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Structural
integrity, Engineering Critical (ECA), Fitness for Service (FFS) or
Fitness for Purpose (FFP) assessment of ageing plant is becoming extremely
important and can mean the difference between the continued safe use of a
component or structure or costly early retirement.
Structural
integrity fitness for service (FFS) assessments are normally based on a
fracture mechanics approach, which enables the engineer to deal with
ageing plant, which is possibly operating well beyond its original design
life.
The
key drivers for the use of structural integrity assessments in
demonstrating fitness for service are:
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Regulatory
- ageing plant is currently a regulatory priority for the UK HSE.
The likelihood is that major hazard sites in
Ireland
and elsewhere will be expected to demonstrate fitness for purpose in
the near future. |
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Cost
- maximise life of plant equipment & components. Plan maintenance
and target inspection of equipment with the appropriate techniques,
procedures and frequency. |
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Safety
- gain an understanding of the technical risks and provide a level of
comfort in knowing that these risks are being appropriately managed. |
At
Byrne Ó Cléirigh, we provide our expertise to industry, investors,
Government Departments and Regulatory Authorities. Our services can
help you to:
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Identify
problems with the integrity of operating plant and equipment;
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Deal
with potential degradation mechanisms, including fatigue, fracture,
corrosion & stress corrosion cracking; |
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Select
non-destructive testing techniques that will enable you to measure and
assess the effects and rate of deterioration; |
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Develop
targeted inspection strategies. |
Our
services also include:
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Structural
integrity or Fitness-for-service (FFS) assessments;
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Remnant
life assessment; |
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Investigation
of plant / equipment failures.
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Click here to read
our
Briefing Notes
on
the Seveso II Directive
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