> printing a 3D model, submitting an order for the parts, and sending the documentation to the field. Hahaha. No, let me talk you through it (assuming we are t

> printing a 3D model, submitting an order for the parts, and sending the documentation to the field. Hahaha. No, let me talk you through it (assuming we are talking new technology, as opposed to a small refinement of existing stuff): Engineer sits at his desk/wherever and has an idea for some equipment. We're at TRL 0 (following API 17N). Engineer spends some time demonstrating and documenting how it's likely that this solution will work, possibly involving CFD and/or FEM work. We're at TRL 1. Engineer gets a simple scale model built, and the scale model is laboratory tested to prove that the concept is likely to work. We're at TRL 2. Engineer gets a (downscaled and/or simplified) prototype built and tested over a limited range of operating conditions. We're at TRL 3. Engineer (but really, now we're talking the company) gets a first full scale version built, and this is tested at realistic operating conditions. TRL 4. The full scale version is integrated with the actual system which it will be running in. TRL 5. This is basically "first deployment", and you've probably spent a few hundred thousand dollars at this point, if not much more. Your first deployment case has run for an extended period of time under a range of real conditions. TRL 6. The solution is now proven, and can be promoted to other facilities that don't want to be the first adopter. Your technology has run for a significant amount of time at several installations under a wide range of conditions. The technology is now proven. TRL 7.