Condition Monitoring of Offshore O&G Separator – Cost-Benefit Evaluations and Presentation of Information

Abstract

This thesis introduces and analyses the following condition monitoring methods for a first stage production separator:

- Neutron backscatter

- Acoustic monitoring (active/passive/ultrasonic)

- Gamma monitoring

- Microwave monitoring

- IR thermometry

The methods are analyzed and evaluated in a cost-benefit analysis. Different models for cost estimation are presented along with estimations of the benefits. To perform the cost-benefit analysis a model has been developed and implemented in a spreadsheet. The method yielding the highest net benefit for the lifetime of the case separator was a combined passive acoustic and IR monitoring solution.

To maximize the utilization of condition monitoring data it is important that it is presented to decision makers as information aggregated up to a useful level. As the amount of condition monitoring data increases automatic aggregation and filtration of information is becoming more important to limit the operational costs. Technical condition indexing (TCI) is presented as a method to automate this process. An example of how condition monitoring data can be utilized using TCI is given complete with the implementation of the measurements in the TCI software TeCoMan.