Impact of gradual process change on onshore facilities
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.