With many offshore installations in the UK sector of the North Sea now reaching or being in excess of their original anticipated design life, there is a particular need to evaluate approaches to structural integrity management by offshore operators. Ageing processes can affect the structural integrity of the installation and demonstration of adequate performance beyond its original design life is thus a necessary requirement. This paper addresses the issues relevant to the life extension of ageing installations.
In recent years, a significant amount of effort has been expended by HSE and the offshore industry on the development of good practice for structural integrity management in the new code for offshore structures, ISO 19902. However, a review of the structural integrity management of fixed offshore installations operated on the UKCS has indicated that duty holders adopt varying approaches, in terms of both the methods used and effectiveness. The elements of a framework for the management of the structural integrity of fixed jacket structures are presented.
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