ASME Section VIII Div.1 Vessels for India 1

[SG12345]

I was wondering if anyone has experience fabrating ASME Sect. VIII, Div.1 vessels for export to India. I know that India has its own set of Boiler regulation laws. I also know that many companies in India(more than 80) are authorized to adorn the U stamp to their vessels. It would seem that the regulatory body for pressure vessels in India would recognize ASME Section VIII, Div.1 based on this fact. This being said, India does export a great deal of manufactured equipment and is a former British colony so it's possible that companies in India use the 'U' for export only. As a North American manufacturer, are there any pitfalls my company shuold be aware of in regards to building ASNME Section VIII vessels for India?

 

[gr2vessels]

U-stamp is meaningless in India, it has only meaning for insurance companies of large industrial sites. The regulatory body in India doesn't have authority inside the industrial site over the pressure equipment, it is the owner responsibility. The only thing under regulatory body's jurisdiction is the fuel storage on site.
The Indian code has many afiliations towards Australian standard, but it fully recognises the ASME VIII code (except the U-stamp). It is the Client specification of extremely detailed requirements rather the regulatory body to be complied with. They are very good on pressure equipment design and manufacture, far better than many western companies. Inspection, testing is second to none. Accordingly, their expectations are high.
Very dificult to deal with their engineers, the fear of losing position will paralyse them, rendering usually unable to take /make decisions (no decision if far better option than the wrong one). The approval of a small design requires endless number of signatures, every one passing the buck to someone else.
Otherwise they pay correctly, in time.
Cheers,
gr2vessels

 

[SG12345]

Thanks for the info gr2. Interestingly, we haven't received any specs from the client. This should prove to be interesting.

 

[LSThill]

SG12345 (Mechanical)

Project Manage Team QA/QC Company/Vendor visit to the supplier's factory:
RE: ASME Certificate Holder Search

https://caconnect.asme.org/CertificateHolderSearch.aspx

• Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Bombay, India, June 2004 thru July 2005
• Vijay Tanks & Vessels Limited, Brouda, India., June 2004 thru July 2005
•
1. To assure the compliance of the equipment in accordance with the
technical specifications, control of delivery dates, manufacturing
status, etc.
2. Issue of the detailed Expediting/Inspection Report including material
certificates, technical details, etc and finally a conclusion of the
suitability of inspected equipment in accordance with the quality and
delivery terms required from the final client.
3. Witnessing of several different kind of tests

 

[innovation2]

I agree with gr2vessels that it can be difficult to work with the engineers in India. We have had similiar experiences.

One thing to look out for is the IBR. Get it in writting from the end user that your vessel is not subject to the regulations of the IBR.