Managing of Aging Assets and Ways for its Remnant Life Extension

Abstract

Abstract Definitions Asset Remnant Life Extension Study A structured process for identifying, investigating and implementing effective actions to assure life extension of company assets for a specified time period. Assessment Remnant Life Extension Recommendations A set of actions that the Asset Life Extension researchers have determined to be the effective actions to assure life extension to company assets for a specified time period. Ageing Ageing is the general process in which the characteristics of a system, structure or component gradually change with time or use. It is the physical phenomenon which involves a modification of the physical and/or chemical characteristics of the material. Life Extension Life extension is the lifetime of a facility beyond the original expected/designed lifetime. Obsolescence Obsolescence is the process whereby the functionality of a system or component reduces with time for reasons other than ageing. This can include: General The remnant life and life extension analysis and evaluation shall demonstrate an understanding of how time and aging processes will affect health, safety and environment (HSE), technical integrity and resource exploitation and identify measures required to mitigate the impact of time and aging processes. The remnant life assessment should define the remaining life of equipment and conclude whether the life of facilities can be extended. The remnant life and life extension shall addresses the material degradation, operational issues (maintenance and inspection) but also obsolescence and organisational (management) status and give recommendations that ensure the integrity of these factors (life extension indicators) are maintained during remnant life and life extension period. All possible challenges related to ageing should be identified. Life extension refers to continued operation of an installation beyond the design life assumed at the time of design or revised following a reassessment. Ageing during service will most likely have changed the physical condition of the structure compared to the time of the design. Therefore, the baseline for assessment for life extension is not the same as at start of life, and therefore an assessment is required to establish the remaining life of equipment. Life extension may be accompanied by a change in use of the installation and/or modification of the structure. In general, the remnant life and life extension assessment should address the following: