API 580 Risk Based Inspection Practice Test

Which of the following is a traditional method of inspection scheduling?

1. Equipment breakdown assessments

2. Some percentage of equipment life (1/2 life)

3. Routine visual inspections

4. Randomized testing approaches

The correct answer is: Some percentage of equipment life (1/2 life)

The selection of a specific percentage of equipment life, such as 1/2 life, as a traditional method of inspection scheduling is grounded in the concept of time-based inspection. This method derives from the assumption that equipment degradation or failure tends to correlate with its operational lifespan. By scheduling inspections based on a predetermined percentage of life used, such as half of its expected service life, inspectors can proactively identify any potential deterioration before it leads to failure. This approach is systematic and straightforward, allowing for easier planning and resource allocation. In contrast, equipment breakdown assessments focus more on diagnosing existing issues rather than scheduling inspections based on estimated lifecycle parameters. Routine visual inspections provide a form of oversight but do not follow a structured percentage-based scheduling; rather, they are generally guided by the frequency of observed conditions or past experiences. Randomized testing approaches introduce variability into the inspection process, which can be useful for certain types of assessments but do not adhere to the traditional, systematic basis that percentage-of-life scheduling embodies. Thus, the method of using a percentage of equipment life aligns seamlessly with traditional inspection practices.