Analysing the interactions and complexities of the operations in the production area of an FPSO platform using the functional resonance analysis method (FRAM)

Abstract

The technological evolution of several productive sectors of society has demanded the same level of evolution for the oil and gas industry, both for energy production and their own systems’ functioning. The production of crude oil and natural gas in offshore units is one of the answers to this demand. However, these offshore units have critical onboard activities and risks, notably FPSO units; it is necessary to have adequate recognition of the elements that can support these activities and manage these risks, enabling productive and safe operations. In this sense, this article aims to increase the understanding of the complex interactions and inherent safety issues that arise in the operations of FPSOs, observing and analysing the work done onboard such platforms. The FRAM methodology has been chosen because it allows for the recognition and analysis of the complex interactions involving workers, equipment, system and offshore environment, focusing on the oil treatment area of the process plant. The results demonstrated some interesting findings regarding onboard safety and the relationship between human competences, work demands and process safety.

Analyzing non-technical skills in the sharp end of facilities/utilities operations in onshore and offshore O&G process plants

“…These variabilities are precisely what make the adjustment between the agility and urgency of work demands with the protocols, procedures and restrictions, allowing a dynamic balance between efficiency and thoroughness, particular in complex sociotechnical systems that form most of the workplaces in offshore and onshore process plants (Hollnagel, 2009). Examples of this dynamic variability promoting productivity and safety can be seen in both drilling and production operations onboard offshore platforms (França et al, 2022). Promoting this balance, which ultimately corresponds to the safety and productivity of the work performed, there is the workers individual abilities to response, based on their non-technical skills, individual characteristics and technical skills.…”