Page 22: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Oct/Nov 2013)

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Asset Integrity

Structural integrity management – from cradle to grave Properly implemented, structural integrity management can provide structural integrity assurance from design to decommissioning, explains Mohammad Nabavian of Wood Group PSN. he concept of structural integ- rity management (SIM) for off- shore installations is maturing,

T underpinned by the need to assure the reliability of ever-aging infrastructure, cope with the demands of complex life extension projects, and cater for safe and successful decommissioning.

The systems and tools to support

SIM need to be robust, practical, and fexible to adapt to what is known about the structure and account for its individual risk profle and ageing characteristics.

Development of SIM systems

Fixed offshore structures are typically designed using industry standard codes (ISO-19902, API, AISC). On the

UK Continental Shelf, governmental regulations also play a part in the design process, ensuring hazards, such as the loss of structural integrity, loss of containments, and fres & explosions are identifed, and appropriate mitiga- tion measures put in place.

SIM systems can ensure longer term

Aging assets in mature basins like the North Sea means asset integrity is a key industry issue.

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