Provides a discussion of life extension projects using a holistic, all-of-facility approach, rather than focusing on individual systems. Part of a panel discussion on life extension project examples from several operators and consultants.

1. 21-23 April 2015
17-18 October 2016
Katy, Texas, USA
DNV GL
SPE Deepwater Asset Integrity and Field Life Extension Workshop
A Holistic Approach to Life Extension
Travis Cummins – Structural IM Team Lead

2. 2SPE Deepwater Asset Integrity and Field Life Extension Workshop
The Holistic Approach
• When a design life is defined, it
frequently governs several systems
or the entire facility, not just a
single system
• Frequently, approaches to life
extension focus on each system
individually, instead of taking a
higher‐level, holistic approach
• By performing life extension at the
facility level, it allows operators to
identify and exploit efficiencies
across systems

3. 3SPE Deepwater Asset Integrity and Field Life Extension Workshop
GoM Life Extension Assessment
• Deepwater GoM platform was still early in its original design life
• In order to sanction expansion tieback, life extension feasibility study
and preliminary assessment needed to be conducted for approval
from partners
• Operator approached WG to perform feasibility study, gap analysis of
current integrity management activities, and develop high‐level cost
estimate of probable major life extension activities
• Investigated three LE scenarios:
• From 20 years to 30 years
• From 20 years to 40 years
• From 30 years to 40 years

4. 4SPE Deepwater Asset Integrity and Field Life Extension Workshop
Project Basis
• Deepwater (~5000 ft) facility
located in GoM
• Design life of major systems:
• Hull structures & mooring – 20 yrs
• Topsides structures – 40 yrs
• Topsides equipment – 20 yrs
• Subsea production – 30 yrs
• Export risers/pipelines – 20/30 yrs
• For consistency between systems,
LE process used was based on
modified NORSOK Y‐009
Initiate Life Extension
Process
Condition Assessment
Define Life Extension
Premise
Reassessment Based on
Current Condition
Integrity Acceptable
Identify Corrective
Modifications
Modifications
Feasible
STOP
Decommission at end of
current design life
Yes
No
Document Life
Extension Activities
Implement Life
Extension Program
Yes
No

5. 5SPE Deepwater Asset Integrity and Field Life Extension Workshop
Example Integrity and Data Gaps
• Topsides Fixed Equipment
• No inspection data or planned inspections for HP flare tip
• Hull and Mooring
• No baseline mooring chain measurements and insufficient
quantity of in‐service chain measurements for long term
trending of data
• Export and Production Risers
• Uncertainty related to remaining life of export flex joints
• Export Pipelines
• Potential excessive anode wastage on pipelines may
require cathodic protection design review and anode
retrofit

6. 6SPE Deepwater Asset Integrity and Field Life Extension Workshop
Multi‐Disciplinary Activities
• Several key activities identified that benefited from a multi‐
disciplinary approach:
• Additional inspection activities for underwater hull and subsea systems that
would allow for combined campaigns and lower overall costs
• Potential single mobilization of heavy lift vessel for mooring and topsides
equipment replacement activities
• Proactive planning and procurement of cathodic protection
remediation/replacement activities for multiple systems
• Assessment of data gaps across systems

7. 7SPE Deepwater Asset Integrity and Field Life Extension Workshop
Benefits of Holistic Approach
• Holistic approach allows operators to better plan for anticipated costs
associated with continued service
• Allows for better allocation of resources through scheduling of IM and
life extension activities
• Ensures that interfaces between systems are effectively managed and
don’t slip through the cracks
• Integrity or data gaps for all systems can be identified and addressed
resulting in a consistent approach
• Single focal point results in simpler contractor management for
operator

8. Thank You
Questions?