment. Knowing how materials degrade is vital to
efficiently planning and scheduling inspection programs. The next step is to ensure the inspection is completed.
Finally the results need to be evaluated and repairs made if necessary, so the cycle can be repeated.
This paper discusses these two stages and goes into further detail on risk based inspection and fitness-for-service,
analytical methods for supporting mechanical integrity. It also shows how they apply to the pulp and paper industry.
Examples of utilizing post construction codes along with references to information on damage mechanisms are also
provided.. 

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