RAM - reliability, availability, maintainability assessment

RAM Analysis - What is it?

RAM analysis (Reliability Availability Maintenance) – analysis of reliability, operational readiness and maintainability (in other words - assessment of the overall operational readiness of an object). The analysis covers all main technological and auxiliary engineering production systems, using the Monte-Carlo modeling method. RAM analysis is designed for modeling, simulating the operation of an object over a certain period of years, assessing reliability, availability, efficiency (compared to maximum productivity) of the enterprise and planned/unplanned shutdowns at an early design stage or during operation.

When is RAM maximally effective?

RAM analysis is advisable to conduct at early stages of the life cycle of any major investment project (Re-FEED, FEED stages). Modeling at an early design stage will allow advance calculation of plant operation parameters and taking measures to optimize the project to achieve certain efficiency indicators of enterprise operation according to specific client requirements.

RAM Analysis Services

Analysis Stages

1. Data Collection

For modeling, it is necessary to define and agree on all PFD (Process Flow Diagram). If PFD already exist, they should be used as a model for RAM analysis. Additionally, it is necessary to collect data on the maintenance program based on operational requirements for equipment.

2. KPI Definition

In accordance with project requirements, key expected data on enterprise performance should be defined and agreed upon. These parameters will be key data for optimizing plant models.

3. Data Analysis

The existing equipment list and maintenance requirements are analyzed. It is determined what needs to be reflected in the RAM model and what is not critical for production and can be neglected.

4. RAM Modeling

The existing plant model and reliability data of critically important production equipment are entered into the processing program. Thus, 5-8 different scenarios are prepared for discussion.

5. Primary Report Preparation

Preparation of the initial report for submission to the customer for evaluation.

6. Optimization

After discussing the models, optimization of the plant project in the RAM model is performed and up to 3 optimal scenarios are determined.

7. Final Report Preparation

A final report with 1-2 scenarios is prepared.

What data is necessary for conducting the analysis

1. Project documentation.
2. Explanatory note with technology description.
3. PFD and P&ID diagrams.
4. Material and heat balances of operating modes (nominal, winter, summer).
5. Equipment data sheets for technological equipment, or equipment supplier data for selected equipment.
6. Equipment reliability data:

• Reference data on equipment reliability in the oil and gas industry (for example, OREDA, data from specific suppliers).
• Data based on previous experience, in case of absence of data in reference sources, or adjusted data considering individual aspects of equipment design and operation.
• Operational data and external data.

8. Object operating modes (manual/automated mode), key personnel schedule (rotational/day/shift work, etc.).
9. Production capacity reserve.
10. Maintenance strategy (immediate or delayed intervention for restoration), as well as shutdown repair plan.
11. Availability of external resource sources (electricity, raw materials, etc.).
12. Climatic conditions.
13. The list of initial data may be expanded upon request of the Subcontracting organization and by agreement with the General designer.

Requirements for Performers

• Expertise.
• Licensed software.