MacDonald, Lachlan (2024) Analysing an Availability-Centric Asset Maintenance Strategy for a Non-Operating LNG Production Train: A Case Study of Brunei LNG, South-east Asia. [USQ Project]
Abstract
With the ever-changing fluctuations in supply and demand within the oil and gas sector, there is a significant impact on how LNG assets operate to maximise value from safe and efficient LNG production. In the case of Brunei LNG’s five-train operation, due to upstream feed gas supply constraints, three trains are fully utilised, the fourth train has a variable utilisation rate, and the fifth train is employed as an online standby train in the event of unplanned downtime on one of the other trains. To safeguard operations by keeping the underutilised train online, Brunei LNG incurs losses in terms of energy consumption and additional GHG emissions.
Research conducted within this study identified robust information pertaining to asset management through Asset Management Systems and reliability-centred maintenance strategies from the global community, international standards organisations, and the private sector. However, there is a notable gap in the application of availability strategies within the LNG industry. This study addresses this gap by investigating and analysing the strategies and methodologies necessary for developing an availability-centred asset maintenance strategy for a non-operating LNG production train at Brunei LNG.
Through a detailed examination of reliability-centred maintenance theory, ISO standards, and private sector Asset Management Systems, this research proposes an optimal operating philosophy for Brunei LNG.
The proposed strategy involves clustering the four trains with the highest reliability as an online operating group and designating a stand-by train, which should not undergo planned maintenance or projects to avoid negatively impacting availability. This approach is forecasted to increase revenue for Brunei LNG by $2,413,094.4 BND per 100-day period. The strategy emphasises maintaining high reliability and availability while integrating risk management and economic considerations into a sustainable Asset Management System framework. The findings underscore the significance of a well-structured maintenance strategy that aligns with the operational realities of Brunei LNG, reducing risk in the decision-making process and improving the overall economic value return of the LNG production trains, thereby contributing to the facility’s profitability and sustainability.
The proposed strategy holds significant relevance and value for the broader community and the private sector. By forecasting an increase in revenue, this strategy demonstrates a clear economic benefit that can be replicated across similar industrial operations, enhancing profitability and sustainability. The emphasis on maintaining high reliability and availability, coupled with integrated risk management and economic considerations, provides a robust framework that other LNG facilities and industries with complex asset management needs can adopt. This approach optimises operational efficiency and contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing unnecessary energy consumption and GHG emissions. Consequently, the findings of this research offer a valuable blueprint for improving asset management practices, driving economic growth, and fostering sustainable development within the energy sector and beyond.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Thorpe, David |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical & Electronic Engineering) |
| Date Deposited: | 16 Mar 2026 22:00 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Mar 2026 22:00 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | LNG; oil; gas; train; Brunei |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/53139 |
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