The ‘R’ stamp is issued by The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors for the alterations or repairs of steam boilers. This certification helps ensure that such alterations or repairs are only done by capable fabricators who can meet the requirements of the code. It is the responsibility of the owner or user of the pressure vessel to secure proper compliance and work with a certified repair organization and an authorized inspector.
The ASME R-stamp requirements start with the detail in the code. Summarized from the NBIC (National Board Inspection Code) standards:
When a pressure vessel or boiler needs repair, alteration or rerating, an R-stamp may be required by the jurisdiction, or, by the owner / user. When the standard governing the original construction is the ASME code, repairs and alterations to pressure-retaining items shall conform, insofar as possible, to the section and edition of the ASME code most applicable to the work planned.
Essentially, any repairs to the pressure zones on tanks require an R-Stamp. A code repair is when a vessel’s “pressure boundary” needs repair. This could either be a cooling/heating jacket or the tank itself. A ‘non-code’ repair is when the non-pressure area of a tank needs repairing.
Alterations and retrofits may also require R-Stamp certification. Experienced certified repair organizations are qualified to determine which elements of the repair or modifications will require R-Stamp certifications.
Our Field Service team is R-Stamp certified. Apache will also provide all compliance addendum documentation required for ASME repairs of modifications in the field. Depending on the size of the vessel and complexity of the repair, Apache’s service techs may be able to make repairs on-site, but in some cases tanks or vessels are shipped back to the factory for repair or modification.
Apache vessel / tank field services:
- Field service and troubleshooting to all types of stainless and high alloy tanks
- ASME / National Board R-Stamp repair and modifications
- Surface finish repairs
- Non-code repairs and modifications including piping and heat transfer jackets
- Seal and agitation repairs and modifications
- Accessory repairs
- Head and tank shell repairs
- Leak detection
- Audit and service contract available
- Relocate fittings
- Re-rating pressures on tanks
Apache’s Field Service Technicians are fully certified ASME welders. For over 40 years, Apache has continued to maintain rounds of audits and inspections from ASME compliance and safety professionals that speak to the consistency of the welders and the effectiveness of the quality control department.
Apache manufactures tanks and vessels for compliance and regulated industries, including pharmaceutical, food and beverage, petrochemical, biofuels, chemical and life science. We hold these certifications: ASME U Certificate, ASME UM Certificate, National Board of Boiler & Pressure Inspectors R Certificate, and National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Authorization to Register Certificate.
