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Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)

Risk-based coating maintenance: an integrated program*

E. Lillerovde A , B. Sullivan A and A. Chetty A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

AGR Field Operations.

The APPEA Journal 51(2) 728-728 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ10108
Published: 2011

Abstract

The integration of a cost-effective coating management plan into an asset integrity system is essential in ensuring asset longevity. The success of any corrosion management program relies on condition monitoring and quality auditing. Monitoring activities also contribute to maintenance plan feedback ensuring continuous improvement in corrosion management activities. It is recognised that there are many ways to organise and operate successful corrosion management programs, each of which is asset specific and depends on factors such as:

  1. Design.

  2. Stage in the life cycle.

  3. Process conditions.

  4. Operational history.

AGR defines corrosion management as: “… the part of the overall management system that is concerned with the development, implementation, review and maintenance of the corrosion policy.” AGR corrosion management programs use a combination of risk-based inspection technologies and traditional restorative maintenance activities. SOLVTM, a unique product from AGR Field Operations, is used for the management of fabric maintenance (surface coatings, insulation, passive fire protection, pipe and cable penetrations). 

Long-term plans:

  1. 5-year plans or longer based on client requirements.

  2. Prioritising areas and recommended maintenance intervals.

  3. Cost estimates and scope of work.

  4. Estimated condition development.

Application:

  1. Treatment of component surfaces (coatings).

  2. Passive fire protection.

  3. Quality control.

The benefits of the SOLVTM concept can be summarised as:

  1. Information regarding condition of maintenance objects.

  2. Preparation of fixed price maintenance plan and workpacks.

  3. Condition control through survey and audit.

  4. Cost control via quantified scope.

  5. Maintenance budget inputs for 5-year plan.

Documented cost savings of 20–50 % have been realised where SOLVTM has been introduced and been used for long-term corrosion management.

Egil Lillerovde, Technical Expert Surface Protection, AGR Field Operations.

Egil has spent the past 17 years working with surface protection and corrosion management in the maintenance management. His background of more than 20 years as a foreman, supervisor and project manager for surface treatment and paint application has prepared him for his role as AGR’s training manager in surface treatment and corrosion maintenance planning.

He is also a technical expert for FROSIO, Norway’s professional Council for Education and Certification of Inspectors for Surface Treatment.

Bill Sullivan, Maintenance Management Manager, AGR Field Operations—Asia Pacific.

A graduate from Monash University, Bill has spent the past 21 years working in the oil and gas industry, including 10 years with BHP Billiton Petroleum and the past 11 years with AGR Field Operations—Asia Pacific (formally Upstream Petroleum).

Bill has had several technical management roles with AGR. Recently AGR has been awarded significant maintenance management contracts with major coal seam and shale gas companies in Australia and the USA.

Bill works closely with his AGR Norwegian colleagues to bring AGR maintenance management expertise to the worldwide oil and gas community.

Arvind has been the vice president of sales and marketing for AGR Field Operations since late 2009. Starting with AGR in 2004 as WA manager, he worked on numerous projects including the BMG development for Anzon and the Cliffhead project for Roc Oil.

With a background in mechanical engineering, Arvind worked as a power plant engineer for SCANA Corporation in the US, field engineer and management roles in Schlumberger and as regional sales manager for Eastern Oil Tools.