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Process Design Practices: Closing the Knowledge Gap

Fragmented in-house knowledge and overreliance on third-party expertise are quietly eroding process design capability across the industry. Equity’s Process Design Practices (PDPs) provide a structured, customizable framework for capturing and transferring process design knowledge, supporting everything from equipment sizing and fluid handling to safety systems and basic engineering reviews.

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Engineering 101: Codes and Standards: A Working Introduction

Codes and standards are referenced constantly in process facilities, but early-career engineers often lack a clear framework for understanding what they are, how they relate to each other, and why they carry real legal and safety consequences. This article in our Engineering 101 series provides a practical introduction to the codes and standards landscape, covering construction codes, in-service codes, FFS standards, and RAGAGEP, with field examples and common pitfalls to help new engineers build a working foundation, whatever their role.

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Pipeline Defect Assessments for CSA Z662 Pipelines

Pipeline regulations in Canada differ from the ASME B31.4 and B31.8 standards used across the United States. In this article, the authors provide a detailed overview of the federally regulated CSA Z662 standard and clarify the differences between assessments (Section 10), engineering assessments (Section 3.4), and engineering critical assessments (Annex J & K). This is a must- read for any pipeline operators who wants to understand Canadian pipeline industry regulation and engineering assessment requirements.

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Practical Guidance for Plant Turnarounds

Typically, turnarounds pack months of work into a very short time period—what you do before, during, and after can make or break long-term reliability. In this article, Kraig and Neal provide practical guidance to help you better plan, execute, and close out TARs turnarounds with confidence.

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Reimagining Level 3 FFS: How Cloud Computing and Automation Are Transforming Asset Management

Cloud computing and automation are reshaping what’s possible in asset evaluation and management. In this article, the author provides a look inside the architecture of the new FEA Suite, shares real-world case studies, and explains how distributed computing helps overcome common barriers to Level 3 assessments. Get a glimpse into the future of faster, more reliable analysis.

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Reformer MOV Cracking FFS Case Study

This case study explores fatigue cracking in motor-operated valves (MOVs) used to cycle flow in and out of reformer unit reactors. Surface flaws were discovered during a recent turnaround which prompted further investigation. As only a few of the MOVs were opened and inspected, the owner-user was concerned about the extent and severity of cracks in additional valves. In this article, the authors share the details of the case study and how Equity’s recommendations helped the client make informed repair decisions.

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Are Dents Really a Problem?

There are several assessment procedures available for evaluating dents and determining whether a dent poses a viable threat to the integrity of a component. Read about common analysis methods for the critical failure mechanisms, potential failure mechanisms such as creep, complex dent configurations, and highlight the value of using a Level 3 finite element analysis (FEA) to determine whether the dent is truly a problem.

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Managing Refractory Degradation and Hotspots in Cold-Walled Equipment

Refractory linings are used to protect pressure vessels and piping components from hot process conditions but can degrade over time, leading to hotspots, creep damage, and potential failure. In this article, the authors discuss the benefits of conducting periodic inspection programs to manage refractory degradation and share an example to highlight the importance of detecting permanent material damage caused by creep or creep-fatigue.

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Advancements in Risk-Based Inspection Strategies for Ammonia Storage Tanks

Developing a repeatable, in-service inspection strategy for ammonia storage tanks is difficult; however, it will help improve operational reliability and minimize the probability of failure from several damage mechanisms, including ammonia stress corrosion cracking (SCC). In this article, the authors discuss Equity’s multi-disciplinary approach to navigate the challenges of these high-consequence ammonia storage tanks. Read how we integrate risk-based inspection (RBI), fitness-for-service (FFS), and materials and corrosion expertise to provide a comprehensive and practical inspection strategy.

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