Allocated Requirements

Understanding Allocated Requirements in Oil & Gas

In the world of oil and gas, projects are complex and multifaceted, requiring careful planning and execution. One crucial aspect of this process is the identification and allocation of requirements – the essential characteristics and capabilities that a system or component must possess to meet project objectives. This article explores the concept of allocated requirements, a key element in the design and development of oil and gas systems.

What are Allocated Requirements?

Allocated requirements are essentially requirements apportioned to specific elements of a system. This process involves taking the overall project requirements and breaking them down into more manageable, specific requirements for each individual component or subsystem.

How are Allocated Requirements Determined?

The determination of allocated requirements relies heavily on applicable knowledge, experience, and expert judgment. This process involves:

Understanding the overall system requirements: This involves clearly defining the project objectives and the capabilities needed to achieve them.
Identifying the various system elements: This step involves breaking down the system into its individual components and subsystems.
Apportioning requirements to each element: Based on the system requirements and the understanding of individual elements, requirements are assigned to each component.

The Role of Expertise and Experience

It's important to note that the determination of allocated requirements is not a purely scientific process. It heavily relies on the expertise and experience of engineers and specialists in the relevant fields. This means:

Prior knowledge of similar systems: Engineers draw upon their experience with similar projects and systems to inform the allocation process.
Understanding of component capabilities: Allocating requirements requires a deep understanding of each component's capabilities, limitations, and potential interactions within the system.

Distinction from Derived Requirements

While allocated requirements rely on expertise and experience, derived requirements are determined through more rigorous scientific analysis. They are directly derived from the system requirements using analytical techniques and calculations.

Why are Allocated Requirements Important?

Allocated requirements are crucial for several reasons:

Improved Design and Development: By breaking down overall requirements into specific components, engineers can focus on designing and developing each element to meet its allocated requirements, contributing to a more efficient and effective overall system.
Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: Allocated requirements provide a clear and structured framework for communication between different engineering teams and subcontractors working on various system components.
Simplified Verification and Testing: Testing and verification become more manageable when focused on individual components with clearly defined allocated requirements.

Challenges and Considerations

While essential, the process of allocating requirements has its challenges:

Subjectivity and Potential for Errors: The reliance on expert judgment introduces a degree of subjectivity, potentially leading to errors or misinterpretations.
Maintaining Consistency and Traceability: Ensuring that allocated requirements remain consistent with the overall system requirements and that they can be traced back to their origins is crucial.

Conclusion

Allocated requirements are an essential part of designing and developing successful oil and gas systems. By applying expertise and experience, engineers can effectively break down complex system requirements into manageable, specific requirements for each component, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and reliable project outcome.

While the process relies on expert judgment, it is crucial to address potential challenges and ensure that allocated requirements are accurately defined, consistently managed, and readily traceable back to the overall project objectives.

Test Your Knowledge

Allocated Requirements Quiz:

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What are allocated requirements?

a) Requirements that are based on scientific analysis. b) Requirements that are assigned to specific system elements. c) Requirements that are derived from customer feedback. d) Requirements that are determined by the project manager.

Answer

b) Requirements that are assigned to specific system elements.

2. How are allocated requirements determined?

a) Primarily through scientific analysis. b) By using pre-defined templates. c) Through expert judgment and experience. d) Based on the project budget.

Answer

c) Through expert judgment and experience.

3. What is the key benefit of using allocated requirements?

a) Reducing project costs. b) Improving communication and collaboration. c) Increasing project complexity. d) Eliminating the need for testing.

Answer

b) Improving communication and collaboration.

4. Which of the following is a challenge associated with allocated requirements?

a) Ensuring that all requirements are met. b) Maintaining consistency and traceability. c) Determining the project budget. d) Hiring experienced engineers.

Answer

b) Maintaining consistency and traceability.

5. How do allocated requirements differ from derived requirements?

a) Allocated requirements are more detailed. b) Derived requirements are based on scientific analysis. c) Allocated requirements are determined by the project manager. d) Derived requirements are assigned to specific system elements.

Answer

b) Derived requirements are based on scientific analysis.

Allocated Requirements Exercise:

Scenario: You are designing a new oil and gas platform. The overall project requirement is to maximize oil and gas extraction efficiency.

Task: Identify three key system elements of the platform and allocate specific requirements to each element. Be sure to consider the overall project requirement and how each element contributes to achieving it.

Example:

System Element: Drilling Rig Allocated Requirement: The drilling rig must be capable of drilling wells to a depth of X meters.

Exercise Correction:

Exercice Correction

Here is a possible solution for the exercise:

1. System Element: Production Platform

Allocated Requirement: The production platform must be able to process and separate extracted oil and gas at a rate of Y barrels per day, while ensuring minimal environmental impact.

2. System Element: Subsea Pipeline System

Allocated Requirement: The subsea pipeline system must be able to transport extracted oil and gas from the wellhead to the production platform safely and efficiently, with a maximum pressure rating of Z bar.

3. System Element: Control and Monitoring System

Allocated Requirement: The control and monitoring system must provide real-time data on production rates, flow pressures, and other critical parameters, enabling operators to optimize production and respond effectively to any issues.

Note: This is just one possible solution. There are many other system elements and requirements that could be considered, depending on the specific design and project objectives.

Books

Systems Engineering: A Practical Approach by Harold Chestnut: This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of systems engineering principles, including requirements allocation, and is widely used in various industries, including oil and gas.
The Systems Engineering Handbook by the INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering): This authoritative handbook is an excellent resource for professionals seeking a detailed understanding of systems engineering practices, including requirements management.
Oil and Gas Engineering Handbook by Robert E. Speight: This handbook covers a wide range of topics in oil and gas engineering, including design, construction, and operation. While it may not explicitly focus on "allocated requirements," it provides context and information on engineering practices relevant to the topic.

Articles

Online Resources

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