TWI worked with Scottish Power (SP) to assess compliance with Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) 2000, for a range of ageing fossil fired and renewable energy facilities, in addition to a control of major accident hazards (COMAH) gas storage site. The project has covered a coal-fired station, two hydroelectric schemes, a pump storage station, combined heat and power, and waste-derived processing sites.
TWI delivered a full review of, and comprehensive recommendations for, technical and management aspects of pressure systems safety practices in ageing structures. The work involved a thorough review of written schemes of examination, inspection records, equipment data, and plant operating regimes.
Competency and compliance
TWI independently and authoritatively assessed the availability, suitability and scope of written schemes of examination at each of the studied sites, including the practice of the competent person.
SP also wanted to consider the quality of information in examination reports, and how these are used to inform future inspection. In turn this would allow the development of reference material for its internal guidance on pressure systems management.
Integrity management work programme
TWI inspected the state of integrity and maintenance at the sites. As a result, the team was able to determine whether written schemes of examination would be suitable in the light of operating experience, evolving technical knowledge about degradation mechanisms and failure modes, and examination results. In addition, the experts considered integrity management practices in general, and the treatment of reported defects.
Benefits
- SP utilised TWI's cross-disciplinary expertise in NDT, materials and welding engineering to ensure compliance with statutory PSSR requirements
- SP can take informed decisions to extend the life of aged mechanical equipment
- SP is assured that written schemes of examination (WSE) address active damage mechanisms
Through working collaboratively with SP engineers and the competent person, TWI provided an independent review of inspection practices, and advice on state-of-the-art inspection techniques and good practice in PSSR management.
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