A new recommended practice (RP) to standardize operator requirements for welding and inspection of subsea equipment, has been published by DNV GL. Developed through a joint industry project (JIP), the new RP aims to streamline manufacturing processes and significantly reduce lead-time and cost.
DNVGL-RP-B204 Welding of subsea production system equipment provides agreed and harmonized operator requirements and best practice guidelines that will ensure consistency in the fabrication of subsea pressure retaining equipment such as wellheads, Xmas trees, manifolds, and jumpers. The RP has been published following a JIP, initiated by DNV GL in February 2017. The JIP involving twelve operators, contractors and fabricators addressed supply chain uncertainty and high costs related to qualifying welding activities. The RP has already been included as a contract reference in several new subsea development projects.
DNVGL-RP-B204 complements the launch of another new DNV GL RP to deliver more cost and environmentally efficient subsea processing for improved hydrocarbon recovery. DNVGL-RP-F303 provides a detailed specification for subsea pumping systems and complements existing industry standards.
The company’s series of JIPs aims to extend the scope of RPs to more applications within subsea production systems.
