ICP Programs API-580 Passing Score

According to Section 7.3 of API 580:

“The data quality has a direct relation to the relative accuracy of the RBI analysis… Although the data requirements are quite different for the various types of RBI analysis, quality of input data is equally important no matter what approach to RBI is selected.”

This clearly establishes that regardless of whether a qualitative, semi-quantitative, or quantitative RBI method is chosen, the quality of data must remain consistently high to ensure meaningful risk assessments.

According to Section 5.3.6:

“The spectrum of risk analysis should be considered to be a continuum with qualitative and quantitative approaches being the two extremes of the continuum and everything in between being a semi-quantitative approach.”

This clearly defines the "continuum" as ranging from qualitative to quantitative methods, with semi-quantitative approaches in between.

API 580 outlines the required contents of an inspection plan in Section 12.3 and also in the "Output" section:

“The RBI inspection plan should include:

b) inspection methods that should be used;

c) extent of inspection (percent of total area to be examined or specific locations);

d) inspection interval or next inspection date (timing).”​

Therefore, "examination methods to be used" is a fundamental part of the inspection plan, as explicitly stated. Probability and consequence of failure are inputs to the risk analysis but not part of the inspection plan structure itself.

API 580, Section 13.2 (Equipment Replacement and Repair) states:

“When equipment deterioration has reached a point that the risk of failure cannot be managed to an acceptable level, replacement/repair is often the only way to mitigate the risk.”

This confirms that when deterioration is severe and other mitigation efforts cannot reduce the risk to acceptable levels, replacement or repair is the only effective solution.

Option B (FFS) may apply in earlier deterioration stages.

Option C (shortened inspection) is a monitoring method, not risk elimination.

Option D (rerating) helps in select cases but not when deterioration is too advanced.