The Integrity Management System covers all aspects of the pressure equipment life cycle; design, construction, installation, operation and maintenance. The standard required for pressure equipment owners in Alberta, AB-512 ( PDF File), is posted on ABSA’s web site www.ABSA.ca. A brief description of program requirements follows:

Design: This topic will describe the organization’s control of new equipment design. From concept, to feasibility study, to design basis memorandum and detailed engineering, the system describes the Owner’s control throughout. Preparation and approval of design documents, management of change, qualification requirements for personnel, selection of acceptable codes and preparation of as-built drawings are all areas that should be addressed in the IMS. In operating facilities, addition of new equipment as well as repairs and alterations of existing pressure equipment must be also be included.

Construction: This will describe controls in place for construction of pressure equipment, whether a small project in an existing facility or construction of a whole new site, when the work is done in-house or by contracted companies. It will include the monitoring of pressure piping, vessel and boiler fabrication both on-site and in fabrication shops. Monitoring includes verifying the constructor is following an accepted quality system, has an approved design, is using acceptable materials and procedures with qualified people, followed by your inspection of materials and work quality, review of nondestructive examination reports, witnessing of pressure tests and certifying the completed work.

Installation: New equipment installed in new plants, new equipment installed in existing plants, newly acquired used equipment, relocated equipment, rental equipment, all must be verified to be installed correctly, meet requirements of the regulations and are suitable for the purpose intended. The installation inspection, done by certified inspectors, verifies that design registration and equipment installation meet requirements of the regulations, that a suitable pressure relief device has been properly installed, on-stream monitoring has been defined and a thorough inspection plan has been developed.

Operation: Regulations require that all people operating pressure equipment must be competent to do so. The IMS must describe how you define the requirements for each position; training, certification, experience or a combination of all. It must then describe how you verify that the person is competent and give authorization for them to act within their prescribed duties. Operating limits must be established and communicated to the operators. This is normally a combination of limits programmed within the control systems along with operating procedures and training materials. If necessary there may be communication to others when operating limits are exceeded in case remedial action is required. An example would be operating at temperature extremes whereby corrosion circuits may experience rapid deterioration. In most cases these operating limits are relatively easy to establish.

Maintenance: Inspections, examinations, repairs and safety valve servicing make up the bulk of issues concerning maintenance in the IMS. Personnel must meet certification requirements and must be competent for the scope of work performed. In Alberta, the owner must be certified for these functions when performed in-house. If you wish to repair ASME B31.3 pressure piping with your employees then you must be certified for that scope of work. Contracted companies would have to meet the same certification requirements but must also be verified as competent for the scope of work. In jurisdictions where certification is not required there is usually a requirement for input from the local authorized inspector. Whether certification is required or not, you want the job done right the first time, every time.

The Program

The IMS is a management system that has been established to ensure that pressure equipment is constructed and operated safely. It is a mandatory program for owners of pressure equipment in Alberta and jurisdictions outside Alberta are considering similar requirements. It is a program that controls hazards associated with equipment that contain explosive, toxic or flammable substances.

The program covers all aspects of the pressure equipment life cycle; design, construction, installation, operation and maintenance. Some owners include other equipment not classified as pressure equipment because it is an effective program to manage hazards and improve reliability.

We can help

Our focus is with development of your in-house processes, systems and resources. Your company is a good corporate citizen that provides a safe and healthy workplace for its employees while minimizing environmental impact, respecting local and national standards and providing a reasonable return for your investors. The fact is, you already meet most of the IMS requirements.

We will review the systems and processes you have established, identify areas for improvement and develop a plan for implementation. Following this review we will create a written program tailored to your company that meets all requirements of the IMS standard. Finally we will work with your in-house staff to develop and certify personnel and provide ongoing mentorship as they gain confidence with and take ownership of the IMS.

Construction and repair of boilers, pressure vessels and pressure piping systems.

New Programs

Quality program development and certification can take considerable effort when starting a construction and repair business for pressure equipment. Access to an existing manual may get you started, but most people will fall short of a full understanding of the systems and processes needed.

Let us review your company structure, existing systems and procedures and create a program that meets your needs; everything you need, nothing you don’t. After initial assessment we will create a manual, give advice on welding procedure requirements and provide the assistance needed to comfortably implement and certify your program. Your employees will have a sound understanding of quality principles directly related to your business and have access to the tools necessary for a successful quality program.

So move in the right direction. It’s easier than you think!

Existing Programs

Need some fine tuning on your program?

A successful quality system produces a product that consistently meets the specified design. Most are complicated with extra information that is rarely, if ever needed. A complicated program is difficult to understand and follow. Not only is quality at risk, time and expense due to rework and inefficiencies can turn an otherwise profitable job into a disaster. Issues missed during construction can lead to accidents when equipment is placed in service. In fact, accidents can happen even when the work has been done correctly. Complete documentation is your best defence.

We will help reduce the risk, extra cost and frustration you may be experiencing with your program. Internal audits are your best opportunity to improve. With our fresh perspective and years of experience we can assist with your review, help refine your systems and processes, and provide training for less experienced personnel.

Don’t work for your program; make your program work for you.

Boilers and pressure vessels must be inspected on a periodic basis to ensure they remain suitable for continued service. ABSA has established AB-506 ( PDF File), a mandatory standard to describe the requirements for owners of pressure equipment in Alberta. Other jurisdictions are considering the adoption of similar standards.

Mandatory or not, the standard is a valuable document formed with input from focus groups throughout industries that use pressure equipment. It is based on the combined input of engineers, technicians and inspectors that have practical experience with just about every issue dealing with corrosion, deterioration and life extension of pressure equipment.

We provide services for ASME Section I & IV power and heating boilers, Section VIII Div 1 & 2 pressure vessels, B31.1 & B31.3 pressure piping systems and related pressure relief devices. Services include:

• Installation inspections
• Integrity assessment and inspection procedures for thorough and on-stream inspections
• Periodic thorough inspections
• Pressure relief device inspection
• Monitor/Audit contractors for vessel & boiler repair, piping construction and nondestructive examination contractors and relief device service providers

We have extensive knowledge of ASME boiler and pressure vessel codes, pressure piping codes, provincial regulations and many standards published by the regulatory authorities. Whether working as the owner’s representative for quality assurance or the fabricator for quality control, our knowledge and experience will ensure success of your quality project.

Our experience in construction and repair of pressure equipment includes power and heating boilers, pressure vessels, B31.1 and B31.3 pressure piping as well as service of pressure relief devices. A successful quality system produces a product that consistently meets the specified design. It includes documentation and certification that meets the needs of the owner, requirements of regulations and will stand scrutiny if questioned.

Quality problems do occur. You need reasonable solutions that consider expense and productivity yet still meet the letter and intent of applicable codes and regulations. Experience is the key.