DNV has developed routines and software for ensuring life extension of offshore installations.
For some offshore fields it is necessary to extend the life expectancy by 50–100%; it is vital to make sure that
installations can sustain this extra time without compromising on safety.
DNV has a lot of experience from inspection and life cycle analysis of structures. Based on this knowledge, software has been developed to manage and document necessary inspection tasks for oil and gas installations. This software is already being used by a major operator in the North Sea.
Simplifying the planning phase
“The basis for the software is the need of operators to obtain a tool that can secure the existence of workflow, procedures and easily accessible documentation in connection with inspection of steel structures,” states Yngve Rothschild, sales manager in DNV Software. When planning inspection campaigns, elements are colour coded. The software describes each element of the substructure:
- Grey – no planned inspection
- Green – inspections planned for the next couple of years
- Yellow – planned inspections during the present period
- Red – overdue inspections
- Blue – missing or wrong data.
Sesam Structure Integrity was developed in Microsot.NET and is adjustable to all types of structures. It can contain images, audio reports, videos and written reports from inspections. The system includes inspection plans and procedures.
Status with documentation
The system can also display the status of elements after completion of inspections. The result is shown with colour codes. In connection with inspections, one may include information associated with each element – damage reports, photos, drawings, video or other data that may be of importance in documenting the type and extent of damage.
”Most importantly, the persons responsible get a complete status of the structure and a basis for deciding necessary actions,” says Rothschild.
Emergency preparedness analysis of offshore substructures
“The system is adapted to cover emergency preparedness analysis of offshore substructures,” explains Jan Egil Sæberg. He is head of section of Platform Technology, managing the group responsible for technical services for the petroleum operators. In connection with undesirable events and subsequent damages, it is essential to decide whether they represent a safety risk.
“In cooperation with operators, DNV has established a library with updated analysis models of platforms which quickly may be retrieved to analyse the situation and find the best solution,” says Sæberg. “These models are also actively used to evaluate modifications and load alterations in connection with extended use of the platforms.”
Author: Anders J. Steensen,
Technical Review Weekly
