Published on January 8, 2025

This year, BSP celebrated its 95th year anniversary since the discovery of its first commercial oil.While this rich history is an amazing milestone to the company, it also presents unique challenges, particularly in managing aging infrastructure and equipment. 

The potential of increased production in the Darat asset was hindered by the obsolescence of critical parts for legacy equipment. Specifically, the procurement of Beam Pumps parts had become a bottleneck. This delay impacted production and operational efficiency. 

3D Printed vs Original T Bolt

To address this issue, BSP’s operations and maintenance team, in collaboration with the central technology team, embarked on a pioneering initiative: the adaptation of 3D printing technology. By leveraging the 4Ds Technology Maturation Process - Discover, Develop, Demonstrate and Deploy, the team identified 3D printing as a promising solution to overcome the limitations of traditional procurement methods. 

A cross-functional team, comprising of the Darat team, central technology team, Supply Chain Management and external vendors, worked harmoniously to bring these innovative solutions to life. Through frequent consultations with frontline teams, the team gained valuable insights into equipment failure modes and maintenance philosophies. This understanding was crucial in identifying the suitable parts for 3D printing and ensuring their compatibility with existing system. 

3D Printed Saddle

The successful deployment of the first 3D-printed part marked a significant milestone for BSP. This innovation not only addressed the issue of spare parts obsolescence but also paved way for the future applications of 3D printing across the company.  

By reducing procurement lead times from nine months to a mere two weeks, BSP was able to safeguard production. 

By embracing cutting edge technologies, BSP is not only addressing the challenges of aging infrastructure but also positioning itself for a sustainable future in the energy industry. 

Installed T Bolt supporting Counter Weight

 

Centre Bearing Assembly with 3D Printed Saddle part