DeutschAntonius secures ASME certification renewal
Antonius has recently renewed its ASME certification, reaffirming its commitment to quality and excellence. This certification ensures compliance with international standards and confirms our reputation as one of the leadings manufacturers of vessel heads in Europe. In this article, we explore the journey in renewing our ASME certification, the challenges faced, the impact of the certification, and its strategic importance for the company.
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) certification is essential for Antonius, representing adherence to the highest standards of quality and safety in the industry.
“It is a signpost,” noted Maurice Salden, Welding Engineer and one of two staff members responsible for leading the renewal of the certification, “indicating that we have our quality well under control and can meet the strictest requirements in the market. Many clients in the oil and gas industry require components that meet ASME standards but clients from other markets appreciate the focus on quality control.”
Renewing our ASME Certification
Renewing ASME certification is rigorous and involves several key steps. Antonius began by updating its quality manual, a comprehensive document outlining all work processes to ensure they align with ASME standards. The quality manual is the cornerstone of the ASME certification process:
“We started by revising our quality manual at the end of 2023,” shares Maurice, “making sure every procedure was documented and up to date with the latest ASME codes. We also conducted internal audits to catch and fix any issues before the official audit and ensure that we impress the inspector with the quality of our work.”
The actual audit process spanned two days and involved a detailed evaluation by an ASME team leader, an Authorized Inspector from Lloyds Register Quality Assurance, and a supervisor. “The first day of the audit started with a closed meeting with the ASME representative, our Authorized Inspector, and a third person, a supervisor,” explained Maurice. “They go through the manual to get an idea of how Antonius works and whether it meets the code. The second day is more hands-on, with them visiting the site and speaking with our staff to determine if what we do in practice matches what is written in the manual. They ask questions and we have to demonstrate that we work according to the manual.”
Challenges Faced During the Process
One of the biggest challenges was keeping up with the frequently changing ASME codes and ensuring that all staff are well-versed in the ASME requirements and that processes align with these standards. Each is a significant challenge.
“Keeping up with the changing codes is no small feat. We have to continuously update our processes and ensure everyone is trained on the latest standards. But the most challenging aspect is ensuring thorough preparation so that everything runs smoothly during the two-day audit. If something goes wrong, it can cost a lot of money and effort to rectify.
But it was a great success, in the end, the team leader from ASME had some nice words to say. He said we are a high-quality organization and was very impressed with the knowledge and commitment to quality of all the staff he met while doing his inspection.”
Focus on Welding and Non-Destructive Testing
Welding and non-destructive testing (NDT) are critical components of the ASME certification. Antonius employs a range of welding techniques, including MIG and TIG welding, to ensure the highest quality of their products. “This certification only applies if welding is involved in the construction of the vessel. Our core activity is welding, so ensuring high-quality welding is essential and we use NDT methods, such as radiographic testing, to detect any defects in welds. We make a demo vessel head for the audit if no orders are in production at the time. This ensures we can demonstrate our compliance with ASME standards during the audit.”
ASME certification also involves strict adherence to material and manufacturing standards. Antonius complies with ASME Section VIII, Division 1 and Division 2 standards, which govern the construction of pressure vessels. Antonius is now certified for parts fabrication without design responsibility for ASME Section VIII, Division 1 and Division 2.
Maintaining ASME Certification
Maintaining ASME certification is an ongoing commitment for Antonius. The company conducts regular internal audits and continuously updates its quality manual to reflect the latest ASME standards. “Every few years, we have to ensure that our manual is updated with the latest code editions. This involves a lot of preparation and continuous improvement. But it’s necessary, as it’s an entry ticket to the market. It proves that clients can trust that our products meet the highest standards. This certification gives them peace of mind.”
The renewal of ASME certification is a significant milestone for Antonius, reinforcing our dedication to quality and excellence. This certification not only underlines the company’s market reputation but also opens up new business opportunities and ensures compliance with international standards. Antonius’s commitment to maintaining high standards and continuous improvement is evident in its meticulous approach to the certification process.
Would you like to know more about Antonius’ capabilities and services? Please contact our sales team via sales@antonius.nl or call +31(0)475 439 000. Our engineers are happy to tell you more about our options in terms of manufacturing time, specifications, and costs. Our certifications can, of course, be reviewed by visiting our certification page.
