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existing systems or of new systems during the design stage itself. Examples are
included for both the techniques with lessons learned from real-world experiences.
It should be noted that the project scope included risk analysis and ALARP and
the idea of energy efficiency as an objective is proposed as an extension to the
studies performed. RBDM is a promising tool for application to rationalise and
optimise new projects or changes and improvements to old ones; however this is
presently under-utilised in this context and instead used primarily to aid decision
making on safety and environmental issues. This paper presents the RBDM ap-
proach as a tool that can be employed to optimise safety, reliability, environmental
impact mitigation and to 'uptimize' energy efficiency, thus providing a holistic
approach to decision making. The example cases cited in this paper are intended to
support the proposed framework. Due to confidentiality agreements, the actual re-
sults and names of operating companies are not presented nor are the tools and
methodology detailed in this paper of a prescriptive nature. This paper focuses on:
1.
Introducing RBDM process;
2.
Using RBDM to improve energy efficiency in the Oil and Gas industry.
15.2 Why Oil and Gas?
The first thing that comes to mind when we talk about oil and gas sector are the
inherent environmental pollution and safety hazards associated with the attendant
operations and usage. However, oil and gas are the largest sources of energy today
and will continue to be, if speculations and statistics are to be believed, for 60
more years or so. It is also a large source of GDP for many developed and devel-
oping countries. For example Global Energy Usage in 2005 showed a dominant
60% contribution from the oil and gas sector (OPEC 2005).
Figure 15.1
shows the
global oil reserves forecasted in 2005 (OPEC 2005).
Fig. 15.1.
World Oil Reserves 2005 (source: OPEC 2005 Annual Statistical Bulletin)
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