| Description |
Sensor technology at
the time of this study was capable of measuring and monitoring
SCR response with relative
precision and accuracy,
using a combination of
different sensors and methods. However the application of that
technology to the offshore environment, where access is limited,
installation is difficult and environmental conditions such as
pressure and temperature are extreme, was not accomplished
as effectively. The measurement and detection of corrosion and crack
growth was even more limited. Methods such as intelligent pigging required
very costly shut downs and thus were
prohibitive. No one inspection method was
capable of fully interrogating a riser, however a combination of
complimentary inspection methods as well as metallurgical, operational
history and process knowledge provided
a more complete picture compared with any single inspection method. This integrated approach provided by
this study was intended to provide the most effective basis for
the management of a riser available. In order to achieve this
goal a clear understanding of the limitations and advantages of each
technique was necessary. Short term monitoring and inspection of a riser and
environmental variables was expected
to enable designers to better predict structural response and
requirements for a given set of variables, and long term periodic
monitoring was expected to
allow a concise integrity management strategy to be implemented for
the entire field. This project was
intended to identify
emerging technologies, technology gaps, and monitoring techniques;
develop SCR validations approach,
integrity management methodology, and integrity
management guidelines; and provide an industry forum for sharing of
technology. |
