Process Shutdown, Structural Decommissioning and Disposal

Train in the technical aspects and procedures of decommissioning.

Study this focused part of our Masters in Decommissioning. Cover the key aspects of process engineering for decommissioning and process shutdown. Learn from experienced engineers and industry guest lecturers.

Explore the rationale behind decommissioning and learn to tackle its technical challenges. Discover the range of methods, tools and techniques used to shut down, isolate, clean and remove offshore structures.

The credits you’ll earn on this course count towards our MSc Decommissioning.

What will I study?

The decommissioning of upstream oil and gas systems is a staged process. First, turndown and minimum operation options are explored. Then production is stopped. Then isolation and cleaning of the plant and pipework can begin – and this brings its own challenges.

You’ll study each stage of this process, covering:

• an overview of design for decommissioning
• process turndown and minimum facilities
• process shutdown, isolation, and risk management during shutdown
• vessel and pipeline cleaning challenges (pigging, slug catcher sizing, types of pollutants)
• disposal of fluids (liquid processing technologies, limitations of existing liquids-handling onshore/topside facilities, challenges of disposal via injection wells)
• cutting, lifting and transportation techniques
• abandonment versus offsite disposal
• derogation for footings, and the particular issues of Gravity Base Structures
• removal of parts, pipelines, mattresses, and associated soil treatment
• ‘piece small’ dismantling, heavy lift and single lift removal
• disposal onshore
• safe disposal of retrieved equipment and hazardous substances.