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Legislation & Industrial Standards Overview : Metal 3D Printing in the Oil & Gas Sector
By Ts . Khaizuran Izzat Bin Khairuddin Integrity Engineer
Ir . Teo Eu Jin Innovation & Repair Lead
There is an increased trend and interest in metal 3D printing among industrial players . With the advancement in science and technology , the material range for 3D printing has expanded , making it more attractive . In theory , 3D printing can transform a digital 3D software model into a 3D solid object via an additive manufacturing process by creating the product layer-by-layer sequentially . This method differs from the conventional subtractive manufacturing process that cuts a larger block of material into the final product . Furthermore , this new technology is gradually expanding into the oil and gas Industry .
So , how does one ensure that metal 3D printing products are safe to use in the Malaysian Oil and Gas Industry ? Firstly , for local usage we need to refer to legislation , especially in OSHA ( refer Table 1 ). Secondly , there are relevant Oil and Gas industrial standards that spell out metal 3D printing or Additive Manufacturing requirements , such as API 20S “ Additively Manufactured Metallic Components for Use in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries ” and DNV-ST-B203 “ Additive Manufacturing of Metallic Parts ”. The ultimate objective of all these legislation and industrial standards is to ensure the final product is fit-foruse and uphold safety standards . For simplicity , API 20S will be illustrated in this article .
Basically , various products will have different critical criteria defined by material specification , grade , and the engineering usage context determined by the end user . Henceforth , API
LAWS OF MALAYSIA ACT 514 , OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT 1994 ( OSHA )
Section 20 : General duties of manufacturers , etc . as regards plant for use at work . ( 1 ) It shall be the duty of a person who designs , manufactures , imports or supplies any plant for use at work : ( a ) to ensure , so far as is practicable , that the plant is so designed and constructed as to be safe and without risks to health when properly used ;
( b ) to carry out or arrange for the carrying out of such testing and examination as may be necessary for the performance of the duty imposed on him by paragraph ( a ); and
( c ) to take such steps as are necessary to secure that there will be available in connection with the use of the plant at work adequate information about the use for which it is designed and has been tested , and about any condition necessary to ensure that , when put to that use , it will be safe and without risks to health .
Per definition , “ Plant ” includes any machinery , equipment , appliance , implement or tool , any component thereof and anything fitted , connected or appurtenant thereto .
Table 1 : OSHA Requirements for Manufacturers Source : Laws of Malaysia Act 514 , Occupational Safety & Health Act 1994 ( OSHA )
58 VOL 98 APRIL - JUNE 2024