PEI Inspector

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The PEI Inspector will assure the integrity of the pressure retaining equipment in their assigned area(s). To deliver this remit, the Inspector will monitor the equipment, obtain & analyze data, and make necessary recommendations to assure that the pressure equipment is in a mechanically safe condition for continued operation.

The PEI Inspector is responsible for planning NDE and visual inspection scope that is executed by in-house inspectors or contractor partners. The inspector is expected to directly interact with these inspection support personnel and provide guidance as the work is executed. Setting appropriate scope and providing prompt guidance during execution is therefore critical to maintain quality outcomes, productivity, and control of budgets. This position also manages inspection data at the production unit level, interacts directly with other operations team members and is the primary interface for support disciplines in Engineering, Technology and Maintenance teams.

This position is not responsible for direct reports. However, there is considerable scope for leading contract inspectors and coaching peers in production and maintenance teams.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:  

Scheduled Inspections

• Inspects and monitors the condition of pressure equipment (vessels, columns, piping, exchangers, relief valves, tanks, etc.) with the purpose of detecting corrosion or other physical phenomena that may lead to an unacceptable level of risk, an unsafe condition or failure of the equipment.
• Engages Pressure Equipment supervision and/or technical organization when inspection data reveals equipment near or past retirement, due to wall loss or other damage mechanisms
• Surfaces known preparatory work that must be performed before an inspection can be performed and highlights inspection support requirements.
• Inspects all non-pressure retaining components that affect the integrity of the pressure equipment including, but not limited to, foundations, fireboxes, stacks, structural members, tank seals, spring hangers, etc.
• Coordinates applicable regulatory state inspections of equipment such as fired boilers, air receivers, wharf piping, and DOT (Department of Transportation) piping and relief devices.
• Documents inspection findings (thickness readings, visual inspections, and specialized NDE inspections) in the Integrity Management System (IMS).
• Keeps and maintains inspection schedules and scopes up to date in IMS.
• Develops and maintains equipment inspection drawings, including equipment diagrams, piping isometrics, corrosion and material diagrams, etc., in accordance with site procedures.
• Analyzes inspection data against expected corrosion and damage mechanisms to determine the condition of the equipment.
• Communicate inspection results with the Corrosion & Materials Engineer to keep RBI model, inspection strategy, and schedule scope evergreen.
• Reviews equipment histories and develops technical basis for Inspection Interval Extension Requests.

Unit Support

• Maintains daily contact with operations and maintenance personnel to stay informed of operating condition changes that could affect pressure equipment performance.
• Serves as the focal point for any pressure equipment integrity issues on the Production Team.
• Serves as the primary PEI contact for Production Team run projects.
• Serves as the primary PEI contact for area maintenance team activities, including Temporary Repair Process, Hot Tap Packages, Weld Procedure Review, Spool Sheet Review, and Inspection of ongoing/completed maintenance activities.
• Leads discussion in the CAIR (Corrective Action Inspection Request) review meeting with the Operations and Maintenance groups.
• Record leaks, leak saves and pressure equipment failures in IMS and is responsible for comparing with the RBI model to determine if any revisions are required.
• Issues recommendations and develops repair procedures for pressure equipment based upon inspection findings and the expected performance for the equipment.
• Coordinates with the pressure equipment engineer and supervisor on all pressure vessel repairs or alterations as defined by NBIC and/or API 510
• Supports the PRD Servicing Work Process, including specification sheet review and facilitation in getting the PTSE to update PRD Spec sheets.
• Performs quality assurance on repairs and new fabrication of pressure equipment.
• Participates in and supports unit specific activities such as MOC Technical Review and CCD revalidations.
• Makes metallurgical, material, and protective coating recommendations based on tests, research, experience, and/or communication with specialists. Ensure that all the proper personnel are involved in making these recommendations.
• Communicate Leaks and failures to the PEI Supervisor’s attention within 24 hours, or immediately if the severity of impact warrants doing so.
• Address corrosion rates revealing equipment that is close to or at renewal.

Turnaround (TA) Support

• For unit outages that are not handled by the TA organization, the Run & Maintain Inspector will have responsibility for all phases of the associated PEI scope.
• Coordinate and Facilitate the Internal Work Scope Challenge and complete action items coming out of the work scope challenge.
• Finalize Work Scope List and submit it to MEC coordinator in preparation of optimization sessions.
• Participate in the optimization sessions and follow up on Optimization action items.
• Create addenda and obtain approval through TA process for any work identified after scope freeze.
• Provide input to Turnaround Planning Support role on logistic needs and resource estimate for TA.
• Perform a detailed review of the final PEI Work Packages prepared by the PEI Turnaround Planner.
• Support execution of the turnaround in a lead or support role as assigned.
• Prepare for and facilitate the Internal Post TA Review and participate in the External Post TA Critique.
• Reviews equipment histories/schedules to develop technical basis for Inspection Interval Extension Requests related to requested TA deferral analysis.

Additional Support

• Provides Technical and Quality Assurance for maintenance repairs and capital and plant change projects.
• Participates in investigations of failures of pressure equipment items. Help determine the cause or suspected cause and document the results in the inspection records.
• Participates in and supports unit specific activities such as Root Cause Analysis.
• Recommends engineering or technical studies to eliminate recognized design and/or maintenance problems.

Qualifications: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Must have legal authorization to work in the US on a full-time basis.
• Ability to effectively manage competing priorities. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.

Education, Experience and Skills 

Education and Experience: 

• Minimum 5 years of related experience in integrity inspections and/or maintenance craft roles, at refinery or petrochemicals manufacturing facilities. 
• Hold multiple API certifications (incl. API-510, API-570, and API-653)

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Must have legal authorization to work in the US on a full-time basis for anyone other than current employer. 
• Successful candidates will demonstrate a good understanding and practical working knowledge of:
• Interpreting engineering drawings in design, construction, and production environments (like P&lD, C&MD, Inspection Isometrics, and various equipment fabrication / construction drawings).
• commonly used metals & non-metal components in pressure equipment, corrosion degradation mechanics in process industries, and welding processes.
• typical NDE methods (incl. PT, RT and MT) and high-end NDE applications (like. UT – Phased Array, Surface Eddy Current, Iris, and Shear Wave)
• maintenance steps required to perform inspections and repair work on pressure equipment (incl. surface prep requirements, cleaning methods, lighting, water quality considerations, etc.)
• manufacturing unit operations and maintenance work processes.
• drafting inspection reports, repair plans, and equipment narratives in various computer-based information repositories / databases. 
• Possess strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple work fronts. Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interface with personnel from diverse backgrounds at all levels of the organization. 
• Bring a high degree of passion, commitment, and integrity to the job. PEI Inspectors are widely recognized for their performance throughout the organization, and their willingness to step out in a leadership capacity by taking on tough issues or delivering not just difficult news but also next steps / possible solutions. 
• Based on individuals’ learning interest and forward development intent, numerous training opportunities exist in the team for Inspectors. These lead to inspectors also assuming focal point responsibilities for the Refinery in the areas of NDE, Integrity Management Systems (IMS), RBI, Welding Fundamentals, Refractory Selection & Installation, PRD, or Paint / Coatings applications. 

Physical requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Walking distance of up to a mile.
• Climbing portable and vessel ladders to elevations over 100 feet.
• 70% of work is performed in an outside petrochemical manufacturing environment.
• Occasionally extended work hours during planned and unplanned events.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification under the Respiratory Protection Program, including qualification to wear respiratory protective equipment such as SCBA.
• Must currently hold or be able to qualify to receive a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card. Note, information regarding TWIC qualification standards may be found at