Maximizing the Benefit of Technology by Evaluation Qualification from Early RD and Concept Stages of Development

摘要

IntroductionrnTechnology Evaluation Qualification is a systematic process for reducing uncertainty associated with new technology. Although frequently applied to drive the technology readiness level of the subject technology from the result of a prototype onwards, there is a proven benefit to applying the discipline of Technology Evaluation Qualification from the earlier stages of R&D, Concept and Proof of Concept. This paper discusses the tailored application of the methodology to these earlier stages of technology development. It explores a number of examples and analyses the benefits which were derived.rnApplicationrnThis tailored application of Technology Evaluation Qualification is applicable to all aspects of technology, but is especially valuable in the offshore area where today risks, costs and development time are very high. Several methodologies have now been applied in varying degrees by oil and gas majors, operating companies, and indeed the entire technology supply chain. The importance of improving the reduction of risk and uncertainties in an effective fashion has been highly emphasized in the last year, and is requiring a wider transversal and collaborative effort by an increased number of parties, as complexity and difficulty of interfaces intensify, and thus this paper should be of interest to a broad audience at OTC 2012.rnResults, Observations and ConclusionsrnThe results from a number of examples of its application are detailed. The conclusion reached is that the offshore sector can benefit from an improved process ensuring that from an earlier stage, before selection, lower risk and better performance will be delivered through a robust structured process of Technology Evaluation Qualification. This is true for both enhancing and enabling new technologies.rnSignificance of Subject MatterrnThe primary benefit from this process driving towards an early application of Technology Evaluation Qualification is the improvement in reduction in risks and uncertainties in the first application of a new technology. By identifying the risks earlier in the development cycle, more timely and cost effective mitigation actions can be invoked. Application of this process within Total Operator Company has fully demonstrated that improved identification of root causes of issues, lack of maturity, risks and uncertainties can be reached. Hence optimized actions can be undertaken to establish safe applicability, in the sense that they more properly answer the real uncertainties, and then allow safer new technology deployment, and result in earlier reliable applicability.rnIn the emerging era of more rigorous regulation, an audit trail of risk evaluation throughout a technology's life, capturing both performance and HSE risks and associated mitigations will be of significant benefit.