This recommended practice is intended to provide guidance on developing a risk-based inspection (RBI) program for fixed equipment and piping in the hydrocarbon and chemical process industries. It includes answers to basic questions such as:

What is RBI?

What are the key elements of RBI?

How do I implement a RBI program?

RP 580 provides users with the basic elements for developing and implementing a RBI program. It is based on the knowledge and experience of engineers, inspectors, risk analysts and other personnel in the hydrocarbon and chemical process industries.

RP 580 is intended to supplement API 510, Pressure Vessel Inspection Code, API 570, Piping Inspection Code, and API 653, Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration and Reconstruction. These API inspection codes and standards allow an owner/user latitude to plan an inspection strategy and increase or decrease the code-designated inspection frequencies based on the results of a RBI assessment. The assessment must systematically evaluate both the probability of failure and the associated consequence of failure. The probability of failure assessment must be based on all forms of deterioration that could reasonably be expected to affect the piece of equipment in the particular service. Refer to the respective code for other requirements.