Objective
From 31 May to 1 June 2017, we conducted an audit of Statoil Tjeldbergodden. The purpose of the audit was to verify whether Statoil conducts satisfactory management of CUI conditions at the plant. This covered mapping of condition monitoring, underlying data, the basis for analyses and assessments, preparation of inspection and surface maintenance programmes, and follow-up and improvement of CUI. Other key themes of the audit included continuous improvement, learning and experience transfer to ensure that operators adhere to the regulations and have the surface condition of pipework and equipment under control.
The audit formed part of a series of audits and ongoing activities concerning CUI by the PSA in partnership with the industry. All onshore facilities under our supervisory authority have now been audited in this area. Our observation is that CUI can be a serious risk of major accidents, especially in ageing facilities. The activity was linked to our main theme of "Reversing the trend", and its three subthemes – robustness, standardisation and social dialogue. The audit focused on plant management, managers of the administration and execution of mapping, maintenance and surface programmes, operational and technical management, project management and expertise in CUI.
Result
The audit identified no regulatory non-conformities. However, one improvement point was identified. This concerned the arrangements for experience transfer in improvement works within CUI.
Tjeldbergodden
The Tjeldbergodden onshore facility is at Aure in Møre og Romsdal county. The facility comprises three parts: a methanol plant, an LNG plant and a hydrogen plant. Equinor is responsible for day-to-day operation of the facility.
The methanol plant at Tjeldbergodden began production in 1997 and is now 20 years old. This is an age at which corrosion under insulation (CUI) can start to become increasingly challenging. The plant's design life was 20 years, but Equinor now envisages operation until 2030.