Managing Asset Integrity in the UK Continental shelf

Abstract

Abstract This paper will explain the process and practices involved in managing Asset Integrity within the context of the UKCS, one of the most regulated environments of the world. The paper will explain the following main areas: 1The workings of Asset integrity within an major oil and gas company operating in the N Sea, including illumination of the processes that we have developed over the last seven years to assess the risks of the threats that we face in order to validate and prioritise the works.2We have undertaken ageing and life extension studies and the paper will discuss the methodology used, the outcomes and the results in relation the UK regulators programme to assess the understanding of Oil and Gas companies in relation to ageing and life extension. The processes and tools explained in the paper will be transferrable to any operator or duty holder looking to establish or improve an Asset Integrity function around the world. In terms of achievements, the processes that we have in place both demonstrates that we are managing the risks that we encounter as well as senior management involvement and leadership on the issues. With regard to life extension, as a result of the ageing studies that we undertook we have moved on from study and assessment into the implementation phase of the required works that will enable us to operate one of our facilities for 20 years in excess of the original design life. The author is a member of the Asset Integrity Workgroup in Stepchange in Safety and has presented on elements of Asset Integrity at numerous seminars in the UK in recent years. Most recently I was also invited to participate as a member of the panel session on Ageing and Life Extension at Offshore Europe 2011 in Aberdeen.