Application of Reliability, Availability, Maintainability (RAM) study, on Compressors Facility

Abstract

The industry has continuously increased its needs with high intricacy of technological systems and the higher
effectiveness of markets, has compelled providers to implement acceptable strategies for these systems in order to
improve their availability and productivity to meet those more demanding criteria. In this context, the complex of RAM
factors constitute a strategic approach for integrating reliability, availability and maintainability, by using methods,
tools and engineering techniques (Mean Time to Failure, Equipment down Time and System Availability values) to
identify and quantify equipment and system failures that prevent the achievement of the productive objectives. The
application of such methodologies requires a deep experience and know-how together with the possibility of acquiring
and processing data in operating conditions. This paper presents the most relevant aspects and findings of a study
conducted for assessing the operational performance of a Compressor package installed and used in the oil and gas'
industries. The study was based on the simulation method that is used to simulate the performance of an installation.
First the design of the installation is transferred into a Reliability Block Diagram (RBD). Component failure data,
together with RBD’s forms the basis input of the AVSim software that employs Monte Carlo simulation to calculate the
system reliability and availability. The effect of changes in the configuration of an installation on the availability and
reliability of the installation can be made visible. This makes it possible to optimize an installation already in the design
phase. In this study, three criteria called reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) of the compressor facility
have been employed to compare to future maintenance strategies.