Risk Based Approach to Integrated Asset Corrosion Management in the Oil and Gas Industry

摘要

Oil and gas facilities are subject to several degradation mechanisms depending on the process fluids, operating conditions and environmental factors. There is need to address these degradation threats and mitigate their undesired consequences. This would entail developing a Corrosion Management System (CMS) for all equipment; the application of which would reduce the corrosion risks associated with operating the facility. The Corrosion Management System has key elements; some of which are the corrosion risk assessment, planning, implementation and analysis. Implementation covers both corrosion mitigation activities that provide barriers to corrosion and also inspection which verifies that the barriers are effective. The selection of inspection routines can be fixed time-based or risk based. The risk based inspection approach is an optimal and fit for purpose inspection routine. This would require a detailed analysis of the risk of operating the facilities based on economic, health and safety consideration. An integrated corrosion monitoring process can be achieved with proper implementation of the risk based inspection approach, where all likely degradation threats have been identified, susceptibility and impact assessed. With a defined risk ranking systems the choice of inspection methods can be ranked to determine business, economic benefit and ultimately assure the technical integrity on the facility. This paper defines the critical elements for consideration in risk management while also detailing a systematic approach of risk based inspection based on API 580. The process, benefits, possible pitfalls and opportunity for improvements are clearly detailed based on practical application of RBI and corrosion management of oil and gas facilities.