EPC Perspective
Figure 2 . JGC 3D printing for concrete work . Image courtesy of JGC Corporation .
Figure 3 . JGC 3D printing for metal piping components using WAAM technology . Image courtesy of JGC Corporation . construction as our new demand . Initially , we are applying 3D printing for concrete foundation work ( see Fig . 2 ). Also , we are applying 3D printing for metal piping components using WAAM ( Wire and Arc-based Additive Manufacturing ) technology ( see Fig . 3 ). Generally , 3D printing has several potential merits in terms of reducing lead time , ensuring consistent quality , allowing for flexible design and saving workers . For example , piping spools require many construction steps such as cutting and welding . When 3D printing is used , these steps could be drastically reduced . When we use the large-scale 3D printing to make equipment and structures , we can achieve involving less workers . From vendors ’ point of view , vendors manufacture products at their factories . After the manufacturing is completed , these products are shipped for a 1 or 2-month period . This manufacturing process , including shipment , is repeated . So , we need to consider the shipping period in the EPC schedule . In the future , when the products are manufactured by 3D printing , the 3D data could be sent directly to the construction site . The shipping period may not be necessary with 3D data . We do not think that all manufacturing methods will be completely changed to 3D printing . We expect that the best combination of vendor manufacturing and vendor 3D data sent to the construction site will be a key point in the future to reduce the lead time of products for the construction site . From the end-users ’ point of view , they have started using 3D printing for several parts in timely maintenance due to supply chain considerations , and end-users also have a need for pressure vessels manufactured by 3D printing . So , we need to respond to end-user needs from the EPC side .
New challenges : standardizing identification codes in JIP33
Before JIP33 , we had many different specifications project by project , and we repeated vendor technical bid evaluations using the different specifications . This proved to be an inefficient approach for end-users , EPCs and vendors . After JIP33 , we have the standardizing procurement specifications regardless of project . There are no more different specifications project by project and end-user by end-user . This could be efficient approach for all parties . For manual valves , we have the standardizing procurement specifications for gate and ball valves in JIP33 now . Such as gate and ball valves , we basically call bulk valves as a common word . Bulk valves mean same designed valves , but not one by one design such as pressure vessels . Imagine how many bulk valves will be purchased in one PJ ? Normally around total 10,000 bulk , which are not all the same . Depending on valve type , size and rating , the number of bulk valves is different . And they ’ re not purchased all at once , the purchasing will be done step by step such as 1st purchase order and 2nd purchaser order depend on the EPC detailed schedule . So , bulk valve purchasing is very complicated and difficult to manage for EPCs and vendors . To improve this situation and for more effective use of JIP33 , we need one more function for real procurement and management with JIP33 . This could be Standardizing Identification Code ( Standard ID ) ( see Fig . 4 ). Now the purchasing specifications are standardizing but IDs are not standardizing . This may be inefficient for real procurement with JIP33 . So , the solution could be to propose
Figure 4 . Standardizing identification code . Image courtesy of JGC Corporation .
standard ID for bulk valves in JIP33 as a new function . Standard ID will be a uniform code for all projects with each valve having a designated standard ID . Same valve will have same standard ID always . Then , we could manage each bulk valve simply by standard ID . We expect that all bulk valves as per JIP33 standardizing procurement specifications could be linked by standard ID . Standard ID will be marked on the actual bulk valves , and we can see real JIP33 valves by standard ID . While this is still just a general concept , this may prove to be a tremendous challenge in the future . But the efficiencies through standardizations will be a demand in oil and gas industry in general . Therefore , standard ID could be on trend . And standard ID has a potential to apply to other bulk materials such as pipes , fittings and flanges . To achieve them , communication with end-users , EPCs , and vendors is an important key point . www . valve-world . net Valve World March 2024
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