Application of Structural Integrity Monitoring to Life Extension of Ageing Offshore Installations
ERA Conference, London 2004by A. Stacey, J.V. Sharp
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Application of Structural Integrity Monitoring to Life Extension of Ageing Offshore InstallationsERA Conference, London 2004by A. Stacey, J.V. Sharp
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Many offshore installations in the UK sector of the North Sea are now reaching or have exceeded their original anticipated design life of typically around 25 years, but have a continued requirement to produce oil or gas, either from the original fields or to serve as a base for neighbouring subsea completions. Ageing processes can clearly affect the structural integrity of the installation and demonstration of adequate performance beyond their original design life is thus a necessary requirement e.g. via reassessment. Structural integrity monitoring (SIM) can play a key role in managing life extension.