Here's a selection of views from our conference speakers:
''Having worked in the power industry for the whole of my career and in pressure systems integrity management for 20 years, I have gained confidence that the major pressure part containment risks are well managed in my industry. In recent years however the HSE has indicated that the industry is falling short of others when it comes to managing risks associated with hazardous substances. One of the largest such risks is release of fuel gas from gas fired power plant especially large CCGT plant. Traditionally, integrity management of fuel gas systems and in particular pipework has not received the same level of attention as say high energy steam pipework. It is apparent that the industry – both operators and inspection organisations need to “up their game” in this area. The EEMUA Conference brings together experts from across industries and offers a unique opportunity for best practice “cross-fertilisation”.
Through EEMUA, I am aware that oil and gas sector companies have developed risk based inspection processes for similar systems which could be applied to power plant. In particular, I am hoping to compare notes and understand methodologies for risk assessment for elevated temperature stainless steel pipework subject to CUI SCC.”
- David Bogert, Senior Boiler Engineer, RWE Generation UK plc
"I have worked in the chemical industry for 33 years, although my background is electrical biased. Over the years I have gained a great deal of knowledge and experience in general maintenance management across both electrical & mechanical disciplines. I work closely with our environmental health and safety team and I am involved in writing policies and procedures for our business. My workshop will focus on plastic tanks and the work that EEMUA is currently doing on producing guidance on this subject, which will be EEMUA publication 225. This is due to be released later this year.
Within our business we have a large number of plastic tanks and plastic pipework systems used for chemical bulk storage and handling that require robust asset management. For my role it is very important that I have a good understanding of the various failure modes associated with these assets. It is my job to develop, implement, review, revise, and police procedures to manage asset integrity. The main purpose of these procedures is to ensure we have a management system that keeps the assets in a safe condition for the operator and the environment. This approach also ensures that assets remain fit for service.
The procedures we have introduced provide our maintenance teams with a framework to work within, which looks at criticality and priorities. They cover failure modes and how to detect signs of failure early to avoid catastrophic failure. For me, the key to successful asset management is to know what you have got, understand how it can fail and put robust systems/procedures in place to maintain it well. For preventative maintenance you must inspect it regularly and ensure that it is looked after appropriately and effectively. Also there is a need to be aware of any proposed changes in operation as they could compromise the original design parameters. Management of change is an important point that is often overlooked; good procedures will factor this in, bringing operations and engineering together to ensure changes are adequately managed.
In recent years the HSE has indicated that managing the risk of uncontrolled release from primary containment associated with hazardous substances stored in plastic bulk storage tanks continues to be inconsistent and serious incidents are still occurring. I feel that it is paramount that users operating these assets are aware that plastic tanks are not a “fit and forget” item. The work that EEMUA is doing on producing guidance on plastic tanks will provide a guide to their specification, installation, commissioning, inspection, maintenance, repair, and disposal. It aims to help educate and inform persons in industry sectors that are involved with these assets, and it will be an invaluable publication for those requiring help and support to become a more “intelligent customer”.
The EEMUA Conference brings together experts from across industries and offers a unique opportunity for sharing best practice; for me it is a great opportunity to talk to industry experts and learn from them."
- Jez Hill, Regional Engineering Manager, Univar UK Ltd
Reurn to the EEMUA Conference 2017 home page here.