The Pressure
It has been some time since my last post, so I thought I had better clear a space and get some info into you all.
I had a good trip off shore.
My conclusion is that working off-shore is very similar to working in a patrol base devoted entirely to engineering although with far better facilities and food. Not convinced about the helicopters they use to get there though…
Bruce P60 Bridge
The reason for the visit to Bruce was to mainly have a nose around on the pretext of assisting with a design survey on the landing points of the P60 bridge. I took the opportunity to see the Bruce sea water lift caissons, both from a distance, but also at the point at which they come on board at the cellar deck of the PUQ platform. I am currently awaiting the delivery of the workscopes for this project so that I can write up the DSP for end of Define. I am aware that the project is likely to be killed following the DSP, but there are so many people who believe that this project should be carried into execute I will try and get some buy in. I have hopes that a phased execution will be more palatable to the powers that be, affording schedule flexibility to work around larger, more important projects.
Bruce C13 Caisson Reinstatement
I have been involved in this project for a while now having originally secured the deferment of the scope by 12 months and by providing input to the re-development of the Caisson renewal programme. With the deferment now taking place, I have been asked to take on the C13 scope through to completion of on-shore execute i.e. delivery of Rev C workpacks. Other than that I will have to ensure that certain equipment is ordered next year, but little else. I have put forward the idea to the Programme lead that this project remain with the RE secondment so that I will be able to hand it over to my replacement who would take it all the way through on-shore trials (Sept 14) and into off-shore execute (Apr 2015). The following replacement would then be in a position to close out the project, but also possibly be involved in the next part of the programme. My idea is that this programme has suffered mainly because it has no continuity as people move in and out of the organisation. We may be able to offer some continuity and this idea already has some traction with Kerry Scott and if we have a candidate to replace me, I will keep pushing it.
Magnus Firewater Main Overpressure Protection DSP
I am currently at the end of drafting the DSP for this ~£3m project. The project itself is already deep in on-shore execute with the original off-shore execute planned for Oct 2013. at present we have little chance of making the 12W gate criteria, not in the least because the project has no official BP sanction to be in execute. The problem is that the project SPA recently got a new job and left leaving myself and the new SPA to pick up the pieces. There are overdue milestones, unforeseen deviations and a critical scheduling issue confronting the project at present and I am in the process of trouble shooting them. My key concern is that the asset is only permitted 1600hrs downtime in every 365 day period for each of the firewater pumps. This project modifies the overflow route to the outfall and requires each pump to be taken offline sequentially for a period of up to 29 days. At present there is no buy in from maintenance as to the effect of this scope on their schedule. Ultimately an ORA (Operational Risk Assessment) could cover any breach of the Fire water performance standard, but only in extremis.
Clair Coolers Replacement
The SPA for this scope has also gotten himself a new job and so I have been tasked with bringing this project home. The back of it is well and truly broken and the TAR focus has moved on to the Clair Ridge tie back, but there is still plenty to do with a number of issue left to resolve to ensure that the project finishes as per the ‘s’ curve. Thankfully the issues with SeaFab have been concluded, with all of their scope complete. The 7 closing spools have been contracted out to a diferent piping firm (Isleburn) and they are coming along nicely. This will tie in nicely with my thesis as I will now be involved in the commissioning process of the whole scope including a trip to Germany to close out the aspects with the cooler supplier. Further to the current off shore execute I have been assigned the execute of the HP cooler installation which is scheduled for the 2015 TAR, another workscope that I will be able to hand over to my successor if things go well.
Clair Manifold Piping Supports
Having identified that this workscope required a production shutdown, I am trying to find a slot in the plan with a planned shutdown in which to fit this job. I have a couple of meetings next week that should move this one forward.
Competencies
Having had a good look at my competencies earlier in the month I can see that I fall short in section B, much as Chris did before me. I have brought this up with my mentor as pretty much of the work I am involved with is great for A and C, I need to get myself in the ‘2’s for B. With that in mind, I will be looking at getting involved in some work on the new ETAP flowlines, which may offer me the opportunity to exert design influence rather than where I am at the moment which seems to be more design mitigation. I am pretty much at the limit of my capability in terms of projects and so I have started to turn down opportunities. If I get some work on the ETAP then I will be busy right up to Christmas.
In Other News
Went on a sea safari out of Banff a couple of weeks ago where we saw a Basking Shark. I had no idea you could see these in Scottish waters and the 10m long monster actuall swam under out little Rib. I haven’t gotten around to formatting the pictures, but when I do I will post one up here. Other than that things have been pretty busy with visitors almost every weekend for the last two months. I finally caved this weekend and bought myself a Raspberry Pi, so I will be spending the long Scotish winter learning how to programme in Linux, the main reason for this is to anlyse the suitability of my garage for a home brew set up and then as a temperature monitor once I am ready to brew. Thinly veiled excuse to tie together to of my passions, beer and technology. Beats a home made 2d milling machine. Speaking of Mr Hill, here’s a photo to get your motor running…
Holdfast Training Services Trial Blog 
Speaking of beer, how are you getting on with the local brew? Don’t fret too much about completing detailed designs; what is important is that you are involved in the design process and have influence on the same. However if they can give you stuff to do it just strengthens your position.
Jim
The local beer is fine, the whisky however is excellent. I visited the local (Glen Garioch) which was in summer shut down due to lack of rain and as a alternative to seeing the still etc we were treated to tasting from the cask!
I’m not worried about completing detailed design, I just see that I need to have more experience in the conceptual phase of the engineering process. All of my work so far has been to do with implementing an engineering design. I’m just conscious I need to re-position myself over the next six months to cover ‘undertake design and development of possible solution’.
So Imran, are you and Mike Burton having a “selfie” competition? If so you’re a close second, but do scroll down and look at Mike’s picture on his concrete-spraying fest. Mike has the better helmet.