RAM (Reliability, Availability and Maintainability) is an acronym for a number of related, reliability based analytical techniques, aimed principally at establishing, improving or optimising operational performance and maintenance effectiveness. With very high capital costs of plant and equipment, together with the high operating performance demanded in competitive markets, it is imperative that the plant and equipment delivers its design performance at the required availability profile. RAM techniques can be readily applied to these situations, to identify where problem areas exist, and to assist in the identification of appropriate measures that will strike an effective balance between protection of assets, avoiding unexpected and unintended outages and meeting production availability targets.
The ARC approach to RAM Analysis is illustrated by the following diagram
ARC is also experienced in the use of fault and event tree analysis to provide design solutions to achieve SIL ratings and acceptable equipment and system reliabilities. We use several reliability and availability analysis software packages including “Risk Spectrum PSA Professional” by Relcon, “PHA Professional” by Dyadem, “Fault Tree Plus” by Isograph and “RAMP” by Advantage.
Experience
Our experience includes the following projects:
• TEPA Dalia Project, a deepwater FPSO development of the Angolan coast. ARC consultants carried out the RAM analysis during FEED and Basic Engineering and provided support to TEPA during Detailed Engineering.
• Carried out RAM Analysis for TEPA during concept selection phase of the Rosa Lirio Project, a deepwater FPSO Project offshore Angola. Provided input to the life cycle cost models.
• Updated the Reliability Studies for the Rosa Lirio Modifications to the Girassol FPSO during detailed design for Sofresid Engineering.
• RAM Analysis for ABB Lummus Global on Foroozan Development during Basic Engineering.
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