Application of properly executed RAM (Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability) engineering during concept selection and front-end engineering provides the best opportunity to truly maximise the value of a project.

Using RAM as a ‘rubber stamping’ exercise late in detailed design or even into construction, may limit the opportunity to implement recommendations. The best time to make design changes is when the future facility exists only on paper.

By not harnessing the full potential of RAM simulation, you may experience lost opportunity for cost savings. IRC has seen examples ranging from:

• inappropriate use of limited budgets for maintenance/spares; to
• lost opportunity to remove an entire compression/dehydration train from an offshore facility!