FTA support for complex scenarios

MAR Consulting supported the Client in performing a fault tree analysis (FTA) for hazardous scenarios in an onshore chemical facility. The scenarios to be analysed were deemed too complex to be handled in a traditional layer of protection analysis (LOPA). LOPA cannot be used for scenarios with a multitude of initiating causes and different combinations of independent protection layers (IPL) for each cause. Fault trees are more flexible and can be used to model the probability of occurrence of such hazardous scenarios.

LOPA module integration FPSO

MAR Consulting was contracted to support with a layers of protection analysis (LOPA) of one module integration in a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. The project may require additional barriers to protect the new equipment to be installed. These barriers can be, among other options, safety instrumented functions (SIF). LOPA is one method to allocate safety integrity levels (SIL) to SIFs if additional risk reduction is necessary. The objectives of the LOPA/ SIL allocation were to: Verify if the existing barriers are sufficient, and the risk level is sufficiently reduced such that the tolerability criteria is achieved to […]

FSA 3 overpressure protection functions

MAR Consulting was contracted to perform a functional safety assessment (FSA) stage 3 of overpressure protection functions in an offshore platform in the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). The main objective of an FSA is to demonstrate compliance with IEC 61511 and 61508 functional safety standards, NOROG 070, and Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) regulations through an independent assessment of the development process. Hence, the FSA process is a fundamental tool to ensure that the Safety Instrumented System (SIS) fulfills its requirements as an active barrier to reduce risk to acceptable levels. The FSA team shall have some degree of independence to […]

3rd party investigative study of ESD and SIS of offshore asset

MAR Consulting performed an investigation on the safety systems of an offshore platform in the UK sector. Focus was on the Emergency Shutdown (ESD) and Anclilliary systems such as Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS). A list of findings and deviations of the current design and design documentation was presented to the client. The outcome will be used by the client to improve the safety of the design and meet requirements from UK regulators.

Functional safety specialist LNG project in Germany

MAR Consulting will support an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for a Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) production site in Germany. The position is functional safety specialist engineer. The plant will receive bio-methane of controlled origin directly from the gas distribution network. Downstream, the plant will process the gas to supply heavy-duty transport across the country. The project is currently in its initial phase. Hence, MAR Consulting will provide expert knowledge in all phases of the LNG project. Until final commissioning and delivery to the operator. Work tasks are mainly preparation of main SIL related documentation. Such as SRS, SIL […]

PFD overpressure protection SIF on production header

MAR Consulting supported performing and documenting a Probability of Failure on Demand (PFD) calculation. Due to the addition of new wells to the offshore producing platform in the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS), an hazard analysis identified a potential overpressure scenario. The production header has mechanical protection (relief valves) and a Safety Instrumented Function as a redundant barrier. Hence, MAR Consulting calculated the average PFD for this low demand Safety Instrumented Function (SIF). The PFD, when compared to the required risk reduction for this scenario, is acceptable for a number of new wells.

Mini-FSA stage 3 equipment for an SPS

MAR Consulting performed a functional safety assessment (FSA) stage 3 for an engineering contractor and equipment supplier to a subsea production system (SPS). The SPS will be installed and operated in the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). The equipment designed by the engineering company constituted the boundary for the FSA. The equipment is similar to the SPS currently in production in the tie-in field. Hence, the FSA focused mainly on installation, commissioning, and validation activities. MAR Consulting acted as an independent assessor to the project. The objectives were to ensure the equipment is fit for the safety instrumented functions; and is […]

Safety Analysis Report (SAR) of topside drilling BOP

MAR Consulting expertise was used to perform a safety analysis report (SAR) and SIL compliance verification of the safety instrumented functions on the topside drilling BOP stack. As part of this effort, a FMECA was performed for the BOP (FMECA of topside BOP and control system · MAR Consulting). NORSOK D-001 “Drilling facilities” and NORSOK D-010 “Well integrity in drilling and well operations” describe the well barriers used during drilling. Drilling BOPs require strategies and principles for design, operation, and maintenance since they are defined as part of a barrier. The objective is that the barrier will function as required […]

Functional safety study of inlet overpressure protection system (IOPS)

MAR Consulting assisted in performing a functional safety study of the inlet overpressure protection system (IOPS) for a platform operating offshore in the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). The operator requires an additional barrier due to modifications. The scope of work includes the proposed concept redesign of the IOPS to accommodate potential overpressure hazards as a result of topside modifications in the platform. The focus was on functional safety aspects from a holistic perspective, as opposed to process safety aspects. Systematic integrity and software compliance were out of scope for this assignment. The objectives of the IOPS functional safety study were […]

FMECA of topside BOP and control system

Introduction MAR Consulting facilitated and documented a Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) for a major operator, of a hydraulic and pneumatic control system in a topside drilling Blow-Out Preventer (BOP). The FMECA was part of the initiative to re-start drilling in a field in the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). The BOP OEM updated the BOP with a shear boost upgrade, PLC upgrade, auxiliary readback pressure panels, and Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) flowline function addition. Objective In addition to the failure analysis, the Safety Analysis Report (SAR) used the FMECA outcome to comply with functional safety rules and regulations […]