How and Why to Verify the Quality of Oil & Gas Piping Materials Before They Reach Project Site

In critical industries like Oil and Gas and Chemical quality shouldn’t be discovered after material reaches the construction site. A quality supplier with proven records and industrial reliability solves the major concern on quality. A structured process in different stages, from manufacturer and raw material selection, dimensional verification, mechanical and chemical requirements, NDE and other testing requirements, packaging, Storing and shipping every process has to be inspected and monitored closely to make sure a full compliance to project requirements.

Basic Material verification process starts with its Product type, Size, Schedule / wall thickness, Pressure class, Material grade, End connection, applicable standards and specifications etc. this does not alone confirm that the material is fully compliant, hence we further verify other factors including

1. Heat number Traceability
   Heat numbers connect the physical material to its manufacturing and test documentation. Traceability is particularly important for critical oil & gas applications.
2. Material Test Certificate Review
   The MTC EN10204 3.1/3.2 along applicable conformity certificates based on the nature of materials are to be confirmed and reviewed against applicable specification.
   Depending on the product, usage and its specifications, this can include:
   • Chemical composition
   • Mechanical properties
   • Heat treatment
   • Tensile strength
   • Yield strength
   • Elongation
   • Impact testing
   • Hardness
   • Corrosion testing
3. Dimensional Inspections
   Dimensional checks and techniques may vary based on the materials but in general this include
   • Outside and Inside diameter
   • Wall thickness
   • Overall length
   • Flange dimensions
   • Bore Size
   • Face-to-face dimensions
   • Bevel angles/dimensions
   • Construction geometry
4. PMI – Positive Material Identification
   Positive Material Identification – PMI testing can be used to verify alloy composition and help confirm that the material supplied corresponds to the specified grade. This is very particularly performed for alloy and stainless steel materials.
5. NDE and Other Testings
   Depending on the specification and project requirements inspection can involve:
   • Hydrostatic testing
   • Ultrasonic testing
   • Radiographic testing
   • Magnetic particle testing
   • Liquid penetrant testing
   • Hardness testing

   Not every product has to go through all the testing, based on the criticality, material grade and application we perform various mandatory and supplementary requirements. To ensure on the quality and we strictly implement and follow an Inspection test plan in line with ASTM/ASME/API and other project specifications and purchase requirements.

6. Final Documentation
   Along with the physical product it’s mandatory to complete final set of documentation, this includes an MDB along with Material Test Certificates, Inspection Reports, NDE reports, Material Summary and Heat number traceability record.

Quality is a continued process performed stage wise throughout the manufacturing process.