Alternative approach to integrity management

A Frazer-Nash Consultancy product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 10, 2008

Systems and engineering technology consultancy Frazer-Nash has undertaken a study that could revolutionise the process for managing the structural integrity of handling equipment.

The study, commissioned by the Maritime Equipment Systems Integrated Project Team, explored the process currently adopted for the approval of Replenishment at Sea equipment and recommended new techniques for ensuring the integrity of this complex, high integrity system.

Replenishment at sea (RAS) is the process for the transfer of stores, fuel and munitions from Royal Fleet Auxiliary supply ships to Royal Navy vessels.

The RAS equipment is subject to fluctuating operational loads and a corrosive environment, which has the potential to lead to structural fatigue and material degradation over time.

Consequently, there is a requirement to demonstrate the ongoing integrity of the system.

To offer an alternative to the current technique of testing, which is expensive and may degrade the equipment in the process, Frazer-Nash assessed the application of reliability-based inspection (RBI) techniques to the process.

The RBI methodology involves developing a detailed understanding of the equipment, establishing the areas critical to its ongoing integrity and assessing how these areas are deteriorated by loading and environment.

An appropriate regime of targeted non-destructive inspection can then be developed to demonstrate ongoing integrity in the critical areas.

The technique has been developed for application on board a Type 23 Frigate, where it was found that the process offered a more efficient, lower risk and cost effective means of maintaining the integrity of the vessel's RAS equipment.

Ian Bottomley, Frazer-Nash structural engineer said: 'This is a study that has the potential to significantly change the current approach adopted for maintaining RAS equipment.' It is hoped that the RBI approach may help to bring substantial benefits to future structural systems.

While Frazer-Nash's study focused primarily on the RAS equipment of a Type 23 Frigate, the techniques could also provide a framework for use on other navy vessels and equipments.

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