additional RT by the client

[qualitypro]

We had a subcontractor whose welding performance was not satisfactory in HP steam system that required 100 % RT by B 31.1 Code. All repair joints in this system were reworked and made acceptable per Code. Some other systems done by the same sub HP feedwater and LP steam did not require RT but only visual as mandated by Code. The Client based on the RT done in HP steam system took it upon himself and performed RT on select joints in HP feedwater and LP steam some of which revealed weld discontinuities. Based on his RT he is now asking us to perform two additional RT for every repair. He has also stated that if any further repairs are revealed in the additional RT he wants us to RT the entire system for acceptance. He is resorting to ASME Sec VIII Div.1 to justify his act. Our EPC contract notes that the technical requirements may be modified subject to mutual written agreement by the Owner and the Contractor. Is there any provisions in B31.1 or its Code cases that gives the Owner the flexibility to use other ASME Codes?

 

[SnTMan]

Once things start going wrong, the doors are kind of open...

It's the clients equipment, you can comply, negotiate, or not. The client can accept the equipment and pay, or not.

Regards,

Mike

 

[SnTMan]

What should happen is that you comply with the client, and the sub pays the extra costs.

 

[stanweld]

After reviewing hundreds of Contracts, almost all permit the Owner/Purchaser to perform additional inspections/examinations/tests and further defines that when added examination/test is acceptable, the Owner pays. When unacceptable, the Contractor pays.

Some of the added RT demanded may in fact be a Change of Contract and should be reviewed by your Legal Beagles as well as Management regarding how many dollars the Contractor will lose.

Whether or not and hww much your subcontractor pays will depend on the finalized subcontract language.

 

[SnTMan]

Agree w/Stanweld, read your contracts carefully. Then again.

 

[metengr]

Is there any provisions in B31.1 or its Code cases that gives the Owner the flexibility to use other ASME Codes?

There are no provisions. Application of other ASME codes depends on contract requirements. This is purely a contractural matter.

 

[qualitypro]

Thanks to all your inputs. I believe this is purely a contractual issue and hence should be sorted out by discussions only.

 

[XL83NL]

everytime I sub some prefab piping work, I include (amongst others) in the contract/PO the following key aspects wrt to NDE:
- weld defect repair costs are for the sub's expense
- progressive sampling is applicable
- additional NDE cost due to progressive sampling is at the sub's expense
- definition of a designated lot
- definition how NDE, that's less than 100%, shall be understood (i.e. spot, random, etc).

This will, of course, include all contractual requirements we have with our client/the Owner, however typically they dont spell out these things, so I use a typical template for each subcontract/PO.

This helps a lot when invoices have to be paid out, or when there's doubt about quality.