Name
Verification and Implementation of Inspection technologies for Supporting bp Gulf of Mexico Integrity Management Program and Life Extension Project
Date & Time
Wednesday, October 6, 2021, 4:15 PM - 4:45 PM
Jiandao Zhu
Description

bp has 4 floating production platforms in Gulf of Mexico under various harsh marine environments. Fatigue cracking or excessive corrosion at hull, riser hull pipe, and mooring pose a unique challenge for integrity management program and field Life Extension (LE) projects. bp Floating Systems and Subsea teams partnered with vendors to validate several latest technologies and implemented the proven ones to support engineering assessment and critical business decisions with reliable inspection data. 
1.Developed a chain 3D scan strategy for mooring inspection program based on a deep dive of industry tools’ capability and limitation.  With the inputs from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), bp validated the accuracy and reliability for underwater 3D photogrammetry and above water 3D laser scanner tools through extensive tank/lab tests and a field trial. Testing results helped finalizing our chain measurement strategy for LE projects based on industry capability and selecting the preferred vendors. The 3D surface scan results for chain links are the most critical inspection data for supporting mooring chain strength and fatigue assessment in our LE projects.
2.Enhanced the detectability of underwater surface indications and cracks to support LE decision. bp worked closely with a preferred vendor to calibrate the reliability, accuracy, and detectability of an Alternative Current Field Measurement (ACFM) tool operated by a crawler for weld surface crack detection. Crawler driven ACFM tool unlocks our capability of reliably inspecting  underwater surface indications or cracks, which mitigates safety risks by using a traditional diving NDT approach.  
3.Successfully implemented drone and robotic crawler tools for close visual inspection of above water riser hull pipes and deck box bottom areas. Traditionally, those tasks were performed by rope access technicians. The use of robotic crawler and drone solved the accessibility limitation for inspection and eliminated the safety risks by removing rope access requirement.
Rapid inspection technology progress is observed in the Oil and Gas (O&S) sector. Many technologies might not be thoroughly evaluated to understand their capabilities and limitations. We believe that partnering with industry vendors and integrating the proven technologies enable us to continually improve inspection efficiency and reduce personnel safety risks, which is critical to support bp’s transformation into a resilient hydrocarbon business.

Location Name
Hall A