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Opinion

ThoughtStream

Martin Belshaw, technical director, Semco Maritime studies, offshore site surveys and reporting. The results of these exercises

Addressing the enable the production of an accurate and comprehensive “cabinet-rack-slot” challenges of obsolescence equipment inventory. In order for this bsolescence is not a new issue for inventory to be “intelligent,” its contents

Over 50% of assets now exceed

O their design life, so a robust system of the offshore energy industry, how- are then subject to further assessment, obsolescence assessment is a neces- ever, it remains an insidious creeping using established methodologies and sity rather than an option. Operators plague, which hides in the wake of new weighting factors to determine vulner- will forget at their peril that equipment and changing technologies to take every- ability, impact and risk. Sophisticated obsolescence, whether in relation to one by surprise around 10 years into the database systems are now available for sophisticated control systems or regular system life cycle. the recording, analysis and storage of instrumented systems, presents signif-

There are many reasons why obso- such data.

cant risks to production, safety and the lescence is becoming an increasingly Having gained a clear and realistic environment. signifcant issue for the offshore oil picture of their assets and associated sys- and gas industry and perhaps the most The need for operators to determine, tems, operators can then look at proactive obvious is the prevalence of extended quantify and manage the risks associated tactics and strategies for removing or life operations. Many assets remain in with obsolescence is therefore para- mitigating any obsolescence risks. These production for over 25 years and their mount, as recognized by the UK Health may range from improving supplier associated automation and control sys- relationships and spare parts manage- tems continue to be used well beyond ment through to wholesale or systematic “Over 50% of assets their anticipated life expectancy. More migration but in the most severe cases than half of oil and gas installations in complete system replacement may be now exceed their the North Sea fall into this category, and required.

only about 15% have been decommis- A robust and intelligent system of design life, so a robust sioned thus far. obsolescence assessment should, there-

Meanwhile, technology marches on; fore, not only identify risks, but also system of obsolescence process functionality changes; the avail- suggest solutions in relation to mitiga- assessment is a ability of spare parts declines, and even- tion, migration or replacement on the tually manufacturers and third parties basis of practicality, cost or both. Those necessity rather than are unable to provide technical support. who are nervous about disruption to

This problem is further compounded as everyday activities should note that both an option.” systems become subject to new demands obsolescence assessments and system and changes in industry legislation; prod- migrations can be carried out with ucts so affected by such events are often and Safety Executive (HSE) in its report minimal impact on normal day-to-day referred to as “mature discontinued.” In to Oil & Gas UK earlier this year (OE: operations. Furthermore, when the value the worst-case scenario, operators may August 2014). Following a three-year of such exercises is considered in terms only become aware of any issues fol- investigative program, the HSE report of accident prevention and safeguarding lowing a component’s failure. With the recommended that the industry devel- against future costly disruptions, there prospect of a fx weeks, or possibly even ops a corporate culture which embeds can be no question as to the validity of months, away the unpalatable result can an aging life extension (ALE) philosophy this investment. be a signifcant unplanned downtime into asset integrity management for the event. long-term future. Martin Belshaw is technical director

So what can be done to counteract this An important part of this process will at Semco Maritime. A chartered engi- “creeping plague”? With activity in the be the establishment of comprehensive neer and current chairman of the north

North Sea expected to continue until procedures and systems that allow for of Scotland section of the Institute of at least 2050, there is a clear require- continuous monitoring of assets and Measurement & Control, he has more ment for those in the industry to take a anticipation of issues so that these can than 30 years’ experience designing proactive and systematic approach to be managed proactively. and managing computer-based process the related issues of obsolescence and A robust approach to obsolescence control systems, networks and system extended life operations. assessment involves detailed design integration projects in the energy sector.

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