A second phase of a joint industry project (JIP) has been launched to improve the way wellhead fatigue assessments are carried out in the oil and gas industry.
The aim is to develop a recommended practice (RP) to complement current codes and standards, and improve methodology.
Current best practices for fatigue life assessments will be documented in the RP, which will be publicly released as the JIP progresses.
This second phase of the JIP will also fund various studies to increase industry knowledge about wellhead fatigue.
It is envisaged that the project will continue with subsequent stages beyond phase two, which is expected to be completed first half of 2015.
Project management is being handled by risk management firm DNV GL.
Participating operators include BP, Centrica Energy, Chevron, Det Norske, Eni, ExxonMobil Development Company, GDF Suez, Hess, Lundin, Marathon, Nexen, Shell, Statoil, Talisman Energy, Total and Woodside.
DNV GL Oil and Gas chief executive Elisabeth Torstad said: “DNV GL leads more than 100 joint industry projects annually, combining our expertise with that of the sector to identify and find solutions to its most complex technical challenges.
“We set the benchmark in oil and gas industry best practice, offering open access to more than 170 oil and gas industry standards and recommended practices which support the industry to improve safety, reliability and performance.
“Well integrity is a prioritised area and the structural well integrity JIP represents an important part of this.”
