With focus on enhancing Integrity and efficiency, ADNOC Gas Processing identified an opportunity for optimization of existing FRP firewater system in Ruwais. A comprehensive study of complete firewater network and review of operating and control philosophy performed in order to optimize the system performance and mitigate pressure surge problems. This paper presents measures that ADNOC Gas Processing have adopted to achieve improved system efficiency and lower operating cost. A study was undertaken by GASCO to review issues with existing Fire Water network (FWN) at Ruwais to enhance overall performance of system in terms of design, operation and control. Initiative was to identify problems, evaluate root cause and think of optimization including some cost saving solutions. Study explored various operating configurations of existing 4-working+ 4-standby pumps with active involvement of operation personnel followed by hydraulic and surge analysis with different operating scenarios. Study revealed reduction in flow, head and pressure to mitigate fire water piping surge problems. Study also engaged pump vendors to establish feasibility of modifying the existing pumps. The study identified that each existing fire water pump is suitable to deliver 1400 m3/hr against required flow of 1000 m3/hr. Additional flow may create pressure spikes and surges in FWN. Hydraulic analysis found that pressure was above minimum requirement of 7bar (g) at the most remote point in network. Simulation indicated that fluid velocity was above 3.5 m/s at specific sections on the ring main. Increase in pipe sizes is required to arrest velocity within recommended limit in these areas. Option of lowering the operating pressure of main fire water pumps without the fire water network pressure falling below 7bar (g) at the most hydraulically remote point in the network was studied. Also the option of 3W+3S and 4W+4S [working (W) and standby(S)] pumping configuration was studied so as to establish that system can work with less number of pumps. Hydraulic study concluded that rated pressure should be reduced along with shut-off pressure. The maximum worst case fire water demand is 3200 m3/hr. The demand is found to be achieved with three Fire Water Pumps. During study pump vendors were engaged to arrive at the conclusion that 3W+3S configurations are hydraulically acceptable with pump / impeller modifications and de-staging options.
Pressure vessels used in the petrochemical industry inspected manually by people working inside the vessels, which is a very time consuming operation in a potentially hazardeous work environment. As per by Van Den Bos, Strand, Mallion et al (2016) "The PETROBOT project formed and funded by EU with the aim to bring together inspection methods and remote delivery to reduce risks and cost involved in inspection of pressure vessels and brought together the complete value chain, from robot and inspection technology providers to inspection service providers and end-users. In the PETROBOT project, robotic solutions developed for the internal inspection of pressure vessels (FAST platform, BIKE platform and Snake arm) and storage tanks (tank robot). Several aspects related to safe deployment and retrieval of the robots through side and top manway in horizontal and vertical vessels were tested. All the robots were able to enter in all types of vessels and demonstrated an acceptable level of operational readiness. The Robotic technology now sufficiently developed as a platform to perform the inspections using established techniques." ADNOC CEO has launched Oil & Gas 4.0 in the year 2019 and stated that Oil and Gas 4.0 means rethinking how our industry adopts and applies technology, connects with non-traditional partners, shows environmental leadership and most importantly attracts and retains talent. We as, ADNOC Gas Processing Technical Services Engineering division inspired by the ADNOC CEO's speech and adopted introduction of innovative technology in every sphere of technical field. We choose to explore the possiblitity of the introduction of drones, robotics and other technology that are increasing efficiency and productivity while protecting the environment in all stages of energy production. ADNOC Gas Processing has conducted Corrosion and Inspection forum in 2019 as a part of digitasation by inviting leaders in the NDT field to show cause the available latest technology. During the forum, we could explore several advanced NDT techniques including Drones, robotics, helmet mounted cameras and wireless UT thikness monitoing devices. With the advancement of technology, drones once predominantly used for patrolling highways and delivery of the foods were used extensively for visual inspection of elevated structures (stacks) and robotics are used to inspection pressure vessels and storage tanks with out necessity of man entry and thus avaiding the human exposure to the hazdous evironments.
Protection of bunds and slopes is of prime importance in Oil and Gas facilities, in order to contain hydrocarbon products and to protect soil erosion. This paper highlights some slope protection challenges and mitigation techniques comparing the conventional systems and describes the evaluation methodology including Sustainability and Cost optimization potential of a new material "Concrete Impregnated Fabric". The knowledge obtained in determining the evaluation criteria and methodology of this slope protection system is worth sharing with industry professionals. Conventional slope protection involves mainly gatch and concrete lining. While the design life of gatch being less, use of reinforced concrete is non-sustainable. The main challenge in slope protection is "slope stability" involving the type of soil to be retained and slope angle. Various polymeric products named as Geo-strips, Geogrids, etc. are used for soil reinforcement. Steel mesh surrounded Gabion retaining structures are used for retaining very high slopes. New technologies such as "Mastic grouted mattresses" are more suitable for sloped surfaces of coastal areas. "Concrete Impregnated Fabric" or "Geo-synthetic Cementitious Composite Mat (GCCM)", a new material that hardens on hydration was found suitable for quick construction and has many more advantages. Technical evaluation criteria and detailed evaluation process in selecting this slope protection system is described in this paper. Technical information, features and installation methods of the product have been collected from the manufacturer and subjected to a detailed desk study. After initial review, the product with its varying thicknesses was applied on mock-up bund, demonstrating laying, joint-fixing, end-anchoring and initial hydration. This event has been witnessed by more than a dozen of engineers from all plants of ADNOC Gas Processing. The trial site was left exposed to atmosphere and revisited after 6 months and the condition ascertained. Physical properties listed in the information brochure have been verified by carrying out third party laboratory tests in UAE based on various international codes and witnessed by professional team. Also as part of evaluation process, in a pilot project, it was applied on pipeline bund area of about 4000 Sqm. Apart from the sustainability aspects and techno-commercial analysis, other advantages of the product such as design-life of 50 years, construction ease, 24% cost saving compared to concrete lining and feedback from previous users, etc. were evaluated and captured in a comprehensive report based on which it was accepted for use on slopes without any loads. Evaluation of this fit-for-purpose slope protection system including its pilot application will be useful for all relevant stakeholders.
In today's challenging work and business environment, swift response to structural integrity concerns is the need of the hour to minimize the damages that will reduce down time, specifically in oil & gas sector. The solution devised to address structural concerns shall prevent further failure of structural members and avert major catastrophic accidents, as they support process equipment and piping. This paper outlines case studies of such structural failures, potential reasons of incidents and approaches followed in restoring structural integrity in a safe and economical way that ensures uninterrupted plant operation. Key parameters to be studied / considered while arriving solutions to structural damage / incidents include reliability of data, primary cause of incident, inventory of readily available material, execution feasibility under plant operating conditions thereby avoiding plant or unit shutdowns and manpower skillsets. Due to various constraints, the solution arrived may be temporary that averts multiple structural failures or a major accident. Further studies would be required to identify the root cause and to confirm or enhance the implemented solution that will reaffirm long term integrity of structure. In almost all of the incidents, some of the common steps followed for swift restoration of structural integrity include conducting a site survey to identify and judge the probable cause, reviewing available data, structural assessment and details of material in stock. After analyzing numerous factors, diverse approaches unique to each incident were considered in arriving a solution that is fit-for-purpose. Structural integrity issues, if not attended swiftly, can worsen the situation leading to safety concerns and major accidents. Solutions adopted for various incidents ensured restoration of structural integrity with minimal consequences. Suggested improvements and recommendations were implemented and no further issues were reported until this time.
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