TLV had the honor of hosting the SSOP Symposium “Steam is an Asset” at Granta Park, near Cambridge, UK (March 26-27). Participants flew in from every corner of the globe to learn how advancing decarbonization and applying risk-based inspection (RBI) to steam and condensate systems can improve plant safety and reliability, productivity and reduce costs.

The symposium aimed to introduce RBI concepts to a wide range of stakeholders beyond the energy industry, and offer insight on how to apply those concepts to plant management and operation, as well as sharing examples of decarbonization and risk mitigation in plants. The sessions on day 1 and workshops on day 2 were well attended by representatives from industries such as oil and gas, plant services, food and beverage, contractors, and many more.

Following morning coffee and introductions by Dr. Paul Woollin, research director of TWI and TLV president Ayako Fujiwara, day 1 kicked off with sessions from industry experts, introducing applications of risk-based inspection methodology in the field.

Global Trend of RBI Development and Implementation, Dr. Shervin Maleki, GreenEvo Technologies

The Role of Steam System Optimisation in Decarbonisation and Plant Reliability, Mr. Alan Hou, TLV

Energy Management Principles for Carbon and Risk Reduction, Mr. Frank Roberto, ExxonMobil (retired)

To Achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions, Mr. Asrul Hazimin, PETRONAS

These were followed by case studies from TLV customers, presented by TLV engineers.

Steam and Condensate Mains Distribution Risk Assessment at a Chemical Plant, Mr. James Slee, TLV

Steam Turbine Risk Assessment Performed at a Utilities Provider, Mr. Elsadiq Salim, TLV

To wind up proceedings on day 1, Dr. Brian Cane chaired a panel discussion in which the session presenters discussed RBI concepts and their application to energy and other industries. The audience challenged the panel and sparked vigorous debate, which could have gone on for a lot longer.

TLV Executive Officer Ted Mita brought context to the panel debate as he delivered the closing remarks for day 1.

Day 1 concluded with a dinner at King's College Dining Hall in Cambridge city center, soaking up the historic atmosphere as the day’s discussion continued over a delicious menu featuring the best of British cuisine.

Day 2 of the SSOP symposium was centered around industry-based workshops. Participants were divided into three groups for workshops for general industry, contractors, and oil and gas, led by TLV members with valuable on-site expertise.

These workshops gave participants an opportunity to learn more about industries and approaches related to their own backgrounds and in more practical detail. With case studies from TLV members from around the world, participants gained insights into how risk-based inspection is being applied to steam systems.

The two days of the SSOP Symposium came as the release of the 4th Edition of the American Petroleum Institute (API)’s Recommended Practice (RP) 581 is eagerly anticipated. For the first time, API 581 is expected to outline RBI methodology for steam and condensate systems.

TLV is excited to welcome the latest edition of API 581 and the inclusion of steam systems as a focus of RBI. Steam has been overlooked as a key utility, and the benefits from optimizing the steam system have been undervalued. In addition to productivity improvements, the reduction of risk through steam system inspection and maintenance impacts plants’ bottom line and delivers energy savings on top.

Steam System Risk Mitigation (SSRM®), a component of Steam System Optimization Program (SSOP®), was the world’s first service for quantifying and mitigating risk to steam systems.

Focusing on assessing and mitigating risk to steam distribution systems and steam-using equipment such as heat exchangers, steam turbines and tracing systems, as well as condensate recovery systems, SSRM® aims to reduce the probability of all threats to steam applications and their associated condensate discharge locations.

Learn more about SSRM® and contact TLV to assess the risk to your plant.

TLV plans to hold future events to introduce RBI concepts to steam users around the world. Stay tuned for news on events near you by signing up for our newsletter, Steam Bulletin, or by following TLV on social media.

• Return to index