In our July 9, 2018 newsletter, we identified the three critical elements of an effective rig selection or acceptance (people, process, and plant), and discussed the importance of including the relevant people and process when evaluating the capabilities of the plant (equipment systems).
In this newsletter, we’ll take a brief look at how to design an effective rig survey that incorporates all three of these critical elements and maintains the proper scope to meet the requirements of the survey.
Athens Group Services applies a domain-specific integrated system engineering discipline in designing and executing MODU survey activities. This engineering discipline identifies five primary survey parameters, within which all three critical elements are addressed:
- History
- The operational, maintenance and compliance history of the equipment system is reviewed
- Current condition
- A visual inspection of the equipment system along with a review of all current supporting maintenance, testing, and certification records
- Current operational capability
- The equipment is functionally tested for correct operation according to the intended drilling plan
- Personnel, processes, and procedures related to the compliance, maintenance, and operation support
- The ability of the crew to maintain equipment operations and certifications is evaluated
- Compliance with necessary and relevant regulations, standards, requirements, and best practices
- The history, condition, operation and supporting survey results are evaluated against all relevant regulatory, standards, client-specific requirements, and industry best practice
The limits of time and budget often put boundaries on how extensive and detailed the survey of any of the five parameters can be. Athens Group defines four levels of survey service, each designed to match the requirements of the client need. One or more of these levels can be applied to each equipment system.
Level (1) – Condition Survey
- A Level 1 Condition Survey establishes the condition of the system through visual inspection, observation, and measurement. The evaluation of condition includes both a description of the physical condition (text and photographic) as well as a determination of condition meeting defined criteria. The system functions are invoked as necessary to determine operational or non-operational status. The condition is evaluated to determine if the system is in/out of compliance. Rig selection activities typically use a level 1 Condition Survey.
Level (2) – Suitability Survey (Rig Selection, Acceptance or Uptake)
- A Level 2 Suitability Survey determines if the system condition meets a set of application-specific criteria – this is a Rig Selection and Acceptance. The system functions are tested according to an application-specific test plan to determine if the system can execute the required application. Compliance is evaluated with respect to specific regional or other relevant requirements.
Level (3) External Forces Survey
- A Level 3 External Forces Survey evaluates the external factors that affect the condition. This survey determines why the system is in its current condition.
Level (4) Trend/Forecast Survey
- A Level 4 Trend/Forecast survey evaluates the potential future condition or suitability of the system. The probability that the system will maintain a good condition or deteriorate due to external factors is evaluated.
The Athens Group Services approach makes rig selection and acceptance surveys consistent, repeatable, and statistically sound — providing confidence that the rig can execute your drilling program.
If you would like further information on any of the concepts covered in this newsletter, please reach out to us. We will be more than happy to have a dialogue.
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We at Athens Group Services wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2019!
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