A Case Study: A Systems Approach for 20ksi Equipment Qualification

Abstract

Beginning in August 2013, Anadarko Petroleum formed the “20A Project Initiative” for qualifying 20 ksi equipment for a Deepwater Gulf of Mexico (GoM) development. This paper will cover the systems approach used for the qualification (verification, validation and quality) of a system of components, including sub-assemblies and assemblies that are required for a 20 ksi development. The systems approach begins with the framework and management of this framework inside the overall development process. The systems approach categorizes each component by mode of operation (many pieces of equipment are used in multiple operational modes). These modes of operation are Drilling, Completions, Production and Intervention, and are the engineering systems used to manage the qualification of over 200 components to industry standards and U.S. government requirements. The functional requirements for each component are defined and vendors selected. Each component is then stewarded through a project-management process for design, verification, validation and quality. This process culminates with the integration of these components back into a system that can be qualified for use in an HPHT environment. This paper addresses the submittal to regulatory authority for approval to use the newly developed and qualified 20 ksi equipment for a deepwater GoM development. This project ends in 2019. This six-year development journey presented challenges and achieved breakthrough technologies for the industry. This journey, its organizational approach using systems engineering techniques and integration processes are presented.