Reliability analysis on non-destructive testing of topspide flow-line pipe system on aging platform: plant, human and technology

Abstract

The quality of static mechanical systems’ integrity control process on aging oil & gas production and process plants is depending upon the accuracy of the condition monitoring data. The accurate interpretation of the data significantly aids for making right decision at the right time on right location. However, it is observed anomalies on the historical in‐service inspection data records pertaining to most of aging plants under the study. Such anomalies result sub‐optimal inspection decisions and jeopardizes quality of an in‐service inspection program. The uncertainties of condition monitoring data have been discussed in the literature and industrial community over the years. Number of approaches has been proposed to address various challenges pertaining to uncertainties present in the in‐service inspection data. This thesis investigates the anomalies on data, and further suggests an empirical approach for quantifying the reliability of condition monitoring data to estimate the level of anomalies presents in the in‐service inspection data. The sources of anomalies are explored and will try to be mitigated. The case studies are carried out using three different platforms functioning in the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Flowline system of each plant has been selected as it has been given highest risk priority.