DETERMINE OBJECTIVES AND PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS In this project stage 1 was given in the specifications, basis of design and the scope of work

These documents told the resources the reason for why the system should be designed, and how it should function.

STAGE 2: DEFINITION OF THE SYSTEM

FIGURE 3-13:SYSTEM LAYOUT MEG PROJECT

In this project the field layout was given and used to decide how to create the different structures. The field layout diagram created a vision of how the system would look like when finished, and it started the thinking processes on how these sketches could turn into real models.

STAGE 3: BASIC DESIGN

The basic design here was to ensure that all requirements were held, and that the structures were able to perform the tasks they were designed for. The design phase was the phase given the most time in the project. Here it was used a lot of time evaluating different solutions, as well as trying and failing on different designs to ensure that the best design was chosen.

STAGE 4: INTERFACE DESIGN

The different interfaces were to a certain degree decided upon before the project started, so the engineers job was to ensure that the interfaces could be reached by the ROV, and that the design they created was both interface- and ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) friendly. It was important to ensure that all interfaces were easily accessible for the ROV.

STAGE 5: FACILITATOR DESIGN

When the basic design and interface design is decided upon it is important to pay attention to what materials to use. In the subsea industry this is one of the most important phases due to the fact that all systems are to be placed in harsh environment. Materials have to be protected from corrosion, they have to fit together, and materials that could react or damage each other should be avoided. What kind of coating to use is also important here, as well as colours to use. All ROV interfaces should be painted orange, and all structures yellow. These things might seem like details for people not working in the industry, but for those who do, it is extremely important to find the right materials, coatings and colours to a design. There are different standards that are used in the industry that explains coating and colours on different components so that they are the same everywhere.

User manuals and test manuals are also an important part of the design. Often are these two paid much attention to, and in the oil and gas industry both the Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM) and the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) procedure has to be approved by the customer before they receive the finished products.

There is certain “rule of thumbs” to follow when writing an OMM or FAT:

- Less is more, only include the relevant information.

- Use only concrete information.

- Concentrate on how’s, not why’s.

- Remember that learning will come from doing.

In addition to the rules mentioned above, the use of pictures and/or illustrations is a good way for the reader of the procedure to be absolutely sure that he/she understands what he/she is reading. (Sanders and McCormic, 1992) It is often easier to explain something with the use of pictures than with words.

STAGE 6: TESTING AND EVALUATION

The testing of the MEG components was performed at different levels. All the components were tested separately before they arrived for assembly. The different structures were tested one by one, and a system test was then performed.

When performing tests at so many levels it is easier to find possible errors if they occur.

Due to the fact that this equipment is to be used subsea, a system test has to be performed under water.

3.3.3 Review with respect to Descision making for effective performance

Like written in chapter 2.2.3, good decision making processes is important for effective performance. In this project, several months was used to read and understand the different specifications to the project. All specifications included references to standards and regulations that also needed to be fully understood. With reference to figure 2-7: Pyramid Frame, this reflects the top frame of the pyramid. While working on the specifications, problem areas and uncertainties were found (frame two) to consist of requirements that made the project difficult to execute for the chosen service company. In order to figure out how it would be possible for the service company to execute the project in a way they found acceptable, the problems was analyzed in detail (frame 3) and a decision was taken to write the Basis of Design like explained in chapter 3.3.1.

A lot of the components in the project had several alternatives regarding supplier. A decision matrix was used to decide which supplier to use in the project. The main weighting was the commercial parts of the products (50%), then followed the technical parts (35%), and QA/HSE was weighted 15%. Some of the components chosen led to significant changes in the designs of the structures, and it can therefore be said that the decisions taken was tactical. They would lead to more work for the designers, but it also saved a lot cost for the company. An example of a weighted decision matrix used by the chosen service company in this project is given in table 3-1..

TABLE 3-1:DECISION MATRIX MEGPROJECT

In the example matrix shown above, the systems that are used are giving the highest weighting to the best alternative. Bidder 3 has for instance been given 60% weighting on the price, because the other suppliers products were a lot more expensive. When using a decision matrix like done here, it is easy to find out which supplier to use, and to ensure that all the different weighting is considered.