A Novel Approach to Improving the Structural Reliability of a Fixed Offshore Platform Subject to Wave-in-Deck Loading Using a Holistic Structural Integrity Management (SIM) TRIAD Approach

Author(s):  
Mehrdad Kimiaei ◽  
Jalal Mirzadeh ◽  
Partha Dev ◽  
Mike Efthymiou ◽  
Riaz Khan

Abstract Fixed offshore platforms subject to wave-in-deck loading have historically encountered challenges in meeting target reliability levels. This has often resulted in costly subsea remediation, impacted platform occupancy levels or premature decommissioning of critical structural assets due to safety concerns. This paper addresses the long-standing industry challenge by presenting a novel structural reliability approach that involves converging the analytical behavior of a structure to its measured dynamic response for assessment. In this approach, called the Structural Integrity Management (SIM) TRIAD method, the platform model is calibrated based on the measured in-field platform natural frequencies using a structural health monitoring (SHM) system, so that the reliability assessment can be performed on a structural model whose stiffness is simulated as close to reality as possible. The methodology demonstrates the potential of unlocking structural capacity of offshore structures by removing conservatism normally associated with traditional reliability assessment methods, thus significantly improving the ability to achieve target structural reliability levels in a cost effective manner. The SIM TRIAD method has been implemented while assessing an existing fixed offshore platform subject to wave-in-deck loads, which is located in East Malaysian waters. It has enabled the facility operator to achieve acceptable target structural reliability and has assisted in developing an optimized risk-based inspection (RBI) plan for ensuring safe operations to end of asset field life. The methodology and findings of the assessment are presented in this paper to illustrate the benefits of the SIM TRIAD method.

2018 ◽  
Vol 147 ◽  
pp. 05002
Author(s):  
Ricky L. Tawekal ◽  
Faisal D. Purnawarman ◽  
Yati Muliati

In RBUI method, platform with higher risk level will need inspection done more intensively than those with lower risk level. However, the probability of failure (PoF) evaluation in RBUI method is usually carried out in semi quantitative way by comparing failure parameters associated with the same damage mechanism between a group of platforms located in the same area. Therefore, RBUI will not be effective for platforms spread in distant areas where failure parameter associated with the same damage mechanism may not be the same. The existing standard, American Petroleum Institute, Recommended Practice for Structural Integrity Management of Fixed Offshore Structures (API RP-2SIM), is limited on the general instructions in determining the risk value of a platform, yet it does not provide a detail instruction on how determining the Probability of Failure (PoF) of platform. In this paper, the PoF is determined quantitatively by calculating structural reliability index based on structural collapse failure mode, thus the method in determining the inspection schedule is called Risk-Reliability Based Underwater Inspection (RReBUI). Models of 3-legs jacket fixed offshore platform in Java Sea and 4-legs jacket fixed offshore platform in Natuna Sea are used to study the implementation of RReBUI.


2017 ◽  
Vol 862 ◽  
pp. 265-270
Author(s):  
Raditya Danu Riyanto ◽  
Murdjito

Offshore structure, particularly fixed offshore structures, should be kept in the performance for the fit-for-purpose condition during their operating lifetime. For fixed offshore structures that exceed their designated life years, the proper Structural Integrity Management System (SIMS) should be developed and applied. Despite the fixed offshore platforms have their service life, there are still platforms that continue to operate exceeding their service lifetime. These ageing platforms should be taken care thoroughly to avoid the consequences that could take casualties. This paper will propose the proper initiation of SIMS development for ageing fixed offshore platforms in Indonesia, by taking an example at Bekapai Field Platforms in East Kalimantan. Using HAZID technique and several ranking criteria, the platforms are assessed and ranked. Platforms that categorized in critical condition are grouped based on similarities in geometry and function. The highest rank is analyzed in computer Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Software with modification based on latest inspection result. This method is proven to be a proper method to be used as a maintenance program for ageing fixed offshore platforms in Indonesia.


Author(s):  
Liangsheng Wang ◽  
Kaisheng Chen ◽  
Justin Bucknell

This paper presents a structural reliability assessment method to quantify the probability of platform failure for Trinidad offshore platforms subjected to hurricane events. Platforms are modeled as a series system composed of the topsides and jacket including foundation. The platform failure limit state function is defined in terms of environmental load and platform capacity. The platform capacity is evaluated by non-linear pushover analysis using USFOS program. A parametric relationship of wave load as a function of wave height is derived based on the offshore extreme environmental data. The first order reliability method (FORM) is used to estimate the annual failure probability. The relationship between the probability of platform failure and the reserve strength ratio (RSR) of platforms is investigated. The assessment results could be used to evaluate the level of risk associated with hurricane hazards and may be incorporated into the risk-based underwater inspection (RBUI) program as part of the structural integrity management (SIM) process.


Author(s):  
Chunyan Ji ◽  
Shanshan Li

Corrosion and fatigue cracks are major threats to the structural integrity of aging offshore platforms. To rationally estimate the safety levels of the structures, a reliability assessment approach for aging offshore platform with corrosion and fatigue cracks is presented in the paper. The advanced second-order reliability method is adopted to calculate the probability index based on the limit state equation of global failure mode. The base shear capacity is taken as the ultimate strength of the platform. It is modeled as a random process that decreases with time in the presence of corrosion and fatigue crack propagating. And corrosion and fatigue crack growth rates in the main members and key nodes are modeled as random variables. A simulation method of the extreme wave loads that are applied on the structures is proposed too. Finally the reliability index of an example jacket platform is estimated in the case study.


Author(s):  
Torgeir Moan

Based on relevant accident experiences with oil and gas platforms, a brief overview of structural integrity management of offshore structures is given; including an account of adequate design criteria, inspection, repair and maintenance as well as quality assurance and control of the engineering processes. The focus is on developing research based design standards for Accidental Collapse Limit States to ensure robustness or damage tolerance in view damage caused by accidental loads due to operational errors and to some extent abnormal structural damage due to fabrication errors. Moreover, it is suggested to provide robustness in cases where the structural performance is sensitive to uncertain parameters. The use of risk assessment to aid decisions in lieu of uncertainties affecting the performance of novel and existing offshore structures, is briefly addressed.


Author(s):  
Mohamed A. El-Reedy

The GUPCO offshore structure management system was developed as a part of an integrated infrastructure management system. This paper presents a case study of providing an integrity management system for inspection, evaluation and repair of the fixed offshore platforms in Gulf of Suez. The management system procedure is presented focusing on the first step for defining the highly risky weight to the lower risky weight structure based on API criteria for assessment of the existing structures. The risk analysis methodology for developing design and assessment criteria for fixed offshore structure based on consequence of failure is illustrated. In our case study the assessment method is applied for a number of fixed offshore structures. The above methodology is performed after theoretical assessment and then verifying by using ROV subsea inspection for the fixed offshore structure. Comparison between the actual structure performance and the predicting risk assessment for the structure from the model will be studied. The overall management system will be illustrated in scope of predictive maintenance philosophy and reliability for all offshore structures.


Author(s):  
Ingar Scherf ◽  
Trine Hansen ◽  
Gudfinnur Sigurdsson

Offshore Structures operate for decades in extremely hostile environments. It is important during this period that the structural integrity is efficiently managed to ensure continuous and safe operation. Increased use of enhanced oil and gas recovery means it is likely that many existing installations will remain operational for a significant period beyond the original design life. The operator needs to capture, evaluate and, if necessary, mitigate design premise changes which inevitably occur during the life of a structure. Further, advances in knowledge and technology may imply changes in codes and standards as well as in analysis methodologies. Changes in corporate structures, transfer of operator responsibility and retirement of experienced engineers call for reliable means to transfer historical data and experience to new stakeholders. Effective emergency preparedness capabilities, structural integrity assessments and inspection planning presuppose that as-is analysis models and corresponding information are easily accessible. This paper presents an implementation of the in-service integrity management process described in the new revision of NORSOK standard N-005 [1] for a large fleet of jackets at the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The process, comprising management of design premise changes as well as state-of-the-art technical solutions over a range of disciplines, has enabled the operator to prolong the service life with decades at minimum investments. A structure integrity management system (SIMS) has been developed and digitized over years and streamlined to meet the needs and challenges in the operation and management of the jacket platforms. SIMS enables a rather lean organization to control the structural integrity status of all load-bearing structures at any time. Platform reinforcements and modifications along with other operational risk reducing measures like unman the platforms in severe storms enable continued use with the same level of safety as for new manned platforms. Advanced analyses are used to document regulatory compliance. Modern fatigue and reliability based inspection planning analyses have reduced the costs needed for inspection of fatigue cracks significantly. The benefits from the SIMS system are substantial and the resulting safety and productivity gains are apparent. The continuity of knowledge and experience is maintained, reducing risk to safety and regularity. The digital transformation related to management of structural integrity status as described in NORSOK standard N-005 is realized through SIMS.


2014 ◽  
Vol 69 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajith Kumar Thankappan ◽  
M. Fazli B. M. Yusof

This paper highlights the key differences in practices employed in managing hull structure integrity of permanently moored floating offshore structures as against sailing vessels which are subject to periodic dry docking. During the design phase, the structural integrity management over the life of a sailing vessel is primarily taken into account by means of Class prescribed Nominal Design Corrosion Values which are added to minimum scantling requirements calculated based on strength and fatigue criteria. In contrast, for permanently moored offshore installations like FPSOs, FSOs etc. the hull structure integrity over the entire design life of the asset is a key design consideration both for new buildings and conversions. Analytic methods and tools (primarily those developed by Class Societies) are available to evaluate the strength requirements (based on yielding, buckling and ultimate strength criteria) and fatigue life of the hull structure. Typically three levels of analysis with increasing degree of complexity and analysis time are used to predict the structural response and fatigue life of the Hull during design phase. The degree of detailed analysis required needs to be determined in light of the expected optimization in terms of savings in scantlings for new building or for steel renewal requirements in case of conversions.


Author(s):  
Dong Cheol Seo ◽  
Tanvir Sayeed ◽  
M. Hasanat Zaman ◽  
Ayhan Akinturk

Offshore oil and gas operations conducted in harsh environments such offshore Newfoundland may pose additional risks due to collision of smaller ice pieces and bergy bits with the offshore structures, including their topsides in the case of gravity based structures particularly in extreme waves. In this paper, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) prediction for wave loads acting on a bergy bit around a fixed offshore platform is presented. Often the vertical column of a gravity based structure is designed against ice collisions, if operating in such an environment. In practices, topsides are usually protected by being placed sufficiently high from the still water level, away from the reach of the bergy bits. This vertical clearance between the still water level and the topside deck is known an air gap. Hence, the amount of the air gap planned for such an offshore structure is an important factor for the safety of the topsides at a given location. In this study a CFD method is applied to estimate the dynamic response of the bergy bit and provide a reliable air gap to reduce the potential risk of the bergy bit collision. In advance of more complex collision simulations using a free-floating ice for the airgap design, CFD analysis of wave load prediction on a stationary bergy bit is carried out and reported in this paper. In the experiments and CFD simulations, the location of the bergy bit is changed to quantify the change of wave load due to the hydrodynamic interaction between the bergy bit and the platform. Finally, the results of the CFD simulations are compared with the relevant experiment results to confirm the simulation performance prior to the free floating bergy bit simulations.


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