Computer simulation for optimization of offshore platform evacuation
- A/S Quasar Consultants, Oslo (Norway). Safety Dept.
A method for optimizing the evacuation system on offshore platforms, in which computer simulation provides a main contribution, is presented. The use of computer simulation in offshore projects is explained, and the contribution with respect to input to the Quantitative Risk Analyses (QRA) and to the engineering is also presented. In order to design an optimum evacuation system on offshore platforms, detailed analyses and sensitivity calculations are required. By utilizing computer programs and simulation tools, the work load is no longer prohibitive for comprehensive optimization calculations to be performed. The evacuation system can accordingly be designed based on engineering considerations, rather than mainly relying on the preferences of the design team involved in the project. A description of three computer programs which perform stochastic reliability analyses of evacuation operations is presented; Evacuation Simulations (EVACSIM) simulates the evacuation (egress) of personnel on the platform, Lifeboat Launch for Conventional lifeboats (LBL-C) simulates the launch and escape operation of davit launched lifeboats and Lifeboat Launch for Free fall lifeboats (LBL-F) simulates the launch and escape operation of slide launched or vertical drop free fall lifeboats. Other computer programs that analyze parts of the evacuation process, such as Offshore Rescue Simulation (ORS), are mentioned. The result of this synthesis is an estimate of the yearly number of lives lost during evacuation of a platform, which is a suitable parameter for optimizing the evacuation system and deciding improvements. The impact of changing design parameters is found by carrying out evacuation analyses for the revised design (i.e., a sensitivity) and comparing the resulting loss of lives with the Base Case results. By systematizing this approach, the evacuation system on the platform can thus be optimized.
- OSTI ID:
- 455504
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9606279-; ISBN 0-7918-1491-2; TRN: IM9716%%353
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 14. international conference on offshore mechanics arctic engineering (OMAE), Florence (Italy), 16-20 Jun 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of the 15. international conference on offshore mechanics and arctic engineering -- OMAE 1996. Volume 2: Safety and reliability; Guedes Soares, C. [ed.] [Technical Univ. of Lisbon (Portugal)]; Bea, R.G. [ed.] [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States)]; Leira, B.J. [ed.] [SINTEF, Trondheim (Norway)]; Shetty, N.K. [ed.] [W.S. Atkins, Surrey (United Kingdom)]; Vinnem, J.E. [ed.] [Elf Petroleum Norge AS, Oslo (Norway)]; PB: 525 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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