Title : Standardized practices and digital optimization: Enhancing subsea asset management with OpenBIM and IFC
Abstract:
The Subsea sector of the oil and gas industry faces a critical need for standardized practices to ensure seamless data exchange and interoperability. This article navigates the intricate landscape of global and industry-specific standards, unveiling their indispensable roles in enhancing efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across various phases of Subsea projects. Standards such as ISO 15926, DEXPI, CFIHOS, IEC ISO 81346, IFC, and the foundational ISO 10303 (STEP) establish a common language and framework, promoting consistency and safety in operations. However, it is crucial to highlight that, unlike IFC, these standards have yet to demonstrate immediate applicability to Subsea interconnection projects and installations. Often confined to highly specific software and proprietary standards, their effectiveness is limited in a broader context. Challenges in data exchange, including format conversions, document-based exchanges, and a lack of consensus on reference data, underscore the urgency of standardized specifications. The research investigates the implementation of the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard in the Subsea engineering sector within the OpenBIM methodology. As a proof of concept, a data model for flexible pipe systems was developed through a joint initiative involving Petrobras and TechnipTMC, in collaboration with the CERTI Foundation (an oil and gas research center). This initiative incorporated a domain expansion to characterize the scope of the supply chain and installation, utilizing tools such as IfcOpenShell and BlenderBIM. This article advocates for the transformative potential of the OpenBIM methodology, providing a comprehensive solution to manage Subsea assets by leveraging standardized practices and interoperable platforms. It enhances integrity management and propels the Subsea sector into an era of informed decision-making and digital optimization.
Audience Take Away Notes
• The importance of standardized practices in the Subsea industry.
• The transformative potential of the OpenBIM methodology and interoperable platforms in managing Subsea assets through standardized practices.
• The audience will learn how to adapt the use of IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) for application in the Subsea oil and gas industry.
• Address Data Exchange Challenges: They can develop strategies to overcome challenges like format conversions and lack of consensus on reference data, improving the efficiency and reliability of data exchange processes.
• Leverage OpenBIM Methodology: They can use this presentation example to adopt the OpenBIM methodology, IfcOpenShell, BlenderBIM to manage assets effectively, enhancing integrity management and decision-making.
• Drive Digital Transformation: They can drive digital transformation within their organizations by embracing digital optimization tools and standardized practices, improving data management and project efficiency.
• Collaborate Across Teams: They can enhance collaboration across teams, contractors, and stakeholders by using common standards and interoperable platforms, leading to smoother workflows and improved project outcomes.
• Driving Innovation: The adoption of digital optimization tools and methodologies fosters innovation and digital transformation within their organizations, keeping them competitive in the market.
• Improving Data Accuracy: Consistent standards ensure data accuracy and integrity, reducing errors and enhancing decision-making.
• Enhancing Collaboration: Common standards and interoperable platforms facilitate seamless collaboration with colleagues, contractors, and stakeholders, leading to smoother project execution.
• Yes, this research can be used by other faculty to expand their research or enhance their teaching by:
• Collaborating with industry partners to validate research findings and develop real-world applications of standardized practices and digital optimization tools.
• Conducting further studies on the implementation and impact of standardized practices in different sectors within the oil and gas industry.
• Faculty members can integrate real-world examples and case studies from the research to illustrate key concepts, challenges, and best practices in the field.
• Yes, this research provides a practical solution to problems that can simplify and make a designer's job more efficient by:
• Offering standardized data exchange capabilities through IFC, which may reduce the complexities associated with manual format conversions and improve overall workflow efficiency.
• Facilitating interoperability among different software platforms, potentially enhancing collaboration between designers, contractors, and stakeholders involved in Subsea projects.
• Providing a framework for more efficient project management by promoting consistent data representation and alignment with industry standards, which may lead to streamlined processes and reduced project timelines.
• Supporting innovation and digital transformation efforts within design organizations by leveraging the capabilities of IFC, helping them stay adaptable and competitive in the evolving industry landscape.
• Yes, implementing the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) standard can significantly improve the accuracy of a design and provide new information to assist in solving design problems. Here's how:
• Consistent Data Representation: IFC promotes a standardized data schema and structure, ensuring consistent representation of design data. This consistency reduces errors and discrepancies in the design, leading to improved accuracy.
• Integrated Design Processes: With IFC, designers can integrate data from various disciplines seamlessly. This integration enables a more holistic approach to design, providing comprehensive information that can assist in addressing complex design problems effectively.
• Data-driven Decision Making: IFC enables access to a broader range of data, including information from different systems and software tools. This data availability supports data-driven decision-making, providing valuable insights to address design challenges.
• Improved Collaboration: By fostering interoperability among different software platforms, IFC enhances collaboration between design teams, contractors, and stakeholders. This collaborative environment allows for the exchange of ideas and expertise, leading to innovative solutions and improved design accuracy.
• Cost Savings: Standardized data exchange and interoperability can lead to cost savings by minimizing errors, reducing rework, and streamlining project management processes.
• Scalability: IFC is scalable and adaptable to various project sizes and complexities, making it suitable for both small-scale and large-scale Subsea engineering projects.
• Compliance: Using IFC helps ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, enhancing project credibility and reducing risks associated with non-compliance.
• Future-Proofing: IFC is designed to evolve with technology advancements and industry trends, future-proofing design processes and ensuring compatibility with emerging software tools and platforms.
