Dec 19 2016
Case Study: Deluge Inspection, Repair & Maintenance
Restore reliable deluge flow with life of field compliance
Overview
A number of offshore production platforms had multiple delugenozzle blockages when testing fire water systems. To remaincompliant the wet testing cycle was repeated more frequently,less than three months instead of annual. This increaseddisruption to operations, but critically was accelerating thecorrosion of plant, structures & equipment.
Challenge
The safety regulatory body had notified the operator todemonstrate compliance and act on the issues in a timelymanner. The remedial solution proposed had to keep thedeluge systems live and available for immediate use.
Solution
Paradigm provided a number of technologies to significantly improve the deluge flow paths in a cost effective and efficient manner.
- Internal cleaning of the nozzles and small bore deluge pipe.
- Larger bore pipework & header branches were cleaned &flushed remotely to remove corrosion product and debris.
- Marine fouling in the firewater ring-main and adjacentfeeder systems were flushed and cleaned with an environmentally friendly biocide solution.
- Replacement and repairs were undertaken only when beyond economic repair. This still meant that less than 10% like for like replacement was required with the majority of systems having good remnant life.
Result
Rapid internal and external inspection of the deluge systems provided key information to where problems were most acute.The work was executed by a small team of multi-skilled operatives that could undertake all workscopes quickly and safely. All systems were restored to full functionality without the requirement for any plant shutdown. A structured plan to inspect and maintain integrity of the systems is in place to ensure that all deluge are available and on demand for the plant life cycle.
Value to client
The Paradigm service ensured minimal disruption, timeefficient and cost effective use of resources. The cycle of three monthly wet testing was returned to a minimum annual,thus greatly reducing the impact of corrosion. The integrity management approach continues to ensure reliability remains at 100%. This approach will allow the asset to move to three yearly testing and further reduce maintenance costs.