Decommission has become common in most industries, especially gas and oil platforms. When decommissioning, people face many challenges that could be costly and fail to meet the expected results. Many reasons lead to decommissioning, such as the outdated and decaying assets paving the way for more innovative technology. To avoid all this hassle, you can consider partnering with reputable and experienced companies such as IQIP to help you in the decommissioning process. It’s crucial to note that the different assets require different approaches when decommissioning. These assets vary from small to multi-well platforms, subsea wells, and FPSOs, making it hard to find one size that fits all. This article will discuss the most significant challenges when decommissioning and how to overcome them.

• Stepping Into The Unknown

Decommission requires a specific technical skill set to ensure the safe execution of your projects. That’s why you need to partner with experienced companies such as IQIP to help you with the logistics and skills necessary for the execution. To get more information on how such a company will help you Read more on their websites. It’s essential to remember that decommissioning is not actuary a reverse of commissioning or an extension of regular operation since there is an alloy of factors at stake that must be considered. Involving a professional for special guidance is crucial since you will be stepping into the unknown. Outsourcing services can also be challenging since it’s not a revenue-generating exercise, and cutting corners will cost you more than planned.

• Assembling a Competent Team

One of the significant challenges faced during decommissioning is choosing the right team for the task. It’s important to note that even if you are an outsourcing professional in decommissioning, don’t underestimate the impact of the people with plant-specific knowledge. Those working in the plant for the longest time will know the chemical asset better and will play an essential role in ensuring it works. You must ensure you have the right criteria for choosing a team to work on your decommissioning project efficiently and effectively.

• Maximizing Recovery from Pipeline

When decommissioning the pipelines, you must remove all the materials before sealing them completely. This demands that the lines be thoroughly cleaned before any cutting can commence. Trying to flush the water through, as most people prefer, fails to remove all the pipeline components because oil is lighter than water. You can use water-based gel solutions that are lighter than water and help displace all the attic and cavity sections above the main flow, leaving the pipes clean.

• Aging Infrastructure 

Infrastructure can age over time, which subjects it to risks such as corrosion of some lines. This will create significant restrictions on the maximum operating pressure. This restricts the normal pressure due to the safety precaution making it hard to reach your goals. Depending on the installation time, the assets will likely deteriorate, and tracing some of the documentation can be challenging.

Last Words

Constantly evaluate the decommissioning project to know the type of team you need to work in. Don’t forget to ensure you have the right tools to make the work easy and save money.