A Suitable Model for Assessing the Integrity of Subsea Control Modules SCMs for Re-Use after Decommissioning

Abstract

This paper proposes a model for assessing Subsea Control Module (SCM) integrity for re-use after decommissioning. The SCM is one of the most failure-prone components in subsea oil and gas developments, and although a relatively inexpensive component in a Subsea Production System (SPS), the failure of an SCM can require production to be ceased, significantly impacting project economics. The re-use of decommissioned SCMs could improve the economics of subsea oil and gas projects by reducing design and manufacturing lead times, improving production availability, and enabling the economic exploitation of both marginal and mature fields. Insights gained through relevant literature, industry standards, and subsea industry experts led to the development of the Integrity Assessment Model for Decommissioned Subsea Control Modules proposed in this paper. The model is based on an Integrity Assessment process as well as a Risk-Based Compatibility Assessment. Discussions include a background of the SCM and common failures, the economics of SCM re-use, and Applications for the re-use of SCMs. The Integrity Assessment Model is described in detail, as well as the benefits and limitations. Areas of future research in support of subsea equipment re-use are identified, including improvements to reliability databases for subsea equipment, and the creation of a quantitative metric describing subsea equipment integrity.