DNV GL, an international certification body and classification society, has launched what it describes as the first globally applicable guidance for leak detection systems for offshore fields.
The Recommended Practice (DNVGL-RP-F302) is based on the findings of a DNV GL led joint industry project (JIP) completed in 2015 with 19 companies, including Eni, Lundin, Petrobras and FMC technologies, and industry regulators as observers.
According to DNV GL, it covers all the lifecycle phases of a field development for planning, design, integration and operation of leak detection technology in offshore hydrocarbon productions.
The certification body said a thorough process has been defined where the key stages represent functional requirements, design requirements, technology selection, detailed design, function testing and operation.
Jock Brown , head of section environmental technology advisory, DNV GL – Oil & Gas, said: “Until now, there has been no guidance for operators covering selection and operation of offshore leak detection systems for an entire field, including both subsea and surface.
“Having an optimized leak detection system provides key decision support in limiting the impact of an oil spill, reducing response time and reducing costs from recovery operations.”
DNV GL said the new RP replaces the DNV-RP-F302 Selection and Use of Subsea Leak Detection Systems (2010).