Why Perform Risk Assessments?
At C-FER Technologies, we help operators make informed decisions by quantifying the risks posed by complex engineering systems. Our risk assessments translate technical insights into actionable guidance that supports safety, environmental stewardship, and economic performance.
Using advanced engineering models, we:
- Evaluate the probability of system failure, incorporating uncertainty through probabilistic methods.
- Assess the consequences of failure, including impacts on life safety, the environment, and financial outcomes.
- Support decision-making by providing results in objective units—such as expected failures or cost per kilometre—that enable cost-benefit analysis and regulatory alignment.
Whether you’re planning maintenance, optimizing inspection intervals, or managing integrity threats, our risk modelling tools—like PIRAMID—offer a robust foundation for reliable, data-driven decisions.
Four ways C-FER can help understand risk
Identify Threats
The first step in assessing risk and reliability is to identify the various threats and hazards that could affect your asset. These can include upsets in operating conditions, degradation due to corrosion or fatigue, and external events such as storms, ground movements and third-party damage.
Consider Uncertainties
We can accommodate uncertainties in all inputs using probabilistic modelling.
A variety of techniques—from fault trees to Monte Carlo simulation—can be employed to estimate the probability and consequence of failure for your system.
Simulate and Evaluate
Results are delivered quickly and effectively by leveraging the computational abilities of the cloud.
Quantitative assessments determine which threats or factors have the greatest influence on your overall risk, allowing you to focus on the critical issues.
Make Decisions
Compare the cost to implement mitigation options and the amount of the risk reduction to identify the activities that will provide the greatest risk reduction for the least cost.
Where targets for tolerable risk levels are mandated, similar approaches are used to evaluate which activities need to be implemented to achieve the risk target.
Latest in pipeline risk models
Advanced Jet Fire Model for Pipeline Releases of Natural Gas and Hydrogen Blends
Estimate the hazard zone for igniting releases of natural gas, hydrogen and blends of natural gas and hydrogen from buried pipelines.
Hydrologic Failure Rate Model for Pipeline Water Crossings
Predict the relative occurrence of pipeline failures at water crossings during flood events.
Lightning Strike Model for Pipelines
Estimate the probability of buried pipeline failure from lightning strikes by simulating energy transfer mechanisms and accounting for pipeline and soil characteristics.
Geohazard Strain Demand Model for Pipelines
Estimate bending strain demand for buried pipelines using historical inertial measurement unit (IMU) inspection data from geohazard locations experiencing time-dependent continuous loading.
Project Case Studes
Quantitative Risk Assessments for Underground Storage (UGS) Wells & Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Facilities
Improving Risk Management for Underground Gas Storage Wells
In partnership with PHMSA and C-FER, we developed practical guidelines to help underground gas storage (UGS) operators assess and manage safety and environmental risks during well entry. The project outlines a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) framework, complete with risk modeling tools and mitigation strategies that align with regulatory requirements.
Tackling Industry Challenges in LNG Facility Risk Assessment
Discover how our team developed a standardized methodology for conducting Quantitative Risk Assessments (QRAs) at LNG facilities. In collaboration with industry partners, this project outlines a flexible framework for evaluating safety and environmental risks across design and operational phases—aligned with global regulatory practices.
Contributor
Daniel Fujinaga, BSc
Engineering Manager, Integrity Management & Structures
Daniel Fujinaga the engineering manager for C-FER’s Integrity Management & Structures department. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering from the University of Alberta. Daniel’s expertise includes cathodic protection, materials engineering and data analysis.
