ABSTRACT:

TOTAL E&P operates an increasing fleet of floating production units, most being shipshaped. They range from converted tankers to new built mega-FPSO projects, see reference [1]. In order to keep these complex units fully operational from the safety, security, environmental, operational, maintenance and quality management view points, our Company has developed and implemented a multi level approach for the integrity management of complex hull structures. This approach combines structural and mooring models, inspections, fatigue and trend analysis. A database shared through a networking system and an Emergency Response Service have been implemented as well. Due to the comprehensive integrity management program in place, the probability of unseen damage is very low but potential consequences may be important if no cure is made. The hull integrity, with very sound design, will not be at risk but the cost of offshore repair with immobilization of part or all of the storage capacity may be high. It is therefore important to assess properly the consequences of these low probability events and to rank the structural components by order of criticality. This is achieved through the implementation of Risk Based Inspection techniques (RBI). When properly applied RBI helps improving the inspection program of existing units and the design of future new built units. Different approaches have been considered, from qualitative to quantitative, including risk assessments for degradation phenomena such as fatigue induced crack propagation and corrosion. The paper reviews cases studies where RBI has been recently implemented for the hull part of new built FPSOs. AIM OF THE INTEGRITY PROGRAM The aim of Floating Units Integrity Management is to ensure management and continuous follow up of Floating Units from the safety, environmental, operational, maintenance and quality management viewpoints. It includes recommendations on inspection, maintenance and repairs. This calls for:

  1. Structural and anchoring modeling and analysis (1st assessment and subsequent annual re-assessments).

  2. Inspection plan and inspection manual, completed by RBI implementation (Risk Based Inspection).

  3. Yearly reviews of the unit condition and IRM plan when necessary (Inspection, Repair and Maintenance).

  4. Data management and storage (including reports).

  5. Assistance for Emergency Response.

  6. And gives the framework for exceptional analysis

Keywords:
knowledge management, risk and uncertainty assessment, rbi, risk management, upstream oil & gas, fpso, floating production system, subsea system, risk assessment, inspection
Subjects:
Offshore Facilities and Subsea Systems, Risk Management and Decision-Making, Professionalism, Training, and Education, Information Management and Systems, Floating production systems, Risk, uncertainty, and risk assessment, Communities of practice, Knowledge management
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2007. Offshore Mediterranean Conference
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