Connector Condition Index (CCI)
The Next Evolution in Small Bore Tubing Management
A smarter way to understand small bore tubing
The Connector Condition Index (CCI) helps operators identify higher-severity tubing connections using validated inspection data — supporting targeted maintenance, reduced intrusive inspection activity, and improved integrity visibility.
The Challenge After Inspection
How CCI Works
The Connector Condition Index (CCI) converts validated inspection findings into a simple statistical descriptor of observed tubing connector assembly condition, helping operators prioritise inspection and maintenance activity more effectively.
1. Inspect
Validated inspection methods assess tubing connector assembly condition using defined inspection criteria and observable assembly characteristics.
2. Grade
Connectors are classified on a severity scale from 1–5 based on observed assembly condition and grouped assembly anomaly categories.
- 1 – Nominal observed assembly condition
- 2 – Minor deviation
- 3 – Moderate deviation
- 4 – Significant deviation
- 5 – Severe deviation
Severity groupings align with known industry assembly anomalies and historical failure mechanisms including undertightening, overtightening, reversed ferrules, and missing or additional internal components.
3. Calculate
CCI converts inspection grades into a population-level statistical descriptor of observed assembly condition.
| 1.0 – 1.9 | Very Low |
| 2.0 – 2.9 | Low |
| 3.0 – 3.9 | Moderate |
| 4.0 – 4.9 | High |
| 5.0 – 5.9 | Very High |
4. Prioritise
Higher-severity populations can then be prioritised for further inspection, maintenance activity, or integrity review.
Example CCI Output
| System | CCI | Relative Severity Band – CCI Certificate number |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic Panel A | 1.4 | Very Low |
| Chemical Injection Skid | 2.7 | Low |
| Compressor Instrument Rack | 3.2 | Moderate |
Lower CCI scores indicate lower concentrations of assembly-condition severity across the inspected connector population. CCI results can also be trended over time to support integrity monitoring and maintenance planning.
Operational Case Study
Client: Legasea – Subsea Specialists Legasea image
Location: Aberdeen
Date: 21st April 2026
Fitting Type: Parker ½”
Equipment Type: Pressure accumulator units
Inspection Method: TruFit (independently validated to grade-resolved criteria)
| Unit | CCI | Relative Severity Band |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1.3 | Very Low – CCI-DJ92-G8R9-8E8I |
| B | 1.5 | Very Low – CCI-LT58-E2E2-9Y9Z |
| C | 1.8 | Very Low – CCI-KZ48-K8N7-3S7K |
“Having greater visibility of assembly condition across equipment helps give us more confidence in the readiness and integrity of assets operating in different environments.”
— Ray Milne, Operations Director, Legasea
Traditional Inspection vs CCI Approach
| Traditional Approach | CCI Approach |
|---|---|
| Blanket inspections | Targeted prioritisation |
| Limited visibility | Improved condition visibility |
| Reactive maintenance | Condition informed planned maintenance |
| Intrusive verification | Reduced intrusive activity |
| Qualitative assessment | Consistent scoring framework |
CCI Technical White Paper
Download the latest CCI white paper below outlining:
- The CCI framework methodology
- Validation requirements for inspection inputs
- Risk-based inspection alignment
- ALARP and lifecycle integrity considerations
- Case studies and operational applications
- Governance and implementation guidance
How to Qualify to Produce a CCI Certificate
CCI certificates are issued using inspection methods that have been independently validated to meet the grade-resolved classification criteria defined within the CCI white paper.
Currently, the TruFit inspection platform (Paragon) is the only method with published independent validation to these criteria.
Other methods may be considered for CCI certification following equivalent validation and inclusion within the Paragon-maintained CCI Validation Registry.
What CCI Does Not Do
- Does not predict individual connector failure
- Does not define risk or safety thresholds
- Does not incorporate consequence of failure
- Does not replace RBI methodologies
- Does not provide fitness-for-service determination
- Does not determine whether risk is ALARP
- Does not replace engineering judgement
- Does not eliminate inspection uncertainty
- Does not require replacement of existing integrity systems
- Does not replace existing RBI or ALARP assessments
CCI is a decision-support tool based on inspection-derived data. Duty holders remain responsible for engineering decisions and risk assessments.
CCI is a decision-support tool based on inspection-derived data. Duty holders remain responsible for engineering decisions and risk assessments. Paragon Inspection Solutions Limited accepts no liability for any losses arising from reliance on CCI outputs.
© Paragon Inspection Solutions Ltd – info@p-ins.co.uk
Building Connector Integrity Intelligence
Our non-invasive TruFit inspection gives you a safe, clear view of connector condition without breaking containment. While this identifies areas with reduced leak propensity, the real value lies in knowing where to act.
Our CCI analysis builds on this data to produce a simple repeatable metric that enables rapid comparison of connection condition that can be used for screening and communication by operators, technical authorities, maintenance teams and integrity stakeholders
Our Team
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
David Phin
TBC
George Robertson
TBC