Real-Time Data for Structural Integrity and Stability Assessment: A GoM Case Study

Abstract

Abstract This case study illustrates how advanced data transfer and processing techniques can be applied to add value to high resolution environmental and structural monitoring data for use in operational decision making. With hurricane Ivan in 2004 and hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, the GOM operating area has suffered significant damage to its offshore structures. These experiences have shown it is essential to not only collect environmental and structural data, but to have this data readily available to stakeholders and technical experts for assessment in the aftermath of a storm or other unexpected event that threatens structural integrity. Advanced systems for handling high frequency, high resolution data have been developed over the past decade to deal with reservoir monitoring data. The following case study from the Gulf of Mexico illustrates how this technology was adapted to provide an operational tool for filtering, transferring and accessing structural integrity and stability data. This tool is now being used to monitor asset integrity during and after hurricanes and other unexpected events that threaten the structural integrity of offshore structures. Introduction Information is one of the most important ingredients to maintain operational efficiency and minimize downtime. Technology is now available to make vast amounts of information available but it is important that the right information is available to the right people at the right time to ensure the most efficient use of these large quantities of data.1 It is also essential that the data be made available in a usable format for decision makers to be able to interpret, manipulate and transform data into the knowledge that will influence their decisions. In an industry that is faced with more data than ever before, this information management problem is of particular importance where time-critical decisions with significant health & safety or financial impact depend on the right information being available to the right people at the right time. One example of such decisions is the operational decisions required before, during and after hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico. In 2004 and 2005, the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) was hit by three severe hurricanes, causing extensive damage to the oil & gas production infrastructure. Hurricane Ivan hit the GoM in September 2004, reaching top sustained wind speeds of 165 mph and destroying 7 platforms completely whilst causing significant damage to an additional 24 platforms.2 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the GoM operating area in a period of less than 30 days in 2005. Katrina reached the GoM in late August with winds of 185 mph2 destroying 46 platforms and causing significant damage to 20 others. 3 Rita followed in September destroying 69 platforms and causing significant damage to 32 others.3 These two hurricanes have been called the "greatest natural disasters to oil and gas development in the history of the GoM".3 Paramount to reducing the production impact of hurricanes and other unexpected events that threaten the structural integrity of oil and gas production infrastructure are structural integrity and stability monitoring systems. These systems are designed to provide long term structural integrity assessment data but can also be used for short term operational decisions in the aftermath of such events. This paper will present a case study demonstrating how the application of real time data transfer, processing and accessibility technologies can significantly decrease response time and facilitate collaboration to assess the impact of unexpected events such as hurricanes on the structural integrity of offshore structures. Structural Integrity and Stability Assessment: State of the Art In the past, the design and engineering of offshore structures relied heavily on model testing and theoretical calculations. With recent advances in instrumentation and digital technologies, it is now possible to close the design loop and obtain measurements from offshore structures after installation. Collection of this type of data over long term installations introduces new challenges, however, specifically around data management, data transfer and data access. The nature of structural integrity data requires measurements at high frequency taken over long time periods which makes data transfer and accessibility from remote locations with unreliable network connections a particular challenge.