Join this session to hear the latest on API's 5th edition of Recommended Practice (RP) 751, Safe Operation of Hydrofluoric Acid Alkylation Unit. In this session, we're discussing maintenance from the operator perspective, integrity management and other safety programs for hydrofluoric (HF) acid alkylation units.
In this session we will show the results of a failure in a Mechanical Integrity Program. This track will also discuss event investigation results, along with, lessons learned and path forward, in hopes to enlighten all in the industry.
Facilitator: Dean Roberts, Ergon-West Virginia Refining Inc.
The Chemical Safety Board will present its findings and recommendations from its April 2018 FCC Unit Explosion and Asphalt Fire at Husky Superior Refinery investigation, published in December 2022. Two FCC experts will then discuss industry's response and the integration of lessons learned into FCC training.
Speakers:
Ziad Jawad, Phillips 66
Richard Grove, Chevron USA
Melike Yersiz, US Chemical Safety Board
Reliability and Maintenance Bootcamp, Mechanical Integrity
This technical session is designed to give engineers and maintenance professionals a practical understanding of how API-579 Level 3 Fitness-for-Service (FFS) assessments—powered by Finite Element Analysis (FEA)—can solve complex reliability challenges in the oil and gas industry.
We will introduce advanced methods for evaluating equipment with damage mechanisms like corrosion, cracking, and dents. You’ll learn when Level 3 assessments are needed, how FEA is applied, and why these techniques offer better accuracy, safer outcomes, and longer equipment life.
Highlights include:
API-579 FFS framework and when to escalate to Level 3
Benefits of FEA: realistic modeling of stress, temperature, and pressure
Real-world case studies: pressure vessel corrosion, weld cracking, and pipe dents
Key takeaways for maintenance planning and repair decisions
Tailored for a broad operator-based audience, this session uses real examples—not just theory—to demonstrate how advanced analysis can enhance reliability, reduce costs, and support critical decisions.
This session will highlight Phillips 66’s focus on the need to go beyond the vibration signature and understand the root cause of the component failure. We will also discuss leveraging new technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence to prevent inherent issues.
See related presentations on MI on the AFPM Safety Portal at https://safetyportal.afpm.org/
Motiva’s 2.0 Tank Division journey leveraged time-tested technology that has consistently delivered success in our industry. Innovative robotic cleaning not only enhances safety compared to manual blasting but also boosts efficiency and reduces waste disposal costs. This means a safer, more cost-effective solution. To further elevate our tank maintenance process, we introduced “Pneumatic Roof Raising” technology, which significantly minimizes human exposure to negative ergonomics, pinch points, and the need for extensive scaffolding which translates to quicker project completion, reduced downtime, and enhanced overall safety.
See related presentations on the AFPM Safety Portal at https://safetyportal.afpm.org/
In this session, we will present a case study on wash water reliability, examining the critical role a well-designed water wash plays in maintaining the mechanical integrity of a system. We will also discuss lessons learned from investigations into excessive accelerated corrosion in an overhead system.
Check out the 2024 Summit Session Inspection and Reliability of Wash Water Systems https://safetyportal.afpm.org/