Fatigue Risk Management Plan for Existing Wells

Abstract

Abstract Due to increased demands, large BOP/LMRP systems are being deployed the world over, which has been raising concerns on the fatigue performance of wellhead systems, especially for existing systems for workover or P&A activities. While there have been low instances of such failures recorded globally, it is nonetheless accepted in the industry as a key concern and needs to be addressed. This paper discusses the various methods that can be adopted to help reduce fatigue damage on the existing wellhead and conductor systems involving both pre-operations engineering assessments and on-going active fatigue risk management processes. Background The authors through their significant experience in assessing fatigue damage in subsea wellhead and conductor systems in various regions globally, are presenting this paper to share some of the learnings and also describe the various mitigation methods available to reduce the conservatism in fatigue damage computation, enabling safer decision making upon re-entry on existing wellhead systems. This paper uses background experience gained over the last three years in streamlining the process and developing a fatigue risk management plan which can be readily used by operators to address a key safety concern.