A Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) program and a Mechanical Integrity (MI) program are both essential components of industrial safety and maintenance, but they focus on different aspects.

Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Program12: Mechanical Integrity (MI) Program34: Similarities: Differences:

What is HTHA?

HTHA stands for High Temperature Hydrogen Attack, which is a degradation mechanism that affects steels exposed to hydrogen at elevated temperatures and pressures. HTHA can cause cracking and failure of the steel, especially in welds and stressed areas¹. HTHA occurs when atomic hydrogen penetrates the steel and reacts with the carbon present to form methane … More What is HTHA?

Underground Fire Main Leak “Management”

In the natural gas distribution industry, underground leaks can be devastating. Or they can be harmless. The industry has techniques to detect underground gas leaks and when someone smells gas, everyone knows that the leak must be found before harm comes. Fire main leaks can seem harmless. The problem comes when the leak causes the … More Underground Fire Main Leak “Management”

Flow Battery Basics and Examples

Introduction Flow batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that store and release energy through chemical reactions involving liquid electrolytes. Unlike conventional batteries, flow batteries separate the energy storage medium (the electrolytes) and the energy conversion device (the electrochemical cell). This allows for independent scaling of power and energy, as well as long cycle and … More Flow Battery Basics and Examples

Improving Quality in the Chemical Manufacturing Plant

Quality assurance and quality control are two important aspects of ensuring the quality of work and maintenance in any industry, including chemical manufacturing. The nuclear industry has developed a system to ensure the quality of work and maintenance in a nuclear power plant, which can be adapted to the chemical manufacturing industry as well. Here … More Improving Quality in the Chemical Manufacturing Plant

Rehearsing Creative Process: How to Craft a Compelling Story for Your Presentation

As a risk manager, risk engineer, or underwriter, you may often have to present your findings, recommendations, or solutions to various audiences, such as clients, stakeholders, or regulators. You may have a lot of data, analysis, or evidence to support your claims, but how do you turn them into a coherent and persuasive story that … More Rehearsing Creative Process: How to Craft a Compelling Story for Your Presentation

Risk Management in Chemical Manufacturing: It’s About the Stakes

In the high-stakes world of chemical manufacturing, where volatile substances dance with precision and potential catastrophe, risk management is not a mere formality—it’s a lifeline. The phrase “it’s not about the odds, it’s about the stakes” resonates profoundly in this context. Let’s delve into the intricacies of risk management within chemical plants, where the balance … More Risk Management in Chemical Manufacturing: It’s About the Stakes

Thermal Runaway

Thermal runaway is a serious safety issue that affects lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in various applications such as electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops, and grid storage. Thermal runaway is a phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state that can result in extremely high temperatures, violent cell venting, smoke and fire12. Thermal … More Thermal Runaway

How to Manage Inspection Port Plugs in Oil and Gas Refineries

Inspection port plugs are devices that allow access to the inside of insulated pipes, vessels, tanks, or equipment for non-destructive testing (NDT) and personnel safety purposes. They are usually installed on the outside of the insulation jacket and can be removed and reinserted without damaging the insulation or the equipment. Types of Inspection Port Plugs … More How to Manage Inspection Port Plugs in Oil and Gas Refineries

Transformer Replacement Program for Refineries

Developing a program for refinery transformer replacements involves careful planning and consideration of various factors. Here’s a structured approach: 1. Assessment and End-of-Life Criteria: 2. Timeline and Maintenance Influences: 3. Planning and Coordination: 4. Risk Mitigation: 5. Documentation and Reporting: 6. Continuous Improvement: By following this structured program, the refinery can effectively manage transformer replacements, … More Transformer Replacement Program for Refineries