Conformity Assessment. Paul Lang & Mike Frediani ASME Perspective & Benefits February 2017

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1 Conformity Assessment Paul Lang & Mike Frediani ASME Perspective & Benefits February 2017

2 What Is ASME Conformity Assessment? The recognition of a company s or individual s capability to fulfill the requirements of an ASME standard in order to advance public safety and facilitate international commerce. M

3 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Construction Sections Service Sections Nuclear Sections 12 Sections 32 volumes 16,500 pages Updated every 2 years 3

4 Why ASME Conformity Assessment? Understanding the need for oversight 1914 Code The inspector representing the purchaser shall have free entry, at all times while work on the contract of the purchase is being performed All tests and inspection shall be made at the place of manufacture prior to shipment, unless otherwise specified. Part I Section I para. 61, (1914) Though the Standard incorporates quality at its core it is a Safety Code

5 Why ASME Conformity Assessment? The meaning behind Part I Section I para. 61 Even in 1914, the Society, Code Committee Developers and Engineers determined the need for oversight of the manufacturing process oversight ensures that guiding principles of the code: high quality and commitment to public safety are met.

6 Evolution of Conformity Assessment As the industry grew, insurance companies with a stake in insuring manufactured boiler and pressure vessels assumed the role of inspection along with jurisdictional authorities. Beginning of Third Party Inspection: an inspector independent of the manufacturer and the end purchaser. Objective: compliance to the code - Safety

7 Conformity Assessment Today P Pre-1968 ASME grants certification based on verified agreements between manufacturers & insurance companies Post-1968 ASME grants certification based on an established quality assurance program surveyed by ASME to ensure compliance.

8 Authorized Inspection Agencies Third-party inspection has been required by the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code since its inception Requirements defined in the ASME QAI-1 Standard for Authorized Inspection and RCI-1, Rules for Commissioned Inspectors AIAs required to be accredited by ASME since 1992 for nuclear applications and 1997 for boilers and pressure vessels

9 While protecting life and property is always the priority, from a quality standpoint, the ASME Code provides a framework for an organization to build consistent processes. It also provides a level playing field for all manufacturers, suppliers, and installers. ASME Certificate Holder

10 Boilers and pressure vessels are used all over the world in many different industries: 7,350 ASME Certified Companies 13,000 ASME Certificates Issued 75 Countries In order to ensure safety, quality, & operational efficiency of this equipment, regulations & codes have been developed, some of which require independent inspection & certification to achieve compliance.

11 The International Mark of Safety and Quality: What to Look for Certification Mark Certified by Name of Manufacturer Certification Designator U2 W (if arc or gas welded) RT (if radiographed) HT (if postweld heat treated) Pressure at temperature Max allowable working pressure Pressure at temperature Max allowable external working pressure [if specified; see Note (1)] Temperature at pressure Min. design metal temperature Manufacturer s serial number Year built

12 The ASME Advantage M The maturity of our Standards over 100 yrs. of consensus developed content that advances with technology and ensures high quality products and a commitment to overall public safety Globally recognized and Accepted Conformity Assessment requirements that aid manufacturers in the development and implementation of the Standard through a Quality System in the manufacturing of boilers, pressure vessels, and pressure piping, etc.

13 The ASME Advantage Third Party Oversight (Authorized Inspection Agencies) An inspection force, qualified through the National Board, ensuring compliance to the Standard and supporting the manufacturer s public commitment to quality and safety. There are currently 20 AIAs providing global services and 12 Jurisdictional Agencies. Expert Auditors Our qualified auditing force has over 22 years experience on average (per auditor) focusing on the auditing of ASME certification and accreditation programs.

14 ASME Committee Support System Board on Conformity Assessment CBPVCA CNC QAI BPE SC RTP SC Y14 SC ANDE QAI SC 27 ASME Conformity Assessment Committees 250+ ASME Committee Volunteers across all industries All participating in the vigorous protection of the ASME Mark!

15 Why Become an ASME Certificate Holder? How the assessment of conformity, and by whom, can have a significant impact on the level of confidence of purchasers and regulators on the results. P ASME Conformity Assessment has done and will continue to provide regulators (jurisdictions) and purchasers of products a high level of confidence that the item meet the requirements of the applicable standard, regardless of where in the world they were manufactured. *Item product, component, part, service

16 Why Become an ASME Certificate Holder? ASME is responsible for all assessments - Responsible for qualifying & certifying auditors - Procedures on conduct & annual training encourages that all assessments are performed in a consistent manner Uniform implementation of ASME Conformity Assessment Programs & integrity of ASME brand has resulted in wide acceptance by regulators and industry worldwide

17 Why Become an ASME Certificate Holder? Provides a means of remedy when a problem arises Due Process and Investigations Third party oversight of construction and are members of the ASME team performing the assessment - May entail additional program audits if CI performs oversight Regulators/National Board are actively involved in ASME s conformity assessment scheme and standards development activities

18 Why Become an ASME Certificate Holder? ASME Standards have a proven reliability ASME Standards are consensus standards Products/Services are supplied to internationally known standards

19 Why Become an ASME Certificate Holder Should not be viewed as a cost burden but rather a tool to: Cut cost through improved processes Aid or facilitate clear understanding of the requirements between Supplier, Purchaser, Government, Public Create a company culture centered around the achievement of quality Demonstrate compliance/conformity to a regulation/standard Advance public safety Access new markets

20 Benefits ASME Certification PUBLIC PURCHASERS Protects Public Safety & Welfare ASME CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS Supply chain management: Increase Choices Reduce Cost GOVERNMENT Supports policies on public safety & fair trade PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITATING TRADE OPEN/TRANSPARENT PROCESS MANUFACTURERS A trusted worldwide brand allowing access to a global market

21 Why Become an ASME Certificate Holder? Demonstrates your commitment to best practices, efficiency, and sustainability Provides confidence to owners and suppliers of the quality and safety of your products Achieves universally-recognized ASME conformity vs. self-declared conformity

22 Why Conformity Assessment? Conforming to the Standard Suppliers Self- Declaration of Conformity We bought the standard and follow it. ASME Conformity Assessment Accreditation and Certification Our company went through a rigorous certification process designed to validate that we meet the standard.

23 Why Conformity Assessment? Conforming to the Standard Suppliers Self- Declaration of Conformity We stand by the quality of our products ASME Conformity Assessment Accreditation and Certification Through the Conformity Assessment process: ASME, the National Board, Jurisdictions and AIA s stand behind the ASME Mark

24 ASME Shared Enforcement INSPECTION AGENCIES CERTIFICATE HOLDER JURISDICTIONS Shared protection of the ASME Mark NATIONAL BOARD

25 What if you don t Stamp? M Why Certify? The ASME Code is clear and specific regarding requirements for equipment certified in accordance with the standard. In contrast, there is no clear definition of what is intended when equipment is specified as fabricated or constructed to or in accordance with the ASME Code without stamping.* * To Stamp or Not to Stamp NB Bulletin Summer 2012

26 Implications for unstamped products No third-party inspection by an Authorized Inspector(s) ASME Code may be used for design, but fabrication requirements are not verified ASME Code may be used for only some of the fabrication activities Manufacturer has not demonstrated implementation of an ASME-compliant Quality Control System

27 Implications for unstamped products Inferior materials may be substituted for those required by the ASME BPV Code Procedures/Personnel used for NDE and/or welding may not be qualified to the requirements of the ASME Code The end user accepts and in most cases, unknowingly accepts, all the risk of the manufactured pressure retaining item for an unstamped product.

28 Reasons why companies don t stamp The Code s inspection requirements add unnecessary cost. Response: Third party inspection of critical pressure equipment is unavoidable. Ongoing Inspection improves the value of the product produced and reduces your risk. Critical to countering costs of employee turnover & revisions to the Code. It s difficult to find local certified manufacturers. Response: Over 7,350 accredited and authorized manufacturers listed on ASME.org website. 54% outside of the U.S. and growing!

29 Reasons why companies don t stamp Materials required by the ASME Code aren t available locally. Response: The code allows certified manufacturers to re-certify material to an ASME Code specification, provided that the minimum chemical and mechanical properties are met. However, materials specified in the Code have been proven in service. Substitution of inferior materials have serious implications on joining, FFS and useful life of pressure equipment assets.

30 Reasons why companies don t stamp There s no real difference between equipment that is stamped and equipment that isn t. Response: Ongoing 3 rd Party verification assures consistency in manufacturing and control of processes Verified design of welded joints and qualification of welding procedures and personnel (weld quality often sacrificed when stamping is waived) Records retained for a stamped product are indispensable for future asset repair, alteration or sale Assurance that your vessel fully complies with ASME Code

31 You will ultimately get what you pay for! If you re being promised equipment that s the same as certified, but at significant savings, you need to take a closer look at what you are purchasing Understanding the methods manufacturers use to cut costs is critical to understanding the importance of stamping Knowing these methods enable an end user to determine in advance which substitutions/sacrifices are acceptable.

32 Misuse of the Certification Mark: Case Study I P Company Purchased vessel and requested from the National Board the Manufacturer Data Report (MDR). Supplying the NB number on the pressure vessel nameplate. National Board Response There is no such NB number listed in our system. Company Supplies photo image of the nameplate to assist in obtaining the MDR.

33 Misuse of the Certification Mark

34 ASME Certification in Iran ASME currently does not issue Certifications to companies inside Iran. ASME is currently working with the US Government to be able to conduct business in Iran. ASME certification Holders outside Iran are not under constraint from ASME in providing stamped vessels to Iran ASME s current position is that the Certificate Holder is under their jurisdictional Laws in conducting business with Iran. Once ASME receives approval from US Government to conduct business in Iran, we will begin offering our Certification Programs to companies located within their jurisdictional borders.

35 Manufacturers want that Global recognition of their commitment to public safety and high quality. The best way is to certify your process For End Users the best overall value for the life of your purchased pressure retaining item is to purchase items bearing the ASME Certification Mark. Questions? Paul Lang / Michael Frediani langp@asme.org / fredianim@asme.org