OPTIMISATION OF MATERIALS SELECTION FOR SEAWATER HANDLING SYSTEMS

IN THE MIDDLE EAST (PHASE 1)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background

Seawater is the primary medium for cooling and heat transfer applications for
offshore and process plants operating in the Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf). A range of
materials is specified for seawater inlet, process plant cooling and firewater systems
handling seawater. However, there are ongoing problems of materials failure
throughout the region and a lack of readily available quantitative data on the
specific performance of materials in the uniquely harsh local conditions.

A wide range of practical experience exists within the organisations designing,

supplying and operating onshore and offshore plant located in the Gulf Region.
Through the sharing of experience of materials performance, it will be possible to
avoid repeated failures at different locations and thereby provide significant
reduction in costs. It is emphasised that anonymity will be maintained relating to
the source of experience.

Project Objectives

To collate precise details of the current successes and problems relating to

economic and practical utilisation of materials and repair technologies for
seawater handling systems in the Middle East.

To produce a guidance document which will assist in optimisation of selection

of materials and repair techniques which are most appropriate to the Gulf
Region.

Benefits

Avoidance of over-designed systems requiring unnecessarily high capital

expenditure (CAPEX).

Reduction in unplanned shut-down or periods of decreased through-put at

operating facilities through reduced failure rates for seawater handling systems,
which even on small facilities can lead to savings in excess of US$400,000 per
day.

Reduced operational expenditure (OPEX) and staff resource required for repair
and maintenance.

Significant gearing of the investment made by each organisation related to the

overall project value and a forum for focused networking between the major
companies in the region.

Proposal No: PR 3683-1 Page i

Copyright TWI 2000
OPTIMISATION OF MATERIALS SELECTION FOR SEAWATER HANDLING SYSTEMS
IN THE MIDDLE EAST (PHASE 1)

Approach

The issue will be addressed in 3 phases; this proposal details Phase 1. TWI
proposes to collate, via a confidential questionnaire and dialog with operators,
suppliers and designers, information on key practical experiences in the Gulf
Region. This will allow identification of common problems with materials and
repair technologies, and successful applications. Secondly, a literature search will
be carried out on the corrosion performance of materials in seawater, to include
only those data relevant to the Gulf Region. The data will be compiled and critically
reviewed.

The need for further work will be addressed at the end of Phase 1. Phase 2 would
develop techno-economic software for assessment of the cost-benefits of different
materials selection options. Phase 3 would generate necessary data lacking in
present knowledge.

Deliverables

Two meetings will be held in the Gulf Region. A progress meeting will be held at
about three months after commencement and a final meeting will be held at month
ten, to review the draft final document. The draft document will be revised and
issued to the sponsors as a Guidance Document on cost-effective materials and
repair technology selection for seawater handling systems in the Middle East.

Price and Duration

Phase 1 will be carried out within one year at an estimated price of 72,000. It is
proposed that this is met by eight organisations each contributing one payment of
9,000. A reduced scope of work meeting the project objectives may be possible
with funding from only five organisations, subject to agreement. Prompt completion
of the project will be dependent upon prompt response to the questionnaire by the
sponsors and any other organisations contributing.

Any additional work as indicated above for Phase 2 and / or Phase 3 will be the
subject of separate proposals.

Proposal No: PR 3683-1 Page ii

Copyright TWI 2000