Rams Analysis for Different XT Technologies

This paper analyses the probability of failure on demand of different subsea christmas tree actuation principles and their related control system architectures. The all-electric technology has limited or insufficient field data available. This means that the reliability and availability analysis is based on theoretical analysis from data provided in reliability handbooks for mechanical and electronic components. The analysis includes the probability of failure on demand to isolate the well and the availability of each equipment type until a first failure causes the need for repair. The following different actuator and system designs were chosen for this analysis: – Spring based hydraulic actuator – Spring based electric actuator – Electric power screw actuator – Electric planetary roller screw actuator All Electric Systems (except the spring based electric actuator) utilize a battery to provide the energy for the valve operation. The reliability analysis provides detailed information about the major contributors that limit the reliability of the actuators and systems. With this knowledge, qualification activities can focus on the improvement of the reliability of the critical components and the actuator elements within the system. The power screw actuator and the corresponding system provides the best reliability and availability compared to other systems. The electric with spring design provides better results than the hydraulic with spring design. Generally, the battery-based systems provide a better reliability than spring-based designs. The most critical elements are the mechanical springs, sealings, brakes and the spindle mechanisms. Another aspect is the analysis of an optimized operation strategy in order to utilize the redundant components to improve the availability and reduce the number of interventions by analysis of the second and third failure in the system.