Impact of gradual process change on onshore facilities
Paul R. Russ A and Andrew R Foote AEsso Australia Pty Ltd
The APPEA Journal 52(1) 337-344 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ11026
Published: 2012
Abstract
This paper will demonstrate that a broad disciplined approach to monitoring and inspection programs is required in order to manage the impact of gradual changes in process conditions on operating facilities. Where no process or integrity issues existed previously, gradual changes in the process can have a significant effect on the integrity of pressure equipment. The impact of gradual change in offshore production rates on onshore pressure equipment integrity and in particular, the effects of sand and microbiological induced corrosion is described. The management of sand was found to be important in controlling integrity. Co-ordination and communication between different functional groups was essential to adopting new measures to control the integrity threat. The measures that were undertaken to ensure the ongoing integrity of the facilities are described.
Gradual process changes can be recognised early, provided that appropriate monitoring and inspection programs are performed. These are outlined so that operators of other facilities can learn and take appropriate action.
Paul R. Russ has worked with ExxonMobil for 27 years predominantly in the corrosion, inspection and materials fields with special assignments in water-handling. He is a global Subject Matter Expert for ExxonMobil Upstream in the field of corrosion and inspection. He graduated from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University in secondary metallurgy and holds an MSc and PhD in Corrosion Science and Engineering from Sir John Cass School, London under Professor L. L. Shreir. He previously worked for British Gas in the North Sea and was a Senior Scientist at London Research Station. Memberships of corrosion associations in Australia, UK and USA (NACE). paul.r.russ@exxonmobil.com |
Andrew R Foote joined ExxonMobil in 2006, commencing work in the Projects division before transferring into the Onshore Facilities Surveillance group as Facilities Advisor at the Longford plant. He previously held process engineering and project management roles at Brown and Root, Shedden Uhde, Fluor Daniel and WorleyParsons. He holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University. Member: Institution of Chemical Engineers. andrew.r.foote@exxonmobil.com |
