Arc Energy gains ASME U2 approval

Gloucestershire, UK-based weld overlay cladding and fabrication specialist Arc Energy Resources has announced it has recently obtained an ASME U2 Stamp.

The company is now the only weld overlay cladding specialist in the UK with ISO 3834-2 certification from the European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting (EWF) and certified for welding and fabrication to ASME VIII Division 2.

ASME

ASME is the leading international developer of Codes and Standards for mechanical engineering, issuing its first Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code in 1914.

The association's Codes and Standards have since grown to nearly 600.

The new certification complements Arc Energy’s long standing ASME VIII Division 1 Stamp for the manufacture of unfired pressure vessels and components.

What the stamp means for Arc Energy

Arc Energy Resources’ ASME U2 Stamp neatly supports the company’s specialised weld overlay cladding service, as the company can offer a comprehensive service that incorporates all aspects of welding and fabrication to code.

Arc Energy is now one of only seven companies in the UK with the certification, and of the six other companies approved to ASME VIII Division 2 four are existing clients of Arc Energy Resources, and this approval will help to nurture the good working relationships between the various organisations.

How it works

ASME U and U2 Stamp holders who require welded or clad components for inclusion into their vessels or equipment can only obtain such items from other companies with the relevant stamp.

Because of this, in the short period since obtaining certification, Arc Energy has produced a number of U2 parts for items such as pig launching and retrieval systems, enclosures and doors, blind flanges and nozzles. Arc Energy is also capable of producing complete vessels.

The more stringent Division 2 code is required for vessels where systems are running at higher pressures. Division 1 vessels are usually designed to work at pressures up to 3000 psi, where as the additional demands of Division 2 allow for design to pressures as high as 10 000psi.

Typically, both types are being used by Arc Energy Resources’ customers in the oil and gas and related industries.

When producing Division 2 vessels, Arc Energy becomes responsible for verifying the customers design brief and responsibility extends to verification of all potential load cases including seismic, wind, snow and other issues, as well as the effect of thermal stress and cyclic loading.

Gaining the certification

Explaining the work involved in gaining the certification, Technical and Quality Director Neil Cook says that during months of preparation, authorised inspectors from Arc Energy’s chosen authorisation inspection agency visited the factory to ensure that the company’s procedures and processes were strictly to code.

The audit itself took six ‘man-days’, with three auditors at the Arc Energy site in Eastington for two days. During the audit, Arc Energy successfully demonstrated design and production of a complete test pressure vessel.

Arc Energy’s other accreditations include ISO 9001: Quality Management System; ISO 3834-2: Welding Management System; ISO 14001: Environment Management System; OHSAS 18001: Occupational Health and Management System and Investors in People Bronze.

Commenting, Neil says: “The ASME U2 Stamp reflects the company’s commitment to developing its service for our clients in every aspect of the business and reinforces our capability to support clients with highly qualified and knowledgeable welding staff.”

Edited from source by Elizabeth Corner

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/04062014/arc_energy_gains_asme_u2_approval/