Objective

This document describes the pipe mill qualification service of DNV. This service is based on the requirements to line pipe manufacture in DNV-ST-F101.

Following the same principles, the qualification of coating application can be carried out according to DNV-RP-F106.

DNV deliverable

The key DNV deliverable is a statement of conformity (SoC) upon successful completion of the qualification program. The SoC is valid on the date of issuance, and lists the parameters (ID, WT, steel grade, coating system, design temperature etc) that define the scope of the qualification.

DNV shall also issue a verification report, where all DNV activities are summarised. The conclusion – qualification successful or not – shall be presented. In addition, DNV shall give a general assessment of the pipe mill/coating yard and the qualification project. This assessment is detailed in site visit reports.

Motivation

The market for offshore pipelines demands rigorous quality. The required quality for offshore line pipe is set by leading standards such as DNV-ST-F101. DNV provides solutions to assist pipe mills in documenting that their product meets the requirements of DNV-ST-F101.

There are several reasons for a pipe mill to carry out a DNV qualification:

— pre-qualification for a pipeline project

— the client requires a SoC before the pipe mill can enter the tender phase

— a SoC may substitute for project references

— a SoC may be used in commercial negotiations and for marketing purposes.

Line pipe purchasers will benefit from this DNV service:

— an objective and independent assessment of pipe mill/coating yard capabilities will be available, limiting project risk

— the procedures and production practices will be of high quality, due to the DNV review and monitoring activities. This will minimise the time required to start the production after contract signing.

DNV provide proactive feedback and guidance as far as possible. The qualification process is an opportunity to get DNV assistance to bring mill procedures and practices up to a high-quality level.

Limitations

A SoC does not exempt the pipe mill/coating yard from carrying out a full project-specific qualification according to DNV-ST-F101 or DNV-RP-F106 at the start of a pipeline project.

This qualification service does not apply to plate mills. All requirements in DNV-ST-F101 are to the finished pipe, and are not applicable to plates. However, the plate production shall be monitored as part of the manufacture of welded pipes.

Components (valves, fittings etc) and activities taking place during other phases (installation, commissioning) are not covered by this document.

DNV will only monitor a qualification production as a part of this service, not a full scale production. There are questions and concerns particularly related to large scale productions, different from the concerns during a small qualification production, that will not be covered by DNV as part of the qualification project. This can be related to production capacity, storage capacity, stability of production over long time and information handling in the quality control department and administration.