Ocyan to use 3D printing for projects

Oil and gas company Ocyan has started 3D printing parts to serve its supply chain. The first experience was the creation of a filter used in the drinking water system of the company’s rigs. The manufacturing of these parts through this technology can reduce expenses with logistics, which includes the supply of rigs operating dozens of kilometers from the Brazilian coast. The production of the filter has generated further integration of the company’s expertise including procurement, innovation, and engineering. 3D is widely used in the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries, but is not yet common in the oil and gas market. One of the advantages of this technology is the search for lighter and more resistant materials.

“The oil and gas market presents many opportunities and this is another important step that will open a range of options for us in the technological area. In recent years, 3D printing has been revolutionizing traditional manufacturing methods, bringing greater design freedom, the possibility of making digital inventory, as well as reducing costs. We want to achieve such gains,” explains Lineu Aguiar, Ocyan’s Procurement analyst. Printing parts on-site will also help reduce expenses and streamline the supply chain, which helps meet ESG goals.

After this experience, considered successful by the technical areas, Ocyan has already started to work on printing other parts. The project was made possible after a search for partners in Brazil capable of providing this service.

For the production of the first piece, the Maintenance and Offshore Services team made a technical drawing, using engineering techniques, with the objective of making the piece part of Ocyan’s digital collection. “The design prepared by us was sent to our consulting area and they made a 3D model for printing. The material we use for manufacturing is not exactly the same as the part previously used. Our option was to make an adaptation that meets all the specifications and reduce cost”, adds Lineu Aguiar.

The final cost of the part was 33% less than the price paid to the traditional supplier, located in Singapore. In addition to this gain, logistical costs have also been reduced. The feasibility of producing other parts with 3D technology will be analyzed on a case-by-case basis, since the cost of printing will not always be lower than those purchased in the market.

The additive manufacturing project is being led by a multidisciplinary procurement team with strong support from innovation, engineering, and Offshore Maintenance and Services areas.

The additive manufacturing project

Ocyan’s supply area, together with a French consulting company, has conducted a print efficiency analysis of the materials mostly consumed by all sectors of the company and listed the materials that can be 3D printed. The production of these parts will enable the inventory to go digital, reducing delivery time and lowering costs. In the long term, it will be possible to acquire printers so that Ocyan has more autonomy in the process. “Today, the Brazilian market is still embryonic, but we are in talks with national market players that have the potential to provide the 3D printing service,” he concludes.

About Ocyan

Ocyan is a company with a sustainable attitude and knowledge to provide solutions to the upstream oil and gas industry offshore Brazil and abroad. Its main values are the safety of its members and the operation, a trusting partnership with its clients, and a commitment to ethics and transparency. The company also encourages diversity and inclusion inside and outside the company. The company’s fleet currently includes five drilling units and two FPSO (floating, production, storage and offloading) vessels. Ocyan also develops SURF projects, manufacture and installation of subsea equipment, and provides offshore maintenance services. More information at: www.ocyan-sa.com