The New International Certification and Design Principles
Authors: Heijnen W.H.P.M. , Heineman H. 
Published: October 2008

ISO/TC 67 deals with standardisation of Equipment for the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries at a global level. Within this standardization programme the need was identified to investigate the existing Certification systems in ISO regarding their suitability for application in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries. ISO/TC 67 created WG2 (Certification rinciples) who's task it was first to study the topic and make recommendations there after to the ISO/TC 67 on the matter. me outcome was that a coherent set of standards is currently under development. In the course of this work it emerged that Certification cannot be seen in isolation since the topic Design plays a key role within the Certification process. As a result ISO/TC 67 created WG3 (Design Principles) with the task to study the topic of Design and provide ISO/TC 67 with recommendations at the 1994 meeting in Japan.

The paper will provide the reader with insight in the Certification system as well as its link with Design. It will explain how the total process fits in the business structure of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry, with the focus on the emerging concepts such as partnering, turn key contracts, the developments in the EC and the need to reduce costs at a global basis. The paper will also address the topic of Design Principles based on the results of the study performed for ISO/TC 67. me paper will provide a frame work that can be used by the industry in how to deal with issues such as, there shall the activity of the Operator be focused on when ordering equipment or services and how the manufacturer or service provider should prepare himself to become an equal partner with regard to the required equipment, service and its associatedTechnology now and in the future. In the changing world with ever increasing focus on Health, Safety and Environment (RYE), the topiceficiency, technology, equipment performance and fimctionality should not be overlooked or been given less attention.

The Ckrdjlcation and Design principles, implemented in standards, aimpredominantly at Fitnessfor Pwpose of equipment and/or services to regain the balance. A further aim is to limit consequential costs due to deficiencies in the broadest sense, allowing the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry to produce oil and gas in a cost effective manner with the highestpossible HSE targets.

SURVEY OF PROBLEMS

It is a known fact from several International publications and initiatives around the world that costs for drilling, production operations and its associated costs for products and services is of concern to all inthe Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry. Further to this it is a known fact that preservation of the environmentas well as reduction of the Health and Safety risks is a dominant theme for the senior managementin the industry. Where there is little or no information being published is the extent of the consequentialdamage due to poor performance of the equipmentand/or the results of the services.

However general statements can be made and surveys are in support of these statements.