Risk-based verification of large offshore systems

Abstract

This paper firstly gives a very brief review on the current status of offshore safety with particular reference to the UK sector. The risk-based verification concept is then described. Following the identification of the research needs, a general risk-based verification framework is proposed with appropriate risk assessment contents incorporated into it. An example is then followed to demonstrate the proposed framework. The THESIS (The Health, Environment and Safety Information System) software package is also used to facilitate the implementation of the framework. In the end both benefits and limitations of risk-based verification in offshore applications are highlighted. The emphasis of the paper is focussed on industrial applications.

Risk-Based Verification of Subsea Blowout Preventer System

“…These have all involved the basics steps of identifying the safety critical elements, definition of performance standards and list of verification activities to be carried out. For a large offshore system, [6] proposed a framework involving nine steps, as shown in Figure 3 for the RBV process. …”

“…Through the use of a risk-based safety approach, system performance can be improved and it also ensures that new designs and operation strategies are efficient. It can also provide mechanisms for predicting high-risk scenarios with available resources in a cost-effective way [6]. Figure 1 shows the difference between unstructured verification and Risk Based Verification.…”

“…Though the methodology used was considered to be robust, it could not guarantee that all elements which would not impact on total performance had been identified. Wang et al (2012), on the other hand, developed an RBV framework for large offshore systems, demonstrating how it could be applied to a jack-up rig. It incorporated a widely used software package for implementation [6].…”

“…Wang et al (2012), on the other hand, developed an RBV framework for large offshore systems, demonstrating how it could be applied to a jack-up rig. It incorporated a widely used software package for implementation [6]. The proposed framework addressed identified gaps in literature reviewed by the authors with the introduction of some new features as presented such as; A hierarchical asset definition proposed to allow hazard identification; A step-by-step way of identifying major accident hazards for an offshore asset; A progressive way of identifying SCEs and estimating their criticality; Definition of performance standards, identification of means of performance assurance and identification of means of verification with illustrations.…”