Francesco Giacobbe | INAIL - Ricerca (original) (raw)

Papers by Francesco Giacobbe

La Metallurgia Italiana, 2024

Visual examination is an inspection method, codified as nondestructive testing (NDT), which allow... more Visual examination is an inspection method, codified as nondestructive testing (NDT), which allows the assessment of the possible state of surface degradation of equipment and facilities to be carried out. In cases of structures, characterized by height development, the need therefore arises to use scaffolding or liftable aerial structures, in order to safely access the elements being inspected. Such solutions require significant costs and technical time for installation. The technological
development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, allows for relevant results to date.
Indeed, time and costs are optimized without affecting the quality level of the inspection. The survey makes it possible to effectively and quickly manage a preliminary analysis, identifying the surfaces and details that need subsequent punctual and specific further inspections. UAVs in order to carry out these activities must be equipped with special accessories
that allow the acquisition and recording of high-resolution images. The visual examination therefore results in an "assisted" mode as a result of the use of cameras operating in the visible and/or infrared band. This new inspection method conducted with HD recording devices offers, in cases of elevation surveys, an examination of surfaces with a satisfactory
level of detail resolution. It turns out to be relatively easy to detect and assess degradation conditions (e.g., the state of efficiency of the protective coating, of the possible presence and location of generalized corrosion processes or failures/detachments/losses in the couplings, etc.). Taking into account the aforementioned important potentialities, there emerges the need to define and fill a methodological gap with the definition of a procedure with guideline value indicating the way of conducting inspection activities. The purpose of this document is to propose a good operational practice for analyzing in a preventive form the risks for the purposes of flight-related safety according to the different scenarios subject to intervention. The standardization of the way visual examination is conducted brings favorable advantages in terms of uniformity, comparison and robustness of results by offering practitioners and principals a reference guideline.
The paper in particular examines the stages of the prior study of the flight plan, the characteristics and choice of accessories to be used as well as risk assessments related to inspection activities. Procedure for conducting the examination of structures developed at height using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

La Metallurgia Italiana, Feb 25, 2015

This paper deals with requirements for service safety conditions of pressure devices and lifting ... more This paper deals with requirements for service safety conditions of pressure devices and lifting equipments, according to the European and Italian Standards. Periodic controls and inspections are necessary to check corrosion damage and determine residual life, as showed for some significant case histories. As concern as pressure device, hydrogen induced cracking phenomena in steel walls of a demister, utilized to enhance the liquid droplets removal in a vapor stream, were detected by ultrasound measurements. The measured defect sizes were put in comparison with the required limits to verify if this device can be maintained in service. About lifting equipments, two different corrosion mechanisms were examined by detecting defects and measuring residual plate thickness: crevice, due to aggressive environment, at the interstitial of steel plates overlap in a welded and bolted joint of a gantry crane; lastly, crevice and corrosion fatigue of steel rail and plate in a double girder shipyard bridge crane, that was exposed for some decades to the daily aggressive action of direct solar radiation and sea salt, detrimental for the coating layer. In these two cases both defects size and plates thickness were considered with the aim of indicating treatments and restoration procedures of damaged components.

Journal of physics, May 1, 2009

The development and use of nanomaterials has grown widely in the last years. Hence, it is necessa... more The development and use of nanomaterials has grown widely in the last years. Hence, it is necessary to carry out a careful and aimed risk assessment for the safety of the workers. The objective of this research is a specific assessment model finalized to the workplaces where the personnel work manipulating nanoparticles. This model mainly takes into account the number of exposed workers, the dimensions of particles, the information found in the safety data sheets and the uncertainties about the danger level coming from the exposition to nanomaterials. The evaluation algorithm considers the normal work conditions, the abnormal (e.g. breakdown air filter) and emergency situations (e.g. package cracking). It has been necessary to define several risk conditions in order to quantify the risk by increasing levels (low, middle and high level). Each level includes appropriate behavioural procedures. In particular for the high level, it is advisable that the user carries out urgent interventions finalized to reduce the risk level (e.g. the utilization of vacuum box for the manipulation, high efficiency protection PPE, etc). The model has been implemented in a research laboratory where titanium dioxide and carbon nanotubes are used. The outcomes taken out from such specific evaluation gave a risk level equal to middle.

Human & Experimental Toxicology, Jun 1, 2009

Recent development of nanotechnology allows precise assessment of the risks workers are exposed t... more Recent development of nanotechnology allows precise assessment of the risks workers are exposed to. To assess the risks, a specific risk assessment model has been developed with reference to workplaces where nanoparticles are present. This model allows identification and quantification of the health hazards for workers. The use of nanomaterials presents some uncertainties regarding effective level of danger, and risk assessment takes this into consideration with the help of an appropriate index. An evaluation algorithm considers both normal work conditions and abnormal/emergency situations. Evaluation outcome consists of several risk levels with several subdivisions. For each single level, it is possible to develop specific behavioral guidelines. The present evaluation model has been implemented in research laboratories. The results are middle to high-level risks.

The coronavirus pandemic (SARS-CoV-2) at the beginning of 2020 has affected also the standard ope... more The coronavirus pandemic (SARS-CoV-2) at the beginning of 2020 has affected also the standard operation for the manufacture of pressure equipment: it dictates audit on the manufacturer that are currently hindered by the safety procedures for the reduction of the contagion. In the present work, the experience coming from an alternative audit method are reported in the case of quality modules, with particular attention to technological and procedural aspects. Criticalities will be shown, together with limits, opportunities, methodology potential and possible development areas. The preparation activities for the audit plan, for the final review, and for the certification decision committee have been conducted by designated figures through webinars, and this has allowed for the optimization of communications and of documentation sharing. Given the positive impact, this mode has been confirmed in internal procedures. The adopted method allowed the notified body to comply with its duties ...

The current needs of the industrial market, such as the increasing production capacity, the conse... more The current needs of the industrial market, such as the increasing production capacity, the conservation of the plant property, the reduction of the probability of plant shutdown, strongly lead to the discipline of Maintenance Engineering. As part of the pressure equipment, such as pressure vessels, piping, and tanks, the maintenance processes must be managed with a risk management logic. Through, Fitness For Service (FFS) method, pressure equipment presenting a structural degradation can be maintained in operation, with close monitoring. This study illustrates the application of the design code for FFS according to API RP 579 and BS 7910 in the case of a longitudinal defect (crack-like flaw) on a pipe in pressure conditions. The comparison is carried outusing both codes in order to assess the stability of the defect. The calculation shows that the defect is stable, if the pipe is stressed with a steady load equal to the maximum admissible load in operation. The most conservative re...

The technical work here presented is a remote survey experimental procedure designed by INAIL res... more The technical work here presented is a remote survey experimental procedure designed by INAIL research team to adapt the inspection methods usually applied on pressure equipment undeferrable survey to the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 emergency context that limit activities on site. The procedure is designed for those inspection and certification activities assigned to INAIL (Italian State Institute assigned the survey on pressure equipment) and presupposes the requesting user/owner formal agreement. It should be applied in emergency contexts (like COVID-19 pandemic outbreak) that suggests to reduce/avoid direct access to the equipment, allowing anyway the full inspection of the equipment itself and without any lack in survey. The experimental nature of the procedure does not affect the validity of the test results, but identifies and arranges the requirements to perform survey using the remote methodology with augmented/immersive reality devices. In particular, the document p...

Degradation of pressure equipment is becoming an important issue due to increasing asset service ... more Degradation of pressure equipment is becoming an important issue due to increasing asset service time in process and power plants across Europe. For this reason it is important to assess life consumption of these assets to avoid catastrophic failures. Therefore it is necessary to refer to national/international normative on this subject. At present time the Italian thermotechnical committee (CTI) has drawn up a comprehensive set of norms which help the user to set up an inspection plan to investigate and assess degradation of pressure vessels and boilers. In the first part of this paper creep damage of Steam Generators is analyzed. For this purpose results of INAIL (Istituto Nazionale per l’ Assicurazione contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro) database of steam boilers with 100’000 service hours or more is illustrated. Critical components are identified with reference to materials, geometry and operating parameters (pressure, temperature and time). At the end of the design life cycle, components of pressure equipment operated in creep regime must subjected to specific checks to estimate their residual life and the suitability for further use in safety conditions. The procedure allows to define reinspection intervals keeping acceptable the risk associated with the further use of the component related to creep even in evidence of defects in progress. The first check must be performed after 100,000 hours of effective use. Then, residual life evaluations must be repeated according to period of time that are defined as function of the results of all the checks carried out. In the second part of this paper boiler degradation is discussed with reference to NDT results and in-field inspection campaigns which are carried out traditionally after 45 years of service time, to minimize the risk of pressure components failures. In this paper results of different case studies are discussed with reference to degradation mechanisms and applicable standards.

Chemical engineering transactions, 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health concern and travel restrictions have significantly aff... more Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health concern and travel restrictions have significantly affected conformity assessment activities in the scope of the 2014/68/UE directive (PED) Certification Bodies can anyway introduce alternative arrangements to conduct assessments e g remotely by using information and communication technologies (ICT) To this end, according to the International Accreditation Forum documents a feasibility analysis is required The analysis must demonstrate the remote assessment could assure the same effectiveness of an on-site visit, otherwise it is not allowed The present work illustrates the result of the feasibility analysis carried out by the Notified Body (NB) INAIL 0100 and the operative instruction it is implementing in its Quality System (QS) compliant with ISO 17065 standard, to define the operating mode for each phase of the smart conformity assessment, the documental examination and the final product inspection and testing The feasibility analysis wa...

Engineering Failure Analysis, 2010

Reformer furnaces are used in petrochemical industry to produce hydrogen. Their most critical com... more Reformer furnaces are used in petrochemical industry to produce hydrogen. Their most critical components are radiant tubes, where extreme temperature and pressure conditions required the deployment of high alloyed austenitic HP grade steels, owing to their superior strength to creep rupture and good corrosion resistance. Nevertheless, these high strength alloys undergo damage when process conditions allow coke deposition and maintenance

Proceedings of the 30th European Safety and Reliability Conference and 15th Probabilistic Safety Assessment and Management Conference, 2020

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), 2018

There is quite frequent requirement to provide load-bearing structures in order to safely access ... more There is quite frequent requirement to provide load-bearing structures in order to safely access components installed at height. This implies, even for the initial and preliminary analysis activities, the construction of scaffolding or the use of special equipment such as lifting platforms. Therefore, considerations regarding technical times and costs to be incurred are objective and necessary. Nowadays, the technological development of the RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) allows the effective bypass of the above-mentioned difficulties, allowing the carrying out of various checks useful to formulate a possible following campaign of punctual and localized checks. The small size and the sophisticated handling systems gives the possibility of locating with precision in the space at different heights, even in areas characterized by access difficulties. The on-site activities must be conducted by devices and personnel in possession of appropriate authorizations and certifications.
The objective of this article is to propose basic guidelines for carrying out surveys with the support of RPAS. In particular, the technical considerations to be considered for the choice and characteristics of the device and its accessories as well as the necessary actions such as the preparation of the flight plan, risk assessment and communication to the competent groups.

Books by Francesco Giacobbe

SAFAP, 2023

In today's increasingly advanced and interconnected industrial production environment, the detect... more In today's increasingly advanced and interconnected industrial production environment, the detection of operating parameters by means of transducers installed on pressure equipment is of fundamental and strategic importance for the safe operation of pressure equipment. By the end of 2023, the work conducted by the Italian Thermotechnical Committee regarding the UNI/TS 11325-13 technical specification "Pressure equipment - Commissioning and use of pressure equipment and assemblies - Part 13: Guidance for the implementation of an operating data monitoring system for pressure equipment" should be concluded. The specification is aimed primarily at users, but it is also a practical and useful reference document for, designers, technicians, maintainers, inspection bodies and agencies. The objective is to provide guidance and recommendations on the implementation of a monitoring system in a non-substitutive or prescriptive form with respect to existing legislative provisions. The document includes suggestions for the selection of transducers according to their technical characteristics and the operating parameters to be monitored, either continuously or at discrete intervals. PDCA (plan-do-check-act) logic, typical of management systems, is used to design the monitoring system. Taking into account the continuous advances in technology, the specification is not intended to specify the performance of transducers but rather the working method to be adopted for the selection of devices, criteria for data management and storage. Data analysis can provide the user with important elements for early detection of possible drifts by directing the management activities of monitored equipment toward approaches based on advanced prognostics and predictive maintenance.