Condition monitoring in Integrated Operation (IO)

Abstract

Outsourcing and remote monitoring are major industrial trends that provide an ideal platform for operators to focus and improve their core activities while saving cost. These trends have led to technological advancement which has improved oil and gas operations not only in terms of cost but also in terms of technology, competence and workforce management which is a major challenge facing the oil and gas industry. The shortage of skilled personnel, the ageing workforce amongst other challenges such as the need to maximize and improve depleting resources and HSE issues respectively has led to the emergence of integrated operations and its application in production, drilling, HSE and operation and maintenance or e-maintenance. E-maintenance or advanced condition based maintenance(CBM) is currently gaining acceptance by most operators and recommended by the regulatory bodies alike as they seek to find solutions to these challenges facing the oil and gas industry.

This thesis report on Condition Monitoring in Integrated Operation serves as a CBM application and technology indicator for implementing integrated operations or emaintenance on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and beyond. It addresses current CBM technologies and equipment capable of achieving the intended e-maintenance objectives along with other supportive structures such as information standards, enabling technologies, expert requirements and IO centers which enable proper coordination and utilization of people, organization and technology. Furthermore, it addresses the current market and technology trends in condition monitoring, the market for smaller or noncritical equipment and the probable drivers and limitations towards the acceptance of condition monitoring which is vital for e-maintenance.

Analysis was conducted based on data and facts from industry, articles, journals, personal inputs and observations and is most suitable for condition monitoring vendors and operators adopting an integrated operation O &M concept and as such will enable both parties to have a thorough understanding of the necessary infrastructures both in terms of technical, social and psychological needed for the successful implementation of an IOcentered operation and maintenance activity. However sustainability of e-maintenance depends on the acceptance and implementation of standard information protocols capable of enhancing interoperability and data exchange between the various parties.