Piping integrity problems of ageing offshore installations

In this writing the author carries out the research of the process piping integrity problems on ageing offshore installations located on the NCS in the context of M&M project activity. The author describes briefly conventional M&M projects, which are being performed on platforms and piping discipline’s role on them. The emphasis of this thesis work is placed on corrosion of process piping and pipe supports, so the typical corrosion forms for them in offshore environment are discussed, with more detailed description of corrosion under insulation and pipe support related corrosion as the two most severe and typical mechanisms of corrosion. The author presents material alternatives for process piping systems with different properties and degree of corrosion resistance, analyses performance of stainless steel and GRE piping materials as the most exploited on M&M offshore projects to withstand corrosion. Piping vibration problem is discussed in terms of modification impact on ageing piping systems. Through the case study from one of the ageing platforms the author raises the issue of lack of management attention to piping integrity problems.