RAM analysis

RAM analysis - what is it?

RAM analysis (Reliability Availability Maintenance) is an analysis of reliability, availability and maintainability (in other words, an assessment of the overall availability of the facility). The analysis covers all major process and support engineering systems of production, using the Monte-Carlo modeling method. RAM analysis is designed to model, simulate the operation of a facility over a period of years, assess reliability, availability, plant efficiency (versus maximum performance) and planned/unplanned shutdowns at an early design stage or during operation.

When is RAM most efficient?

RAM analysis is advisable at the early stages of the life cycle of any major investment project (Re-FEED, FEED stages). Modeling at the early design stage will allow to calculate in advance the parameters of plant operation and take measures to optimize the project to achieve certain performance indicators of the plant according to the requirement of a certain client.

RAM analysis services

Analysis stages

For modeling, all PFDs (Process Flow Diagram) must be defined and agreed upon. If PFDs already exist, they should be used as a model for RAM analysis. In addition, maintenance program data developed on the basis of the operational requirements of the equipment should be collected.

According to the project requirements, key expected plant performance data must be defined and agreed upon. These parameters will be the key data for optimizing the plant models.

The existing equipment list and maintenance requirements are analyzed. It is determined what needs to be reflected in the RAM model, what is not critical for production and what can be ignored.

The existing plant model and reliability data of critical production equipment are input into the processing program. In this way, 5-8 different scenarios are prepared for discussion.

Preparation of an initial report for submission to the client for evaluation.

After the models are discussed, the plant design is optimized in the RAM model and up to 3 optimal scenarios are defined.

A final report with 1-2 scenarios is prepared.

What data are needed to conduct the analysis

1. Project documentation.
2. Explanatory note with a description of the technology.
3. PFD and P&ID schemes.
4. Material and thermal balances of operating modes (nominal, winter, summer).
5. Questionnaires for technological equipment, or data of equipment suppliers on the selected equipment.
6. Equipment reliability data:
7. Reference data on equipment reliability in the oil and gas industry (e.g. OREDA, supplier-specific data).
8. Data based on previous experience, in case of absence of data in reference sources, or adjusted data taking into account individual aspects of equipment design and operation.
9. Performance and external data.
10. Facility operation modes (manual/automated mode), schedule of key personnel (rotational/day/shift, etc.).
11. Production capacity reserve.
12. Maintenance strategy (immediate or delayed intervention for recovery) and stoppages plan for repairs.
13. Availability of external sources of resources (electricity, raw materials, etc.).
14. Climatic conditions.
15. The list of initial data may be extended upon request of the Subcontractor and in agreement with the General Designer.

Requirements for performers

• Expertness.

• Licensed software.