3552 Guidelines for integrity management of the splash zone in offshore environments

Overview:

The Splash Zone is one of the most aggressive environments for an offshore asset and the equipment exposed to such conditions. It is the region intermittently wetted by seawater, immediately above and below the mean water level. In an Oil & Gas platform typical equipment exposed to the splash zone includes risers, well conductors, primary structure, caissons and conduits so prevention of degradation in this extreme environment is critical. This region provides an optimal environment for corrosion and is a zone where breaking waves introduce a major loading component to the structure and other equipment.

This publication provides guidance for the Asset Integrity of the critical area of any Offshore Structure - the ‘Splash Zone’ – in order to facilitate good practice throughout the industry and introduces the topic of effective integrity management of the Splash Zone in terms of both corrosion and structural threats as well as providing guidance on appropriate mitigation approaches including use of inspection and monitoring, establishing suitable risk assessment strategies and carrying out repairs.