Early 2021, the world’s first ever pressure-containing component to be produced using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology was successfully ran on TotalEnergies’ EIG Elgin-Franklin rig in the North Sea. This safety-critical component, which is 1.2 m high and weighs 220 kg, was designed by Vallourec.
We recently met with Edwige Ravry, Additive Manufacturing Lead at TotalEnergies Manufacturing, who explained how this project came about. Discover the full interview down below.
In this interview, Edwige Ravry discusses the collaborative project between TotalEnergies and Vallourec, the 3D-printing technologies used and the next steps in this partnership.
Edwige highlights why they chose to work with Vallourec for this project and how this 3D-printed Waterbushing is a first not only for TotalEnergies but also for the entire energy industry.
She concludes by analyzing the impact of 3D-printing and WAAM on TotalEnergies' supply chain and the role Vallourec could play in it.
I'm convinced that 3D printing, and WAAM in particular, will disrupt our supply chain in the coming few years [...] I’m sure TotalEnergies and Vallourec will work hand-in-hand on many more exciting opportunities for the future.
Edwige Ravry Additive Manufacturing Lead at TotalEnergies