Introduction to RAM modelling

Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM) are system design attributes that can have a substantial
impact on the lifecycle cost and performance of an engineered system. In RAM modelling, Reliability is the
probability of zero failures over a defined time interval. Availability is the percentage of time a system is
considered ready to use when tasked. Maintainability is a measure of the ease with which a system can be
restored to operational status following a failure.

Whilst the word reliability can be traced back as early as 1816 to poet Samuel Coleridge, it was not until 1941
that German aircraft designer Robert Lusser recognised the need for a separate reliability engineering
discipline. It has since become commonplace throughout all engineering-based industries, including oil and
gas, nuclear, manufacturing, defence and transport.

Why conduct RAM studies

The aim of a RAM study is to identify any significant causes of loss of operational availability or issues that
may limit the production throughput and then propose improvements to the design or maintenance regime
that enable RAM targets to be met.

Ideally, a RAM study (supported by a Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis, FMECA), would be
conducted in the early stages of a project. This can then be reviewed and updated as the project progresses,
with minimal disruption and cost to a project.

How are RAM studies conducted?

Normally a “bottom-up” approach to RAM modelling is taken. This starts with the system components and
examines the design to determine the effects of individual component failure, often using a Reliability Block
Diagram (RBD). The components making up the RBD are linked using reliability logic rather than their physical
relationship.

Equipment failure data are applied to each component in the system. These data can be obtained from
several sources such as manufacturing data, design specifications or operational experience. The key to a
successful and accurate study is the quality of the failure data. In cases where failure data specific to the
actual component are not available, generic, industry standard sources are normally used, e.g. OREDA 2009.
Using specialised RAM software, operational availability can be predicted and analysed. The software may
be industry standard packages such as MAROS or Reliability/Availability Workbench, or in-house developed
spreadsheets. The main advantage of the software is that it enables the rapid evaluation of design options
and the sensitivity of the results to changes in the underlying data. Quantitative results provide not only
headline RAM figures, but also allow the identification of critical components.

Some of the more common pitfalls to avoid when conducting RAM modelling are highlighted in Box 1.

Key questions

Once the baseline RAM of the system is established, the following considerations should be addressed:

 Has the design met all the RAM requirements and targets?
 Can the design or operation be modified to increase the availability of the system?
 Can the maintenance strategy be revised to reduce downtime in the event of failure?
For availability-critical equipment, a targeted preventive maintenance programme should also be
instigated, which may include monitoring to detect changes in performance or deviations from normal
operating ranges.

Benefits

RAM modelling identifies areas of vulnerability which can affect operational availability and quantifies
which assets and associated maintenance activities dominate downtime. Knowing this, the system design
can be optimised, including its configuration, level of redundancy, component selection and supporting
maintenance strategy. As well as suggesting tangible improvements, a RAM programme can provide
confidence that the system will meet its operational targets and support wider project decision-making.

Conclusion

RAM modelling has a long history in engineering sectors. Used appropriately, RAM modelling is an effective
tool for assessing system reliability, availability and maintainability, and is crucial to support the through-
life viability of a project

Source: https://risktec.tuv.com/riskworld_newsletter/riskworld-issue-28-autumn-2015/

How can iFluids help you? - Send REQUEST INFORMATION to [email protected]

Know what you need? - REQUEST QUOTE to [email protected]

Learn more about Maros RAM analysis software for upstream oil and gas.

****************************************************************************

 Interested in RAM Study Training. Please register your interest in below link.

https://forms.gle/K6aKrhobrGEhSYPLA or drop an email to [email protected]

****************************************************************************

iFluids Engineering provides Training on using

DNV MAROS
Guidance on how to use MAROS to perform a range of analyses from a basic to a more advanced RAM
study.

Reliability Engineering emphasises dependability in the lifecycle management of a product, where it is

essential to consider the Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM) characteristics.

RAM analysis contains a number of techniques that help engineers understand the risks that will prevent
dependable operation of a system by assessing failure modes, frequencies and consequences. This course
introduces some of the key elements of a RAM analysis, giving hands on practice of performing a simple
analysis using DNV MAROS tools.

Description

The course provides guidance on how to use DNV MAROS to perform a range of analyses from a basic to a
more advanced Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM) study. All the key aspects of typical
upstream asset evaluation and optimization studies are covered.

This course aims to provide the following: -

• Introduction to reliability theory and RAM analysis

• Overview of DNV MAROS modelling approach.
• Construction of practical examples such as oil production system, gas network and normally
unmanned facility
• Sensitivity analysis (what-if-scenarios) to evaluate alternative design configurations, operational
strategy, maintenance philosophy and life-cycle cost analysis (LCC)
• Understanding of basic principles of RAM analysis (terminology, definitions, purpose)
• Understanding of how failure rates are calculated.
• Understanding of how FMEA/RCM can be used to identify failure modes/maintenance tasks.
• Discussion of reporting/presenting findings of analysis.
• How to perform an effective MAROS analysis

Learning objectives

The aim of the course is to explain the dynamic simulation concept used by Maros and understand the main
features and functionality. You will be required to practise and apply your newly acquired knowledge of the
software through extensive exercises.

Upon completion of this course you should be able to scope, create and run a RAM analysis, produce results
and investigate their meaning.

Target group

Users who need to carry out and/or understand the output of RAM analysis and Asset Evaluation &
Optimization Studies in the upstream or downstream sector of the oil and gas, Petro-chemical, specialty
chemicals industry. They can be from Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Piping or Chemical
background.

 Interested in RAM Study Training. Please register your interest in below link.
 https://forms.gle/K6aKrhobrGEhSYPLA or drop an email to [email protected]

***

Please visit www.iFluids.com to know more.

To know more, on How iFluids can help you operate & maintain Safe and Reliable plant Contact us Today --
> [email protected]

For any Corporate training enquiries, contact us today --> [email protected]