DNV GL has published recommended practice (RP) guidance on how to establish, implement and maintain an integrity management system (IMS). The aim is to help operators carry out maintenance activities at the most cost effective intervals, increase confidence in the condition of the subsea equipment and ensure a unified and reliable reference for both authorities and the industry, DNV GL said in a news release.

The RP (DNV GL-RP-0002 Management of Subsea Production Systems) is the result of a two-year joint industry project (JIP) involving DONG Energy, FMC Technologies, GDF Suez, Norske Shell, Statoil, Talisman, Petroleum Safety Authority and Norwegian Oil and Gas, the release said. The JIP work explored the typical failures of existing subsea equipment and how the integrity of subsea equipment could be controlled.

Failures in subsea production systems can, for example, arise from inadequate design, manufacturing and installation. In operation, material degradation as well as structural threats, natural hazard and operational threats, might cause failure of the system, DNV GL said. Information management and documentation is a particular challenge and organizational interfaces can also impede clear communication and exchange of operational data across operators’ organizations. The RP is available to download here.