Articles - Integrity Operating Windows

The Petrochemical industry has a deep understanding of the intricate challenges of asset integrity management. Owner operators within this sector typically oversee a diverse range of equipment types, materials, and processes, often more varied than those in the Oil & Gas sector. Additionally, Petrochemical companies operate within a heightened risk landscape, encompassing safety and environmental mishaps such as loss of containment, resulting in toxic and flammable chemical releases, all stemming from the inherent properties of the materials involved.

For owner operators of asset-heavy corporations, the driving impetus behind daily operations remains consistent: How can asset failures be minimized without incurring the high costs associated with inspection intervals and turnarounds?

An API Recommended Practice (API RP 584), Integrity Operating Windows (IOW) are an essential component of any asset integrity management (AIM) system. IOWs improve predictive accuracy. They facilitate the collection, retention, and analysis of variable data – providing early warnings when a pre-defined process variable’s boundaries are exceeded. This helps to predict and prevent corrosion, increase productivity by allowing for predictive maintenance, and reduce the likelihood of asset failure.