Manufacturing and assembly inspection verifies, throughout fabrication, that equipment is built and installed in line with the purchase order, the technical specification and the applicable standards. FKT NDT provides independent inspection on the client’s behalf for fabrications such as pressure equipment, piping and steel structures, so that defects are found before the equipment reaches site and is commissioned.
A material or welding defect caught during fabrication costs far less time and money to correct than the same defect found on site. For critical equipment in particular, manufacturing inspection directly helps protect the project schedule and budget.
What We Inspect
- Pressure vessels, tanks and boilers
- Process piping and pipelines
- Steel structures and welded assemblies
- Lifting and conveying equipment
- Plant equipment assembled on site
How the Inspection Level Is Set
The level of inspection depends directly on the equipment concerned, the purchase order requirements and the national and international technical specifications and standards that apply. It is reviewed with the client so that both parties’ expectations are fully understood.
Depending on the criticality assigned to each material or item, a pre-production and/or pre-inspection meeting is held. At this meeting all parties discuss the inspection scope, inspection locations and communication channels, and agree on the inspection programme proposed in the Quality Control Plan.
These services follow the second- and third-party inspection approach described in our surveillance services.
What the Inspection Includes
At the stages defined in the Quality Control Plan, typical checks include:
- Materials: conformity of material certificates with the order and standard; material traceability.
- Welding: review of welding procedures and welder qualifications; visual inspection during and after welding.
- Dimensions: dimensional and tolerance checks against approved drawings.
- Non-destructive testing: to the extent and by the methods the specification requires, for example ultrasonic inspection and radiographic examination. See non-destructive testing for other methods.
- Pressure and functional tests: witnessing hydrostatic or pneumatic tests and functional tests.
- Coating and final inspection: paint and coating checks, marking, packing and pre-shipment final inspection.
- Documentation: checking that the manufacturing record book is complete against the order requirements.
Report and Follow-up
After each inspection visit, a report is issued covering the checks performed, results and any non-conformities. Non-conformities are communicated clearly to the manufacturer and the client, corrective actions are tracked and re-inspection is carried out where needed.
By assigning technical experts with the necessary experience and certification in the regions where fabrication takes place, we aim to provide effective service at a reasonable cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between manufacturing inspection and periodic inspection?
Manufacturing inspection verifies compliance while equipment is being built and installed. Periodic inspection assesses whether it remains safe to use at intervals once it is in service.
What is a Quality Control Plan?
A plan showing which checks are performed at which stages of fabrication, by whom and against which acceptance criteria. Inspection points are set according to this plan.
When is third-party manufacturing inspection needed?
It is typically used for critical equipment, when working with a new manufacturer, or when the order or specification calls for independent inspection.
Contact us to discuss your manufacturing and assembly inspection needs.