Integrity Management & Risk Based Inspection

With many offshore installations around the world now reaching or exceeding their original design life, there is a particular need to develop approaches for offshore operators to managing these aging structures in a cost effective manner. OSG has experienced staff available to assist with all aspects of integrity management and risk based inspection. 

The majority of pipeline failures will be relate to the condition of the pipeline itself. Frequent inspection and maintenance (if needed) can help maintain the integrity of these onshore and offshore facilities

The main stages of the life cycle of an onshore or offshore oil and gas facility include pre-FEED, FEED, Design, Fabrication and Commissioning, Operations and Decommissioning. The earlier the materials specialists are involved in a project, the more cost savings can be realized and the risk of failure significantly reduced.

 

  • Pre-FEED/FEED
  • Design
  • Fabrication
  • Operations
  • Decommissioning
The overall feasibility of a project is determined along with a cost effective solution for manufacturing. The main materials activity undertaken at this stage is to determine the most suitable materials for the operating conditions being specified and this is based on factors such as operating temperature and pressure, CO2 and H2S levels, pH, salinity, etc. The exercise will determine if carbon steel or corrosion resistant alloys will be required and this has a huge cost impact on the overall CAPEX for a project.

The materials being proposed shall be verified, corrosion mitigation methods shall be investigated and a set of detailed of specification shall be produced. Some of the main activities focused on during design stage are as follows;

  • Materials Selection
  • Corrosion Monitoring and Mitigation Methods
  • Qualification Testing Requirements

Some if the critical items during this phase of a project include;
Inspection requirements

  • Corrosion, Erosion and Sand Management
  • Hydrotesting and Preservation Procedures
  • Chemical Inhibition and Corrosion Monitoring

For the integrity management system to be effective it is critical that the following activities are implemented and maintained corrected;

  • Corrosion Rate Monitoring
  • Operations and Process Monitoring
  • Upset Conditions
  • Inspection Plans

The main areas covered include repair, replacement and abandonment. Data can be gathered during the decommissioning phase which can be used on new and existing projects to help extend the life of these facilities for example:

  • Materials Selection
  • Corrosion Monitoring and Inhibitor Effectiveness
  • Failure modes
  • Cathodic Protection and Coatings Performance
  • Inspection Accuracy
  • Recycling of Materials 

 

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