Our Expert Services

Drilling operations present challenges unique to the oil and gas industry. Rimkus engineers have hands-on experience in all aspects of onshore/offshore drilling, including rig accidents, blowouts, fires, and high-pressure hydraulic fracturing.

Determining the origin and cause of a blowout or a rig fire is a complex task requiring highly experienced professionals. Rimkus investigators have traced the origin and cause of fires and explosions for thousands of incidents.

Incidents and failures can result in lost volume, equipment problems, business process delays, and environmental damage. Extensive experience in onshore/offshore pipeline installation, operation, and maintenance allows Rimkus experts to evaluate these incidents and provide guidance toward the resumption of normal operations.

Complex piping systems can increase the chance for mistakes. Substantial quantities of hydrocarbons are stored above and below ground along the petroleum supply chain. The frequent connect and disconnect operations required in loading and unloading have a high probability of loss when not properly performed. Rimkus experts have significant expertise dealing with terminal and storage-related incidents and accidents.

Rimkus engineers fully understand the processing steps involved in separating the natural gas stream from joint oil and gas production in both onshore/offshore facilities. Our knowledge extends from the manufacturing of natural gas chemicals to the further separation of light hydrocarbons, such as ethane, propane, and butanes. Rimkus expertise includes the analysis of problems related to storage of natural gas and natural gas liquids (LNG) in underground caverns and pressurized or refrigerated above-ground storage tanks. We have investigated cases involving plant construction production issues and storage and transportation of LNG.

Refinery operations can be dangerous; it’s imperative to assess the cause of accidents and the extent of physical and economic damage to workers and facilities. Rimkus has experience evaluating refineries that have sustained a wide variety of property damage and business losses, to include fires and explosions, mechanical issues, material failures, spills and releases, and safety problems.

Rimkus understands the complex operations and equipment involved in refining, including reformers, cracking units, and heavy oil processing. We have significant knowledge of refinery economics, optimization models, instrumentation, and control systems in these plants.

Equipment breakdowns can bring an entire operation to a halt. Rimkus engineers are able to determine why a particular piece of equipment is not meeting the manufacturer’s specifications. Conducting onsite testing and comparing results with specifications, we can establish why a system is not producing the anticipated output.

Rimkus consultants evaluate a wide variety of issues experienced at industrial facilities. Our assessments include cause and extent of damage, repair or replace recommendations, repair cost analyses, business interruption valuation and remediation efforts, third-party liability issues, and subrogation opportunities.

Effective repair or replace decisions require knowledge of the condition of the equipment and the potential pitfalls associated with unseen damage. Once a decision has been made, mitigation and remediation can begin. Throughout the process, consideration should be given to the underlying cause of the damage.

Our team of consultants provides technical guidance for construction management, including plan review, new construction oversight, and “clerk of the works” to monitor reconstruction efforts. We offer a wide variety of services to help resolve problems and get projects back on track.

Throughout the life of a project, Rimkus construction professionals can assist in formulating, developing, and executing the project plan. Our services include forensic delay analysis, negotiation support, cash flow projections, and the evaluation of insurance plans. During project execution, we can provide construction management, contractor plan review, and engineering and architectural oversight. If disputes arise, Rimkus experts are readily available to support their resolution through mediation, arbitration, or trial testimony.

Environmental pollution of soil, groundwater, and surface water often leads to property damage claims and penalties for violating federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

A seemingly small release of hazardous material can cost millions of dollars to clean up, depending upon the type of pollutant and whether it’s in the soil, water, or both. Environmental contamination and air quality issues within homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces can also adversely affect human health and result in litigation.

Rimkus experts have decades of industry experience addressing environmental remediation issues, investigating resultant claims, and providing litigation support. Our understanding of industry operations, environmental remediation techniques and costs, waste management practices, and government regulations form a scientific, cost-effective, and supportable basis for our investigations.

Our team determines the origin and cause of pollutants and assesses the reasonable and appropriate corrective actions needed to address the contamination. Rimkus is adept at auditing incurred costs, monitoring current costs, and projecting future remediation costs. We can also provide qualified professionals to oversee clean-up efforts on behalf of our clients.

Rimkus energy consulting expertise extends to cost structures and production/manufacturing processes. We can evaluate existing energy operations and recommend procedural and capital improvements to make operations safer and more efficient. Our consultants determine the volume and value of losses occurring between the producing formation of a well to the burner tip. Rimkus investigates and evaluates losses caused by operational errors, equipment failures, and natural occurrences.

Rimkus can analyze a manufacturing process, batch or continuous, and determine how to improve the cost, capacity, quality, safety, and environmental impact. Our familiarity with a wide variety of processes and state-of-the-art methodologies allows us to readily identify problems and recommend improvements. Patent literature research services are an additional avenue for exploring improved licensed technologies to support process enhancements.

Utilizing our extensive background in manufacturing processes, technologies, and failure analysis, we offer unique insight to design teams to maximize opportunities for successful projects. We are familiar with best practices as documented in the industrial standards of OSHA, API, ASME, EPA, NFPA, ANSI, NEC, ACI, MSA, and other organizations.