Selecting an industrial services company for pipe fabrication is one of the most important decisions a company can make with regard to the safety and quality of their pipeline project. However, it may also be a difficult decision to reach since each potential company will likely be presenting themselves in the most favorable way possible. Fortunately there are objective measures of quality and success and one of the most important of these is ASME certification.
What Is ASME and The ASME Certification?
ASME is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. It was founded over 130 years ago by a group of leading engineers and industrialists who were concerned about the number of accidents in industrial settings and were committed to making the industry safer. They did this by establishing an environment of collaboration, where the exchange of skills and knowledge could take place, and by developing a set of codes and standards.
Today ASME is a highly respected global organization. It’s legacy of codes and standards is the foundation upon which ASME certification rests. In order for an industrial facility to be ASME certified it much reach the codes and standards that have been carefully developed, reviewed, and agreed upon by the ASME organization of professionals.
Why Is ASME Certification Important for Pipe Fabrication?
ASME certification is important for a variety of reasons to many industrial services and applications. However, it is particularly important for industrial pipe fabrication and pressure vessels. That is because these crucial pieces of industrial equipment are under a massive amount of operational pressure and typically contain extremely volatile, corrosive, hazardous, or even explosive substances. A failure of the piping could lead to catastrophic results. Fortunately, however, industrial piping is generally considered quite safe and ASME certification and other quality and safety standards, are in large part responsible. ASME certification is important for pipe fabrication in the following ways:
Quality Standards – ASME certification ensures that the industrial facility has met all crucial quality standards mandated by ASME. This in turn ensures that the finished piping will have consistent, dependable quality. Certification process consist of rigorous ASME shop compliance documentation with on site audits performed internally and externally by qualified ASME inspectors. Physical audit of documentation, procedures and shop adherence are performed every 3 years.
Safety Standards – Many industrial companies operate in multiple states or even multiple countries. Typically each state or country will have its own particular set of safety regulations and requirements which may differ from each other. ASME certification ensures that regardless of where the facility is operating it meets ASME’s safety standards.
Continuing Quality – Another important element of the ASME organization is continuing education as well as periodic inspection of facilities as mentioned above. This commitment to continuing quality ensures all future work to be performed will continue to meet ASME’s safety and quality standards.
ASME certification is only one part of evaluating a potential industrial services company; however, it is an extremely important part and should not be overlooked. The type of effort to obtain and keep this certification adds credibility and establishes total company commitment to quality. In addition to ASME certification it is important to consider the company’s reputation, production capabilities, commitment to service, quality, and safety, and willingness to go the extra mile to meet client needs and demands. STI Group is proud to hold ASME’s “U,” “S,” and NBIC “R” stamps and is dedicated to providing our clients with outstanding industrial services.
