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Quality Control & Inspection
Tested, Traceable Material on Every Order
As a supplier and stockist, our job is to make sure the material you receive is exactly what your specification and purchase order ask for. Every tube, pipe, fitting, flange and plate we supply comes from an established mill with a mill test certificate, is checked against that certificate before dispatch, and can be tested at an NABL-accredited laboratory or inspected by a third-party agency of your choice.
All material is supplied with test certificates as per the approved Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) for the order.
Our Quality Assurance Process
| Step | What We Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Sourcing | Material is bought from established mills and manufacturers, with a mill test certificate (MTC) for every heat. |
| 2. Incoming inspection | Heat numbers and markings are checked against the MTC, together with size, wall thickness, length and visual condition. Samples from each size are checked for chemical and physical properties at a government-approved (NABL-accredited) laboratory on a random basis. |
| 3. PMI | Positive Material Identification (PMI) of material before it is offered for inspection, to confirm the grade. |
| 4. Additional testing | Tests required by the specification or purchase order are arranged at the mill or at an NABL-accredited laboratory (see the list below). |
| 5. Client / third-party inspection | The client or its nominated inspection agency is called to inspect the material and witness tests where required. |
| 6. Packing & dispatch | After acceptance, material is marked, packed to standard or export requirements and dispatched with the full document set. |
Tests We Provide or Arrange
| Test | What It Checks | Typically For |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical analysis (spectro) | Composition against the grade limits | All materials |
| Tensile test | Tensile strength, yield strength, elongation | All materials |
| Hardness test | Brinell / Rockwell / Vickers hardness | Tubes, fittings, flanges; NACE orders |
| Flattening, flaring and flange tests | Ductility and weld soundness of tubes | Boiler and heat exchanger tubes |
| Bend test | Ductility of plates and welds | Plates, welded pipe |
| Charpy impact test | Toughness at low temperature | LTCS (A333, A420, A350 LF2), duplex |
| Hydrostatic test | Leak tightness under pressure | Pipes and tubes |
| Eddy current / ultrasonic test | Internal and surface defects | Tubes, seamless pipes, plates |
| Radiography | Weld quality | Welded pipes and fittings |
| Intergranular corrosion (IGC) test | Sensitisation, per ASTM A262 | Austenitic stainless steels |
| Pitting corrosion test | Pitting resistance, per ASTM G48 | Duplex, super duplex, 6Mo |
| Micro and macro examination | Microstructure, grain size, ferrite content | Stainless, duplex, alloy steel |
| Positive Material Identification (PMI) | Grade confirmation by XRF | All alloy materials |
| Dimensional and visual inspection | OD, wall, length, ends, surface finish | All products |
Tests are carried out as required by the product standard and the purchase order, either at the mill or at an NABL-accredited laboratory.
Certificates & Documents Supplied
- EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate, issued by the mill's inspection department
- EN 10204 3.2 certificate, countersigned by a third-party inspector or the purchaser's representative, on request
- IBR Form III-A / III-B for IBR pipes and IBR tubes
- NABL laboratory test reports for additional tests
- Third-party inspection reports and release notes
- NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 compliance for sour service, when ordered
- Heat treatment charts, QAP and packing list as required
What a Mill Test Certificate Shows
A mill test certificate (MTC) links the material in your hands to the heat it was made from. It normally records the specification and grade, heat number, size and quantity, chemical composition, mechanical test results, heat treatment, the results of hydrostatic and non-destructive tests, and the signature of the mill's inspection authority. Check that the heat number on the MTC matches the marking on the material.
Third-Party Inspection
Inspection can be carried out by an agency nominated by the client, or we can arrange it through recognised agencies such as Bureau Veritas, Lloyd's Register, SGS, DNV, IRS, EIL and others. See the full list of agencies on our About page.
Our Quality Policy
- Customer satisfaction is our main objective.
- We bridge gaps in supply by sourcing materials that buyers cannot easily get direct from manufacturers.
- We set quality objectives at each level of the business so that customer requirements are met.
- We are committed to continuous improvement in how we source, check and deliver material.
- Our quality policy and objectives are reviewed and shared with all employees regularly.
Need specific tests or inspection? Tell us your specification, tests and inspection agency when you enquire: kamlesh@dineshtube-india.com or +91 83559 10913. You can also send an enquiry.
Quality & Testing: FAQs
What is the difference between an EN 10204 3.1 and 3.2 certificate?
A 3.1 certificate is issued by the manufacturer's own inspection department, independent of production, and confirms the test results for the actual material supplied. A 3.2 certificate carries the same results but is also validated by an independent third-party inspector or the purchaser's authorised representative. 3.2 is usually required for critical or high-pressure projects.
What is PMI testing?
Positive Material Identification (PMI) uses a portable XRF or spectro analyser to confirm the alloy grade of a pipe, tube, fitting or flange without damaging it. It helps prevent mix-ups between similar-looking grades, such as 304 and 316 stainless steel, before material is installed.
Can you arrange third-party inspection?
Yes. Your nominated inspection agency can inspect the material and witness tests, or we can arrange inspection through recognised agencies such as Bureau Veritas, Lloyd's Register, SGS, DNV, IRS or EIL. Mention the agency and the scope of inspection when you place the order.
Which tests are done on stainless steel pipes and tubes?
Standard tests include chemical analysis, tensile, hardness, flattening and flaring (for tubes), hydrostatic or eddy current testing, and dimensional checks. Intergranular corrosion (ASTM A262), pitting (ASTM G48), PMI and micro examination can be added when the project specification requires them.
Do you supply IBR and NACE certified material?
Yes. Boiler pipes and tubes can be supplied with IBR Form III-A or III-B, and material for sour service can be supplied to NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 with the required hardness limits, when this is specified on the order.