An overview of collection, analysis, and application of reliability data in the process industries

Issues relevant to the collection, analysis, and application of reliability data are discussed. In terms of analysis, attention is given to: current common practice and its limitations; the need for feedback-to-data collection process; lack of high-quality software for reliability analysis; contribution of exploratory analysis techniques; problems of small data sets and of over interpretations: and critical need for sensitivity analysis in reliability studies. In terms of applications, attention is given to the alternative purposes for which such reliability data can be used: safety, cost, legislation, and system availability evaluation; maintenance and replacement decisions; logistic support and spares provisioning; initial design and quality changes; and procedural and monitoring changes