Experience in the Application of the Goal Setting Regime and Risk-Based Design of Safety Critical Elements in the Oil and Gas Industry

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W. Brewerton ◽  
Paul Geddes ◽  
Sava Medonos ◽  
Raghu Raman ◽  
Christopher C. E. Wilkins
Keyword(s):  
Goal Setting ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Quantitative Risk Assessment ◽  
Operational Experience ◽  
Facility Design ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Fire And Explosion ◽  
Technical Safety

The research and development activities following the Piper Alpha disaster have resulted in significantly improved technical safety of oil & gas facilities offshore and onshore. This improved technical safety resulted from the development of goal-setting, risk-based approach, the objective of which was to open the routes for design optimization and remove previous constraints that addressed the worst case and was prescriptive. Despite this initiative, a Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA), while still being carried out, often remains “disconnected” from the practical design and prescriptive methods still take precedence. Resorting solely to a prescriptive approach can result in adequate protection missing in places where it should be, and applied in areas where there is a low likelihood of the hazard. This Paper addresses the application in the facility design, risk based methods and known behavior of structures and equipment in accidents. It stresses the importance of practical experience in the application of fire and explosion protection, and adequate design and operational experience. The Paper focuses on fire and explosion hazards and is based on more than 30 years of the authors’ experience in supporting facility design and assessment. Such approach has resulted in solutions with improved technical safety and significant cost-savings. It addresses both new installations and modifications of existing facilities.

A Model to Estimate the Failure Rates of Offshore Pipelines

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vania De Stefani ◽  
Peter Carr
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Quantitative Risk Assessment ◽  
Risk Assessments ◽  
Burial Depth ◽  
Operational Experience ◽  
Failure Rates ◽  
Offshore Pipelines ◽  
Failure Frequency ◽  
Failure Data

Pipelines are subjected to several threats which can cause failure of the line, such as external impact, mechanical defects, corrosion and natural hazards. In particular, offshore operations present a unique set of environmental conditions and adverse exposure not observed in a land environment. For example, offshore pipelines located near harbor areas and in major shipping lanes are likely to be exposed to the risk of damage from anchor and dropped object impact. Such damage may result in potential risk to people and the environment, and significant repair costs. Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) is a method which is often used in the oil and gas industry to predict the level of risk. In QRA calculations the frequency of an incident is often assessed by a generic failure frequency approach. Generic failure frequencies derived from local incident databases are largely used in pipeline risk assessments. As a result, risk assessments for offshore pipelines may not reflect accurately operational experience for a specific pipeline or region of operation. In addition, a better understanding of the causes and characteristics of pipeline failure should provide important information to improve inspection and maintenance activity for existing pipelines and to aid in selection of design criteria for new pipelines. This paper presents an analysis of the failure data from various pipelines databases to see if there is a common trend regarding failure rates, and failure-rate dependence on pipeline parameters. A breakdown of the causes of failure has been carried out. The effect on failure frequency of factors such as pipeline age, location, diameter, wall thickness, steel grade, burial depth, and fluid transported have been investigated and are discussed. The objective of this paper is to provide a guideline for the determination of failure frequency for offshore pipelines and to describe a new model developed for use within BP for this purpose. This model uses historical databases and predictive methods to develop failure frequencies as a function of a range of influencing parameters.

Improved Acoustic Quick-Disconnect Technology for Mooring Operations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Kent Longridge ◽  
Johnny Shield ◽  
Sarah Finn ◽  
Tom Fulton
Keyword(s):  
Shallow Water ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Signal Transmission ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Battery Life ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
Mooring Lines ◽  
Reduced Risk

Objectives/Scope As the offshore oil and gas industry has changed, deep water Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU) are commonly outfitted with dynamic positioning (DP) systems and on-vessel mooring equipment to facilitate drilling operations at ultra-deep and shallow water well locations. However, since many shallow water locations can experience harsh conditions and may require moorings for station-keeping performance, it is beneficial to enable a DP rig to quickly disconnect from its mooring system and avoid hazardous conditions without support vessel assistance. Providing this capability, acoustically releasable subsea mooring connectors allow a rig's mooring lines to be released remotely and almost immediately. Additionally, the ability to disconnect without Anchor Handler Vessel (AHV) assistance for mooring operations and rig transit support offers reduced risk and cost savings. Methods, Procedures, Process A brief review of existing quick-disconnect mooring devices will be presented. It will highlight how the technology has evolved and is being used, particularly in recent years. Successes, problems, and lessons learned from past InterMoor and SRP product development will be summarized and focused attention will be given to a significant number of more recent improvements to increase the product's reliability, availability, serviceability, and robustness. Improvements to ensure reliable long-term battery life and power supply, enhance on-vessel accessibility and user-friendliness for rig personnel, and employ advanced acoustic signal transmission, reception, and device status analytics will be discussed. External modifications to reinforce its robustness during deployment and internal electromechanical changes to facilitate its serviceability will also be described. Results, Observations, Conclusions A substantially lighter and smaller acoustically releasable mooring connector was developed two years ago, tested thereafter, recently deployed on several offshore mooring campaigns, and has now been upgraded to incorporate high-fidelity electronics with the ability to release under tension loads as high as 900 tonnes. As such, this second-generation device's reliability, accessibility, and serviceability are significantly enhanced. Results from offshore deployments from recent MODU and barge mooring operations will be summarized. This technology provides a safer way to quickly disconnect mooring lines and offers cost efficiency by allowing faster rig moves from one location to the next with reduced risk. Novel/Additive Information The paper will cover the work, challenges, trials, and tribulations required to bring a new product to market with cutting edge capabilities. Novel highlights will include the integration of a networked data transmission and communication system, the system's fundamental change from pneumatic to electromechanical actuation, and additional enhancements and improvements that are unique to mooring quick-disconnect devices and at the forefront of subsea technology.

A Novel Methodology for Optimal Design of Compressor Plants Using Probabilistic Plant Design

2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rainer Kurz ◽  
J. Michael Thorp ◽  
Erik G. Zentmyer ◽  
Klaus Brun
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Process Conditions ◽  
Plant Design ◽  
Well Performance ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Machine Performance ◽  
Equipment Sizing

Equipment sizing decisions in the oil and gas industry often have to be made based on incomplete data. Often, the exact process conditions are based on numerous assumptions about well performance, market conditions, environmental conditions, and others. Since the ultimate goal is to meet production commitments, the traditional method of addressing this is to use worst case conditions and often adding margins onto these. This will invariably lead to plants that are oversized, in some instances, by large margins. In reality, the operating conditions are very rarely the assumed worst case conditions, however, they are usually more benign most of the time. Plants designed based on worst case conditions, once in operation, will, therefore, usually not operate under optimum conditions, have reduced flexibility, and therefore cause both higher capital and operating expenses. The authors outline a new probabilistic methodology that provides a framework for more intelligent process-machine designs. A standardized framework using a Monte Carlo simulation and risk analysis is presented that more accurately defines process uncertainty and its impact on machine performance. Case studies are presented that highlight the methodology as applied to critical turbomachinery.

How to avoid aches and pains in your joint ventures

2016 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 559
Author(s):  
Brent Steedman
Keyword(s):  
Joint Ventures ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Capital Allocation ◽  
Operating Efficiency ◽  
Global Business ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
The Right

The Australian oil and gas industry is in a period of substantial challenges, including a significant decline in oil prices, fluctuating spot gas prices, a relentless drive for operating efficiency, and tight capital allocation, together with increased regulatory scrutiny and a reputation for below-standards productivity. On the upside, these market challenges provide significant opportunities for companies to bring in new investors, implement new operating models, apply innovation to update processes and practices, and restructure activities. Making material step-changes, requires companies to review, amend, and update joint venture operating agreements (JVOAs). KPMG has worked with many of Australia’s leading oil and gas companies on a range of joint venture engagements. This extended abstract outlines why JVOAs need to be reviewed with respect to the following key opportunities and challenges: Fast-changing global business operating models. Available cost savings by eliminating inconsistent management and operating models between joint ventures. Planning for potential restructuring, including separation of infrastructure (e.g. plants, pipelines, support) from reserve ownership. Sharing of services (e.g. maintenance and logistics) between unrelated joint ventures. Transparency of costs and asset performance. Improved joint venture governance (not more or over-governance) between participants to attract investment. Effective resourcing, noting the right transition of capabilities between deal-makers and joint venture operators. With this extended abstract the authors aim to provide ideas for consideration. Each of these ideas will impact JVOAs. The authors’ proposition is that now is the right time to complete a comprehensive review of JVOAs to enable organisations to move fast as new and innovative opportunities arise.

Towards Implementing Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) Policy for Offshore Blowout Preventer (BOP) System

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobiloba Elusakin ◽  
Mahmood Shafiee ◽  
Tosin Adedipe
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Condition Based Maintenance ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Training Requirements ◽  
Blowout Preventer ◽  
Integrity Management ◽  
Maintenance Personnel ◽  
Oil And Gas Companies

Abstract With the steadily growing demand for energy in the world, oil and gas companies are finding themselves facing increasing capital and operating costs. To ensure the economic viability of investments and improve the safety of operations, oil and gas companies are promoting their asset integrity management (AIM) systems. In the past, the oil and gas industry adopted reactive maintenance regimes, which involved recertification, testing and repair of faulty equipment while trying to achieve minimum downtime. As technology becomes more affordable, operators have been able to carry out improved fault diagnosis, prognosis and maintenance optimisation. As a result of this, condition-based maintenance (CBM) is being adopted more and more as the preeminent maintenance regime for oil and gas equipment. The blowout preventer (BOP) is one of the most expensive and safety critical drilling equipment in the oil and gas industry. However, there have been very few studies and best practices about how to develop a CBM policy and what specific monitoring techniques and devices will be required to implement it for the BOP system. This paper proposes a V-model based architecture for designing a CBM policy in BOP systems. As a result of the model proposed, gaps in implementation are identified and all the hardware, software and training requirements for implementing the CBM solution in BOP systems will be outlined in detail. Our proposed CBM framework will help BOP operators and maintenance personnel make cost savings through less repairs and replacements and minimal downtime.

Rationale for increasing the level of fire safety during preparation of tanks for fire repairs

2020 ◽  
Vol 89 ◽  
pp. 75-85
Author(s):  
V. P. Nazarov ◽  
◽  
D-l A. Stepanenko ◽  
D-s A. Stepanenko ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fire Safety ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil Production ◽  
Electric Heating ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Petroleum Products ◽  
Oil Refining ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Skilled Personnel ◽  
Fire And Explosion

Introduction. According to statistics, Russia is the third largest oil producer in the world. The processing, transportation and storage of such a large volume of petroleum products requires maintaining the constant operability of tank farms. However, a significant number of accidents and fires are occurring at these facilities, which significantly undermines production and economic stability. Goals and objectives. The need to keep reservoir parks in working condition poses a problem of increasing the level of fire and explosion safety of fire repairs. This type of work is often impossible without the use of equipment that can serve as an open source of ignition, which can cause an explosion. Methods. To justify the need to achieve a fire and explosion-proof state of working conditions when preparing the tank for repair, methods of analysis and classification of data on fires that occurred at oil production and refining facilities not only in Russia, but also abroad were applied. Results and discussion thereof. The article calls attention to the process of pre-repair preparation as one of the main causes of accidents at oil-related facilities. More than 34,7 % of the explosions are related to fire repairs. There is a need to improve the regulatory framework relating to the preparation of tanks for repair, as well as the use of modern mechanized mobile treatment plants and the use of highly skilled personnel for the organization of work. Conclusions. The development of various industries, agriculture, and electric heating systems encourages increased demand for oil refining products for the successful implementation of their activities. This demand increases both the number of oil production, transportation and refining facilities and the number of jobs and personnel to service those facilities. Therefore, fire safety of oil and gas industry facilities is a current problem. Key words: reservoir park, fire, oil product, pre-repair, cleaning, gas-freeing, firing.

An Advanced Procedure for the Quantitative Risk Assessment of Offshore Installations

2017 ◽  
Vol Vol 159 (A2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S J Kim ◽  
J M Sohn ◽  
J K Paik
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Probabilistic Approach ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Quantitative Risk Assessment ◽  
Functional Requirements ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Offshore Installations ◽  
Successful Design ◽  
Accident Scenarios

Hydrocarbon explosion and fire are typical accidents in the offshore oil and gas industry, sometimes with catastrophic consequences such as casualties, property damage and pollution. Successful engineering and design should meet both functional requirements associated with operability in normal conditions and health, safety, environmental and ergonomics (HSE&E) requirements associated with accidental and extreme conditions. A risk-based approach is best for successful design and engineering to meet HSE&E requirements. This study aimed to develop an advanced procedure for assessing the quantitative risk of offshore installations in explosions. Unlike existing industry practices based on prescriptive rules or qualitative approaches, the proposed procedure uses an entirely probabilistic approach. The procedure starts with probabilistic selection of accident scenarios. As the defining components of risk, both the frequency and consequences associated with selected accident scenarios are computed using the most refined technologies. Probabilistic technology is then applied to establish the relationship between the probability of exceedance and the physical values of the accident. Acceptance risk criteria can be applied to define the nominal values of design and/or level of risk. To validate and demonstrate the applicability of the proposed procedure, an example of its application to topside structures of an FPSO unit subjected to hydrocarbon explosions is detailed. The conclusions and insights obtained are documented.

FIRE SAFETY OF OIL AND GASCOMPLEX FACILITIES IN UZBEKISTAN: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS/Part 1/

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
Bаkhtiyar. Abdugafurovich Mavlyankariev ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Fire Safety ◽  
System Analysis ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Specialized Training ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Problems And Solutions ◽  
Fire And Explosion ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Energy Saturation

A comprehensive analysis of the state of fire safety of the backbone, oil and gas industry of the republic is considered. Options for improving the technical support of individual, fire-and-explosion-hazardous industries in the industry and specialized training of specialists are offered.Keywords: fire safety, anti-terrorist security, energy saturation, system analysis, risks

Navigating the Depleted Fracture Gradient During Operations: From Concept to Drilling, Open Hole FIT Management & Cementing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard O'Reilly ◽  
Alvin W. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Operational Experience ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Lost Circulation ◽  
Open Hole ◽  
Remedial Work ◽  
Fracture Gradient

Abstract Depleted Fracture Gradients have been a challenge for the oil and gas industry during drilling and cementing operations for over 30 years. Yet, year after year, problems related to lost circulation, borehole instability (low mud weight due a low fracture gradient), and losses during cementing operations leading to NPT and remedial work continue to rank as some of the top NPT events that companies face. This paper will demonstrate how the geomechanical modeling, well execution and remedial strengthening operations should be implemented to provide for a successful outcome. The use of a Fracture Gradient (FG) framework will be discussed, and the use of a negotiated fracture gradient will highlight how the fracture gradient can be changed during operations. This paper will also show actual examples from Deepwater operations that have successfully executed a detailed borehole strengthening program. Through our offset studies and operational experience, we will provide a format for navigating complex depleted drilling issues and show an example on recovering from low fracture gradients. This paper will demonstrate (1) how our framework facilitated multi-disciplinary collaborative discussion among our subsurface and well engineering communities; (2) how the impacts of drilling fluids and operational procedures can change this lost circulation threshold; and (3) how our negotiated FG approach has successfully delivered wells drilled in narrow margins.

Hydraulic Cylinders for Offshore Splash Zone Operation: A Review of Piston Rod Failure Cases and Alternative Concepts

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian B. von der Ohe ◽  
Roy Johnsen ◽  
Nuria Espallargas
Keyword(s):  
Service Life ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Operational Experience ◽  
Splash Zone ◽  
Sea Waves ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
System Integrity ◽  
Hydraulic Cylinders ◽  
Direct Acting ◽  
Long Stroke

Hydraulic cylinders are used for many vital applications on offshore installations. For the long stroke cylinders used in the direct acting riser tensioning application the piston rod surface is exposed to severe degradation; combining corrosion, wear and mechanical stress. Direct acting riser tensioning systems are often used during ultra-deepwater offshore drilling, when exploring for oil and gas. These direct acting riser tensioning systems usually consist of 6 long stroke hydraulic cylinders located at the splash zone level. These cylinders ensure constant tensioning of the drilling riser as the drilling vessel is operated in ultra deep waters up to 3000 meters compensating for heave due to sea waves and tide. The direct acting tensioning systems have been in operation since the late 1990’s, but the system integrity and service life has so far not been acceptable. Operational experience shows that the thermal sprayed coatings applied on these piston rods have dramatically shorter life than predicted by qualification tests programs. The consequence of the failing rod surface is sudden coating damage such as pits and flaking which further damages the seals in the packing flange. As a result hydraulic oil leakages occurs, thus polluting the environment and in the worst case leads to loss of the tensioning in the riser causing subsequent drilling down time and eventual riser breakage and blowout. This paper will provide a generic summary of operational experience, development and degradation issues of direct-acting riser tensioning cylinder piston rod surfaces. Several case histories are included to highlight piston rod failures and an evaluation of alternative concepts to improve service life of piston rods is given.

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