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 Approach
Benefits
 This case study outlines the work that MCS has performed for BP to develop
and implement an integrity management strategy for all BP’s flexible riser
and flexible flowline assets on their West of Shetland field developments, Foinaven
and Schiehallion. The strategy has been developed using a best-practice industry
approach originally formulated through a joint industry initiative led by MCS
in the mid-nineties.
The Foinaven and Schiehallion fields are located approximately 150km West of
the Shetland Isles in the area generally termed the "Atlantic Frontier."
The wave and current conditions in this region are harsh compared to the North
Sea environment, and the water depth is also significantly deeper ranging from
395m to 500m across the two fields. Both fields are developed using floating
production vessels (FPSOs), which are connected to subsea wells via flexible
risers and subsea flowlines, with seabed flexible jumpers from subsea manifolds
to the individual wells.
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- Apply a best practice approach to the development
of an integrity management strategy for the flexible risers and flowlines
for all BP's West of Shetland assets.
- Implement a methodology that establishes risk in
a consistent manner and enables the mapping of this risk onto a monitoring
and inspection strategy to mitigate undesirable risks in operation.
- Bring a strong understanding of flexible pipe failure
modes based on knowledge of flexible pipe design and how these pipes
behave in operation. Combine this with an advanced analysis capability
so that loads and response are accurately computed, thereby reducing
conservatism so as to demonstrate remaining service life with a strong
degree of confidence.
- Develop a periodic review process for clear and
regular reporting to BP management on the state of integrity of their
flexible pipe assets highlighting when actions need to be taken to
maintain integrity and keep risks within acceptable standards.
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- The development of this strategy has provided BP
with a structured framework which addresses all its flexible riser
and flexible flowline integrity issues. The strategy has continuously
evolved as integrity measures are implemented and results are received
from the offshore inspections and monitoring procedures.
- A key benefit to BP of implementing the strategy
has been to record the complete operating life of the flexible pipes
in the harsh environment of the Atlantic Frontier. By regularly analysing
and comparing operating conditions with the original design assumptions,
the periodic review process has demonstrated conservatism in the design.
Furthermore, this provides BP with a comprehensive database of evidence
that can be used to assess possible life extension of the assets should
new tieback opportunities present themselves later in the field life.
- Increased learning in the implementation of flexible
pipe inspection and monitoring procedures offshore, particularly with
testing of the flexible pipe annulus environment.
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