After extensive testing and qualification with multiple partners, Woodside has successfully installed and placed into service a 3D printed valve on its Goodwyn A platform, demonstrating Woodside’s confidence in 3D printing for spare parts.
Woodside collaborated with the FutureLab at Monash University, along with external original equipment manufacturers, to apply 3D printing – also known as additive manufacturing - in the re-design of a stainless steel monoflange body, a type of double block and bleed valve used to safely isolate instruments during planned maintenance work.
The additively manufactured part was fully approved for pressure-containing critical service use and was subsequently installed on the platform in January 2022.
The use of additive manufacturing enabled an improved design of the monoflange as it increased flowthrough by avoiding restrictive internal channel junctions whilst offering reduced mass and size.
Woodside Executive Vice President Sustainability Shaun Gregory said additive manufacturing can solve many of the problems that heavy industry faces when it comes to replacing parts that the original equipment manufacturer can no longer supply.
“It can be energy intensive, time consuming and expensive to source replacements for such parts. Using additive manufacturing offers an innovative solution to these constraints. Our application of this technology means that we can fully utilise the flexibility that it allows, enabling us to update and improve the design of replacement parts and embed additional efficiencies into our operations,” he said.
The next part to be installed under Woodside’s program is an additively manufactured stainless steel inducer on the Okha Floating Production Storage and Offloading facility in the first quarter of 2022.
Woodside’s vision to enable the application of additive manufacturing has seen the company develop and introduce a digital app which allows users to submit requests for items to be additively manufactured. After being screened, requests are passed to a vendor who will print and deliver the part, the details of which will subsequently be added to Woodside’s digital library.
“The roll-out of additive manufacturing at Woodside leverages the latest technology and manufacturing processes and provides us with a competitive edge.” Mr Gregory said.
“At Woodside, we embrace innovation, and our digital app will further empower our people to continue looking for opportunities to apply additive manufacturing in our operations.”
