AS_01_2020

tecnica 93 OIL & GAS sures were established following the material rating of Inconel 625 forging ASTM B 564-17 UNS N06625 (that is 20 Bar at room temperature): - anti-static design test (as per EN 12266-2 Test reference F21), - hydrostatic seat pressure test at 22 Bar (as per ISO 5208 Rate A), - pneumatic seat test - at 6 Bar (as per ISO 5208 Rate A), - functional test - 5 cycles in which the valve was operated under pressure, - disc strength test at 30 Bar (as per EN 12266-2 Test reference P20 Type test). The results of the tests were all satisfactory. The valve disc was disassembled and cut into specimens for mate- rial characterisation. The specimens were analysed by an external accredited laboratory. The following tests were executed: - tensile test at room temperature, - tensile test at high temperature (400 °C), - impact test at room temperature, - impact test at low temperature (-196 °C), - micrographic examination. The specimens were analysed by comparing the results obtained with ASTM B 564-17 UNS N06625: - tensile test results show a yield strength and tensile strength in compliance with ASTM B 564-17 UNS N06625 requirements; - impact test results show an absorbed energy higher than 27 J both at room temperature and at -196 °C. Micrographic examination indicates an austenitic microstructure and microstructure free from micro fissures. Conclusions The above case study validates the technical feasibility of 3D printing application and in this fourth industrial revolution era, additive manufacturing offers a big opportunity to reduce O&M costs in industrial plants and to ensure the development of man- ufacturing processes. The major challenge is to integrate these technologies into existing plants without disruption, creating a new business model to increase the value of all project stakeholders and the necessity to define a standardisation for additive manufacturing techniques in the Oil & Gas sector. Materials used on the Oil & Gas market are in accordance with predefined international standards, and the lack of standards for additive manufacturing is limiting this material use in situ. Nevertheless, the Oil & Gas industry is recognising the disrup- tive potential of this manufacturing technology, and as such several resources are now invested in the definition of interna- tional standards for material characterisation and process qual- ity control. In adjacent markets (i.e. aerospace), additive manufacturing is already normed, thus giving good future perspectives for the devel- opment of such standards relevant to the Oil & Gas market.