Offshore staff
KONGSBERG, Norway – Shell has joined a joint industry project to develop and test advanced 3D printing technologies for in-situ, metal to metal, repairs of underwater facilities.
The existing partnership of Kongsberg Ferrotech, Equinor, Gassco and SINTEF started work on the program last year.
They believe the new technologies could transform subsea repair operations, with financial and environmental benefits for installed as well as future subsea facilities, with 3D printing allowing for reuse and recycling.
To date, the project has identified several applications for the technology such as repair of cracks, dents and replacement of lost materials.
The 3D printing technology is undergoing qualification for cracks and dents.
Kongsberg Ferrotech plans incorporation into its inspection, repair and maintenance robot for underwater repairs. In the repair process, a dry environment will offer documented high-quality repairs without disrupting ongoing operations, the company said.
Aside from subsea oil and gas, applications could include hydrogen transport grids, wind farms and transmission cables.
The project, named SAMLE, has support from the Research Council of Norway via the PETROMAKS 2 program.
