Effective Asset Integrity Management through an Effective Risk Based Inspection Program- ADGAS’ Experience

Abstract

Abstract Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction Company Limited (ADGAS) is producing LNG since 1977. ADGAS is the pioneer LNG producer in the Middle East. In 2010 ADGAS started exporting sales gas to Abu-Dhabi through its first gas treatment complex (Offshore Associated Gas). This was followed by the commissioning of additional three gas treatment trains (commissioned in 2013). The total Export gas volume is 1.4 MMM SCFD. During its 37 years of operation, Safe and Efficient production is one of ADGAS core values. Since commissioning of its first two LNG trains and as per the industry practice at that time, time based inspection was being practiced to inspect the static equipment (pressure vessel and piping) for any degradation. Time based inspection generally inspects everything without looking at the risk inherent in an equipment failing; time based inspection is governed by minimum compliance with rules, regulations and standards for inspection. Following time based inspection, where there was no prioritization of inspection activities, this sometimes led to surprises. As The Risk Based Inspection (RBI) approach emerged in the nineties of last century, ADGAS was among the first few companies studying the advantages and implementing RBI. In 1999 ADGAS started its first qualitative RBI. Following the qualitative RBI approach, ADGAS moved towards quantitative and semi-quantitative RBI approaches. Through the implementation of RBI, risk ranking was well established for all static equipment, inspection activities and turn around activities were optimized. Hence, following RBI, receiving surprises leading to unplanned shutdowns decreased if not avoided. This paper presents ADGAS asset integrity management experience moving from time based inspection towards effective RBI approach. RBI experience is being addressed in terms of the different concepts of RBI, different implementation stages, human factor in RBI, RBI lifecycle, implementation and ever-greening.