Centralizing Inspection Records with Asset Integrity Management Software: A Case Study with Sherritt Metals

Sherritt is a global leader in the mining and refining of nickel and cobalt, crucial metals for the increasing adoption of electric vehicles. Its Technologies Group develops innovative and proprietary solutions for oil and mining companies worldwide, aiming to enhance environmental performance and boost economic value. Furthermore, Sherritt holds the distinction of being the largest independent energy producer in Cuba.

Business Challenge

In 2005, Sherritt Metals' Fort Saskatchewan Facility faced a challenge as it primarily relied on paper-based records for inspections, with limited software usage for inputting inspection data. This varied recording method posed communication difficulties across departments responsible for asset integrity. To address this issue, it was necessary to centralize the inspection records into a single database, aiming to enhance performance and streamline communication.

The Solution

Metegrity provided training to the technical clerks employed by Sherritt Metals, enabling them to review the paper records and input the data into our asset integrity management software solution, Visions Enterprise®. The focus of this effort was primarily on entering as-built data into static data forms, past inspection reports into integrity report modules, and historical thickness readings into the TML (Thickness Monitoring Location) module.

This initiative resulted in the establishment of a comprehensive history of all previous inspections and scheduling. The company gained access to review the past work conducted on all equipment. Following the completion of this task, a Risk Based Inspection (RBI) assessment was conducted on all pressure equipment, enabling the creation of a risk rather than time based schedule for future inspections.

Additionally, the company also purchased the AutoCAD module which stores up to date TML readings from Visions Enterprise® with associated AutoCAD drawings.

The Visions Datalogger interface was used to allow swift input of new TML field readings directly from ultrasonic gauges into the database.

Outcome

The client opted for Visions Enterprise® due to its comprehensive nature and the abundance of features that exceeded their initial expectations, delivering substantial benefits. Within the Visions Enterprise® software, specific reports were effortlessly generated, enabling the company to swiftly retrieve specific information that previously took days or even weeks to gather.