Services

Technology Qualification

Technology is continually evolving to meet new challenges and drive improvements in operating efficiency and environmental impact. For example, to develop new renewable energy devices, access new hydrocarbon reserves, develop more efficient processing equipment, or monitor for equipment condition and performance. Astrimar assists both technology developers and system operators in the management of risk through qualification testing and analysis.

When introducing new technology, it is essential to understand when the technology is ready for deployment and the risk that deployment entails. For example, even existing, proven technology may be required to operate in more challenging environments, beyond existing industry experience. When this happens, additional technical risk and uncertain reliability performance is introduced.

Astrimar is able to assist technology developers and operators to manage risk through qualification testing and analysis. In particular, we can help to:

• Understand the technology’s level of technical risk and uncertainty
• Forecast expected reliability
• Determine/review initial Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
• Identify and plan qualification tests to raise the TRL to the required level of readiness

We have written client technical practices on technology qualification aligned with industry-recommended practices such as DNV A203 and API RP 17Q, including the use of both 0 - 7 and 1 – 9 TRL ladders.

In line with best practice, we use FMECA to identify potential failure modes as a key input to defining tests and analyses; this is particularly important for prototype, environment and system integration testing.  The intent is to help the developer to understand, analyse and test the technology to provide traceable assurance that systems are qualified through a detailed understanding of all service demands, performance requirements and potential failure mechanisms.

New technology developments often involve complex, socio-technical systems, requiring the integration of data and services from a variety of sources, developed and delivered by diverse teams of designers, engineers, operators, and managers.

Technology qualification assurances need to be clearly communicated to stakeholders to give the best possible indication that the system will work.  This includes collating appropriate performance evidence such as field, factory or qualification test data, reliability analyses, as well as future monitoring and inspection results.

To further support industry developing, qualifying and delivering new products and technologies, we have created RAPAT, an easy to use Excel tool supporting implementation of best practice for successful product acceptance and deployment. The tool can also be used to support applications for funding and end-user investment. Further details are available on the RAPAT website page