System Design Review ("SDR")

Test Your Knowledge

System Design Review (SDR) Quiz:

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary purpose of a System Design Review (SDR)? a) To finalize the detailed design specifications. b) To evaluate and approve the top-level system design solution. c) To ensure the project stays within budget. d) To identify potential risks and issues in the early stages of the project.

2. Which of the following is NOT a key element typically assessed during an SDR? a) System Architecture b) Marketing Strategy c) Functional Requirements d) Safety Requirements

3. What is the main benefit of conducting an SDR early in the project lifecycle? a) To avoid any potential delays. b) To ensure the project is completed on time. c) To identify and address potential risks before significant investment is made. d) To ensure the project team is properly trained.

4. Which of these outcomes is NOT a possibility following an SDR? a) Approval b) Revision c) Rejection d) Re-bidding

5. The SDR is considered a "seller control gate." What does this mean? a) The seller decides whether or not the project should proceed. b) The seller determines the final cost of the project. c) The seller is responsible for ensuring the project meets quality standards. d) The seller has the authority to approve or reject the proposed design.

SDR Exercise:

Scenario:

You are the lead engineer on an oil & gas project. Your team has developed a preliminary system design for a new pipeline installation. The SDR is scheduled for next week.

Task:

Prepare a list of 5 key questions you would ask during the SDR meeting to ensure the design meets all project requirements and specifications.

Exercice Correction:

Techniques

Chapter 1: Techniques for System Design Review (SDR) in Oil & Gas

This chapter explores the various techniques employed during an SDR in the oil and gas industry. These techniques ensure a comprehensive and rigorous review of the proposed system design, aiming to identify potential issues and mitigate risks early in the project lifecycle.

1.1. Requirements Traceability Matrix:

• Purpose: Establish a clear link between the project's requirements and the proposed system design elements.
• Process: A matrix is created mapping each requirement to its corresponding design element, allowing for easy verification and identification of any gaps or inconsistencies.
• Benefits: Enhances clarity and transparency, reduces misinterpretations, and facilitates efficient design validation.

1.2. Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP):

• Purpose: Identify and analyze potential hazards and operational problems associated with the proposed system.
• Process: A structured review of the design process involving a team of experts who systematically examine each element for potential deviations from intended operation.
• Benefits: Identifies potential safety hazards, reduces risks of accidents, and improves overall system reliability.

1.3. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA):

• Purpose: Identify and analyze potential failures within the proposed system and their impact on overall system performance and safety.
• Process: A systematic review of each system component to identify possible failure modes and their associated effects, assigning severity, occurrence, and detection ratings for each.
• Benefits: Proactively identifies potential failure points, prioritizes mitigation measures, and enhances the system's reliability and safety.

1.4. Design Review Checklist:

• Purpose: Ensure that all critical aspects of the design are thoroughly evaluated.
• Process: A structured checklist encompassing various areas like functionality, performance, safety, cost, schedule, and environmental impact, is used to guide the review process.
• Benefits: Ensures a comprehensive review, reduces the risk of overlooking key aspects, and provides a structured framework for decision-making.

1.5. Simulation and Modeling:

• Purpose: Test and validate the proposed system's performance under various operating conditions.
• Process: Utilizing software tools, a virtual representation of the system is created and subjected to various scenarios to evaluate its behavior and performance.
• Benefits: Provides insights into system performance, identifies potential bottlenecks, and validates the design's effectiveness.

1.6. Peer Review:

• Purpose: Obtain feedback from experts outside the design team to gain independent perspectives and identify potential issues.
• Process: The design is presented to a panel of qualified professionals with relevant expertise who provide critical feedback and suggestions.
• Benefits: Offers unbiased perspectives, improves design quality, and ensures the design's robustness.

By effectively utilizing these techniques, the SDR ensures a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the proposed system design, ultimately contributing to the success of the oil & gas project.