Definition(s)
Reliability Analysis
Control systems for well control equipment are custom designed in accordance with the buyer’s requirements. When specifying a highly complex control system (e.g., one employing an assortment of deepwater features), the buyer may prescribe a level of formal reliability analysis. One purpose is to identify elements exhibiting unacceptable failure probability. Failure analysis, as part of the design process, can help to avoid single point failure modes and the use of unreliable components. ISO 14224 provides guidelines for selecting a suitable procedure for performing system reliability analysis.
Source: API SPEC 16D, Specification for Control Systems for Drilling Well Control Equipment and Control Systems for Diverter Equipment, Upstream Segment, Second Edition, July 2004. Global Standards