Decision Models related to Ageing and Life Extension

Abstract

Ageing is a process in which the characteristics of a Structure, System or Component (SSC) gradually change with time or use. Several installations tied to the Norwegian petroleum industry are ageing. They have reached their initial design life, however the respective are still producing hydrocarbons. Continued operations of the facilities are favorable of both economic- and safety perspectives.

Under these premisses, the process of choosing the optimal strategy for ageing equipment becomes essential. In this Master Thesis, a Decision Model applicable for a structure, system or component to determine this strategy, is presented. An introduction to the available strategies are given, in order to set the background for developing such a model regarding ageing equipment.

A Decision Model is than developed in order to easily determine the most optimal strategy for the equipment in question. The model is a tool to evaluate the different strategies against each other, concerning different parameters. These parameters are Obsolescence, Organizational Matters and Technical Challenges. However, the main focus of this report will be given to the material degradation, the technical condition, with necessary assumptions concerning obsolescence and organizational issues taken.