NASPO Certified
NASPO Certified
A complete reference of key terms used in field inspection, asset management, industrial compliance, and maintenance management. Definitions written for operations teams in oil and gas, mining, construction, manufacturing, and utilities.
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Above-Ground Storage Tank (AST)
A storage vessel located at or above grade level used to store liquids including crude oil, refined petroleum products, chemicals, and water. ASTs are subject to inspection requirements under API 653 which defines inspection intervals, corrosion assessment methods, and remaining life calculation procedures.
Acoustic Emission Testing (AET)
A non-destructive testing method that detects transient elastic waves generated by the rapid release of energy from sources within a material, such as crack propagation or corrosion activity. AET is used for monitoring pressure vessels, pipelines, and structural components under load to detect active defects without full shutdown of the equipment.
Action Item
A task generated from an inspection finding that requires follow-up work to resolve a deficiency, hazard, or non-conformance. Also called a corrective action. In Field Eagle, action items are created automatically from failed inspection items and tracked from identification through verified resolution. See: corrective action management.
API 510
American Petroleum Institute standard for the inspection, rating, repair, and alteration of pressure vessels. API 510 defines inspection intervals based on corrosion rate and remaining life, required inspection methods, and documentation requirements for pressure vessels in refinery and chemical plant service. See: asset integrity management software.
API 570
American Petroleum Institute standard governing the inspection, rating, repair, and alteration of in-service piping systems. API 570 defines inspection intervals, corrosion monitoring requirements, and documentation standards for piping in refinery and petrochemical operations. See: pipeline inspection software.
API 580
American Petroleum Institute standard establishing the minimum principles and methodology for implementing a risk based inspection program for fixed equipment in the oil and petrochemical industries. API 580 provides the qualitative to semi-quantitative framework for RBI programs. See: risk based inspection software.
API 581
American Petroleum Institute standard providing the quantitative risk based inspection technology and calculation procedures referenced by API 580. API 581 defines specific consequence modeling methodologies and probability of failure calculations for pressure equipment. See: asset integrity management software.
API 653
American Petroleum Institute standard governing the inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of steel above-ground storage tanks. API 653 defines minimum inspection intervals, assessment methods for corrosion, and documentation requirements for tank integrity programs. See: tanks and silos inspection software.
API Q1
American Petroleum Institute quality management system specification for manufacturing organizations in the oil and gas industry. API Q1 certification demonstrates that a manufacturer has implemented a documented quality management system meeting API requirements for products supplied to oil and gas customers.
Asset
Any physical item of value to an organization that requires tracking, inspection, or maintenance. In industrial operations, assets include equipment, vehicles, structures, vessels, pipelines, and infrastructure. Assets have a defined lifecycle from acquisition to retirement.
Asset Condition Monitoring
The systematic tracking of the physical condition of equipment and infrastructure over time to detect deterioration, predict failures, and inform maintenance decisions. Field Eagle tracks asset condition through linked inspection records that build longitudinal condition histories across inspection cycles. See: asset management software.
Asset Health Monitoring
The ongoing process of measuring and tracking key indicators of asset condition to assess whether equipment is performing within acceptable parameters. Asset health monitoring uses inspection data, sensor readings, and maintenance records to provide a continuous picture of asset status. See: AI Preventative Maintenance.
Asset Integrity Management
The systematic management of physical assets to ensure they perform their required function safely, efficiently, and reliably throughout their operational life. Asset integrity management programs combine inspection, maintenance, risk assessment, and compliance documentation to prevent failures and regulatory violations. See: asset integrity management software.
Asset Lifecycle
The complete period from when an asset is acquired or created to when it is retired or disposed of. Asset lifecycle management tracks condition, maintenance cost, and performance across this entire period to support informed decisions about repair, refurbishment, and replacement.
Asset Management
The systematic process of developing, operating, maintaining, upgrading, and disposing of physical assets in the most cost-effective and risk-appropriate manner. See: asset management software.
Asset Register
A centralized database of all physical assets owned or managed by an organization. Each entry in an asset register includes identification details, specifications, location, maintenance history, and inspection records. In Field Eagle, the asset register connects every inspection directly to the relevant asset record.
ATEX Zones
European hazardous area classifications defining zones where explosive atmospheres may be present. Zone 0 (gas present continuously), Zone 1 (gas likely during normal operation), Zone 2 (gas unlikely during normal operation), Zone 20, 21, and 22 (dust equivalents). Equipment used in ATEX zones must be certified for that hazard classification, including inspection tablets used in oil and gas and chemical plant environments.
Audit
A systematic examination of processes, records, or physical conditions to verify compliance with defined standards, regulations, or organizational requirements. Audits assess whether processes and systems are functioning correctly. See: audit management software.
Audit Trail
A chronological record of all activities, changes, and actions taken within a system or process. In inspection management, an audit trail documents who completed each inspection, when, what was found, what corrective actions were taken, and when they were resolved.
Authorized Inspector (AI)
A qualified inspector certified to perform inspection activities under API 510, API 570, or API 653. Authorized inspectors must meet specific experience and certification requirements. Formal compliance inspections under these standards must be performed by or under the direct supervision of an authorized inspector.
Baseline Inspection
The initial comprehensive inspection of an asset that establishes reference condition data against which future inspections are compared. Baseline inspections form the foundation of the asset’s longitudinal condition history.
Behavior-Based Safety (BBS)
A safety management approach that focuses on identifying and reinforcing safe behaviors in the workplace rather than solely relying on rules and procedures. BBS programs use observation data to identify unsafe behavior patterns and intervene before incidents occur.
BOP Inspection
Blowout preventer inspection. A critical safety inspection on oil and gas wellhead equipment designed to seal, control, and monitor wells to prevent uncontrolled releases. BOP inspections are subject to specific BSEE regulatory requirements for offshore operations. See: oil and gas inspection software.
BSEE (Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement)
The United States federal agency responsible for safety and environmental oversight of offshore energy operations on the US Outer Continental Shelf. BSEE regulations govern equipment inspection requirements, well control, and environmental protection for offshore oil and gas operations. See: oil and gas inspection software.
Bulk Material Handling
The engineering and mechanical handling of large quantities of dry or liquid materials including coal, ore, grain, cement, and aggregates. Bulk material handling equipment requires regular structural and mechanical inspection to prevent failure. See: mining inspection software.
Caliper Pig
An inline inspection tool that travels through a pipeline measuring the internal diameter to identify dents, ovalities, mechanical damage, and buckles. Caliper pigs use sensor arrays to map dimensional changes along the pipeline length.
CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action)
A process for investigating and addressing the root causes of defects, non-conformances, or failures, and implementing actions to prevent recurrence. CAPA management is a requirement of ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and other management system standards. See: quality inspection software.
Cathodic Protection
An electrochemical technique used to prevent corrosion of metal structures by making them the cathode of an electrochemical cell. Cathodic protection is widely used on buried and submerged pipelines and storage tanks. Regular cathodic protection surveys are required to verify system effectiveness.
Checklist
A structured list of items or tasks that must be completed or verified during an inspection or audit. Digital inspection checklists in Field Eagle enforce completion of every required item and generate inspection reports automatically. See: digital inspection forms and checklists.
Client Portal
A secure online interface giving clients direct access to inspection reports, asset condition data, and compliance documentation. Field Eagle is the only field inspection platform with a built-in client portal, giving clients real-time access to inspection results without manual report distribution.
Compliance
Adherence to laws, regulations, standards, and internal policies that govern an organization’s operations. See: standards compliance.
Compliance Documentation
The records, reports, and evidence required to demonstrate that an organization meets applicable regulatory requirements. See: inspection data management.
Compliance Scoring
A numerical measure of the degree to which an inspection, site, or asset meets defined compliance criteria. In Field Eagle, compliance scores are calculated automatically during inspection execution and reported across inspections, sites, and time periods.
Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM)
A maintenance strategy that performs maintenance only when condition monitoring data indicates that equipment is approaching a failure threshold. Field Eagle AI Preventative Maintenance enables CBM by analysing inspection histories to identify when assets are approaching critical condition thresholds.
Condition Rating
A standardized numerical or categorical score assigned to an asset or inspection item to indicate its current physical condition. Consistent condition ratings applied across inspection cycles enable trend analysis and deterioration rate calculation.
Consequence of Failure (CoF)
An assessment of the potential impact if an asset fails, including safety, environmental, production, and financial consequences. CoF combined with Probability of Failure determines risk level in risk based inspection programs.
COR (Certificate of Recognition)
A Canadian health and safety certification that recognizes employers who have implemented a health and safety management system meeting provincial standards. COR certification requires documented inspection programs, hazard assessments, and safety audit processes.
Corrosion Allowance
The additional wall thickness included in the design of a pressure vessel or piping system to account for expected corrosion over the asset’s design life. When remaining wall thickness approaches the corrosion allowance limit, inspection intervals must be increased and remaining life assessment is required.
Corrosion Rate
The speed at which metal thickness reduces due to corrosion, typically expressed in millimeters per year. Corrosion rate is calculated from successive thickness measurements at the same location and is used to determine inspection intervals and remaining life under API 510, API 570, and API 653.
Corrective Action
A formal task generated from an inspection finding that documents a deficiency, assigns responsibility for resolution, sets a due date, and tracks the finding through to verified closure. See: inspection management.
CUI (Corrosion Under Insulation)
External corrosion that occurs on piping or vessels beneath insulation or cladding, where moisture accumulates and creates accelerated corrosion conditions. CUI is one of the most prevalent integrity threats in oil and gas and chemical plant piping systems and requires targeted inspection programs.
Dead Leg
A section of piping no longer in active service but remaining connected to an active system. Dead legs are at elevated risk of corrosion due to stagnant flow conditions and are a specific inspection concern under API 570 piping inspection programs.
Defect
A condition found during an inspection that deviates from the required standard or acceptable condition. Defects are classified by severity and generate corrective actions that require resolution before the defect is considered closed.
Defect Assessment
A formal engineering evaluation of a defect found during inspection to determine whether the asset can continue to operate safely, requires repair, or must be taken out of service. Defect assessments follow standardized methodologies including ASME Fitness for Service or API 579.
Defect Classification
A standardized system for categorizing defects by severity and urgency. Common classification systems use Critical, Major, and Minor categories or numerical severity ratings. Field Eagle supports customizable defect classification scales.
Degradation Mechanism
A physical or chemical process that causes deterioration of an asset’s condition over time. Common degradation mechanisms include corrosion, erosion, fatigue cracking, stress corrosion cracking, hydrogen embrittlement, and thermal degradation. Identifying active degradation mechanisms is the first step in developing a risk based inspection program.
Deterioration Rate
The speed at which an asset’s condition declines between inspection cycles. Field Eagle AI Preventative Maintenance analyses deterioration rates across inspection history to identify assets heading toward failure.
Digital Inspection
An inspection completed using a tablet with findings captured in a structured digital format rather than on paper. See: field inspection software guide.
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Eddy Current Testing (ECT)
A non-destructive testing method that uses electromagnetic induction to detect surface and near-surface flaws in conductive materials. ECT is widely used for inspection of heat exchanger tubes, aircraft components, and surface crack detection in welds and critical components.
EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety)
The organizational function responsible for managing environmental compliance, occupational health, and workplace safety. See: EHS software.
EHS Report
A formal document recording the findings of an environmental, health, and safety inspection or audit. Field Eagle generates EHS reports automatically from inspection data. See: what is an EHS report.
Equipment Maintenance
The systematic set of activities conducted to maintain equipment in an operational and safe condition including preventive, condition-based, and corrective maintenance. See: equipment maintenance software.
EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction)
A project delivery method where a single contractor takes responsibility for design, procurement, and construction. EPC projects require systematic quality inspection at each phase to verify that installed equipment and constructed facilities meet specification.
ERF (Estimated Repair Factor)
A metric used in pipeline integrity management to quantify the severity of a metal loss anomaly found during inline inspection. ERF values above 1.0 indicate the anomaly exceeds the allowable defect size and immediate action is required.
Erosion-Corrosion
A degradation mechanism where the combined effects of mechanical erosion and corrosion accelerate material loss beyond what either mechanism would cause independently. Common in areas of high fluid velocity, turbulence, or where solid particles are carried in the process fluid.
Failure Mode
The specific way in which an asset or component fails to perform its required function. Identifying failure modes is the foundation of both FMEA and risk based inspection programs. See: asset integrity management.
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
A systematic methodology for identifying potential failure modes of equipment, assessing their consequences, and determining appropriate preventive actions. FMEA is used in maintenance engineering to develop inspection and maintenance programs.
Field Audit
An audit conducted at the physical location of an asset, facility, or process. See: field audit software.
Field Data Collection
The process of capturing operational, condition, or compliance data at the physical location of an asset or worksite using digital devices. See: inspection data management.
Field Inspection
A systematic examination of assets, facilities, equipment, or processes conducted at their physical location. See: field inspection software guide.
Field Inspection Software
A digital platform that enables inspection teams to plan, conduct, document, and manage inspections in the field using a tablet. Field Eagle is field inspection software built for industrial operations. See: inspection management with Field Eagle.
Final Compliance Report
A comprehensive inspection report documenting all items assessed, defects identified, photos, corrective actions required, and overall compliance status. Field Eagle generates final compliance reports automatically. See: inspection report.
Fitness for Service (FFS)
A formal engineering assessment methodology used to determine whether equipment with a known defect can continue to operate safely. FFS assessments follow API 579 / ASME FFS-1 methodology and evaluate whether defects found during inspection exceed critical levels requiring immediate action.
Flare Stack Inspection
A systematic examination of flare stack structures, piping, tips, and ignition systems in oil and gas and petrochemical facilities. Flare inspections combine visual inspection, thickness measurement, and structural assessment. See: oil and gas inspection software.
Fracture Mechanics
The engineering discipline that studies crack propagation in materials and predicts conditions under which crack growth will lead to failure. Applied in fitness for service assessments to evaluate whether cracks found during inspection are safe to operate with.
GPS Tagging
The automatic recording of geographic coordinates at the time a photo is taken or an inspection item is completed. GPS-tagged inspection findings can be mapped to specific locations on a site or pipeline route.
Ground Support Inspection
A systematic examination of rock bolts, mesh, shotcrete, and other support systems in underground mining excavations to verify that ground support is intact and adequate. See: mining inspection software
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
A systematic preventive approach to food safety that identifies, evaluates, and controls physical, chemical, and biological hazards in food production processes. HACCP programs require documented inspection records at each critical control point.
Hazard Assessment
A systematic process for identifying potential hazards in a workplace, evaluating the risk they present, and determining appropriate control measures. Required by OSHA, MSHA, and other regulatory frameworks. See: safety inspection software.
HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study)
A structured examination of a planned or existing process to identify problems that may represent risks to personnel, equipment, or the environment. HAZOP uses guide words to challenge each element of the process design and identify potential hazardous deviations.
Heat Affected Zone (HAZ)
The area of base metal adjacent to a weld that has experienced microstructural changes due to welding heat but has not been melted. The HAZ is often the site of weld-related defects including hydrogen cracking and stress corrosion cracking.
High Consequence Area (HCA)
A designation under PHMSA pipeline safety regulations identifying areas where a pipeline release could have significant consequences, including populated areas, sensitive environmental areas, and commercially navigable waterways. Pipelines in HCAs are subject to enhanced inspection requirements.
Hoisting Equipment Inspection
A systematic examination of shaft hoisting systems, conveyances, ropes, sheaves, and associated components used to transport personnel and materials in underground mining. Subject to specific requirements under MSHA and provincial mining acts. See: mining inspection software.
Hot Work Permit
A formal authorization required before performing activities that could ignite flammable materials in a hazardous area, including welding, cutting, and grinding. Hot work permits require a pre-work inspection of the work area.
HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment)
The organizational function responsible for managing occupational health, workplace safety, and environmental compliance. The British English equivalent of EHS. See: health and safety inspection software.
Hydrostatic Testing
A pressure test performed by filling a vessel or pipeline with water and pressurizing above normal operating pressure to verify structural integrity and absence of leaks. See: pipeline inspection software.
Inline Inspection
An inspection method using an instrument that travels through the interior of a pipeline to assess wall condition, thickness, dents, and other integrity indicators. Inline inspection tools, commonly called pigs, use magnetic flux leakage, ultrasonic testing, or caliper measurement to collect condition data along the full pipeline length.
Inspection
A systematic examination of an asset, facility, or process to determine its current condition, verify compliance with standards, and identify deficiencies requiring action. Inspections are conducted on defined schedules and generate documented records that support maintenance decisions and regulatory compliance. See: inspection management system.
Inspection Checklist
A structured list of items, conditions, or criteria that an inspector must assess during an inspection. Digital inspection checklists enforce consistency across inspectors and sites, capture condition data in a structured format, and enable automated report generation. See: digital inspection forms and checklists.
Inspection Data Management
The systematic storage, organization, and retrieval of all data generated by field inspection programs. Effective inspection data management links inspection records to asset records, maintains compliance documentation, and makes all data searchable and retrievable. See: inspection data management software.
Inspection Form
The digital document used by an inspector to record findings during an inspection. Inspection forms in Field Eagle support custom answer options, conditional logic, required photo capture, measurement fields, and digital sign-off. See: digital inspection forms and checklists.
Inspection Interval
The defined time period between successive inspections of an asset. Inspection intervals are set based on regulatory requirements, manufacturer recommendations, and risk classification. Risk based inspection programs assign intervals based on failure probability and consequence rather than fixed calendar periods. See: risk based inspection.
Inspection Management System
A digital platform that manages the full lifecycle of field inspections including planning, scheduling, execution, corrective action tracking, compliance documentation, and performance reporting. See: inspection management system.
Inspection Report
A formal document that records the findings of an inspection including items assessed, conditions found, photos, corrective actions required, and compliance status. Field Eagle generates inspection reports automatically from field data immediately upon submission. See: inspection report.
Inspection Tracking
The real-time monitoring of inspection completion status, overdue inspections, corrective action progress, and inspector performance across an inspection program. See: inspection tracking software.
ISO 9001
The international standard for quality management systems. ISO 9001 defines requirements for an organization’s quality management system including documented inspection procedures, corrective action processes, and continuous improvement programs. See: quality inspection software.
ISO 45001
The international standard for occupational health and safety management systems. ISO 45001 defines requirements for systematic health and safety management including hazard identification, risk assessment, inspection programs, and corrective action processes. See: safety inspection software.
ISO 55000
The international standard for asset management systems. ISO 55000 defines requirements for managing physical assets to achieve organizational objectives including risk based maintenance, asset condition monitoring, and lifecycle decision making. See: asset management software.
Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
A systematic process for identifying hazards associated with specific job tasks and determining appropriate controls before work begins. Also called Job Safety Analysis (JSA). See: safety inspection software.
Leading Indicators
Proactive metrics that measure conditions and behaviors predicting future incidents or failures. In inspection programs, leading indicators include inspection completion rates, overdue inspections, open corrective action aging, and condition trend deterioration rates. Field Eagle inspection tracking software provides leading indicator dashboards.
Leak-Before-Break (LBB)
A design philosophy demonstrating that a pressure-containing component will develop a detectable leak before catastrophic fracture, providing an opportunity to detect and address the condition before a safety incident.
Long-Range Ultrasonic Testing (LRUT)
A non-destructive testing technique transmitting ultrasonic guided waves along a pipe or structural element to screen for wall loss and corrosion at distances up to 50 meters from a single test point. Useful for screening inaccessible piping including pipes under insulation and buried sections.
Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL)
A non-destructive testing method that magnetizes ferromagnetic material and detects variations in the magnetic field caused by corrosion or wall loss. MFL is the most common method used in inline inspection tools for pipeline integrity and for above-ground storage tank floor inspection under API 653.
Maintenance History
A complete chronological record of all maintenance activities, inspections, repairs, and parts replacements performed on an asset. See: asset maintenance software.
Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP)
The maximum pressure at which a pipeline or pressure vessel is legally permitted to operate, established based on design specifications, material properties, construction quality, and applicable codes.
Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP)
The maximum pressure at which a pressure vessel is designed and permitted to operate continuously at a specific temperature. MAWP may be reduced over time as corrosion reduces wall thickness.
Metal Loss Anomaly
A region of reduced wall thickness in a pipeline or pressure vessel caused by corrosion, erosion, or mechanical damage. Metal loss anomalies are detected during inspection and assessed against fitness for service criteria.
MIL-STD-810
A United States military standard defining environmental engineering test methods for equipment intended to operate in harsh environmental conditions. Field Eagle supports MIL-STD-810 rated intrinsically safe rugged tablets for use in hazardous industrial environments.
MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration)
The United States federal agency responsible for enforcing safety and health regulations in mining operations. MSHA Part 56 covers surface metal and nonmetal mining. MSHA Part 57 covers underground metal and nonmetal mining. See: mining inspection software.
MSHA Part 46
MSHA regulation governing training requirements for miners at surface mines. Part 46 training includes new miner training, newly hired experienced miner training, and annual refresher training. Training completion must be documented and available for MSHA review. See: mining inspection software.
MSHA Part 48
MSHA regulation governing training requirements for underground miners. Part 48 defines training requirements for new miners, newly hired experienced miners, task training, and annual refresher training. See: mining inspection software.
NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers)
A professional organization now known as AMPP that develops standards, training, and certification programs for corrosion prevention. NACE standards are widely referenced in oil and gas, pipeline, and infrastructure inspection programs.
NASPO ValuePoint
A cooperative purchasing program administered by the National Association of State Procurement Officials enabling government agencies to procure pre-vetted technology solutions. Field Eagle holds NASPO ValuePoint approval for government procurement.
NERC CIP
North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection standards ensuring security and reliability of the North American bulk electric system. NERC CIP standards include physical security, cybersecurity, and operational reliability requirements for critical infrastructure. See: utilities inspection software.
Non-Conformance
A condition where a product, process, or system does not meet a specified requirement or standard. Non-conformances identified during inspections or audits require documented corrective actions. See: audit management software.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
A group of inspection techniques used to evaluate the properties and condition of materials without causing damage. Common NDT methods include UT, MT, PT, RT, VT, ECT, and AET. NDT findings are documented and tracked in Field Eagle inspection management software
Offline Inspection
An inspection completed on a tablet without internet connectivity, with data stored locally and synced when connectivity returns. Essential for remote locations, underground mining, offshore platforms, and environments without reliable connectivity. See: field inspection software guide.
Operational Integrity
The condition in which an asset performs its intended function safely, reliably, and efficiently. Operational integrity management combines inspection, maintenance, risk assessment, and compliance activities. See: asset integrity management software.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
The United States federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety and health standards. OSHA requires documented inspection programs, hazard assessments, and corrective action processes. See: safety inspection software.
Out-of-Service Flagging
The formal designation of equipment as unavailable for use due to a safety deficiency or critical defect. Out-of-service flags prevent equipment from being deployed until the defect is resolved. See: equipment maintenance software.
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Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)
An advanced ultrasonic testing method using multiple elements in a transducer array to electronically control the direction and focus of the ultrasonic beam. PAUT provides more comprehensive coverage than conventional UT and is widely used for weld inspection, corrosion mapping, and crack sizing.
Pig (Pipeline Inspection Gauge)
Any device designed to travel through the interior of a pipeline for inspection, cleaning, or servicing. Inspection pigs include caliper pigs, MFL pigs, UT pigs, and geometry pigs. See: pipeline inspection software.
Pipeline Inspection
A systematic assessment of pipeline condition through right-of-way patrols, above-ground facility inspections, inline inspection, and cathodic protection surveys. See: pipeline inspection software.
Pitting Corrosion
A localized form of corrosion that creates small pits or cavities in a metal surface while surrounding material remains relatively unaffected. Pitting corrosion is particularly dangerous because pits can penetrate through the full wall thickness while overall metal loss remains small.
PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration)
The United States federal agency responsible for regulating pipeline transportation safety. PHMSA regulations 49 CFR Parts 192 and 195 define pipeline inspection requirements and integrity management program obligations. See: pipeline inspection software.
Predictive Maintenance
A maintenance strategy using data analysis to predict when equipment is likely to fail, enabling maintenance to be performed at the optimal time before failure. Field Eagle AI Preventative Maintenance implements predictive maintenance by analysing historical inspection data to identify failure patterns.
Pressure Safety Valve (PSV) Testing
Periodic inspection and testing to verify that pressure safety valves open at the correct set pressure and reseat properly. PSV testing is required by ASME and API standards and is critical in process safety management programs. See: oil and gas inspection software.
Preventative Maintenance
Maintenance activities performed on a scheduled basis to prevent equipment failure. See: preventative maintenance software.
Probability of Failure (PoF)
An assessment of how likely an asset is to fail within a defined time period. PoF combined with Consequence of Failure determines risk level in risk based inspection methodology under API 580.
Process Safety Management (PSM)
A regulatory framework preventing catastrophic releases of hazardous chemicals. OSHA PSM Standard 29 CFR 1910.119 requires documented mechanical integrity programs including inspection and testing of process equipment. See: safety inspection software.
Punch List
A report generated from an inspection listing all deficiencies identified, categorized by severity. Field Eagle generates punch list reports automatically from inspection data. See: inspection report.
Quality Assurance (QA)
The proactive set of activities designed to ensure products, services, and processes consistently meet defined quality standards by preventing defects. See: quality inspection software.
Quality Control (QC)
The reactive set of activities focused on detecting defects in outputs through inspection and testing. See: quality inspection software.
Quality Inspection
A systematic examination of products, materials, or processes to verify they meet defined quality standards. See: quality inspection software.
Radiographic Testing (RT)
A non-destructive testing method using X-rays or gamma rays to produce images of a component’s internal structure on film or digital detector. RT is used for weld inspection, casting evaluation, and detection of internal defects including cracks, porosity, and inclusions.
RBI (Risk Based Inspection)
An inspection planning approach that prioritizes assets based on failure probability and failure consequence rather than fixed time intervals. RBI methodology for pressure equipment is defined in API 580 and API 581. See: risk based inspection software.
Regulatory Compliance
Adherence to laws, regulations, and standards set by government bodies and industry organizations. See: standards compliance.
Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM)
A structured methodology for developing maintenance programs based on functional requirements of equipment and consequences of failure. RCM identifies the most effective maintenance strategy for each failure mode. See: preventative maintenance software.
Remaining Life Assessment
A formal engineering calculation estimating how long an asset can continue to operate safely before repair or replacement. Drives inspection interval decisions under API 510, API 570, and API 653. See: asset integrity management software.
Remaining Useful Life (RUL)
An estimate of how long an asset can continue to operate within acceptable condition parameters before requiring major intervention or replacement. Calculated by extrapolating the current deterioration rate against a defined end-of-life condition threshold.
Right-of-Way (ROW) Patrol
A regular inspection activity involving walking or driving the corridor along a pipeline route to identify surface indications of integrity issues and third-party encroachment. See: pipeline inspection software.
Risk Matrix
A visual tool plotting assets on a grid with probability of failure on one axis and consequence of failure on the other, dividing into risk zones from low to critical. Used in risk based inspection programs to prioritize inspection resources.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
A systematic investigation process identifying the underlying causes of a failure, defect, or incident rather than addressing only its symptoms. RCA techniques include fault tree analysis, fishbone diagrams, and the five-whys method.
Radiographic Testing (RT)
A non-destructive testing method using X-rays or gamma rays to produce images of a component’s internal structure on film or digital detector. RT is used for weld inspection, casting evaluation, and detection of internal defects including cracks, porosity, and inclusions.
RBI (Risk Based Inspection)
An inspection planning approach that prioritizes assets based on failure probability and failure consequence rather than fixed time intervals. RBI methodology for pressure equipment is defined in API 580 and API 581. See: risk based inspection software.
Regulatory Compliance
Adherence to laws, regulations, and standards set by government bodies and industry organizations. See: standards compliance.
Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM)
A structured methodology for developing maintenance programs based on functional requirements of equipment and consequences of failure. RCM identifies the most effective maintenance strategy for each failure mode. See: preventative maintenance software.
Remaining Life Assessment
A formal engineering calculation estimating how long an asset can continue to operate safely before repair or replacement. Drives inspection interval decisions under API 510, API 570, and API 653. See: asset integrity management software.
Remaining Useful Life (RUL)
An estimate of how long an asset can continue to operate within acceptable condition parameters before requiring major intervention or replacement. Calculated by extrapolating the current deterioration rate against a defined end-of-life condition threshold.
Right-of-Way (ROW) Patrol
A regular inspection activity involving walking or driving the corridor along a pipeline route to identify surface indications of integrity issues and third-party encroachment. See: pipeline inspection software.
Risk Matrix
A visual tool plotting assets on a grid with probability of failure on one axis and consequence of failure on the other, dividing into risk zones from low to critical. Used in risk based inspection programs to prioritize inspection resources.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
A systematic investigation process identifying the underlying causes of a failure, defect, or incident rather than addressing only its symptoms. RCA techniques include fault tree analysis, fishbone diagrams, and the five-whys method.
Tailings Storage Facility (TSF)
An engineered containment structure storing waste byproducts from mineral processing operations. TSFs are among the highest-consequence assets in mining. TSF inspections assess embankment condition, drainage, seepage, and geotechnical stability. See: mining asset management.
Tank Inspection
A systematic examination of storage tank condition, integrity, and compliance. API 653 defines inspection requirements for above-ground steel storage tanks. See: tanks and silos inspection software.
Template
A pre-built inspection form defining the structure, questions, answer options, and logic for a specific inspection type. See: inspection form templates.
Thermographic Inspection
An inspection technique using infrared cameras to detect temperature differences on surfaces of equipment or structures. Identifies heat loss, electrical hotspots, refractory failures, and areas of active corrosion. See: renewable energy inspection software.
Thickness Measurement
The quantitative measurement of remaining wall thickness in a vessel, pipe, or structural component using ultrasonic testing. Thickness measurements across inspection cycles provide the corrosion rate data used to calculate remaining life and determine inspection intervals.
Transmission Line Inspection
A systematic examination of overhead transmission line structures, conductors, insulators, and rights-of-way to verify structural integrity and compliance with NERC reliability standards. See: utilities inspection software
Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
A non-destructive testing method using high-frequency sound waves to detect internal defects, measure wall thickness, and characterize material properties. One of the most widely used NDT methods in industrial inspection programs. Phased array UT and time-of-flight diffraction are advanced variants.
Underground Ventilation Inspection
A systematic examination of ventilation infrastructure in underground mining operations including fans, regulators, stoppings, and airways to verify adequate ventilation for worker safety. Required at defined intervals under MSHA regulations. See: mining inspection software.
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Vapor Cloud Explosion (VCE)
An explosion resulting from the ignition of a dispersed cloud of flammable vapor or gas. VCE is a major safety hazard in oil and gas and petrochemical operations and is one of the highest-consequence failure scenarios used in process hazard analysis.
Vibration Analysis
A condition monitoring technique measuring vibration signatures of rotating equipment to detect developing mechanical faults including bearing defects, imbalance, misalignment, and looseness. See: equipment maintenance software.
Visual Testing (VT)
The most fundamental non-destructive testing method involving systematic visual examination of a surface or component to detect discontinuities and conditions affecting performance. Visual testing is the first inspection method applied in most programs and the baseline against which other NDT findings are contextualized.
Wall Thickness Measurement
The quantitative measurement of the remaining metal thickness in a pipe wall, vessel shell, or structural component. The primary data used to calculate corrosion rates and remaining life in pressure equipment inspection programs.
Weld Inspection
A systematic examination of welded joints to verify weld quality and identify defects including cracks, porosity, lack of fusion, and undercut. Weld inspections use visual testing, ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, or magnetic particle testing depending on the application and applicable code.
Well Integrity
The application of technical, operational, and organizational solutions to reduce the risk of uncontrolled release of formation fluids throughout the lifecycle of a well. Includes systematic inspection of wellhead equipment, casing, tubing, and downhole components. See: oil and gas inspection software.
Wind Turbine Inspection
A systematic examination of wind turbine components including blades, tower, nacelle, drivetrain, and electrical systems governed by IEC 61400 and manufacturer maintenance requirements. See: wind turbine inspections.
Work Order
A formal document that authorizes and describes a specific maintenance or repair task. Work orders are typically generated from corrective actions identified during inspections and define the scope of work, required resources, and completion criteria.
