ABSTRACT
With the increasing
demand for new technologies in HPHT (high pressure high temperature) wells,
more and more attention has been paid to the system of technical
qualifications. Most established norms, standards and recommended practices are
written in prescribed formats, setting out methods, procedures and acceptance
criteria for product design, manufacture and testing. However, established
norms, standards or recommended practices may not adequately cover new
technologies or applications. The technical qualification system is established
in this paper, which can identify the potential failure modes and some
activities in order to control the uncertainties and increase confidence of
using new technology. A risk-based technical qualification system is used to
assess non-traditional operations. It includes following seven main steps:
system breakdown, technology assessment and classification, technical novelty,
failure model and risk analysis, risk-based qualification planning and
participation level development. The core of technical qualification system is
to understand the ways and causes of system failure, and to carry out
corresponding activities to provide evidence that the system will not fail.
Through the technical identification process, the detailed equipment/operation
specifications and identification requirements have been formulated. Different
levels of participation are assigned for each eligibility activity, depending
on the hazard and risk. It is proved that the application of the technical
qualification principle in the systematic evaluation and control of the risks
of new technologies or new applications is successful. In HPHT wells in
particular, operators can move from a reactive approach to a proactive
approach.