Management of Critical Equipment (Wellhead Systems)

Abstract

SPE Member Abstract Precise documentation is a key element in the management and control of critical equipment. Having correct and easily accessible information for equipment which in some cases is in excess of 20 years old has saved Esso Australia Ltd thousands of dollars in engineering time and has reduced rig downtime. Safety and the Environment are of prime importance in Esso operations and the management of critical equipment is instrumental in achieving objectives for these areas. Esso has completed an extensive program to document and control critical wellhead equipment and this has involved:–Surveying and documenting the 300 existing wellheads offshore;–Increased emphasis on material specification and control;–Reviewing and implementing new technology;–Increased control over wellhead equipment refurbishment; and–Increased emphasis on offshore wellhead maintenance. Benefits experienced by Esso after increasing the focus on critical equipment management include increased safety, increased confidence in equipment, decreased engineering time, and decreased rig downtime related to incorrect or incomplete information. Introduction The Esso / BHP Petroleum joint venture currently has 14 production platforms (with another two under construction), two sub-sea completions and two single well mono-towers in Bass Strait. These facilities, operated by Esso, include 300 wells which produce oil and gas from the Gippsland Basin (Figure 1). In the context of this paper, the designation 'critical' is used to differentiate that which is vital to the prevention of a major event such as an uncontrolled emission, fire or explosion that poses serious danger to people, property or the environment. Wellhead equipment is therefore critical and this paper will discuss the following topics related to its management:–Documentation;–Material specification;–Equipment specification;–New technology and its implementation;–Refurbishment; and–Maintenance. P. 281^