Systematic Riser Design Methodologies for Concurrent Engineering of Fast-Track Offshore Projects

Abstract The offshore industry has been progressively reducing the time between discovery of a reservoir and first oil recovery. Technological advances as well as Concurrent Engineering of various system components have played a critical role in reducing project duration. This paper presents riser system design methodologies developed to reduce project execution time with minimal technical and commercial risk to riser components as well as to the overall project. The methods largely depend on synchronizing interfaces among the various project disciplines as well as ability to anticipate, prepare, and adapt to the ever-changing design requirements. Information flow in a Concurrent Engineering design environment is also discussed. Introduction There is a continuous thrust towards developing of offshore fields with fast-track projects at a lower cost and higher reliability. Reducing project duration requires synchronized engineering services with seamless integration among the project disciplines, placing a greater demand on project management compared to conventional projects. This paper presents Concurrent Engineering (CE) methods to support project management in executing fast-track projects. The term CE is broadly used to describe numerous concepts in product design, product development, engineering, and project management practices. The CE methods presented in this paper are based on mechanics of information flow in project management. Figure 1 illustrates the main parameters of information flow in a project. Processes (design, analysis, optimization, fabrication, installation, procurement, etc.) are building blocks of a project. An interface is defined as the information (drawings, design values, fabricated goods, instructions, etc.) that needs to be transferred between a "provider process" and a "dependent process" necessary for execution of the dependent process. Content and time are the two fundamental parameters of interfaces which are defined by provider and dependent processes, or by general project requirements. The content of an interface may take a variety of forms such as tables, reports, drawings, values, component sizes, hardware components, specifications, etc. with a varying degree of maturity (preliminary, revision, final, etc.) at a given time. A deadline is defined as the time of complete maturity of content. Figure 1: Main parameters of information flow (Available in full paper). The information flow diagram presented in Figure 1 will be the basis for explaining CE concepts presented in this paper. First the mechanics of interfaces and design boundaries between the processes will be discussed. Then, example CE tools will be provided for execution of riser and well systems design processes. Mechanics of Interfaces Regardless of the size or importance of the processes, interfaces can be grouped based on availability of time, content definition, and tools necessary to execute the process (Table 1). Different CE methods are applied for management of each of these interface types. Managed Interface: Interface is defined at the onset of project execution. Processes are well established and tools are available. Contents and timing of the interface are clearly definable. Optimizing Interface: Interface is defined at any phase of the project. The process tools and a solution are available at a given time, but contents can be improved.