API 580, Section 9.1 states:
"The POF analysis shall address all credible damage mechanisms to which the equipment being reviewed is or can be susceptible." This confirms that the analysis focuses only on damage mechanisms that are realistically applicable to the equipment-i.e., credible mechanisms based on process, materials, and operating conditions-not every possible or theoretical mechanism.
Reference: API 580, 2nd Edition (2016), Section 9.1

After planning is completed, API 580 Section 6.1 states:
"Once this portion of the RBI planning process has been completed the data and information required for collection should be identified." This confirms that the next step involves identifying the data needed for analysis, not directly jumping to failure modes or mitigation.
Reference: API 580, 2nd Edition (2016), Section 6.1
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According to Section 8.3 of API 580:
"Once a credible damage mechanism(s) has been identified the associated failure mode should also be identified... Examples of failure modes include the following:
a) pinhole leak
b) small to moderate leak
c) large leak
d) ductile rupture
e) brittle fracture."
Rupture is clearly listed as a type of failure mode. In contrast:
Stress corrosion cracking (B), general corrosion (C), and embrittlement (D) are damage mechanisms, not failure modes.
Reference: API 580, 2nd Edition (2016), Section 8.3 - Failure Modes

API 580 highlights that while cost reduction is a potential benefit of RBI, the true focus is risk management and equipment integrity. From Section 12.5:
"Inspection costs can be more effectively managed through the use of RBI... The user should recognize that while there is a potential for the reduction of inspection costs through the utilization of RBI, increased equipment integrity and inspection cost optimization should remain the focus." This confirms that the main driver for RBI is not cost elimination, but rather the intelligent allocation of inspection resources to preserve equipment integrity.
Option B is incorrect because RBI does not guarantee elimination of internal inspections - only that some may be deferred or replaced with alternative methods.
Option C generalizes effectiveness without case-by-case evaluation.
Option D is false; RBI is designed to optimize, not increase costs.
Reference: API 580, 2nd Edition (2016), Section 12.5

According to API 580 Section 10.3.3:
"Cost is commonly used as an indicator of potential consequences. Consequence may be expressed in relative monetary units (e.g. dollars)... This will permit adding the different consequences of a single event and facilitate comparisons of risk from one process unit to another." Cost can represent multiple consequence dimensions, including production loss, emergency response, equipment damage, fines, and more. This method enables direct comparison of diverse consequence types on a unified basis, making it the most commonly applied indicator in practice.
Reference: API 580, 2nd Edition (2016), Section 10.3.3