FPSO Handbook

The FPSO Handbook covers topics such as design and maintenance of equipment (including the hull, gathering systems, cargo handling systems and pumping and piping systems), training requirements, oil and gas production, fire safety and life-saving arrangements and appliances. The Handbook is supplemented by annexes that outline relevant regulatory documents and conventions.

The exploitation of oil and gas reserves is a relatively new industry when compared to the marine industry which has been around in one form or another for centuries. In an FPSO, the two industries are married together in a very effective union that facilitates the exploitation of oil fields that are located either in waters beyond the reach of a conventional steel jacket structure, or where the field size would not justify the cost of such a permanent installation.

This book, The FPSO Handbook, describes the marine equipment, the oil and gas processing arrangements, and the legislation pertaining to both industries, including marine classification issues. It has been written as a source of reference for marine and offshore professionals and it is envisaged that it will be of value to those involved in the design, construction, operation, inspection and maintenance of FPSOs, whether they are based onshore or offshore.

1 The Hull

1.1 The Concept

1.2 Construction

1.3 Confirmation of Design

1.4 Conversion Versus Newbuild

1.5 Hull Layout and Regulations

2 Gathering Systems

2.1 Mooring Systems

2.2 Fluid Transfer Systems.

2.3 Pipeline Systems and Risers

3 Regulations

3.1 Regulations – Statutory Legislation

3.2 Regulations – Ship Classification

3.3 Regulations – Offshore Legislation

4 FPSO Personnel and Training

4.1 Personnel

4.2 Training Requirements

5. Cargo Handling Systems

5.1 Cargo Handling Systems - Cargo and Ballast System

5.2 Cargo tank vent and inert gas systems

6. Oil and Gas Production

6.1 Oil and Gas Production

6.2 Enhanced Oil Recovery and the Oil Drive Mechanism

7. Pumping and Piping Systems

8. Machinery, Equipment and Safety Systems

8.1 Safety and Emergency Systems

8.2 Emergency Support Systems (ESS)

8.3 Process and Marine Machinery

9. Hazardous Areas, Ventilation and Hazardous Area Equipment

9.1 Hazardous Areas and their Determination

9.2 Ventilation Systems and Machinery in Hazardous Areas

9.3 Hazardous Area Equipment

10. Fire Protection, Fire Detection and Fire Extinction

10.1 Application, Basic Principles and Definitions

10.2 Active Fire-Fighting Systems

10.3 Fire Tests and Material Certification

10.4 Construction and Passive Fire Protection Measures

10.5 Fixed Fire-Fighting Systems

10.6 Miscellaneous Fire-Fighting Items

11. Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements

11.1 Regulatory Requirements

11.2 Communication

11.3 Personal Lifesaving Appliances

11.4 Survival Craft

11.5 Training, Inspections, Maintenance and Drill

12. Standby Vessels (SBVs) and the Safety and Response Equipment they are Fitted with

12.1 The Ships

12.2 The Equipment

12.3 Communications

12.4 Responsibilities

12.5 The Crews

12.6 The Training

12.7 The Tasks

12.8 Operations

12.9 Additional Duties

12.10 Operation Jigsaw

Appendix I Contents of the consolidated text of the Annex to the 1974 SOLAS Convention

Appendix II Contents of the International Life?Saving Appliance Code

Appendix III Contents of the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units

Index

Angus Mather commenced his career with the Ministry of Defence at Devonport, in 1970, as a Technician Apprentice. This was followed by 10 years’ service as an Engineer Officer prior to entering the oil and gas industry. The next 25 years were spent employed both in the contracting industry as Engineering Manager of Kvaerner Oil and Gas Services and as a Classification Society surveyor, involved with oil and gas related products, both on and offshore, in the UK, the Middle East, the Gulf of Mexico and West Africa.