API RP 581 Risk-Based Inspection Methodology

Documenting and Demonstrating the Thinning

Probability of Failure Calculations,
Third Edition (Revised)

L. C. Kaley, P.E.
Trinity Bridge, LLC
Savannah, Georgia USA
November, 2014

ABSTRACT
A Joint Industry Project for Risk-Based Inspection (API RBI JIP) for the refining and
petrochemical industry was initiated by the American Petroleum Institute in 1993. The project
was conducted in three phases:
1) Methodology development Sponsor Group resulting in the publication of the Base

Resource Document on Risk-Based Inspection in October 1996.

2) Methodology improvements documentation and software development User Group

resulting in the publication of API RP 581 Second Edition in September 2008.

3) API Software User Group split from methodology development through an API 581

task group in November 2008.

The work from the JIP resulted in two publications: API 580 Risk-Based Inspection, released
in 2002 and API 581 Base Resource Document Risk-Based Inspection, originally released
in 1996. The concept behind these publications was for API 580 to introduce the principles
and present minimum general guidelines for risk-based inspection (RBI) while API 581 was to
provide quantitative RBI methods. The API RBI JIP has made improvements to the technology
since the original publication of these documents and released API RP 581, Second Edition
in September 2008. Since the release of the Second Edition, the API 581 task group has been
improving the methodology and revising the document for a Third Edition release in 2015.
Like the Second Edition, the Third Edition will be a three volume set, Part 1: Inspection
Planning Methodology, Part 2: Probability of Failure Methodology, and Part 3: Consequence
of Failure Methodology.
Among the changes incorporated into the Third Edition of API RP 581 is a significant
modification to the thinning Probability of Failure (POF) calculation. The methodology
documented in the Third Edition forms the basis for the original Art table approach it will

This document is intended solely for the internal use of Trinity Bridge, LLC and may not be reproduced or transmitted by any means without the express written consent of
Trinity Bridge, LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright 2014, Trinity Bridge, LLC

replace. This paper provides the background for the technology behind the thinning model
as well as step-by-step worked examples demonstrating the methodology for thinning in this
new edition of API RP 581. This paper is a revision to a previous publication: API RP 581
Risk-Based Inspection Methodology Basis for Thinning Probability of Failure Calculations
published in November 2013.

This document is intended solely for the internal use of Trinity Bridge, LLC and may not be reproduced or transmitted by any means without the express written consent of
Trinity Bridge, LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright 2014, Trinity Bridge, LLC

1.0

INTRODUCTION

Initiated in May 1993 by an industry-sponsored group to develop practical methods for

implementing RBI, the API RBI methodology focuses inspection efforts on process equipment
with the highest risk. This sponsor group was organized and administered by API and included
the following members at project initiation: Amoco, ARCO, Ashland, BP, Chevron, CITGO,
Conoco, Dow Chemical, DNO Heather, DSM Services, Equistar Exxon, Fina, Koch, Marathon,
Mobil, Petro-Canada, Phillips, Saudi Aramco, Shell, Sun, Texaco, and UNOCAL.
The stated objective of the project was to develop a Base Resource Document (BRD) with
methods that were aimed at inspectors and plant engineers experienced in the inspection
and design of pressure-containing equipment. The BRD was specifically not intended to
become a comprehensive reference on the technology of Quantitative Risk Assessment
(QRA). For failure rate estimations, the project was to develop methodologies to modify
generic equipment item failure rates via modification factors. The approach that was
developed involved specialized expertise from members of the API Committee on Refinery
Equipment through working groups comprised of sponsor members. Safety, monetary loss,
and environmental impact were included for consequence calculations using algorithms from
the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Chemical Process Quantitative Risk
Assessment (CPQRA) guidelines. The results of the API RBI JIP and subsequent
development were simplified methods for estimating failure rates and consequences of
pressure boundary failures. The methods were aimed at persons who are not expert in
probability and statistical method for Probability of Failure (POF) calculations and detailed
QRA analysis.
1.1

Perceived Problems with POF Calculation

The POF calculation is based on the parameter Art that estimates the percentage of wall loss
and is used with inspection history to determine a Damage Factor (DF). The basis for the Art
table (Table 1) was to use structural reliability for load and strength of the equipment to
calculate a POF based on result in failure by plastic collapse.
A statistical distribution is applied to a thinning corrosion rate over time, accounting for the
variability of the actual thinning corrosion rate which can be greater than the rate assigned.
The amount of uncertainty in the corrosion rate is determined by the number and effectiveness
of inspections and the on-line monitoring that has been performed. Confidence that the
assigned corrosion rate is the rate that is experienced in-service increases with more thorough
inspection, a greater number of inspections, and/or more relevant information gathered
through the on-line monitoring. The DF is updated based on increased confidence in the
measured corrosion rate provided by using Bayes Theorem and the improved knowledge of
the component condition.
The Art table contains DFs created by using a base case piece of equipment to modify the
generic equipment item failure rates to calculate a final POF. The Art table has been used
successfully since 1995 to generate DFs for plant equipment and POF for risk prioritization of
inspection. The perceived problems that have been noted during almost 20 years of use are:
1) Use of three thinning damage states introduced non-uniform changes in DFs vs. Art,

leading to confusion during inspection planning. Methods for smoothing of data to

eliminate humps were undocumented.
2) Use of Mean Value First Order Reliability Method (MVFORM) affected POF

accuracies over more accurate statistical methods such as First Order Reliability
Method (FORM) or Weibull analysis.

Page 3 of 42

3) Results for specific equipment studied could be significantly different from the base

case equipment used due to different properties, specifically:

a.) Component geometric shapes used a cylindrical shape equation (not applicable
for a semi-hemispherical, spherical or other shapes).
b.) Material of construction tensile strength, TS, and yield strength, YS, values may
not be representative for all materials of construction used in service.
c.) Design temperature and pressure values may not be representative for all design
and operating conditions used in service.
d.) The 25% corrosion allowance assumption of furnished thickness at the time of
installation may not be representative for all equipment condition.
e.) The Art approach does not reference back to a design minimum thickness, tmin ,
value.
f.) Statistical values for confidence and Coefficients of Variance (COV) are not
representative of all equipment experience.
g.) The uncertainty in corrosion rate is double counted by using three damage states
as well as a thinning COV of 0.1.
4) The DFs in Table 1 are calculated with artificial limitations such as:

a.) A POF limit of 0.5 for each damage state limits the maximum DF to 3,210.
b.) Rounding DFs to integers limits the minimum DF to 1.
5) The Art approach does not apply to localized thinning.
1.2

Suggested Modified Approach

This paper will address these perceived problems and suggest a modified POF approach to
address the stated limitations, as applicable. While some of the perceived problems in reality
have little significance in the final calculated results, use of the model outlined in this
publication addresses all of the above limitations (with the exception of smoothing) to eliminate
the damage state step changes and the resulting humps. In addition, two worked examples
are provided to:
1) Validate the step-by-step calculations representing the DFs values in a modified Art,

Table 7.
2) Provide an example using results from Table 1 and the modified methodology. In this

example, use of Table 1 results produces a non-conservative DF and POF.

The methodology and worked examples presented in this paper follow the step-by-step
methods for calculation of the thinning DF as outlined in API RP 581, Third Edition planned
for release in 2015. A major part of the POF calculation and increase over time is due to
general or local thinning (both internal and external). The background for the original basis of
the thinning DF determination and POF is also provided in this paper. Figure 1 shows the
decision tree in determining the thinning DF.

Page 4 of 42

2.0

ORIGINAL BASIS FOR THINNING DAMAGE FACTOR AND Art TABLE

2.1

Background of Art Table

The DF methodology, developed in the early 1990s as a part of the API RBI JIP development
project, used probabilistic structural mechanics and inspection updating. Probabilistic analysis
methods normally used for evaluating single equipment were simplified for use as a risk
prioritization methodology. Table 1 was created as a part of the original API RBI JIP project to
provide an easy look-up table for use in risk determination for multiple equipment items.
Table 1 (Table 5.11 in API RP 581 2nd Edition, Part 2) was developed using the flow stress
approach outlined in Table 2 to evaluate the probability of failure due to thinning mechanisms
such as corrosion, erosion, and corrosion under insulation (CUI). Flow stress is the minimum
stress required to sustain plastic deformation of a pressure-containing envelope to failure and
provides a conservative POF estimates. Art is a factor related to the fraction of wall loss at
any point in time in the life of operating equipment. Table 1 was developed as a way to
evaluate the impact of inspection on POF as equipment wall becomes thinner with time. The
Art factor was developed using a structural reliability model integrated with a method based
on Bayes Theorem to allow credit for the number and type of inspections performed on the
POF and risk. The model was outlined in the API RBI JIP project and documented in API RP
581 First Edition in sufficient detail for skilled and experienced structural reliability specialists
to understand the basis for the factors in Table 1.
The two-dimensional Table 1 was generated using a base case equipment approach, as
outlined in Section 2.2. This base case approach provided a limited number of variables
available to determine the DF and limited the users ability to enter actual values or change
assumptions for different equipment design cases. Using the modified methodology outlined
in Section 4.0 with actual data for physical dimensions, materials properties and operating
conditions to calculate POF and DF will result in a more accurate POF and risk results and
improve discrimination between equipment risk and risk ranking.
2.2

Base Case for Art Table Development

The fixed variables and assumptions used to develop Table 1 were:

Cylindrical shape
Corrosion rate used to determine POF at 1, 2 and 4 the expected rate
Diameter of 60 inches
Thickness of 0.5 inches
Corrosion allowance of 0.125 inches (25% of thickness)
Design Pressure of 187.5 psig
Tensile strength of 60,000 psi
Yield strength of 35,000 psi
Allowable Stress of 15,000 psi
Weld Joint Efficiency of 1.0
Failure frequency adjustment factor of 1.56E-04
Maximum POF of 0.5 imposed for all each of the three damage states, limiting the maximum
damage factor to 3,205 (or

0.5
3, 205 )
1.56E 05

DF table values calculated up to Art = 0.65 and linearly extrapolated to Art = 1.0
COV for variables of pressure = 0.050, flow stress = 0.200, thinning = 0.100

Page 5 of 42

Categories and values of prior probabilities using low confidence values from
Table 3
Values for conditional probabilities using values from Table 4
Table 1 was based on the equipment dimensions and properties outlined above and applied
to all general plant fixed equipment. It was considered sufficiently applicable for other
equipment geometries, dimensions, and materials for the purposes of equipment inspection
prioritization.
2.3

Methodology Used In Development of the Thinning Damage Factor

2.3.1

State Changes In High Uncertainty Data Situations

Three damage states were used to account for corrosion rates higher than expected or
measured that could result in undesirable consequences to generate the Art in Table 1. The
three damage states used in the methodology were:
1) Damage State 1 Damage is no worse than expected or a factor of 1 is applied to

the expected corrosion rate

2) Damage State 2 Damage is no worse than expected or a factor of 2 is applied to

the expected corrosion rate

3) Damage State 3 Damage is no worse than expected or a factor of 4 is applied to

the expected corrosion rate

General corrosion rates are rarely more than four times the expected rate, while localized
corrosion can be more variable. The default values provided here are expected to apply to
many plant processes. Note that the uncertainty in the corrosion rate varies, depending on the
source and quality of the corrosion rate data. The result of using the three discrete damage
states creates a POF curve with humps for the low confidence (no inspection) case. As more
inspections are performed, less uncertainty in the corrosion rate results and the POF curve is
smoothed due to higher confidence in the equipment condition. The DFs in Table 1 were
rounded and visually smoothed to eliminate these abrupt changes causing damage state
changes.
The DFs shown in Table 5 were developed using the same flow stress approach used to
create Table 1 but without rounding DF values or smoothing to remove humps in low
confidence cases. Figure 2 uses the methodology to plot DFs for a 0E and 6A inspection case
from Table 5 and base case data equipment (Section 2.2). The humps in the low confidence
inspection curves are a function of combining three damage states with different rates of
increase with time. As confidence in the current state of the equipment is improved through
effective inspection, the influence of damage states 2 and 3 are reduced and the curve is
smooth.
It is important to note that the humps only occur in inherently high uncertainty situations and
are not noticeable in the practical application of the methodology for inspection planning. As
thinning continues over time, the DF will increase until an inspection is performed. After
inspection, the DF is recalculated based on the new inspection effectiveness case. While the
DF is not increasing at a constant rate in the low confidence inspection curves, the changes
in the rate are unnoticeable in the practical application. Changing the coefficient of variance
for thickness, COVt , value from 0.100 to 0.200 results in a smoother curve, as demonstrated
in the examples in Sections 4 and shown in Figure 5. When using the modified methodology
outlined in Section 4.0, the user may also redefine the three damage state definitions as well
as the confidence probability values in Table 4 for specific situations.

Page 6 of 42

2.3.2

Corrosion Rate Uncertainty

Since the future corrosion or damage rate in process equipment is not known with certainty,
the methodology applies uncertainty when the assigned corrosion rate is a discrete random
variable with three possible damage states (based on 1, 2, and 4 the corrosion rate). The
ability to state the corrosion rate precisely is limited by equipment complexity, process and
metallurgical variations, inaccessibility for inspection, and limitations of inspection and test
methods. The best information comes from inspection results for the current equipment
process operating conditions. Other sources of information include databases of plant
experience or reliance on a knowledgeable corrosion specialist.
The uncertainty in the corrosion rate varies, depending on the source and quality of the
corrosion rate data. For general thinning, the reliability of the information sources used to
establish a corrosion rate can be put into the following three categories:
1) Low Confidence Information Sources for Corrosion Rates Sources such as

published data, corrosion rate tables and expert opinion. Although they are often
used for design decisions, the actual corrosion rate that will be observed in a given
process situation may significantly differ from the design value.
2) Medium Confidence Information Sources for Corrosion Rates Sources such as

laboratory testing with simulated process conditions or limited in-situ corrosion

coupon testing. Corrosion rate data developed from sources that simulate the actual
process conditions usually provide a higher level of confidence in the predicted
corrosion rate.
3) High Confidence Information Sources for Corrosion Rates Sources such as

extensive field data from thorough inspections. Coupon data, reflecting five or more
years of experience with the process equipment (assuming significant process
changes have not occurred) provide a high level of confidence in the predicted
corrosion rate. If enough data is available from actual process experience, the actual
corrosion rate is very likely to be close to the expected value under normal operating
conditions.
Recommended confidence probabilities are provided in Table 4 and may be defined by the
user for specific applications.

Page 7 of 42

3.0

STATISTICAL AND RELIABILTY METHODS AND MODIFIED THINNING

METHODOLOGY

3.1

Limitations of Simplified Statistical Methods

Use of continuous states involves development of a cumulative probability distribution function

that best describes the underlying statistical distribution of corrosion rates (e.g., normal,
lognormal, Weibull, etc.). All variables that affect that corrosion rate (material, temperature,
velocity, etc.) for each piece of equipment should be considered. This approach is more
accurate if the function uses the correct mean, variance and underlying distribution in each
case. More detailed statistical methods were considered during development of the DF
approach, but were believed to add unnecessary complexity for use in risk-based inspection
prioritization. An MVFORM was adopted for use in the DF calculation and is known to be
overly
conservative,
particularly
at
very
low
POF
values
05
( < 3.00E ).
MVFORM is known to be less accurate at estimating the POF at very small values (high
reliability index, ), compared to other estimating methods (e.g. First Order Reliability Method
(FORM), Second Order Reliability Method (SORM), etc.), for nonlinear limit state equations.
MVFORM may be overly conservative if the input variable distributions are not normally
distributed.
Figure 3 compares the reliability indices calculated by MVFORM with FORM for the linear
thinning limit state equation. Three different distribution types were investigated: normal,
Weibull, and lognormal over a wide range of mean and variance values. The three distribution
type values in Figure 3 were assumed inputs as all normal variables, all lognormal variables
and all Weibull random variables. The results show that for reliability indices of 4 (
POF 3.00E 05 ) are comparable for all three distribution types. The results diverge when
4 ( POF 3.00E 05 ).
Since the primary goal of the POF calculation is to identify items at higher than generic failure
rates, the divergence of estimates at larger values do not affect the practical application
for risk prioritization and inspection planning practices.
3.2

Modified Vs Base Case Equipment Data Values

As outlined in Section 2.2, a base set of equipment data was initially used to generate the DF
values in Table 1. If the modified methodology outlined in this paper is used in place of the
base case data, equipment specific DF and POF will be calculated and none of the limitations
discussed in Sections 3.2.1 through 3.2.6 will apply.
3.2.1

Geometric Shapes

Stress due to internal pressure varies with equipment geometry. The base case uses a
cylindrical shape for the calculations. The modified approach in Section 4.0 allows for
calculations for other geometric shapes. Non-circular equations can be substituted if additional
geometries are desired (e.g., header boxes, pump and compressor casings, etc.). Testing
indicated that component geometry did not significantly affect DFs since design typically
accounts for the impact of geometry on applied stress.
3.2.2

Material of Construction Properties

The TS and YS values used in the base case apply to a large population of equipment in most
applications. However these assumed values may be non-conservative or overly conservative
depending on the actual materials of construction used. For improved accuracy, the modified
approach in Section 4.0 allows for use of the TS and YS values for the materials of construction.

Page 8 of 42

3.2.3

Pressure

The pressure, P , used in the base case is considered to be a high average condition for most
applications but may be non-conservative or overly conservative depending on the actual
service. The modified approach in Section 4.0 allows for use a pressure chosen by the user
for more accuracy.
It is important to note that the DF is not a direct indication of predicted equipment thickness to
tmin, particularly if operating pressure is used for the calculation. The user should consider the
impact of P used in the calculation compared to the design condition basis for tmin. If DF and
POF are required to provide a closer match to tmin values (i.e., inspection is recommended and
higher DF and POF are required), the user should consider using design pressure or a
pressure relief device (PRD) set pressure.
3.2.4

Corrosion Allowance

The most significant potential impact in the base case described in Section 2.2 used to
generate the Art table is the assumption that the corrosion allowance, CA , is 25% of the
furnished thickness. More importantly, this assumption is non-conservative in specific
situations, i.e., when the actual CA 25% (much less than 25%). Alternatively, the results
are overly conservative when the when the CA 25% .
The modified approach in Section 4.0 generates a DF and POF based on design and
condition of the equipment without the need for the CA assumptions used in the base case.
The result is an increased applicability and accuracy with direct application of the model.
3.2.5

Minimum Thickness, tmin

The Art factor equation does not use tmin directly to calculation the Thinning DF and POF. To
address the desire to incorporate tmin in API RP 581, Second Edition, the Art factor equation
was modified to incorporate tmin into the calculation. The equation modification eliminated an
overly conservative DF result when t tmin CA by assigning a DF of 0. However if
equipment thickness, t is required to tmin CA , there is no difference between the First and
Second Edition equations.
Use of the above equation will reduce the non-conservative and overly conservative results
when using the original Art table.
It was never the intent of the DF calculation using the Art approach to develop a methodology
that was specifically tied to the equipment tmin. In fact, the intent was to develop a risk-based
methodology that allowed for safe continued operation of very low consequence equipment at
an equipment thickness below the tmin. In these very low consequence cases, a run to failure
strategy might be acceptable and therefore, tmin is not relevant as an indication of fitness for
service. The use of this methodology does not imply that tmin is not important for risk-based
inspection planning. In fact, it is considered important to calculate the future predicted
thickness and corrosion allowance compared to DF and risk with time to develop the most
appropriate inspection planning strategies for each situation.
Thickness is represented in the methodology in part through the strength ratio parameter,
SRPThin , that is defined as the ratio of hoop stress to flow stress through two equations for
strength ratio parameter, SRPThin :
1) This strength ratio parameter uses

tmin is based on a design calculation that includes

evaluation for internal pressure hoop stress, external pressure and/or structural
considerations, as appropriate. The minimum required thickness calculation is the
design code tmin . When consideration for internal pressure hoop stress alone is not
sufficient, the minimum structural thickness, tc , should be used when appropriate.
Page 9 of 42

SRPThin

S E Max(tmin , tc )

FS Thin
trdi

2) This strength ratio parameter is based on internal pressure hoop stress only. It is not

appropriate where external pressure and/or structural considerations dominate.

When tc dominates or if the tmin is calculated a method other than API 579-1/ASME
FFS-1, the above equation should be used.

SRPThin

PD
FS Thin trdi

The final SRPThin is the maximum of the two strength parameters, as shown below.

SRPThin Max ( SRPThin

, SRPThin
)
1
2
3.2.6

Coefficient of Variances (COV)

The Coefficient of Variances, COV , were assigned for three key measurements affecting
POF, as follows:
1) Coefficient of Variance for thickness, COVt 0.100; uncertainty in inspection

measurement accuracy

2) Coefficient of Variance for pressure, COV P 0.050; uncertainty is accuracy of

pressure measurements

3) Coefficient of Variance for flow stress, COV S f 0.200; uncertainty of actual TS and

YS properties of equipment materials of construction

The three possible damage states described in Section 2.3.1 are used by Bayes theorem with
inspection measurements, prior knowledge and inspection effectiveness. Uncertainty in
equipment thickness due to inspection measurements is also accounted for when the
probability of three damage states are combined using a normal distribution with a
COVt 0.10 . This approach has a cumulative effect on the calculated POF due to the
combined uncertainty of expected damage rates in the future combined with inspection
measurement inaccuracy. Development of Table 7 was based on using the most conservative
values (Low Confidence) from Table 3. If the combined conservativeness is not applicable for
the specific application, the user may modify the damage state confidence values or adjust
the COVt to suit the situation using the Section 4.0 modified methodology.
As discussed in Section 2.3.1, the DF calculation is very sensitive to the value used for
COVt . The recommended range of values for COVt is 0.10 COVt 0.20 .Note that
the base case used a value of COVt 0.10 , resulting in hump at transitions between
damage states (Figure 2). Using a value of COVt 0.20 , results in a more conservative DF
but smoother transition between damage states, as shown in Figure 5.
Thin

Similarly, uncertainty is assigned to P measurements and FS , reflected by measurement

of TS and YS for the equipment material of construction. The COVs in
Section 4.0 modified methodology may be tailored by the user to suit the situation.
3.2.7

Duplication of Corrosion Rate Uncertainty

As discussed in Section 3.2.6, a COVt was assigned to reflect uncertainty in thickness

measurements through inspection. The three damage states defined in
Section 2.3.1 were assigned to reflect confidence in estimated or measured corrosion rates in
reflecting a future equipment condition. If the combined conservativeness is not applicable for

Page 10 of 42

the specific application or considered too conservative, the user may modify the damage state
confidence values or adjust the COVt to suit the situation using the Section 4.0 modified
methodology.
3.3

Damage Factors Calculated With Artificial Limitations

3.3.1

POF Extended to 1.0 for Three Damage States

The damage factors in Table 1 were limited to 3,205 ( 0.5 /1.56E 05 =3, 205 ) by a POF
maximum set at 0.5 for each of the three damage states. However since the maximum Art
factor in Table 1 was originally set to 0.65, the impact of the limitation was not obvious unless
the Art table is extended through 1.0, as shown in Table 5. The practical application of the
methodology required setting Art 1.0 to a DF of 5, 000 (expected through-wall) and
interpolating DFs between Art 0.65 and 1.0 in order to improve risk ranking discrimination
between equipment nearing or at a failure thickness. The extrapolated values with values to
1.0 are shown in Table 6.
By removing the POF limit of 0.5, the maximum DF is increased to 6,410
( 1.0 /1.56E 05 =6, 410 ) and the DFs calculated through an Art value of 1.0 rather than using
interpolation, as shown in Table 7. The DF increase using this approach is most significant
when Art 0.70 as shown in Figure 4 and where the DF 2,500 (Category 5 POF). The DFs
from Table 7 are shown graphically in Figure 5 comparing DFs for the 0E (low confidence)
and 1A (higher confidence) inspection cases.
An increase in thinning DF from 5,000 to 6,410 results in a maximum of 28% increase in DF.
This increase is most significant at Art 0.70 (Category 5 POF) when inspection is highly
recommended regardless of consequence levels, unless a run to failure scenario is used.
3.3.2

DF Lower Limit

Table 1 rounded DFs to a minimum value 1 to prevent a POF < G ff . Rounding in Table 7 has
not been performed, allowing a final POF less than the base G ff for equipment with very low

max D Thin
or no in-service damage. A minimum DF of D Thin
f
fB , 0.1
is used to limit the final
POF to an order of magnitude lower than G ff . The user may specify a different minimum or
no minimum DF for individual cases, if desired.
3.4

Localized Thinning

Whether the thinning is expected to be localized wall loss or general and uniform in nature,
this thinning type is used to define the inspection to be performed. Thinning type is assigned
for each potential thinning mechanism. If the thinning type is not known, guidance provided in
API RP 581 Part 2, Annex 2.B may be used to help determine the local or general thinning
type expected for various mechanisms. If multiple thinning mechanisms are possible and both
general and localized thinning mechanisms are assigned, the localized thinning type should
be used.
Localized corrosion in API RP 581 methodology is defined as non-uniform thinning occurring
over < 10% of the equipment affected area such that spot thickness measurements would be
highly unlikely to detect the localized behavior or even find the locally thinning areas. Localized
thinning in this case is not intended to be a Fitness-For-Service (FFS) evaluation method for
locally thin areas. For the localized thinning experienced, an area inspection method is
required to achieve a high level of certainty in the inspection conducted.

Page 11 of 42

4.0

EXAMPLES

4.1

Example 1 Calculation of Art Using Base Case Equipment

4.1.1

Base Case Thinning Damage Factor

Using the Base Case example defined in Section 2.2, with modifications to the methodology
behind the values in Table 1 recommended in Section 3.0, a step-by-step example is
presented below. Equipment data from Section 2.2 that will be used in this example is as
follows:

4.1.2

Design Pressure

187.5 psig

Design Temperature

650oF

Tensile Strength

60,000 psi

Yield Stress

35,000 psi

Allowable Stress

15,000 psi

Furnished Thickness

0.500 inch

Minimum Required Thickness

0.375 inch

Corrosion Allowance

0.125 inch

Weld Joint Efficiency

1.0

Diameter

60 inch

Corrosion Rate

0.005 ipy (5 mpy)

COVt

0.200

COV P

0.050

COVS f

0.200

Calculation of Thinning Damage Factor using Art Approach

The following example demonstrates the steps required for calculating the thinning damage
factor using the Art approach:
1) Determine the thickness,

t rdi and corrosion allowance, CA .

trdi 0.500 inch

CA 0.125 inch
2) Determine the corrosion rate of the base material, Cr ,bm .

C r ,bm 5 mpy
3) Determine the time in-service,

age , from the installation date or last inspection date.

age 25.0 years

4) Determine the minimum required wall thickness.

tmin 0.375 inch

5) Determine the number of historical inspections and the inspection effectiveness

category for each: Inspection History (1A).

6) Determine the Art parameter using Equation (2) based on

Cr ,bm from Step 2, age from Step 3 and tmin from Step 4.

Page 12 of 42

t rdi and CA from Step 1,

 t Cr ,bm age

Art max 1 rdi

, 0.0
tmin CA

0.500 0.005 25.0

Art max 1
, 0.0
0.375 0.125

Art max 1 0.75 , 0.0 0.25

(2)

7) Calculate thinning damage factor, D fB , using the inspection history from Step 5 and
thin

Art from Step 6.

a) Based on values from Table 1:

D thin
fB @ Art of 0.25 and 0E inspection in Table 1 520
D thin
fB @ Art of 0.25 and 1A inspection in Table 1 20
b) Based on values from Table 7:

D thin
fB @ Art of 0.25 and 0E inspection in Table 7 1, 272.90
D thin
fB @ Art of 0.25 and 1A inspection in Table 7 29.73
c) Based on values from Table 9:

D thin
fB @ Art of 0.25 and 0E inspection in Table 9 1,145.23
D thin
fB @ Art of 0.25 and 1A inspection in Table 9 10.64

4.1.3

Probability of Failure Using Reliability Methodology Approach

1) Calculate

Art using the base material corrosion rate, Cr ,bm , time in-service, age , last
known thickness, trdi , from Section 4.1.1.
C age
Art r ,bm
trdi

0.005 25
0.5
Art 0.25
Art

2) Calculate flow stress, FS Thin , using the Yield Stress, YS , Tensile Strength, TS , and

weld joint efficiency, E

FS Thin

YS TS E 1.1

2
35 60 1.0 1.1
FS Thin
2
Thin
FS 52.25
3) Calculate the strength ratio factor, SRP

using the greater of the following factors

using the minimum required thickness, tmin :
Thin

Thin
SRPThin Max ( SRPThin
1 , SRP 2 )

Page 13 of 42

a) Where SRPThin
1 is calculated:

SRPThin

S E Min (tmin , tc )

FS Thin
trdi

15 1.0 0.375

52.25 0.5
0.2153

SRPThin

1
SRPThin
1

Note: The minimum required thickness, t min , is based on a design calculation that includes
evaluation for internal pressure hoop stress, external pressure and/or structural
considerations, as appropriate. Consideration for internal pressure hoop stress alone is not
sufficient.

b) Where SRPThin
2 is calculated:

SRPThin

PD
FS Thin trdi

187.5 60
2 52.25 0.5
0.2153

SRPThin

2
SRPThin
2

Where is the shape factor for the component type:

2 for a cylinder , 4 for a sphere,1.13 for a head

Note: This strength ratio parameter is based on internal pressure hoop stress only. It is not
appropriate where external pressure and/or structural considerations dominate.
The final Strength Ratio parameter,

SRPThin

SRPThin Max ( SRPThin

, SRPThin
)
1
2
SRPThin Max (0.2153,0.2153)
SRPThin 0.2153
4) Determine the number of historical inspections for each of the corresponding

inspection effectiveness, N AThin , N BThin , N CThin , N DThin :

N AThin 1
N BThin 0
N CThin 0
N DThin 0
5) Determine prior probabilities of predicted thinning states.

Low Probability Data from Table 3 :

PrpThin
0.5
1
PrpThin
0.3
2
PrpThin
0.2
3

Page 14 of 42

6) Calculate the inspection effectiveness factors, I 1

, I 2Thin , I 3Thin , using prior

probabilities from Step 2 (Table 3), conditional probabilities from Table 4 and for no
inspection history and the number of historical inspections from Step 4.
Thin

a) For no inspection history:

ThinA
I1Thin PrpThin

1 Co p 1

N Thin
A

Co

Thin
ThinB N B
p1

I1Thin 0.50 0.9 0.7 0.5 0.4

0

Co

ThinC
p1

N CThin

Co

Thin
ThinD N D
p1

Co

ThinC
p2

N CThin

Co

Thin
ThinD N D
p2

ThinC
p3

N CThin

Co

Thin
ThinD N D
p3

Co

ThinC
p1

N CThin

Co

Thin
ThinD N D
p1

Co

ThinC
p2

N CThin

Co

Thin
ThinD N D
p2

ThinC
p3

N CThin

Co

Thin
ThinD N D
p3

I1Thin 0.50
ThinA
I 2Thin PrpThin

2 Co p 2

N Thin
A

Co

Thin
ThinB N B
p2

I 2Thin 0.30 0.09 0.2 0.3 0.33

0

I 2Thin 0.30
ThinA
I 3Thin PrpThin

3 Co p 3

N Thin
A

Co

Co

Thin
ThinB N B
p3

I 3Thin 0.20 0.01 0.1 0.2 0.27

0

I 3Thin 0.20
b) For 1A inspection history:
ThinA
I1Thin PrpThin

1 Co p 1

N Thin
A

Co

Thin
ThinB N B
p1

I1Thin 0.50 0.9 0.7 0.5 0.4

1

I1Thin 0.4500
ThinA
I 2Thin PrpThin

2 Co p 2

N Thin
A

Co

Thin
ThinB N B
p2

I 2Thin 0.30 0.09 0.2 0.3 0.33

1

I 2Thin 0.0270
ThinA
I 3Thin PrpThin

3 Co p 3

N Thin
A

Co

Thin
ThinB N B
p3

I 3Thin 0.20 0.01 0.1 0.2 0.27

1

Co

I 3Thin 0.0020
7) Calculate the posterior probabilities using I 1

Thin

a) For no inspection history:

Page 15 of 42

, I 2Thin and I 3Thin from Step 7.

PoThin
p1

I1Thin
I1Thin I 2Thin I 3Thin

0.50
0.50 0.30 0.20
0.50

PoThin
p1
PoThin
p1

PoThin
p2

I 2Thin
I1Thin I 2Thin I 3Thin

0.30
0.50 0.30 0.20
0.30

PoThin
p2
PoThin
p2

PoThin
p3

I 3Thin
I1Thin I 2Thin I 3Thin

0.20
0.50 0.30 0.20
0.20

PoThin
p3
PoThin
p3

b) For 1A inspection history:

PoThin
p1

I1Thin
I1Thin I 2Thin I 3Thin

0.4500
0.4500 0.0270 0.0020
0.9395

PoThin
p1
PoThin
p1

PoThin
p2

I 2Thin
I1Thin I 2Thin I 3Thin

0.0270
0.4500 0.0270 0.0020
0.0564

PoThin
p2
PoThin
p2

PoThin
p3

I 3Thin
I1Thin I 2Thin I 3Thin

0.0020
0.4500 0.0270 0.0020
0.0042

PoThin
p3
PoThin
p3

Page 16 of 42

8) Calculate the parameters, 1

Thin

COVP 0.05 .
1Thin
1Thin

, 2Thin , 3Thin where COVt 0.20 , COVS f 0.20 and

(1 DS1 Art ) SR Thin

p

DS1 2 Art 2 COVt 2 1 DS1 Art

) 2 COVP 2
COVS f 2 ( SR Thin
p

(1 1 0.25) 0.2153
12 0.252 0.2 2 1 1 0.25 0.22 (0.2153)2 0.052
2

1Thin 3.3739
2Thin
2Thin

(1 DS2 Art ) SR Thin

p

DS2 2 Art 2 COVt 2 1 DS2 Art

COVS f 2 ( SR Thin
) 2 COVP 2
p

(1 2 0.25) 0.2153
2 0.25 0.2 1 2 0.25 0.22 (0.2153) 2 0.052
2

2Thin 2.0072
3Thin
3Thin

(1 DS3 Art ) SR Thin

p

DS3 2 Art 2 COVt 2 1 DS3 Art

) 2 COVP 2
COVS f 2 ( SR Thin
p

(1 4 0.25) 0.2153
42 0.252 0.2 2 1 4 0.25 0.22 (0.2153) 2 0.052
2

3Thin 1.0750
Where

DS1 , DS2 and DS3

are the corrosion rate factors for Damage States 1, 2and3.

Note that the DF calculation is very sensitive to the value used for the coefficient of variance

COVt . The COVt is in the range 0.10 COVt 0.20 , with a

COVt 0.20.
recommended conservative value of

for thickness,

9) Calculate the base damage factor,

DThin
fB .

Thin
Thin
Thin
PoThin
PoThin
PoThin

p1 1
p2 2
p3 3

DThin
fb
1.56 E 04

0.50 3.3739 0.30 2.0072 0.20 ( 1.0750)

DThin

fb
1.56 E 04

1,145.23 for 0 Inspection

DThin
fb
D

Thin
fb

Thin
Thin
Thin
PoThin
PoThin
PoThin

p1 1
p2 2
p3 3

1.56 E 04

0.9395 3.3739 0.0564 2.0072 0.0042 ( 1.0750)

DThin

fb
1.56 E 04

33.30 for 1A Inspection

DThin
fb

Page 17 of 42

Where is the standard normal cumulative distribution function (NORMSDIST in Excel).

10) Determine the DF for thinning,

DThin
f

D Thin
fB FIP FDL FWD FAM FSM

max
D Thin

f
FOM

, 0.1

1, 272.90 1 1

D Thin
max
f
, 0.1
1

Thin
D f 1, 272.90 for 0 Inspection
D Thin
29.73 for 1A Inspection
fb

4.1.4

Calculation of Probability of Failure

The final POF calculation is performed using above Equation (1.1).

For 0E Inspection Case:

Pf (t )= 3.06 E 05 1,145.23 3.50E 02

For 1A Inspection Case:

Pf (t )= 3.06 E 05 33.30 1.09E 03

Page 18 of 42

4.2

Example 2 Calculation of Equipment Specific Art for Thin Wall, Low

Corrosion Allowance Equipment

4.2.1

Low CA Thinning Damage Factor

Using the modifications to the methodology behind Table 7 and in Section 4.0, a step-by-step
example is presented below for relatively thin equipment with very low corrosion allowance.
An Art table for the data below is shown in Table 8. Figure 6 compares DFs from Table 1,
Table 7, and Table 8 for the 1A inspection case. The example equipment data is as follows:

4.2.2

Design Pressure

109.5 psig

Design Temperature

650oF

Tensile Strength

70,000 psi

Yield Stress

37,000 psi

Allowable Stress

17,000 psi

Furnished Thickness

0.188 inch

Minimum Thickness

0.188 inch

Corrosion Allowance

0.00 inch

Weld Joint Efficiency

1.00

Inside Diameter (ID)

60 inch

Corrosion Rate

0.0063 ipy (6.3 mpy)

COVt

0.200

COV P

0.050

COVS f

0.200

Calculation of Thinning Damage Factor

The following example demonstrates the steps required for calculating the thinning damage
factor:
1)
2) Determine the thickness, t rdi and corrosion allowance,

CA .

trdi 0.188 inch

CA 0.0 inch
3) Determine the corrosion rate of the base material, Cr ,bm .

Cr ,bm 6.3 mpy

4) Determine the time in-service, age, from the installation date or last inspection date.

age 9.0 years

5) Determine the minimum required wall thickness.

tmin 0.188 inch

6) Determine the number of historical inspections and the inspection effectiveness

category for each: Inspection History (3B).

7) Determine the Art parameter using Equation (2) based on t rdi and

Cr ,bm from Step 2, age from Step 3 and tmin from Step 4.

Page 19 of 42

CA from Step 1,

 t Cr ,bm age

Art max 1 rdi

, 0.0
tmin CA

0.188 0.0063 9.0

Art max 1
, 0.0
0.188 0.00

(2)

Art max 1 0.6649 , 0.0 0.3016

DF for 0E inspection is 700 and 3B inspection is 15.
8) Determine the thinning damage factor, D fB , using Table 1 and Table 6 based on the
thin

number of and highest effective inspection category from 1) and the Art from 6) in
Section 4.2.2.

D thin
fB @ Art of 0.3016 and 0E inspection in Table 6 1,346
D thin
fB @ Art of 0.3016 and 3B inspection in Table 6 12.61
D thin
fB @ Art of 0.3016 and 0E inspection in Table 7 1,573
D thin
fB @ Art of 0.3016 and 3B inspection in Table 7 35.58
4.2.3

Probability of Failure Using Reliability Methodology

1) Calculate Art using the base material corrosion rate, in-service time, last known

thickness, allowable stress, weld joint efficiency and minimum required thickness
from Section 4.2.1.

Art

Cr ,bm age
trdi

0.0063 9
0.188
Art 0.3016
Art

2) Calculate flow stress,

FS Thin

FS Thin

YS TS E 1.1

2
37 70 1.0 1.1
FS Thin
2
Thin
FS 58.85
3) Calculate the strength ratio factor, SRPThin using the greater of the following factors:

SRPThin

S E Min (tmin , tc )

FS Thin
trdi

17.5 1.0 0.188

58.85 0.188
0.2974

SRPThin
SRPThin

Note: The minimum required thickness, t min , is based on a design calculation that includes
evaluation for internal pressure hoop stress, external pressure and/or structural
considerations, as appropriate. Consideration for internal pressure hoop stress alone is not
sufficient.

Page 20 of 42

SRPThin

PD
FS Thin trdi

109.5 60
2 58.85 0.188
0.2969

SRPThin
SRPThin

Where is the shape factor for the component type:

2 for a cylinder , 4 for a sphere,1.13 for a head

Note: This strength ratio parameter is based on internal pressure hoop stress only. It is not
appropriate where external pressure and/or structural considerations dominate.
The final Strength Ratio parameter,

SRPThin

SRPThin Max ( SRPThin

, SRPThin
)
1
2
SRPThin Max (0.2974,0.2969)
SRPThin 0.2974
4) Determine the number of historical inspections for each of the corresponding

inspection effectiveness, N AThin , N BThin , N CThin , N DThin :

N AThin 0
N BThin 3
N CThin 0
N DThin 0
5) Determine prior probabilities of predicted thinning states.

Low Probability Data from Table 3 :

PrpThin
0.5
1
PrpThin
0.3
2
PrpThin
0.2
3
6) Calculate the inspection effectiveness factors, I 1

, I 2Thin , I 3Thin , using prior

probabilities from Step 2 (Table 3), conditional probabilities from Table 4 and the
number of historical inspections from Step 4.
Thin

ThinA
I1Thin PrpThin

1 Co p 1

N Thin
A

Co

Thin
ThinB N B
p1

I1Thin 0.50 0.9 0.7 0.5 0.4

0

Co

ThinC
p1

N CThin

Co

Thin
ThinD N D
p1

Co

ThinC
p2

N CThin

Co

Thin
ThinD N D
p2

ThinC
p3

N CThin

Co

Thin
ThinD N D
p3

I1Thin 0.1715
ThinA
I 2Thin PrpThin

2 Co p 2

N Thin
A

Co

Thin
ThinB N B
p2

I 2Thin 0.30 0.09 0.2 0.3 0.33

0

I 2Thin 0.0024
ThinA
I 3Thin PrpThin

3 Co p 3

N Thin
A

Co

Thin
ThinB N B
p3

I 3Thin 0.20 0.01 0.1 0.2 0.27

0

Co
0

I 3Thin 0.0002

Page 21 of 42

7) Calculate the posterior probabilities using I 1

Thin

PoThin
p1

I1Thin
I1Thin I 2Thin I 3Thin

0.1715
0.1715 0.0024 0.0002
0.9851

PoThin
p1
PoThin
p1

PoThin
p2

I 2Thin
I1Thin I 2Thin I 3Thin

0.0024
0.1715 0.0024 0.0002
0.0138

PoThin
p2
PoThin
p2

PoThin
p3

I 3Thin
I1Thin I 2Thin I 3Thin

0.0002
0.1715 0.0024 0.0002
0.0011

PoThin
p3
PoThin
p3

Page 22 of 42

, I 2Thin and I 3Thin from Step 7.

8) Calculate the parameters, 1

Thin

COVP 0.05 .
1Thin
1Thin

, 2Thin , 3Thin where COVt 0.10 , COVS f 0.20 and

(1 DS1 Art ) SR Thin

p

DS1 2 Art 2 COVt 2 1 DS1 Art

) 2 COVP 2
COVS f 2 ( SR Thin
p

(1 1 0.3016) 0.2974
12 0.30162 0.22 1 1 0.3016 0.2 2 (0.2974) 2 0.052
2

1Thin 2.6233
2Thin
2Thin

(1 DS2 Art ) SR Thin

p

DS2 2 Art 2 COVt 2 1 DS2 Art

COVS f 2 ( SR Thin
) 2 COVP 2
p

(1 2 0.3016) 0.2974
2 0.3016 0.2 1 2 0.3016 0.2 2 (0.2974) 2 0.052
2

2Thin 0.6850
3Thin
3Thin

(1 DS3 Art ) SR Thin

p

DS3 2 Art 2 COVt 2 1 DS3 Art

) 2 COVP 2
COVS f 2 ( SR Thin
p

(1 4 0.3016) 0.2974
42 0.30162 0.22 1 4 0.3016 0.2 2 (0.2974) 2 0.052
2

3Thin 2.0542
Where

DS1 , DS2 and DS3

are the corrosion rate factors for Damage States 1, 2and3.

Note that the DF calculation is very sensitive to the value used for the coefficient of variance

COVt . The COVt is in the range 0.10 COVt 0.20 , with a

COVt 0.20.
recommended conservative value of

for thickness,

9) Calculate the base damage factor,

DThin
fB .

Thin
Thin
Thin
PoThin
PoThin
PoThin

p1 1
p 2 2
p3 3

DThin

fb
1.56 E 04

0.50 2.6233 0.30 0.6850 0.20 ( 2.0542)

DThin

fb
1.56 E 04

DThin
1,744.74 for 0 Inspection
fb
D

Thin
fb

Thin
Thin
Thin
PoThin
PoThin
PoThin

p1 1
p 2 2
p3 3

1.56 E 04

0.9851 2.6233 0.0138 0.6850 0.0011 ( 2.0542)

DThin

fb
1.56 E 04

DThin
56.50 for 3B Inspection
fb

Page 23 of 42

Where is the standard normal cumulative distribution function (NORMSDIST in Excel).

10) Determine the DF for thinning,

DThin
f

D Thin
fB FIP FDL FWD FAM FSM
max
D Thin

f
FOM

, 0.1

1,744.74 1 1

D Thin
max
f
, 0.1
1

Thin
D f 1,744.74 for 0 Inspection
D Thin
56.50 for 3B Inspection
fb
4.2.4

Calculation of Probability of Failure

The final probability of failure calculation is performed using above Equation (1.1).
For 0E Inspection Case:

Pf (t )= 3.06 E 05 1, 744.74 5.34 E 02

For 1A Inspection Case:

Pf (t )= 3.06 E 05 56.50 1.73E 03

Page 24 of 42

5.0

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

The background and methodology for thinning DF and POF determinations and perceived
problems with the original Art approach has been discussed. The basis for the original Art
table is a structural reliability equation for load and strength of the equipment to calculate a
POF using a base case of data. A suggested modified approach has been outlined to address
the limitations of the table values using the base case. While some of the perceived problems
or limitations have little impact on the accuracy of the final calculated results, use of the model
addresses all of the potential limitations identified during 20 years of practical application (with
the exception of smoothing to eliminate the damage state step changes and the resulting
humps). Two worked examples have been provided: a validation of the step-by-step
calculations compared to Art table values as well as an example that demonstrates more
realistic results for non-conservative results (low corrosion allowance) in the original table.
Use of the modified methodology will provide the following results:
1) Three thinning damage states introduce non-uniform changes in DFs over time. The

magnitude of the humps are reduced by using a COVt COV of 0.1. These humps
occur in high uncertainty situations and are not noticeable in the practical application
of the methodology for inspection planning. As thinning continues over time, the DF
will increase until an inspection is performed. After inspection, the DF is recalculated
based on the new inspection effectiveness case. In addition, the modified approach
allows the user to tailor calculations to their actual experience by defining the
damage states and corrosion rate confidence probabilities. Changing the coefficient
of variance for thickness, COVt , value from 0.100 to 0.200 results in a smoother
curve. The user may define the three damage state definitions as well as the
confidence probability values for the specific application.
2) MVFORM for calculation of POF is less accurate than other statistical methods if the

variable is not normally distributed. This significantly affects reliability indices when
< 4 (POF > 3.00E05). The primary goal of the POF calculation is to identify items at
higher than generic failure rates and provide a risk ranking priority. For this reason,
loss of accuracy at very low POF values is sufficiently accurate for risk prioritization
and inspection planning practices.
3) Uses specific equipment data rather than a base case. Equipment designed and

operating differently than the base case data used for the Art table could generate
less accurate results and affect risk prioritization:
a.) The modified approach in allows the user to replace the calculations for other
shapes and non-circular shapes (such as header boxes, pump and compressor
casings, et al). While testing indicates that calculation of DF and POF is not very
sensitive to component geometry, it is recommended that the user should tailor
calculations to address varying geometric shapes.
b.) While the material of construction tensile strength, TS, and yield strength, YS, are
representative of a large population of in-service equipment, the base case
values may be non-conservative or overly conservative depending on the actual
materials of construction used. It is recommended that the user tailor calculations
for actual TS and YS to improve accuracy for DF, POF, and risk prioritization
determinations.
c.) While the pressure, P, used in the base case is considered to be a high average
condition for most applications, it may be non-conservative or overly conservative
depending on the actual service. It is recommended that the user tailor

Page 25 of 42

d.)

e.)

f.)

g.)

calculations for actual P to improve accuracy for DF, POF, and risk prioritization
determinations.
It is important to note that the DF is not a direct indication of predicted between
equipment thickness and tmin, particularly if operating pressure is used for the
calculation. The user should consider the impact of the basis used for P in the
calculation compared to the design condition basis for tmin. If DF and POF are
required to provide a closer correlation to tmin (i.e., inspection is recommended
and higher DF and POF are required), the user should consider using design
pressure or a PRD set pressure.
The most significant potential impact in the base case used to generate the Art
table is the assumption that the corrosion allowance, CA , is 25% of the furnished
thickness. This assumption is non-conservative when the actual CA 25% and
overly conservative when the when the CA 25% . The modified methodology
generates a POF based on design and measured thickness of the equipment
without the need for CA assumptions. The result is an increased applicability and
accuracy with direct application of the model.
Corrosion rate uncertainty is introduced by using three damage states based on
inspection measurements, prior knowledge and inspection effectiveness using
Bayes theorem. Uncertainty in measured equipment thickness accounted for
when the probability of the damage states are combined using a normal
distribution with a COVt = 0.100. This approach has a cumulative effect on the
calculated POF due to the combined uncertainty of expected damage rates in the
future combined with inspection measurement inaccuracy. It is recommended
that the user tailor calculations for damage state confidence values or adjust the
COVt to improve accuracy for DF, POF, and risk prioritization determinations.
Uncertainty is applied to P measurements and flow stress, reflected by TS and
YS measurements for material of construction. It is recommended that the COVP
and C O V S f be tailored by the user for the actual application.
A COVt was assigned to reflect uncertainty in thickness measurements through
inspection. Uncertainty of corrosion rate in predicting the future equipment
condition is assigned by using three possible damage states. It is recommended
that the user tailor calculations for damage states and thinning COV to improve
accuracy for DF, POF, and risk prioritization determinations.

4) Artificial constraints in Table 1 calculated DFs have been removed or modified,

including the following:

a.) The original Art table included artificial constraints to DF and POF. The Art
maximum was set to 0.65 and the POF for each damage state was limited to 0.5
(setting a maximum DF of 3,210). As a result, interpolation between 0.65 and 1.0
(with DF set to 5,000) was required for an Art > 0.65. Removing the POF limit of
0.5 allows calculation of a damage factor to Art = 1.0 at DF = 6420 (through wall
failure) without the need for interpolation. An increased DF using the modified
approach is most significant when Art > 0.70 and where the DF > 2,500 (Category
5 POF). The maximum DF increase of 5,000 to 6,410 reflects a possible 28%
increase in DF and POF at the highest probabilities. This increase is most
significant at Art > 0.70 (Category 5 POF) when inspection is highly recommended
regardless of consequence levels, unless a run to failure scenario is used.
b.) The Art minimum DF values were originally set to 1, preventing a POF < Gff. The
modified approach allows a minimum DF of 0.1, allowing a final POF less than

Page 26 of 42

the Gff with very low or no in-service damage potential. The user may specify a
different minimum DF or minimum POF , if desired.
5) Definition for localized corrosion in API RP 581 methodology as non-uniform thinning

occurring over <10% of the equipment affected area such that spot thickness
measurements would be highly unlikely to detect the localized behavior or even find
the locally thinning areas. Localized thinning in this case is not intended to be a FFS
evaluation method for locally thin areas. For the localized thinning experienced, an
area inspection method is required to achieve a high level of certainty in the
inspection conducted. For the purposes of risk prioritization and inspection planning,
the importance of localized corrosion is adequately addressed.
The modified DF and POF methodology discussed and examples presented provides a
simplified approach for DF and POF calculations specifically developed for the purpose of
equipment risk prioritization and inspection planning. While more quantitative methods are
available to improve accuracy, the methodology presented avoids unnecessary statistical and
probabilistic complexities that add little value for the purpose of fixed equipment inspection
planning.

Page 27 of 42

6.0

TABLES AND FIGURES

6.1

Figures
STEP 1: Determine the corrosion rate,
Cr,bm and Cr,cm based on the material of
construction and process environment

STEP 2: Determine the time-in-service,

agetk, since the last inspection reading,
trdi

STEP 3: If vessel is clad, calculate

the agerc

STEP 4:

Is the component
a tank bottom?

Yes

Does the tank have a

release protection
barrier?

Yes

tmin=0.254
cm (0.10 in.)

No
No
Determine S, E and tmin
using the original
construction code or API
579-1/ASME FFS-1

tmin= 0.127 cm
(0.05 in.)

STEP 5: Calculate the Art

STEP 6: Calculate the Flow Stress

STEP 7: Calculate the Strength

Ratio parameter

STEPS 8-10: Determine the number and

effectiveness category for inspections and
calculate Posterior Probabilities for inspection

STEPS 11-13: Calculate the DF

STEP 14:

Determine adjustment factors:

Online Monitoring
Injection/Mix Points
Dead Legs
Welded Construction
Maintenance
Settlement

Determine final damage

factor for thinning

Figure 1 Determination of the Thinning Damage Factor

Page 28 of 42

Damage Factor vs. Art

Thinning Damage Factor

3,500
3,000

Low Confidence
Inspection (0E)

2,500

High Confidence
Inspection (1A)

2,000
1,500
1,000
500

0.9

0.95

0.8

0.85

0.7

0.75

0.6

0.65

0.5

0.55

0.4

0.45

0.3

0.35

0.2

0.25

0.2

0.18

0.16

0.14

0.1

0.12

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

Fractions of Wall Loss, Art

Figure 2 Illustrates the DFs in Table 7 for a low confidence inspection case (0E) and high
confidence inspection case (6A).

8.0
Normal
Lognormal

MV

6.0

Weibull

4.0

2.0

0.0
0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

FORM

Figure 3 Comparison of reliability indices calculated using FORM, FORM and MVFORM,
MV 6.

Page 29 of 42

Artvs.DamageFactor
7,000

DamageFactor

6,000
5,000

SecondEdition,Table6
ModifiedDF,Table7

4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000

0.01
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
0.4
0.45
0.5
0.55
0.6
0.65
0.7
0.75
0.8
0.85
0.9
0.95
1

FractionofWallLoss,Art
Figure 4 Illustrates DFs for 1A inspection effectiveness comparisons from Table 6 and
Table 7.

DamageFactorvs.Thickness
DamageFactor

7,000.00
6,000.00

HighConfidenceInspection
LowConfidenceInspection

5,000.00
4,000.00
3,000.00
2,000.00
1,000.00

0.01
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
0.4
0.45
0.5
0.55
0.6
0.65
0.7
0.75
0.8
0.85
0.9
0.95
1

0.00

FractionofWallLoss,Art

Figure 5 Illustrates the DFs in Table 7 for a low confidence inspection case (0E) and high
confidence inspection case (6A).

Page 30 of 42

Artvs.DamageFactor
7000

DamageFactor

6000
5000

SecondEdition,Table6
ModifiedDF,Table7
LowCADF,Table8

4000
3000
2000
1000

0.01
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
0.4
0.45
0.5
0.55
0.6
0.65
0.7
0.75
0.8
0.85
0.9
0.95
1

FractionofWallLoss,Art
Figure 6 Illustrates the comparison DFs from Table 6, Table 7, and Table 8 for the
1A inspection effectiveness case.

Page 31 of 42

6.2

Tables
Table 1 Table 5.11 From API RP 581 Second Edition Thinning Damage Factors
Inspection Effectiveness

Art

1 Inspection

2 Inspections

3 Inspections

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

0.14

20

17

10

13

10

0.16

90

70

50

20

50

20

40

10

0.18

250

200

130

70

170

70

10

130

35

0.20

400

300

210

110

15

290

120

20

260

60

0.25

520

450

290

150

20

350

170

30

240

80

0.30

650

550

400

200

30

400

200

40

320

110

0.35

750

650

550

300

80

600

300

80

10

540

150

20

0.40

900

800

700

400

130

700

400

120

30

600

200

50

10

0.45

1050

900

810

500

200

800

500

160

40

700

270

60

20

0.50

1200

1100

970

600

270

1000

600

200

60

900

360

80

40

0.55

1350

1200

1130

700

350

1100

750

300

100

1000

500

130

90

0.60

1500

1400

1250

850

500

1300

900

400

230

1200

620

250

210

0.65

1900

1700

1400

1000

700

1600

1105

670

530

1300

880

550

500

Inspection Effectiveness

Art

4 Inspections

5 Inspections

6 Inspections

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

0.14

20

0.16

90

30

20

14

0.18

250

100

15

70

50

0.20

400

180

20

120

10

100

0.25

520

200

30

150

15

120

0.30

650

240

50

180

25

150

10

0.35

750

440

90

10

350

70

280

40

0.40

900

500

140

20

400

110

10

350

90

0.45

1050

600

200

30

15

500

160

20

15

400

130

20

15

0.50

1200

800

270

50

40

700

210

40

40

600

180

40

40

0.55

1350

900

350

100

90

800

260

90

90

700

240

90

90

0.60

1500

1000

450

220

210

900

360

210

210

800

300

210

210

0.65

1900

1200

700

530

500

1100

640

500

500

1000

600

500

500

Notes: Determine the row based on the calculated

Art

parameter. Then determine the thinning damage factor based

on the number and category of highest effective inspection. Interpolation may be used for intermediate values.

Page 32 of 42

Table 2 Impact of Thinning on POF 6

Variable

Description

FS Thin

FS Thin FS Thin

Pressure (operating, design, PRD

overpressure, etc.) used to
calculate the limit state function for
POF

wall thickness (as furnished,

measured from an inspection)

1, 2 and 3 Thinning Damage States

Diameter

ThinnThin

Thinning for Thinning Damage States

( Thin

Description

YS TS E 1.1

Thin
1

Variable

Thin
2

, Thin

Thin
3

, Thin

Expression

Thin
n

Description

Thin ThinnThin PD
FS 1

2t

Limit state function using

PD
2t

and where pressure, P ksi,

requiring that D t and when
g 0 the vessel fails

ThinnThin
dFS nThin 1

Derivative of limit state function

with respect to flow stress

FS Thin
dThinThin

trdi

Derivative of limit state function

with respect to thinning

D
dPcylThin
Cylinder
2 trdi

Derivative of limit state function

with respect to internal pressure
and component type

D
Thin
dPsph

Sphere/Spherical Head
4 trdi

D
Thin
dPhead

Semi-hemispherical Head
1.13 trdi

Thin
n

First order approximation to the

mean of the limit state function.
The mean value of the limit
state is calculated by evaluating
g at the mean values of the flow
Thin
stress, FS pressure, P and

Thin ThinThin
PD
n

FS 1

t
2t

Thin
corrosion, Thinn .

StdDev _ g

Thin
n

Thin
Thin
(( PSD
dPThin /1000) 2 ( FS SD
dFS1Thin ) 2
Thin
Thin 2
(ThinSD
) ))
1 dThin1

nThin g nThin / StdDev _ gnThin

First order approximation to the

variance of the limit state
function
Reliability index and POF as the
cumulative probability function of
a normal random variable with a
mean of 0 and standard
deviation of 1

POFnThin ( nThin ) NormSDist ( nThin )

Page 33 of 42

Table 3 Prior Probability for Thinning Corrosion Rate

Medium Confidence
High Confidence
Damage State
Low Confidence
Data
Data
Data
for
PrpThin
1
Damage State 1, DS1
For PrpThin
for
2
Damage State 2, DS2
for
PrpThin
3
Damage State 3, DS3

0.5

0.7

0.8

0.3

0.2

0.15

0.2

0.1

0.05

Table 4 Conditional Probability for Inspection Effectiveness

Conditional Probability
of Inspection
for
Co Thin
p1
Damage State 1, DS1
for
Co Thin
p2
Damage State 2, DS2
for
Co Thin
p3
Damage State 3, DS3

E None or
Ineffective

D Poorly
Effective

C Fairly
Effective

B Usually
Effective

A Highly
Effective

0.33

0.4

0.5

0.7

0.9

0.33

0.33

0.3

0.2

0.09

0.33

0.27

0.2

0.1

0.01

Page 34 of 42

Table 5 Calculated Art Damage Factors Without Rounding and Smoothing

Inspection Effectiveness

Art

1 Inspection
D

2 Inspections
A

3 Inspections
A

0.02

0.35

0.34

0.33

0.32

0.32

0.34

0.33

0.32

0.31

0.33

0.32

0.31

0.31

0.04

0.44

0.42

0.40

0.37

0.35

0.41

0.38

0.35

0.35

0.40

0.36

0.35

0.35

0.06

0.62

0.57

0.52

0.45

0.40

0.53

0.46

0.40

0.39

0.50

0.42

0.39

0.38

0.08

1.01

0.89

0.76

0.58

0.45

0.79

0.60

0.46

0.43

0.70

0.51

0.43

0.43

0.10

2.09

1.74

1.37

0.89

0.54

1.44

0.93

0.56

0.48

1.21

0.70

0.50

0.48

0.12

5.85

4.65

3.40

1.83

0.69

3.65

1.94

0.77

0.55

2.86

1.19

0.58

0.54

0.14

21.49

16.65

11.70

5.56

1.12

12.68

5.96

1.47

0.63

9.55

3.03

0.75

0.62

0.16

88.10

67.67

46.88

21.19

2.64

50.96

22.76

4.16

0.74

37.76

10.57

1.24

0.71

0.18

310.3

237.7

164.0

73.06

7.47

178.4

78.55

12.90

0.92

131.6

35.41

2.64

0.82

0.20

643.9

493.0

339.9

150.9

14.72

369.8

162.3

26.01

1.15

272.5

72.73

4.73

0.96

0.25

652.6

501.2

346.9

155.3

16.78

377.4

167.5

27.79

1.81

279.4

76.33

5.61

1.47

0.30

706.0

551.3

389.3

180.7

27.58

423.3

198.0

36.83

3.77

320.7

96.92

8.94

2.49

0.35

990.8

817.7

614.6

314.1

82.59

667.4

359.0

82.35

11.17

540.3

204.6

23.73

4.82

0.40

1,606

1,394

1,102

602.7

201.4

1,195

707.2

180.7

27.06

1,015

437.4

55.58

9.75

0.45

1,611

1,398

1,107

609.4

209.2

1,200

713.7

188.5

35.32

1,021

444.6

63.77

18.06

0.50

1,621

1,410

1,120

625.7

227.9

1,213

729.3

207.4

55.14

1,034

461.8

83.41

37.98

0.55

1,646

1,438

1,153

666.4

274.9

1,244

768.4

254.7

104.8

1,069

505.1

132.7

87.96

0.60

1,709

1,510

1,236

769.3

393.7

1,324

867.2

374.3

230.5

1,155

614.6

257.2

214.3

0.65

1,861

1,682

1,436

1,017

679.4

1,515

1,105

661.9

532.8

1,364

877.8

556.7

518.2

0.70

2,182

2,046

1,859

1,540

1,283

1,919

1,606

1,269

1,171

1,804

1,434

1,189

1,160

0.75

2,728

2,665

2,578

2,429

2,309

2,605

2,460

2,303

2,257

2,552

2,379

2,265

2,252

0.80

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

0.85

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

0.90

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

0.95

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

1.0

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

Inspection Effectiveness

Art

4 Inspections
D

5 Inspections
A

6 Inspections
A

0.02

0.35

0.33

0.32

0.31

0.31

0.32

0.32

0.31

0.31

0.32

0.32

0.31

0.31

0.04

0.44

0.39

0.36

0.35

0.35

0.38

0.35

0.35

0.35

0.37

0.35

0.35

0.35

0.06

0.62

0.47

0.40

0.38

0.38

0.45

0.39

0.38

0.38

0.44

0.39

0.38

0.38

0.08

1.01

0.64

0.47

0.43

0.43

0.59

0.45

0.43

0.43

0.55

0.44

0.43

0.43

0.10

2.09

1.03

0.58

0.48

0.48

0.89

0.53

0.48

0.48

0.78

0.50

0.48

0.48

0.12

5.85

2.25

0.84

0.55

0.54

1.79

0.68

0.54

0.54

1.45

0.60

0.54

0.54

0.14

21.49

7.13

1.67

0.64

0.62

5.32

1.07

0.62

0.62

3.98

0.82

0.62

0.62

0.16

88.10

27.62

4.95

0.79

0.71

20.01

2.50

0.72

0.71

14.42

1.46

0.71

0.71

0.18

310.3

95.66

15.60

1.09

0.82

68.73

7.00

0.86

0.82

48.94

3.37

0.82

0.82

0.20

643.9

197.9

31.60

1.51

0.95

141.9

13.75

1.04

0.95

100.8

6.24

0.96

0.95

0.25

652.6

204.0

34.08

2.12

1.45

147.3

15.48

1.57

1.45

105.6

7.49

1.47

1.45

0.30

706.0

240.7

47.53

3.73

2.37

179.5

24.18

2.68

2.36

133.5

13.17

2.44

2.36

0.35

990.8

435.3

116.8

9.26

4.20

349.7

67.88

5.52

4.14

280.9

40.62

4.52

4.13

0.40

1,606

855.9

266.4

21.09

8.02

717.7

162.3

11.56

7.85

599.4

99.85

8.89

7.83

0.45

1,611

862.0

274.1

29.37

16.34

724.1

170.2

19.86

16.17

606.2

107.9

17.20

16.15

0.50

1,621

876.6

292.4

49.22

36.27

739.6

189.1

39.77

36.10

622.4

127.3

37.13

36.08

0.55

1,646

913.4

338.4

99.02

86.27

778.5

236.7

89.72

86.10

663.2

175.8

87.11

86.09

0.60

1,709

1,006

454.6

225.0

212.7

876.9

357.1

216.0

212.6

766.2

298.7

213.5

212.6

0.65

1,861

1,230

734.1

527.7

516.8

1,113

646.5

519.7

516.6

1,014

594.0

517.5

516.6

0.70

2,182

1,702

1,324

1,167

1,159

1,613

1,258

1,161

1,159

1,537

1,218

1,160

1,159

0.75

2,728

2,504

2,328

2,255

2,251

2,463

2,297

2,252

2,251

2,428

2,279

2,251

2,251

0.80

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

0.85

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

0.90

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

0.95

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

1.0

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

3,205

Page 35 of 42

Table 6 Table 5.11 from API RP 581 Second Edition Thinning Damage Factors
with Linear Extrapolation to Art=1.0
Inspection Effectiveness

Art

1 Inspection

2 Inspections

3 Inspections

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

0.14

20

17

10

13

10

0.16

90

70

50

20

50

20

40

10

0.18

250

200

130

70

170

70

10

130

35

0.20

400

300

210

110

15

290

120

20

260

60

0.25

520

450

290

150

20

350

170

30

240

80

0.30

650

550

400

200

30

400

200

40

320

110

0.35

750

650

550

300

80

600

300

80

10

540

150

20

0.40

900

800

700

400

130

700

400

120

30

600

200

50

10

0.45

1,050

900

810

500

200

800

500

160

40

700

270

60

20

0.50

1,200

1,100

970

600

270

1,000

600

200

60

900

360

80

40

0.55

1,350

1,200

1,130

700

350

1,100

750

300

100

1,000

500

130

90

0.60

1,500

1,400

1,250

850

500

1,300

900

400

230

1,200

620

250

210

0.65

1,900

1,700

1,400

1,000

700

1,600

1,105

670

530

1,300

880

550

500

0.70

2,343

2,171

1,914

1,571

1,314

2,086

1,661

1,289

1,169

1,829

1,469

1,186

1,143

0.75

2,786

2,643

2,429

2,143

1,929

2,571

2,218

1,907

1,807

2,357

2,057

1,821

1,786

0.80

3,229

3,114

2,943

2,714

2,543

3,057

2,774

2,526

2,446

2,886

2,646

2,457

2,429

0.85

3,671

3,586

3,457

3,286

3,157

3,543

3,331

3,144

3,084

3,414

3,234

3,093

3,071

0.90

4,114

4,057

3,971

3,857

3,771

4,029

3,887

3,763

3,723

3,943

3,823

3,729

3,714

0.95

4,557

4,529

4,486

4,429

4,386

4,514

4,444

4,381

4,361

4,471

4,411

4,364

4,357

1.0

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

Inspection Effectiveness

Art

4 Inspections

5 Inspections

6 Inspections

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

0.14

20

0.16

90

30

20

14

0.18

250

100

15

70

50

0.20

400

180

20

120

10

100

0.25

520

200

30

150

15

120

0.30

650

240

50

180

25

150

10

0.35

750

440

90

10

350

70

280

40

0.40

900

500

140

20

400

110

10

350

90

0.45

1,050

600

200

30

15

500

160

20

15

400

130

20

15

0.50

1,200

800

270

50

40

700

210

40

40

600

180

40

40

0.55

1,350

900

350

100

90

800

260

90

90

700

240

90

90

0.60

1,500

1,000

450

220

210

900

360

210

210

800

300

210

210

0.65

1,900

1,200

700

530

500

1,100

640

500

500

1,000

600

500

500

0.70

2,343

1,743

1,314

1,169

1,143

1,657

1,263

1,143

1,143

1,571

1,229

1,143

1,143

0.75

2,786

2,286

1,929

1,807

1,786

2,214

1,886

1,786

1,786

2,143

1,857

1,786

1,786

0.80

3,229

2,829

2,543

2,446

2,429

2,771

2,509

2,429

2,429

2,714

2,486

2,429

2,429

0.85

3,671

3,371

3,157

3,084

3,071

3,329

3,131

3,071

3,071

3,286

3,114

3,071

3,071

0.90

4,114

3,914

3,771

3,723

3,714

3,886

3,754

3,714

3,714

3,857

3,743

3,714

3,714

0.95

4,557

4,457

4,386

4,361

4,357

4,443

4,377

4,357

4,357

4,429

4,371

4,357

4,357

1.0

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

Page 36 of 42

Table 7 Calculated Art Damage Factors Without Rounding and Smoothing Using Base
Case
Inspection Effectiveness

Art

1 Inspection

2 Inspections

3 Inspections

0.01

0.31

0.31

0.31

0.30

0.30

0.31

0.31

0.30

0.30

0.31

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.02

0.35

0.35

0.34

0.33

0.32

0.34

0.33

0.32

0.32

0.33

0.32

0.32

0.32

0.04

0.48

0.45

0.43

0.39

0.36

0.43

0.39

0.36

0.35

0.42

0.37

0.35

0.35

0.06

0.79

0.71

0.62

0.50

0.41

0.64

0.51

0.42

0.39

0.58

0.45

0.40

0.39

0.08

1.79

1.50

1.19

0.79

0.50

1.25

0.82

0.51

0.45

1.06

0.63

0.46

0.45

0.10

5.66

4.49

3.28

1.76

0.66

3.53

1.87

0.74

0.52

2.76

1.15

0.55

0.52

0.12

21.33

16.53

11.63

5.53

1.11

12.60

5.92

1.45

0.62

9.49

3.02

0.74

0.60

0.14

75.61

58.15

40.36

18.33

2.42

43.87

19.71

3.70

0.75

32.57

9.24

1.18

0.71

0.16

211.2

162.1

112.0

50.18

5.53

121.9

53.99

9.18

0.94

90.09

24.62

2.13

0.86

0.18

437.8

335.7

231.8

103.4

10.74

252.2

111.3

18.31

1.22

186.2

50.34

3.69

1.05

0.20

696.5

534.3

369.1

164.6

17.00

401.6

177.3

28.96

1.60

296.7

80.20

5.57

1.31

0.25

1,145

883.7

615.0

278.0

33.30

669.1

301.3

51.40

3.49

498.6

140.1

10.64

2.46

0.30

1,422

1,121

801.2

379.1

66.53

871.0

419.2

81.81

8.94

668.7

212.5

20.69

5.20

0.35

1,822

1,490

1,110

560.7

140.9

1,205

636.5

144.7

21.96

966.4

357.1

43.31

11.76

0.40

2,316

1,952

1,501

796.2

244.1

1,628

918.1

232.2

45.74

1,347

548.6

79.42

27.10

0.45

2,724

2,336

1,831

1,006

349.9

1,983

1,164

325.5

88.62

1,670

724.1

132.1

63.27

0.50

3,001

2,603

2,071

1,182

471.7

2,236

1,360

440.0

175.6

1,907

883.3

224.4

146.6

0.55

3,214

2,819

2,285

1,383

660.3

2,453

1,568

625.6

353.1

2,123

1,082

403.5

322.8

0.60

3,441

3,063

2,550

1,679

979.1

2,713

1,859

944.5

679.1

2,396

1,389

728.3

649.4

0.65

3,733

3,388

2,917

2,115

1,471

3,066

2,282

1,439

1,194

2,776

1,849

1,239

1,166

0.70

4,098

3,798

3,387

2,688

2,126

3,518

2,833

2,097

1,883

3,265

2,455

1,923

1,859

0.75

4,506

4,257

3,918

3,338

2,873

4,026

3,459

2,849

2,672

3,816

3,146

2,705

2,652

0.80

4,908

4,712

4,444

3,986

3,618

4,529

4,082

3,600

3,459

4,364

3,834

3,485

3,443

0.85

5,266

5,116

4,912

4,563

4,283

4,977

4,636

4,269

4,162

4,851

4,447

4,182

4,150

0.90

5,558

5,447

5,295

5,036

4,827

5,343

5,090

4,817

4,737

5,250

4,950

4,752

4,728

0.95

5,784

5,702

5,590

5,400

5,247

5,626

5,440

5,240

5,181

5,557

5,337

5,192

5,175

1.0

5,951

5,891

5,809

5,670

5,559

5,835

5,699

5,553

5,511

5,785

5,624

5,518

5,506

Inspection Effectiveness

Art

4 Inspections

5 Inspections

6 Inspections

0.31

0.31

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.35

0.32

0.32

0.32

0.32

0.33

0.32

0.32

0.32

0.32

0.32

0.32

0.32

0.04

0.48

0.36

0.36

0.35

0.35

0.39

0.36

0.35

0.35

0.38

0.35

0.35

0.35

0.06

0.79

0.47

0.42

0.39

0.39

0.50

0.41

0.39

0.39

0.48

0.40

0.39

0.39

0.08

1.79

0.79

0.53

0.45

0.45

0.79

0.49

0.45

0.45

0.70

0.47

0.45

0.45

0.10

5.66

2.01

0.80

0.52

0.52

1.72

0.65

0.52

0.52

1.39

0.58

0.52

0.52

0.12

21.33

6.87

1.66

0.62

0.60

5.29

1.06

0.61

0.60

3.96

0.80

0.60

0.60

0.14

75.61

23.58

4.40

0.78

0.71

17.37

2.28

0.72

0.71

12.57

1.38

0.71

0.71

0.16

211.2

65.27

11.08

1.05

0.86

47.37

5.18

0.89

0.86

33.91

2.67

0.86

0.86

0.18

437.8

135.0

22.26

1.45

1.04

97.56

10.00

1.11

1.04

69.62

4.80

1.05

1.04

0.20

696.5

215.3

35.37

1.96

1.30

155.6

15.76

1.40

1.29

111.0

7.41

1.31

1.29

0.25

1,145

365.4

64.24

3.85

2.38

267.5

30.09

2.67

2.38

193.8

14.96

2.44

2.38

0.30

1,422

506.0

108.3

8.38

4.85

386.2

57.16

5.69

4.82

292.5

31.99

5.05

4.82

0.35

1,822

763.6

201.7

19.04

10.76

614.1

117.1

12.90

10.66

489.1

70.83

11.27

10.65

0.40

2,316

1,091

328.8

39.70

25.25

910.6

201.4

29.10

25.07

747.0

128.0

26.19

25.05

0.45

2,724

1,355

453.5

80.10

60.75

1,169

292.3

65.95

60.50

974.8

197.4

62.02

60.48

0.50

3,001

1,514

585.3

165.7

143.7

1,372

405.8

149.6

143.4

1,163

299.1

145.1

143.3

0.55

3,214

1,599

776.6

342.7

319.7

1,583

591.6

325.9

319.4

1,370

481.2

321.2

319.4

0.60

3,441

1,642

1,092

668.9

646.5

1,875

911.9

652.5

646.2

1,669

804.3

647.9

646.1

0.65

3,733

1,665

1,575

1,184

1,164

2,297

1,409

1,169

1,163

2,107

1,310

1,165

1,163

0.70

4,098

1,677

2,217

1,875

1,857

2,847

2,071

1,861

1,856

2,681

1,984

1,858

1,856

0.75

4,506

1,684

2,948

2,665

2,650

3,471

2,828

2,654

2,650

3,334

2,756

2,651

2,650

0.80

4,908

1,689

3,678

3,454

3,442

4,091

3,583

3,445

3,442

3,982

3,526

3,443

3,442

0.85

5,266

1,692

4,328

4,158

4,148

4,643

4,256

4,151

4,148

4,560

4,212

4,149

4,148

0.90

5,558

1,694

4,861

4,734

4,727

5,095

4,807

4,729

4,727

5,034

4,775

4,728

4,727

0.95

5,784

1,695

5,272

5,179

5,174

5,444

5,233

5,175

5,174

5,399

5,209

5,174

5,174

1.0

5,951

1,696

5,577

5,509

5,505

5,702

5,548

5,506

5,505

5,669

5,531

5,505

5,505

0.01
0.02

Page 37 of 42

Table 8 Modified Art Damage Factors Using Example 2 Low CA

Inspection Effectiveness

Art

1 Inspection

2 Inspections

3 Inspections

0.01

1.65

1.63

1.61

1.59

1.56

1.62

1.59

1.56

1.56

1.61

1.58

1.56

1.56

0.02

1.87

1.83

1.78

1.72

1.67

1.79

1.73

1.67

1.65

1.76

1.69

1.66

1.65

0.04

2.53

2.40

2.26

2.06

1.90

2.29

2.08

1.91

1.87

2.20

1.98

1.87

1.86

0.06

3.79

3.45

3.08

2.58

2.20

3.17

2.63

2.22

2.12

2.93

2.39

2.14

2.11

0.08

6.66

5.76

4.80

3.53

2.60

5.01

3.66

2.64

2.42

4.40

3.04

2.46

2.41

0.10

14.43

11.86

9.17

5.72

3.18

9.74

6.00

3.34

2.79

8.03

4.33

2.88

2.77

0.12

38.82

30.74

22.40

11.88

4.23

24.09

12.64

4.77

3.24

18.80

7.59

3.47

3.20

0.14

118.6

92.0

64.9

31.10

6.60

70.3

33.33

8.49

3.81

53.10

17.20

4.50

3.73

0.16

342.0

263.5

183.4

84.0

12.23

199.2

90.3

17.97

4.54

148.3

43.07

6.50

4.37

0.18

749.2

575.7

399.0

180.2

22.10

433.8

193.8

34.86

5.49

321.6

89.82

9.76

5.16

0.20

1,120.6

861.1

596.6

268.8

31.89

648.8

289.4

50.88

6.69

480.9

133.5

13.12

6.15

0.25

1,354

1,050

735.1

338.0

48.99

799.0

366.8

69.43

11.42

599.5

176.3

20.19

9.92

0.30

1,588

1,269

921

450.2

98.3

1,000

501.1

111.2

22.67

780.8

267.8

37.34

17.12

0.35

2,237

1,876

1,436

759.4

231.2

1,557

872.3

222.6

48.40

1,283

519.1

79.7

31.44

0.40

2,961

2,556

2,015

1,112

389.7

2,183

1,293

357.5

88.9

1,849

808.0

138.5

59.3

0.45

3,228

2,811

2,240

1,268

487.0

2,422

1,471

447.3

149.1

2,071

945.7

204.5

115.7

0.50

3,318

2,907

2,343

1,380

605.5

2,523

1,582

565.5

269.1

2,176

1,061

324.2

235.8

0.55

3,448

3,054

2,513

1,589

845

2,686

1,782

807

522.4

2,353

1,282

575.2

490.3

0.60

3,702

3,341

2,847

2,001

1,322

3,005

2,178

1,286

1,026

2,700

1,721

1,075

997

0.65

4,144

3,843

3,429

2,722

2,153

3,561

2,870

2,124

1,906

3,306

2,487

1,946

1,881

0.70

4,772

4,553

4,254

3,743

3,331

4,350

3,850

3,310

3,153

4,165

3,573

3,182

3,135

0.75

5,442

5,313

5,136

4,834

4,591

5,193

4,898

4,579

4,486

5,084

4,734

4,503

4,475

0.80

5,957

5,897

5,814

5,672

5,558

5,840

5,702

5,553

5,509

5,789

5,625

5,517

5,504

0.85

6,239

6,216

6,185

6,132

6,089

6,195

6,143

6,087

6,070

6,176

6,114

6,073

6,068

0.90

6,355

6,347

6,337

6,320

6,306

6,341

6,324

6,305

6,300

6,334

6,314

6,301

6,300

0.95

6,393

6,391

6,388

6,383

6,379

6,389

6,384

6,378

6,377

6,387

6,381

6,377

6,377

1.0

6,405

6,404

6,403

6,402

6,400

6,404

6,402

6,400

6,400

6,403

6,401

6,400

6,400

Inspection Effectiveness

Art

4 Inspections

5 Inspections

6 Inspections

1.65

1.60

1.57

1.56

1.56

1.59

1.56

1.56

1.56

1.58

1.56

1.56

1.56

1.87

1.67

1.67

1.65

1.65

1.72

1.66

1.65

1.65

1.71

1.66

1.65

1.65

0.04

2.53

1.90

1.93

1.87

1.86

2.07

1.90

1.86

1.86

2.02

1.88

1.86

1.86

0.06

3.79

2.34

2.25

2.12

2.11

2.60

2.19

2.12

2.11

2.49

2.15

2.11

2.11

0.08

6.66

3.30

2.72

2.42

2.41

3.56

2.57

2.41

2.41

3.28

2.49

2.41

2.41

0.10

14.43

5.82

3.51

2.79

2.77

5.69

3.13

2.77

2.77

4.93

2.94

2.77

2.77

0.12

38.82

13.50

5.20

3.25

3.20

11.61

4.11

3.21

3.20

9.30

3.62

3.20

3.20

0.14

118.6

38.24

9.67

3.85

3.72

29.84

6.33

3.75

3.72

22.46

4.87

3.73

3.72

0.16

342.0

107.2

21.19

4.70

4.36

79.8

11.57

4.42

4.36

58.19

7.45

4.37

4.36

0.18

749.2

232.7

41.78

5.87

5.15

170.6

20.74

5.26

5.14

122.9

11.77

5.17

5.14

0.20

1,120.6

348.4

61.43

7.23

6.12

254.8

29.77

6.31

6.12

183.3

16.22

6.15

6.12

0.25

1,354

439.0

85.8

11.73

9.80

328.1

44.56

10.19

9.79

241.1

26.00

9.88

9.78

0.30

1,588

595.2

146.5

21.48

16.59

469.6

84.8

17.79

16.53

364.3

53.27

16.87

16.53

0.35

2,237

1,032

311.4

42.99

29.76

861.5

192.3

33.27

29.60

704.8

124.1

30.61

29.58

0.40

2,961

1,516

505.2

78.81

56.4

1,305

322.7

62.4

56.1

1,092

214.3

57.9

56.1

0.45

3,228

1,679

613.4

137.6

112.3

1,490

411.2

119.1

112.0

1,260

290.2

114.0

111.9

0.50

3,318

1,699

731.0

257.6

232.4

1,602

530.0

239.2

232.1

1,373

409.6

234.1

232.1

0.55

3,448

1,701

966

511.3

487.1

1,802

773

493.7

486.8

1,582

657

488.7

486.8

0.60

3,702

1,701

1,432

1,016

994

2,196

1,255

1,000

994

1,996

1,150

995

994

0.65

4,144

1,701

2,245

1,897

1,879

2,885

2,098

1,884

1,879

2,717

2,009

1,880

1,879

0.70

4,772

1,701

3,398

3,147

3,133

3,861

3,291

3,137

3,133

3,739

3,227

3,134

3,133

0.75

5,442

1,701

4,631

4,482

4,474

4,904

4,567

4,476

4,474

4,832

4,530

4,475

4,474

0.80

5,957

1,701

5,577

5,507

5,504

5,705

5,547

5,505

5,504

5,671

5,530

5,504

5,504

0.85

6,239

1,701

6,096

6,070

6,068

6,144

6,085

6,069

6,068

6,131

6,078

6,068

6,068

0.90

6,355

1,701

6,308

6,300

6,299

6,324

6,305

6,300

6,299

6,320

6,303

6,300

6,299

0.95

6,393

1,701

6,379

6,377

6,377

6,384

6,378

6,377

6,377

6,383

6,378

6,377

6,377

1.0

6,405

1,701

6,401

6,400

6,400

6,402

6,400

6,400

6,400

6,402

6,400

6,400

6,400

0.01
0.02

Page 38 of 42

7.0

TERMINOLOGY

7.1

Nomenclature

age
agerc
agetk

Remaining life of the cladding associated with the date of starting thickness

Art

Expected material loss fraction since last inspection thickness measurement or service start

In-service time that damage is applied

Component in-service time since the last inspection thickness measurement or service start
date

1Thin
2Thin
1Thin

date
Component geometry shape factor
Beta reliability indices for damage state 1
Beta reliability indices for damage state 2
Beta reliability indices for damage state 3

Cr ,bm

Base material corrosion rate

Cr ,cm

Cladding material corrosion rate

CA
CoThin
p1

Corrosion allowance
Conditional probability of inspection history inspection effectiveness for damage state 1

Co

Thin
p2

Conditional probability of inspection history inspection effectiveness for damage state 2

Co

Thin
p3

Conditional probability of inspection history inspection effectiveness for damage state 3

COVP

Pressure variance

COVS f

Flow Stress variance

COVt

Thinning variance

D
DS1

Component inside diameter, mm (in)

Corrosion rate factor for damage state 1

DS2

Corrosion rate factor for damage state 2

DS3

Corrosion rate factor for damage state 1

Thin
f

Final DF for thinning

DThin
fB

Base DF for thinning

E
FS Thin

Weld joint efficiency

I
I
I

Thin
1
Thin
2
Thin
3
Thin
A

Flow Stress
First order inspection effectiveness factor
Second order inspection effectiveness factor
Third order inspection effectiveness factor
Number of A level inspections

N BThin

Number of B level inspections

Thin
C

Number of C level inspections

Thin
D

Number of D level inspections

N EThin
P

Po Thin
p1

Number of E level inspections

Pressure (operating, design, PRD overpressure, etc.)
Standard normal cumulative distribution function
Posterior probability for damage state 1

Page 39 of 42

PoThin
p2

Posterior probability for damage state 2

Po Thin
p3

Posterior probability for damage state 1

Thin
p1

Pr

Prior probability of damage rate confidence for damage state 1

PrpThin
2

Prior probability of damage rate confidence for damage state 2

Thin
p3

Pr

Prior probability of damage rate confidence for damage state 3

S
SRPThin

Allowable design stress

Stress Ratio parameter

SR

Thin
P1

Stress Ratio parameter 1

SR
t
tc
tmin
trdi

Thin
P2

Stress Ratio parameter 2

TS
YS

Furnished thickness of the component base material

Minimum structural thickness of the component base material
Minimum required wall thickness based on the applicable construction code
Furnished thickness, t , or measured thickness reading from previous inspection
Tensile Strength at design temperature
Yield Strength at design temperature

Page 40 of 42

7.3

Acronyms

AIChE

American Institute of Chemical Engineers

AST

Aboveground Storage Tank

BRD

Base Resource Document

COV

Coefficients of Variance

CPQRA

Chemical Process Quantitative Risk Assessment

CUI

Corrosion Under Insulation

DF

Damage Factor

ID

Inside Diameter

FFS

Fitness-For-Service

FORM

First Order Reliability Method

MVFORM

Mean Value First Order Reliability Method

POF

Probability of Failure

PRD

Pressure Relief Device

QRA

Quantitative Risk Assessment

SORM

Second Order Reliability Method

Page 41 of 42

9.0

REFERENCES
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Engineers, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1970.

2. H.O.Madsen, R. Skjong, A.G.Tallin, F.Kirkemo, "Probabilistic Fatigue Crack

3.
4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.
13.
14.

15.

16.

Growth Analysis of Offshore Structures with Reliability Updating Through

Inspection," Proceedings, The Marine Structural Reliability Symposium, October,
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Angelsen S.O. and Saugerud, O.T., A Probabilistic Approach to Ammonia
Pressure Vessel Integrity Analysis, ASME PVP (1991).
Angelsen, S.O., Williams, D.J., Damin, D.G. "Probabilistic Remaining Lifetime
Analysis of Catalytic Reformer Tubes: Methods and Case Study," ASME, PVP-Vol
241, Fatigue, Fracture and Risk, (1992).
Tallin, A.G., Williams, D.J., Gertler, S., Practical Probabilistic Analysis of a
Reformer Furnace as a System, ASME, PVP-Vol. 261, Service Experience and
Life Management: Nuclear, Fossil, and Petrochemical Plants, (1993).
Tallin, A. and Conley, M., DNV Industry, Inc., Assessing Inspection Results Using
Bayes' Theorem, 3rd International Conference & Exhibition on Improving Reliability
in Petroleum Refineries and Chemical Plants, November 15-18, 1994, Gulf
Publishing Company.
Base Resource Document on Risk-Based Inspection for API Committee on
Refinery Equipment, Det Norske Veritas (USA), Inc., October 1996 (internal
committee document).
Conley, M.J., DNV (USA), Inc., Reynolds, J., Shell Oil Products Co., USA , Using
Risk-Based Inspection to Assess the Effect of Corrosive Crudes on Refining
Equipment, October 12-17, 1997, Beijing, China, 1997, World Petroleum
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USA), Inc., Benefits of Risk Based Inspection to the Oil & Gas Industry, Oil & Gas
Conference, Perth, Australia, April 27-28, 2000.
Alvarado, G.A., Kaley, L.C., Valbuena, R.R., Det Norske Veritas (USA), Inc. RiskBased Inspection Demonstrating Value, Paper 388 Corrosion 99 Conference,
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Petroleum Institute, Washington, D.C.
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Kaley, L.C. and Henry, P.E., The Equity Engineering Group, Inc., API RP 581 RiskBased Inspection Technology Demonstrating the Technology Through a Worked
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Kaley, L.C., Trinity Bridge, LLC and Ray, B.D., Marathon Petroleum Company,
LLC, API 581 Ballot POF Approach Update, Presentation to API 581 Task Group,
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Kaley, L.C., Trinity Bridge, API 581 Risk-Based Inspection Methodology Basis
for Thinning Probability of Failure Calculations, September 2013.

Page 42 of 42