Management of life extension for topsides process system of offshore platforms in Chinese Bohai Bay

Technological advances in exploration and production mean that production platforms in Chinese Bohai Bay have many developments that are now operating beyond their original design life. As equipment ages, there are increasing challenges to maintain its integrity. Issues related to LE management of offshore facilities in government regulations, industrial associations and international oil companies were investigated. The results showed that emphasizing the requirements of labor union and industrial associations was a great feature in Norway, which was practical in Chinese Bohai Bay. Therefore, with the combination of the LE management system in Norway with the current situation in Chinese Bohai Bay, LE management model which integrates RBI, RCM, FMECA, and SIL risk assessment methods together was designed in order to improve understanding and ensure that LE issues were addressed across all aspects of asset management during the entire LE period. Finally, an example of three production offshore platforms on a gas field in the Bohai Bay was used to go through the LE management process and address the issues in each phase. The suggestions for improving LE management and technologies were given.