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The remotely operated electromechanical control device (ECD) is coupled to an open-close valve that would normally require hydraulic lines from surface. With each function of the valve, an intervention is eliminated, which increases operational efficiency and saves rig time. As these devices are permanently installed in severe downhole environments, design-in reliability is paramount. Reliability demonstration test (RDT) is a key element of the design-for-reliability process to verify that the product satisfies the system reliability target. This paper presents a structured RDT approach to demonstrate the reliability of a remotely operated ECD in a cost- and time-efficient manner. The reliability target of the ECD was established based on the tasks requirements (open-close functions), well conditions, and mission life. Key subassemblies of the ECD were identified, and a system reliability target was allocated to the subsystem level using a weight factor-based approach. A test-to-success methodology was used to design the RDT of individual subassemblies by identifying the underlying failure mechanism, applicable test stresses, and acceleration factors. A parametric cumulative binomial test design model was used to optimize the test parameters, such as sample size, test time, and number of valve open-close functions. Conducting a system reliability test is often cost prohibitive. Therefore, performing a reliability test at the subsystem level is an alternative approach of verifying system reliability. Reliability allocation weight factors are determined based on the cost, time, and relative difficulty in testing the design feature. Aging parameters were found to be the number of valve open-close functions based on the underlying tasks, operating time, and well environment (temperature). This paper highlights the structured methodology and application requirements of RDT to meet the mission reliability target of a remotely operated ECD. A comprehensive reliability target was established based on the underlying tasks, operating time, and well environment. A combination of overstress (temperature) and use-rate accelerations was used in the test design. An optimum value assessment of test design parameters was performed for developing a cost-effective test design. The approach and benefits of structured reliability test design are discussed in the paper.

The successful operation of completion tools, especially intelligent completion tools, at high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) operating conditions is dependent on reliable design and robust production and operating procedures. Recent technological advancements in high-temperature electronics can lead to changes in the production processes of existing completion products. Possible reasons for change include component obsolescence, consolidation of production processes, or leveraging technological advancements from one product to another. Verification of changes made in production processes is critical to maintain high operational reliability of the product. This paper presents a methodical test design approach to verify changes made in production processes in a cost- and time-efficient manner. The purpose of the Production Acceptance Test (PAT) is to provide assurance that the reliability of standard production items meets the reliability specifications. PAT usually involves testing of a sample of items drawn from a production batch. The results obtained from testing these samples enables an informed decision regarding the reliability of the entire production population. The concept and philosophy of PAT stems from the military handbook, MIL-HDBK-781, based on non-parametric distribution utilizing Mean-Time-Between-Failures (MTBF) as the performance criteria. To overcome the limitations of MTBF and non-parametric distribution, a modified test design methodology includes a comprehensive reliability statement of the product along with the use of parametric cumulative binomial distribution. Elements of PAT design (Discrimination Ratio (DR), producer's risk, consumer's risk, etc.) are assessed for developing high-temperature electronics for HPHT environments. A key prerequisite of employing PAT is to assess product reliability through either reliability test data or field operational data. A reliability specification of the product is an upfront requirement of designing PAT. The test design methodology presented utilizes comprehensive reliability statements in terms of % probability of success, % confidence, lifetime, and operating conditions. DR is another key element of PAT design and typically ranges from 1.5-3.0. However, for manufacturers with robust production processes and well planned management-of-change, DR lies somewhere in the range of 2.5-3.0. By selecting optimum values of test design parameters, an effective test plan can be developed which can result in time and cost savings compared to a standard reliability test. This paper discusses the methodology and application requirements to enhance PAT as a verification test to validate any changes in production processes. Test design methodologies are upgraded to include a comprehensive reliability statement along with the use of a parametric cumulative binomial algorithm to overcome the limitations of original PAT methodology highlighted in MIL-HDBK-781. Optimum value assessment of PAT design parameters was performed for developing high-temperature electronics used in HPHT environments. A case history of a downhole electronics module is presented to describe the enhanced approach and benefits of PAT.

A case study approach is applied to review Local Government Authorities (LGA) regional engagement in the Australian context. We address the question 'What are the key LGA enablers/impediments to regional engagement?' by applying Leydesdorff's (2000) proposition that triple helix type network systems exhibit patterns of complex behaviour if the interaction factors that trigger enablers are reflexively declared. The three strands of the LGA triple helix network system are institutions, industry and government. In this case study the LGA's overall management of its regional stakeholder relationships resulted in impediments that limit strong regional engagement. Importantly, the findings inform practitioners, policy-makers and research audiences of the nature of impediments and, by inference, the nature of enablers in LGA triple helix network systems.

This paper contributes to a new area of research, namely: institutional preparedness of economic development agencies for developing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The cases presented illustrate variations in the micro-finance lender agency-enterprise development of processes for sharing vision and interdependence. In clarifying the nature of the agency-enterprise relationship along these two dimensions, we develop a set of propositions. Our model contends: 1) that effective processes for sharing vision and good cooperation maximise the likelihood of explication of tacit knowledge; 2) that ineffective processes for sharing vision and good cooperation lead to ad hoc explication of tacit knowledge; 3) ineffective processes for sharing vision and poor cooperation minimise the likelihood of explication of tacit knowledge; 4) effective processes for sharing vision and poor cooperation maximise the likelihood of explication of tacit knowledge.