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Furthermore, it is imperative that operators are continuously assessing and improving levels of individual and organisational competence. However, given the now global supply chain of manufacturers and suppliers, it is increasingly challenging to assure that new and existing pressure assets are up to scratch.
With this in mind, the Institution's Quality and Competence in Pressure Systems seminar will bring together industry regulators, notified bodies and experts from the entire sector. Ahead of his seminar on assuring competence in the pressure systems supply chain, we spoke with EEMUA’s Peter Nutty to find out more about the challenges and opportunities facing engineers in this sector.
Q: Please provide us with a brief summary of your role as it relates to quality/competence in pressure systems
Peter Nutty (PN): Course Tutor providing support for EEMUA Mechanical Integrity Practitioner Certificate programme which is aligned with UK HSE expectations for regulated and non-regulated facilities. The course is structured to provide the learner with the skills to understand the need to; have an integrated, and collaborative response to findings; to identify, evaluate and implement risk reduction; undertake management review and continuous improvement.
On a day-to-day basis, subject matter expert providing quality assurance reviews of existing asset integrity management programs. Identifying gaps and making recommendations to develop integrated and collaborative environments to; identify, assess and manage underlying and accumulating risk posed by ageing plant; quality and accuracy of inspection data; competence and training of personnel; robotic inspection data gathering techniques and associated AI.
Q: What is the number one challenge engineers in this sector face in assuring quality?
PN: Time and resources combined with a dwindling pool of experienced and competent engineers. As pressure systems age, remaining life assessments of existing plant and the need to accurately predict repairs and / or replace assets will become critical in determining the safe, cost-effectiveness of future plant performance.
Q: How have the requirements for pressure systems specialists changed in recent years?
PN: Knowledge of digital twins, integrated systems, robotic inspection data gathering, advanced analytics and machine learning and ways and methods of visualising the data are required. Poor quality of current inspection data provided from conventional methods and the increasing desire to eliminate confined space entry will increase the need to develop a digital-type AIM programs.
Q: What insight and guidance are you planning to share in your presentation at the Quality and Competence seminar?
PN: I plan to talk about the new EEMUA MIPC learning program and also highlight the most common gaps I see in AIM programs in the O&G industry, namely anomaly and risk management, damage identification and the probability of detection, management of functional safety and third party service providers
Q: Are there any other issues which you are looking forward to hearing about from the PSG community?
PN: It’s always interested to listen to the regulator’s points of view!
Q: Why is it important for engineers to come together and share knowledge at this event?
PN: World-class management of pressure systems safety rely heavily on integrated, collaborative environments. Part of lifelong learning and continuous professional development.
The Quality and Competency of Pressure Systems seminar takes place on 10 March 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne.
The latest in the Institution's popular series of Pressure Systems events, this seminar will provide engineers with expert guidance and industry case studies on ensuring the required standards of quality and safety for both new and existing pressure assets.
Attendees will hear how engineers have addressed common challenges to ensure quality and cement best practice, with input from
- HSE
- EEMUA
- EDF
- Lloyd’s Register
- Sheffield Forgemasters
and more.
To find out more and book your place visit the event website.