OREANDA-NEWS. March 27, 2012. Vyksa Steel Works (VSW, Nizhni Novgorod Region), part of United Metallurgical Company (OMK), has confirmed compliance of its Quality Management System for Pipe Production with the requirements of Q1, 5L, and 5CT specifications of the American Petroleum Institute (API). A recertification audit was conducted at VSW in February this year.

In the course of the audit of the VSW facilities for the production of large-, medium-, and small-diameter pipes, the auditors evaluated the pipe production in accordance with the requirements of API 5L and 5CT specifications, the metal and pipe quality control system, interaction with suppliers and customers, industrial and occupational safety, and personnel training and proficiency. In addition, API representatives studied the product should process and pipe production technology based on new steel grades K55, R95, and L80(1).

Based on the audit results, the auditors noted the high level of VSW’s personnel proficiency and pipe production process. As a result, API will recommend that the license for VSW to use the API official monogram on its pipes, including those made of steels K55, R95, and L80(1) produced in accordance with the requirements of API 5L and API 5CT specifications, be extended until 2015.

In 1995, Vyksa Steel Works received its first API Certificate and licenses to use the API official monogram on its pipes. VSW casing pipes and oil-well tubings were certified to API Spec 5 CT, while pipes designed for long-distance gas pipelines and oil pipelines were certified to API Spec 5L. The API certificates enable United Metallurgical Company to participate in major international biddings for pipe supply and expand its representation 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.