Upon Further Inspection

Bölümler

• Find that Needle in the Haystack (featuring Terry McLane) 25.06.2026 48dk

  We welcome Terry McLane, a veteran inspector with deep roots in refining, back to the podcast for part 2 of our discussion. In this candid conversation, the guys cover the full spectrum of mechanical integrity (MI) from technology to program fundamentals to the realities of field work. Terry weighs in on where tools like guided wave and acoustic emission fall short, and why drones, robotics, phased array, and automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) represent the more meaningful advances wort...
• We're Not in the Business of Making Cookies (featuring Terry McLane) 11.06.2026 41dk

  In this episode, we sit down with Terry McLane, a veteran refinery inspector with over 44 years of experience. Terry shares his journey from a plumbing and pipefitting apprentice into refinery maintenance contractor, and ultimately into a full-time career as an inspector. Terry speaks to the value of professional certifications and reflects on his 15 years contributing to API's Individual Certification Program (ICP), where he develops and reviews exam questions with a focus on fairness and pr...
• Toughest Damage Mechanisms Don't Give Advanced Warnings (featuring Chad Patschke) 28.05.2026 51dk

  Chad Patschke is back on the podcast to discuss the toughest damage mechanisms in refining and chemical industries. Based on his years of process safety expertise, he emphasizes that the toughest damage mechanisms offer very little warning like HTHA, corrosion under insulation (CUI), and buried piping/soil-to-air interfaces. There are many pros and cons of using drones, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) in your inspections; however, Chad warns that these technologies can create an ov...
• Don’t Compromise on these Pillars of Mechanical Integrity (featuring Chad Patschke) 14.05.2026 1sa

  “Office of the Week” guy, Chad Patschke, joins the hosts of Upon Further Inspection to share stories and insights from his 30+ year career in process safety and mechanical integrity (MI). Starting in 1992 with early Process Safety Management (PSM) rollout as a plant engineer, Chad discusses how the industry has shifted from a “bare minimum compliance” philosophy to valuing robust MI programs. He reminisces about the challenge of convincing management to invest in prevention and the cycl...
• Feeding the Beast (featuring Mark Bell) 23.04.2026 57dk

  Upon Further Inspection welcomes Mark Bell back to the podcast with Part 2 of our discussion where he shares stories and insights from his decades of inspection and mechanical integrity experience. As a member of the API/AFPM site assessment program, he has performed assessments and PSM audits across many companies. He highlights gaps he sees in smaller facilities: limited adoption of CCDs, IOWs, and effective RBI/IDMS use, often letting budgets drive wrong inspection techniques (e.g., ...
• From Boilermaker to Expert (featuring Mark Bell) 09.04.2026 56dk

  In this episode we welcome Mark Bell, a semi-retired fixed equipment consultant to the podcast. The animated discussion between Greg, Branden, and Mark provide a practical, experience-based look at how great inspectors are developed and how inspection quality is improved over time. Mark’s key takeaway is that effective mechanical integrity depends less on “having certifications” or flashy NDE outputs and more on disciplined learning, sound decision-making, qualified people, and repeatable dat...
• Codes, Committees, and Critical Thinking (featuring Brent Ray) 27.03.2026 46dk

  In part 2 of our conversation with Brent Ray, we take a deeper look at his extensive work with industry codes and standards through API, ASME, and NBIC. Brent reflects on how reviewing a marked up draft of API 571 in 2003 helped launch a path that later included chairing API 581, API 580, the Subcommittee on Inspection and Mechanical Integrity, and the API Inspection Summit. Throughout the discussion, he discusses the challenge of writing standards that are both technically sound and accessib...
• Curiosity, Caves, and Carbon Steel (featuring Brent Ray) 12.03.2026 59dk

  In part 1 of our interview with Brent Ray, Fixed Equipment & Mechanical Integrity Specialist at Marathon Petroleum, we explore the experiences and influences that helped shape his engineering perspective. After opening with a pair of gripping spelunking stories, Brent traces a career path guided by curiosity and opportunity—from studying materials science and chemical engineering to supervising melt operations and eventually joining Marathon in 2002 as a corrosion and metallurgical engine...
• Why Some RBI Programs Fail While Others Flourish 26.02.2026 29dk

  In this episode of Upon Further Inspection, we explore the most common missteps and best practices in RBI implementation, examining what separates programs that deliver lasting value from those that fall short. The discussion highlights the importance of defining clear goals before selecting technology, building a culture where risk-based language is spoken at every level of the organization, and avoiding tactical pitfalls around data inputs, corrosion circuit classification, and damage mecha...
• Metal Wants to Return to Its Simple Form (featuring Lionel Roberts) 12.02.2026 40dk

  In part 1 of our interview with Lionel Roberts, he reflects on his early career at Canadian refineries, where limited resources and mentorship pushed him to think creatively and build a strong professional network. The conversation delves into Lionel's experiences at independent refineries without access to major company resources, highlighting how he leveraged industry organizations like NACE (now AMPP) and API to build expertise. He discusses the critical role of codes and standards partici...
• Plans Are Worthless, but Planning Is Everything 29.01.2026 32dk

  In this episode of Upon Further Inspection, we explore the challenges and best practices for optimizing enterprise asset management systems while maintaining high availability and safety performance. The discussion highlights the importance of designing digital frameworks around organizational needs, supported by strong processes such as RBI, root cause analysis, and MOC programs, along with clear communication. Whether you're implementing a new enterprise system, struggling to optimize...
• Episode 20 - Year in Review 08.01.2026 17dk

  In the 20th episode, we mark a significant milestone, reflecting on our past guests and their diverse insights. We express gratitude to our guests and their employers for the invaluable conversations that have helped broaden the podcast’s scope, including Andri Orphanides, John Reynolds, Lynne Kaley, Bobby Wright, Clay White, and Alexander Gonzalez. We highlight the importance of networking, communication, and the evolution of industry standards, and we also emphasize our excitement about fut...
• Episode 19 - From Transition to Transformation (featuring Alexander Gonzalez) 18.12.2025 38dk

  In part 2 of our interview with Alex Gonzalez, we dive into the challenges and opportunities of implementing mechanical integrity programs in modern facilities. Alex shares his experiences rolling out RBI and inspection management platforms across an enterprise, discussing the critical importance of breaking down organizational silos and securing executive buy-in for successful implementation. The conversation explores the evolving role of AI and machine learning in mechanical integrity, with...
• Episode 18 - From Tropics to Tundra (featuring Alexander Gonzalez) 04.12.2025 44dk

  In part 1 of our interview, we welcome Alex Gonzalez, an asset performance management specialist with extensive experience in the mechanical integrity field. Alex traces his career from his studies in materials engineering and metallurgy in Venezuela through his current work in Canada's oil and gas sector. The discussion covers his focus on corrosion science, the role political circumstances played in his relocation, and his experience developing a career in two different countries. Alex prov...
• Episode 17 - Hope & Luck Are Not a Strategy for Success (featuring Bill Valerioti) 13.11.2025 42dk

  Part 2 of our interview with Bill Valerioti, a semi-retired petrochemicals and chemical industry SME, is now available! We dive right in with an interesting comparison between the chemical and refining industries. Bill draws on his extensive experience to emphasize the abundance of information available in refining compared to the more secretive nature of chemical manufacturing. Bill also contrasts the differences and overlaps between industry associations, such as NACE/AMPP, API, and M...
• Episode 16 - Fell in Love with Materials Engineering (featuring Bill Valerioti) 30.10.2025 43dk

  We have a deep dive into materials engineering and corrosion this time around! In part 1 of our interview, we welcome Bill Valerioti, a semi-retired petrochemicals and chemical industry SME. From his early days in chemical engineering to finding his passion for materials engineering and corrosion – Bill shares insight into his passion for materials failure analysis, mechanical integrity, and chemical plant operations. Bill also emphasizes the importance of effective communication, mento...
• Episode 15 - Getting a Good DMR (featuring Clay White) 16.10.2025 33dk

  We’re excited to welcome Clay White to the podcast! In this episode, Clay shares personal experiences and incidents that fueled his dedication to improving industry safety standards. He reflects on historical events, including the polypropylene reactor leak, and how these shaped his approach to safety. The conversation explores challenges in data management, the critical role of Damage Mechanism Reviews (DMRs), and limitations of inspection technologies. Clay also highlights common industry h...
• Episode 14 - Stood the Test of Time (featuring Clay White) 02.10.2025 46dk

  Welcome to the world of mechanical integrity! In part 1 of our interview, we welcome Clay White to the podcast. Take a listen as Clay takes us through his career journey, from earning a welding and metallurgy degree to becoming a recognized expert in mechanical integrity, corrosion, and materials engineering – including his contributions to API 581. Our discussion explores the evolution of Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) models, flaws in the Generic Failure Frequencies (GFF), the critical r...
• Episode 13 - On a Cat Cracker During a Tornado (featuring Bobby Wright) 17.09.2025 54dk

  In Episode 13, we are pleased to welcome industry veteran Bobby Wright to the podcast! From his beginnings working summers on an assembly line in Arkansas to becoming a business strategist and mentor, Bobby shares the valuable lessons learned and experiences that shaped his path. He discusses pivotal moments, including his roles at refineries and handling emergencies, like tornadoes. Key highlights include Bobby's involvement with coker units, advanced inspection methods, and the signif...
• Episode 12 - We're Over-Inspecting (featuring Lynne Kaley) 04.09.2025 25dk

  Part 2 of our interview with Lynne Kaley is now live. In episode 12, ‘We’re Over-Inspecting’, we welcome risk-based inspection (RBI) expert, Lynne Kaley back to the show. Listen now and hear more about our small yet incredibly interconnected world of mechanical integrity professionals. Branden, Greg, and Lynne discuss the significant shift in the mechanical integrity industry over the years and how it has evolved from merely preventing failures to managing risk and reducing waste. Durin...