Changing ASME Authorized Inspector

[ScottofArabia]

Good Morning,

I have a high pressure vessel designed and fabricated in accordance with ASME VIII Div.2. The vessel has been hydrotested/painted and the ASME nameplate already stamped by the fabricator and fixed to the vessel.

Unfortunately, the fabricator has now entered into bankruptcy before the MDR could be signed by the ASME AI. The ASME AI is unwilling to sign the MDR due to commercial issues between them and the fabricator (the fabricator is owing the AI 'x' amounts of dollars).

As the client, I have been able to remove the vessels from the fabricators site (along with date books) atleast. The current AI has already signed the ITP/dimensional/Hydrotest reports. We have started dialogue with the fabricators AI directly but it certainly seems the AI is not willing to return to the fabricator until financial side is resolved.

What options do we have at this stage? Is it feasible to change the ASME AI at this late stage of the vessel fabrication and get a different AI to sign off the vessel?

As stated earlier, I am the client and not holding any U-stamp registration so I believe my options are not good.

Thanks in advance,

Scott

 

[metengr]

I would suggest you contact the fabricator's AI agency and work out fee payment arrangement for signing the MDR. You have a completed vessel other than the final paperwork. I would be hesitant to have another AIA come in and sign the manufacturer's data report without having been involved with in-process inspection activities.

 

[marty007]

Is there any way to find out how much is outstanding between the company and the AIA?

Depending on the cost, and how badly you need this equipment installed, you may just want to pay their bill...

 

[ScottofArabia]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[weldstan]

Had similar experiences three different times. In all cases we addressed and resolved issues with the AIA of the original AI.
Because we also had the U stamp, we also consulted our AIA on the matters as well. In two of the cases, their AIA was the same as our AIA making resolution all the easier.

 

[mk3223]

It's a real issue which happened potentially for any projects. It's better to have the Procurement personnel involved quickly for the final inspection and delivery.
It's pat of the reason that the Procurement has studied the Manufacturer's financial condition prior to the PO award. I believe that a certain percentage of the PO price was held by the Owner to ensure material delivery and the completion of the all required inspection and documentation. Hope that it won't change too much of your budget, and minimize the impact of the delivery schedule.

 

[weldstan]

mk3223,
If only Purchasing would really do its job. We had to remove equipment from Manufacturers who did not have the facilities or expertise to complete the work more times than the three previously listed. In general, this was more time consuming and costly and litigation driven.

http://www.eng-tips.com/

 

[Wyzzard]

Scott, I am curious. How did this issue get resolved? Was the data report evrer signed?

 

[ScottofArabia]

Wyzzard,

We went directly to the AI agency and worked out a payment$. But this was not without it own complications. Data reports were signed just last week.