OREANDA-NEWS. On 08 June 2009 was announced, that authorized auditor of the American Petroleum Institute (API) Andrey Tovmachenko recommended to API that the term of the licenses granted to Vyksa Steel Works (VSW, Nizhni Novgorod Region), part of United Metallurgical Company (OMK), to use the API official monogram on its pipes produced to the API standards should be extended until 2012. The recommendation was given according to the results of the audit of VSW’s Quality Management System for Pipe Production conducted by API during April 13-17, 2009. In the course of the audit of VSW’s facilities for the production of small-, medium-, and large-diameter pipes, Central Laboratory, and some other divisions, API evaluated the process for development of new pipes, manufacturing processes, quality control for metal and finished pipes, interaction with suppliers and customers, industrial and labor safety, personnel training and competence, and other processes. The audit showed that VSW can manufacture pipes for the oil and gas sector in full compliance with the latest modifications of API Spec 5CT and API Spec 5L.

In 1994, VSW was given its first API certificate and licenses to use the API official monogram on its pipes. The VSW production of casings and tubings were certified to API Spec 5 CT. The АРI Spec 5L Certificate was granted for pipes designed for long-distance gas- and oil pipelines. The API certificates enable OMK to participate in major international biddings for the supply of its pipes and expand its presence in international markets for pipes designed for the oil and gas sectors.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is a U.S.-based national non-governmental organization specializing in research and regulation of activities pertaining to the oil and gas industry. One of API’s key areas of activity is development of standards for equipment quality and safe operation. API maintains more than 500 standards and recommendations covering all segments of the oil and gas industry.