Risk Based Work Selection (RBWS) is one of the Best Practices used by refiners in managing safety and reliability of operations for a facility. RBWS enables refiners to optimize the scope, cost and duration of major turnarounds (TA). Optimization of the work scope is accomplished by screening individual TA Work List items, using a risk-based […]
There are many reasons why a refinery may want to change their crude slates. However, all of them boil down to economics. Whether a cheaper crude is available or there is a desire to manufacture specific products to increase profitability – money is the driver. However, in deciding to change your crude slate, the long […]
It is normal for piping systems to exhibit steady pressure pulses. Most of the time these pulses are inconsequential; however, in a few cases they must be eliminated because they can affect the reliable operation of the system or they can cause a mechanical failure. Becht Engineering recently assisted a client in the evaluation of […]
I am sure most of you heard about the tragic crane accident that occurred in Mecca in September 2015. I was paying very close attention as the crane was very large and similar to the cranes we work with everyday here at Becht. We have utilized the same make and model on three projects just […]
Equipment Operators face hundreds of work list items while planning for scheduled maintenance events. For each item the owner must make a decision on whether to repair or replace the equipment to resolve the deficiency. In some circumstances, owners are unable to come up with a cost effective repair solution so they default to the […]
Road Map of Regulatory Requirements General Design Criteria – The protection of nuclear power plants from the effects of tornadoes (or extreme winds from typhoons or hurricanes, depending on the locality) is required through 10CFR50 Appendix A, 10 CFR 50, Appendix A, General Design Criterion 2 which requires that structures, systems, and components (SSCs) important […]
Reliable operations is a key business objective for nearly every manufacturing plant due to global economic pressures and increasing Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements. Pacesetter sites that have been successful in achieving long-term reliability are characterized by Business Units empowered and accountable to meet their reliability targets. Structured work processes, with specialist support, provide the […]
Immediately following the Fukushima accident of March 11, 2011, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission assembled a Near-Term Task Force to gather the lessons learned from the Fukushima Dai-Ichi accident. The Task Force compiled a set of “Recommendations for Enhancing Reactor Safety in the 21st Century.” The Recommendations were approved by the Commissioner and issued for […]
Overview Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) units were first developed in the 1930s. Over the years this technology has evolved and it is one of the most important processes used in refineries. The FCC units are used to convert high boiling point, high molecular weight hydrocarbon fractions of crude oils to gasoline, olefinic gases, and other products. […]
In welded structures, fatigue failures typically occur at the welded joints. Stress concentrations and small flaws in the welds are key parameters in determining the fatigue life of weldments. Traditionally, fatigue analysis of welded joints has been performed by attempting to determine the peak stress at the welded joint and then entering an appropriate “S-N curve” to estimate […]