An Alternative Approach to 50 Years Design Life

Abstract

Currently there have been seen requirements of a design lifetime far beyond the 20-25Y of today, a strong driver is that many fields have their lifetime extended due to they contain remaining resources that can be recovered with IOR measures. As a result, some operators consider extending their Design Lifetime requirement significantly. This paper briefly discusses the reason for this requirement and its consequences from a Subsea Production System suppliers view. Further is given an alternative approach to a long set design lifetime, where the goal is an undefined lifetime based on monitoring and maintainability. The concept is outlined and consequences are discussed. The following issues are covered: Inspection Monitoring Design for maintenance Need for New Technology The paper addresses Operator and Subsea Production System suppliers' technical decisions makers. The paper is based on a Subsea Production System suppliers experience and challenges through Delivery projects, Lifetime and Front End studies. The paper will conclude that a set Design Lifetime considerably longer than todays is not favorable and that the proposed new approach is a better choice. Further, is this approach also recommended as a result of experience with Lifetime Extensions studies, as the new approach will simplify this kind of work considerably. This is due to monitoring and documentation of status on a regular basis, is an inherent part of the approach proposed. The paper brings into the debate a new approach to Design Lifetime.