Upon Further Inspection
Upon Further Inspection, the mechanical integrity podcast, uses engaging interviews to celebrate the people, stories, and real-world industrial reliability experiences.
Every episode explores topics that matter most to professionals in oil & gas, refining, petrochemical, and other process industries. Through in-depth conversations with industry experts, we discuss themes like continuous improvement, safety, technology advancements, compliance, risk-based inspection, and professional growth.
Upon Further Inspection
Episode 13 - On a Cat Cracker During a Tornado (featuring Bobby Wright)
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 significance of a collaborative and well-rounded approach in achieving industry success.
Reflecting on relationships forged, professional growth, and the importance of teamwork, Bobby's insights provide a comprehensive look into a dynamic and evolving career. Tune in to hear about resilience, leadership, and the future of engineering from someone who has lived it all.
01:43 Refinery Experience and Lessons
05:09 Transition to DNV – Innovations, Achievements, and meeting Greg Alvarado
07:12 Acoustic Emission Testing
18:58 Reflections on Technological Advancements
21:00 Technological Advancements and AI
23:06 Journey into the Coker World
29:06 Catastrophic Failures and Safety Concerns
33:24 Team Collaboration and Reliability
36:16 Institutionalizing Best Practices
40:29 Personal Reflections and Career Influences
45:51 Building Effective Teams
+++++++++++
Episode Acronyms & Abbreviations
AE – Acoustic Emissions
Automated UT – Automated Ultrasonic Testing
EPA – Environmental Protection Agency (USA)
FEA – Finite Element Analysis
H2S – Hydrogen Sulfide
NDT – Non-Destructive Testing
OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (USA)
PSM – Process Safety Management
RBI – Risk-based Inspection
Thank you for listening to Upon Further Inspection! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next one.
We’d love to hear from you—connect with us on LinkedIn and share your thoughts on the episode. Have ideas for future topics or guests? Email us at inspectionpodcast@gmail.com.
Join us next time, wherever you get your podcasts. Until then, stay safe and stay informed.
Note: The views and opinions expressed by the guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or the Upon Further Inspection podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own qualified advisors for guidance.
