Reliability, Availability, Maintainability (RAM) study, on reciprocating compressors API 618

The Oil & Gas industry has continuously increased its requirements and together with the high complexity of technological systems and the higher competitiveness of markets, has compelled providers to implement adequate management strategies for these systems in order to improve their availability and productivity to meet those more demanding criteria. In this context, the complex of RAM factors constitute a strategic approach for integrating reliability, availability and maintainability, by using methods, tools and engineering techniques (Mean Time to Failure, Equipment down Time and System Availability values) to identify and quantify equipment and system failures that prevent the achievement of the productive objectives. The application of such methodologies requires a deep experience and know-how together with the possibility of acquiring and processing data in operating conditions. This paper presents the most relevant aspects and findings of a study conducted for assessing the operational performance of a reciprocating compressor system package installed and used in the oil and gas’ industries. The study was based on the analysis of the behaviour of states defined for each individual parts and component of reciprocating compressor and also aimed to identify and evaluate the effects of RAM-type factors and was conducted in collaboration with a private company that, for privacy reasons, will be named RC company. The Methodologies procedures used in this descriptive study were the bibliographical research, documentary and content analysis of the main literature. Adopting the most suitable maintenance strategy is one of the main challenges that maintenance managers face. The main purpose of this work is to propose a new approach to evaluate maintenance strategies. In this study, three criteria called reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) have been employed to compare to future maintenance strategies.