Quality
Quality, testing and traceability
Every flange we ship can be traced from its stamped lot number to the certificate, the test results and the raw material heat it came from. Here is how our quality system works and who certifies it.
Certifications
| Certificate | Scope |
|---|---|
| ISO 9001:2015 quality management system | Manufacture and supply of forgings, fittings, flanges, ERW pipes and machined components as per customer specifications; supply/trading of fasteners. Initial certification 14 Jul 2020. |
| PED 2014/68/EU quality assurance system for manufacturer of materials | Manufacturing of flanges, fittings, forged bars and seamless pipes. Audited to Directive 2014/68/EU, Annex I, point 4.3; EN 764-5 clause 4.2 and AD 2000-Merkblatt W0. |
| NORSOK M-650 Ed. 4 qualification of manufacturers of special materials | Duplex UNS S32205 and super duplex UNS S32750 to NORSOK M-630 Ed. 6, MDS D43, D44, D53 and D54. Wrought fittings and flanges. |
Select a certificate image to view it full size. Certificates can be verified with the issuing bodies.
How quality is controlled
These are the steps of our documented QA/QC procedure, in the order a flange goes through them.
- Raw material. Bar, plate and pipe are bought from established mills with mill test certificates. Stores and QA check quantity and quality on arrival and log them in the incoming inspection register. Random samples go to NABL-accredited laboratories and the results are compared with the mill certificate. Material that does not match is rejected and returned.
- Heat number transfer. Before manufacturing starts, every piece is stamped with its heat number, and the stock book is updated as material is issued.
- Production. The workshop supervisor works from drawings and job sheets issued by the production manager. Forging dies are checked regularly and repaired or replaced when worn.
- Stage inspection. Visual inspection at each stage checks for cracks and other defects.
- Final inspection. Internal inspection reports cover 100% of the production quantity, with dimensions and tolerances checked against the standard.
- Testing. Samples from each lot are tested for chemistry and mechanical properties, in our own lab and at NABL-accredited laboratories. Stainless flanges get 100% PMI.
- Marking and certification. Passed goods are marked, stored by lot and issued with an EN 10204 3.1 certificate.
- Calibration. Measuring and test equipment is calibrated periodically and the records kept.
In-house testing
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Universal testing machine, FIE UTE-40, 400 kN, with electronic extensometer | Tensile and yield strength, elongation, reduction of area |
| Hardness tester, FIE RAB250, Rockwell cum Brinell | Hardness, for example the A105 limit of 197 HBW |
| PMI analyser, Bruker | Positive material identification of alloy grade |
| Dye penetrant testing | Surface crack detection |
| Ultrasonic thickness gauge | Wall thickness checks |


Marking and traceability
Each flange is hard stamped with RIC, the material specification, grade, size and class, and the lot number printed on its certificate. We also have an ID marking machine for sizes up to 8 inches NB and an ID etching machine. A buyer, inspector or installer can read the flange and find its test results.

Third-party inspection
We have worked with third-party inspection agencies and consultants including Bureau Veritas India, SGS India, Tata Projects, Aker Kvaerner Powergas and Chemtex Global Engineers. Your nominated inspector is welcome at our works for stage or final inspection, and EN 10204 3.2 certificates can be issued with them.
Our PED certificate covers the quality assurance system for manufacturer of materials under Directive 2014/68/EU, Annex I point 4.3. See EN 1092-1 flanges.


