The ARMS approach to RAMS Analysis for Capital Projects consists of four main steps:

• Data Collection
• Reliability Block Modelling
• Overall Assessment
• Desktop RCM Study

ARMS Reliability Engineers would conduct a “Data Collection” step prior to the Reliability Block Modelling study. ARMS Reliability Engineers would use an experienced senior site engineer to conduct the data collection and compile Equipment Data Sheets (EDS).

The generation of EDS provide an ideal method to collate data from all available data sources, record the source of the data to be used and ensure a consistent approach and level of detail. The data collection process will include analysing all available electronic and hardcopy data and also documenting experience on similar equipment and liaising with suppliers and manufacturers.

Where required, data may be supplemented with accepted generic library data. The EDS provide a valuable and robust documented and auditable data trail upon which the resulting RCM and RBM outputs are generated.

As the EDS are generated for each area the data can be uploaded to the RBD model.

Reliability Block Modelling

The purpose of the reliability block modelling is to assess the intermediate storage sizing, equipment redundancy, system availability, and throughput capacity of the proposed plant design.
The Reliability Block Model would be constructed in the AvSim+ software program, being created from available PFDs and/or P&IDs. Validation of the model would be conducted with appropriate process representatives.

The data used within the Reliability Block Model would be based on the Equipment Data Sheets (EDS) as outlined above. The EDS data would be imported into the Reliability Block Model as the EDS are completed. The use of the EDS ensure a robust and auditable process, upon which the modelling results are generated.

The Reliability Block Model constructed can then be “exercised” to assess the suitability of intermediate storage sizing, and then further to determine the benefit in reviewing storage sizes and redundancies on equipment performance and area availabilities.

The resulting predictions from the model will include:

• Plant and Area availabilities and capacities
• Key items impacting performance by sub-system or total plant.

Desktop RCM Study

The purpose of the desktop RCM study is to determine the likely key failure modes, maintenance tasks for the proposed plant.

The desktop RCM study shall be based upon known failure analysis modes for similar equipment or from manufacturer information. The basis of the desktop RCM will be generic library information to provide a initial indication of resource requirements and maintenance budget.
As the Equipment Data Sheets (EDS) are completed for each area of plant the desktop RCM can be conducted. A Failure Mode Effect Criticality Analysis (FMECA) would be constructed in the RCMCost software package.

This will allow the equipment to be addressed by adding:

1. 1. A description of the dominant deterioration mechanisms.
2. 2. Failure rate behaviour
3. 3. Estimate of Maintenance Costs

• Maintenance task duration, resource, spares,

4. Estimates of failure impacts.

• Safety
• Environment
• Production losses

Once complete the RCMCost model can be used to generate maintenance plans, budget and resource predictions.

Overall Assessment

The purpose of the overall assessment is to analyse the findings of the Desktop RCM Study and the Reliability Block Modelling and to determine potential improvements to the proposed design of the plant.

Pareto charts indicating the key risk items and failure modes can be generated by each area and also for the entire plant. The models can then also be “exercised” to assess the potential benefit in any potential improvements highlighted.

Full documentation and where appropriate electronic files will be supplied in the agreed format. All model data can be supplied in MSOffice products (if required).