Nick Plentovich

Nick’s technical focus is the design and analysis of pressure relief systems and the quantification of PRD probability of failure on demand (POFOD).  He is developing probabilistic, data-driven methods for POFOD estimation and is authoring a WRC bulletin proposing a Bayesian updating framework as an alternative to the current API 581 approach.  To support this work, he has developed in-house software for PRD risk assessment and relief system analysis.  As a Staff Engineer II at Equity Engineering, he applies these methods across the full PRD lifecycle, from sizing and selection through risk-based inspection and interval determination.

Nick is active in API standards development for pressure relief.  He contributes to the API Subcommittee on Pressure Relieving Systems (SCPRS), serving on the task forces for API 520, 521, 522, and 2000, and works within the API 581 task force on relief device risk assessment.  He instructs API-U’s Pressure Relieving Systems course, is a member of AIChE’s Design Institute for Emergency Relief Systems (DIERS) work group, and presents regularly at DIERS and SCPRS meetings on pressure relief design and risk methodology.

In his project work, Nick manages and supports relief system programs, including large-scale revalidations, tank venting analyses, and PRD RBI implementations.  He evaluates relief device risk profiles and sets inspection intervals from POFOD and consequence of failure.

Beyond pressure relief, Nick leads Equity Engineering’s insulation and fireproofing Engineering Practices, which he recently reaffirmed.  He is also reaffirming and rewriting the firm’s fugitive emissions Engineering Practice.  His process simulation and analysis toolset includes HYSYS, Symmetry, Aspen Flare System Analyzer, and HTRI Xchanger Suite, and he programs in Python and MATLAB.

Before joining Equity Engineering, Nick was a Research Assistant at Cleveland State University, where he worked on reactor design for low-temperature catalytic gasification of household waste.