equipment inspection

Equipment inspection involves assessing the physical condition and structural performance of components and systems to determine operational fitness. It is a cornerstone of integrity management, enabling detection of damage, degradation mechanisms, and deviations from design.

In the energy sector, inspection supports maintenance decisions, RBI intervals, and operational continuity. Globally, it evolves toward advanced techniques, remote inspection, automation, and digitalization, with wide adoption in the U.S., Europe, and LATAM.

Main topics

This section gathers content for inspectors, engineers, and integrity specialists.

Key topics include:

• Visual, dimensional, and specialized inspection
• RBI evaluation and asset criticality analysis
• Inspection of vessels, piping, tanks, and structures
• Thickness, deformation, and defect monitoring
• Remote techniques (drones, crawlers, ROVs)
• Compliance with API 510, 570, 653, and ASME
• Inspection planning, execution, and documentation

Inspection is essential to validate equipment integrity and prevent failures affecting safety, environment, and production. Challenges include adequate coverage, interpretation of results, regulatory compliance, and adoption of new technologies.