R stamp requirements

[amorton5]

I am a boiler construction superintendent/ QC inspector.
I'm fairly proficient with ASME sec 1, 9 really anything thing that has to do with making repairs and alterations to power boilers. Over the past year or so I've been trying to get the right people together to start my own company, I have a copy of NBIC book and have come up with a good quality control manual, safety program and insurance. My question because I've heard everything from 100k to 5k is how much does it actually cost to obtain my own R stamp? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[metengr]

The approximate costs are as follows;

1. Submit an application to the National Board for an R-Certificate ~ $600

2. Cost for having the joint review is state specific (state conducts the joint review based on an hourly rate or flat fee) or if the National Board does it it can be ~ $2,000

3. Assuming you have a contract with an Authorized inspection agency, this will be the largest cost. They can help you with your QC Manual for the R-Certificate.



Good Luck

 

[metengr]

Forgot to mention having all 3 parts of the 2013 NBIC, not just one part or an older edition because you will be required to meet the current edition of the NBIC (2013).

Also, have access to current ASME B&PV Code books - this can be by electronic subscription or hard copy.

 

[Duwe6]

The bulk of the $20K to $80K is spent on making the QA Manual, making PQR/WPS's [do not forget at least one PWHT WPS, if repairing Boilers], and implementing all these practices into the shop & field. Because you need at least one QC Inspector plus a QA Manager -- Shop + Field gives at least two sites to cover. And establishing a 'relationship' with a NDE lab for RT, MT, PT needs, and a 'relationship' with an Authorized Inspection Agency. Sounds like you may already be mostly done. NDE and AI could be a 'pay as you go' proposition, so you may get off with just a token payment to establish a contract. Then you hire an engineer to calc & specify a "K-O Pot" for your guys to partially fabricate; this will be the demonstration item for the Joint Review.

If I were you, I'd be calling up AI agencies and get a contract going; sounds to me like that's the stage you have gotten to. And congratulations!

RE: hardcopy Code books vs. electronic; buy everything but Section IID as hardcopies. You will find the 'real' books easier to work from for the first few years, except for looking up material strengths. That's why you want IID as a 1-user subscription. You'll thank me after the third time you try to use a hardcopy IID.

 

[SnTMan]

Duwe6, I disagree Get IID hardcopy as well. I HATE, HATE, HATE the e-books I have been switched to by the bean counters. Considering buying my own hardcopies.

Regards,

Mike

 

[bpv66]

Love the search function with the electronic Code books!

 

[Duwe6]

"Love the search function with the electronic Code books! "

For 'power users' there is nothing better. But for your first few years, 'dead-tree' version usually works better. Except for II-D materials, electronic search = 3-10 seconds [I type slow], Flip-thru-the-Book search = 1 to 5 minutes; sux.

 

[SnTMan]

T'would be nice if the books were better laid out as e-books. One of my major gripes on 'em is to be reading along, and in the middle of the paragraph is two or three pages of figures. Very slow to flip back and forth in the e-book, nothing to it in the paper book.

Regards,

Mike

 

[amorton5]

Okay great! Very helpful guys thank you! Now let me ask you this? I am currently Field QC manager for the company I'm working for. We have an R stamp and I have access to our QC manual and I have personaly prepared most of our PQR/WPS's. I have many with PWHT and many that don't require it per code. Most of your common materials found in boilers from P-1 to P-1 all the way to your P-43 materials. I guess my question is this? Can I somewhat mirror my current company's QC manual and PQR/WPS's for my own company. I feel like all the information I need is right in front of me I just need my name on it. With out actualy pladurizing it, ya know.

Also I have a relationship with a lab as well for the procedures I have already qualified for the company I work for, so I have that. As far as an AI goes, I usually work with them pretty close on almost every job, they come and check my books throughout the duration of the job.

Could you please elaborate more on the hireing an engineer to calc and specify a "ko-pot". You've somewhat lost me there. Thanks again for the help.

 

[amorton5]

I apologize for some of my lack of understanding. I've been on the production side of things my whole career. Started working in the QC department just over a year ago so I'm still fairly new. Thanks again everybody for any good help!

 

[amorton5]

So I'll also have to build a knock out pot for demonstration. So this would be more or less a required practical test for the review? Correct me if I'm wrong? Thanks!

 

[bpv66]

The National Board requires you to demonstrate implemention of your quality system during the joint review. There are a number of ways to do this. Your Authorized Inspection Agency will be able to give you guidance.

Not sure what a K-O Pot is, but if you're only applying for the R stamp you may get away with a simple nozzle installation into a plate or a flush patch instead of fabricating a complete vessel. You may have to provide design calculations on the nozzle (reinforcement) to demonstrate an alteration.

 

[Duwe6]

K-O Pot = knock-out pot. As bpv66 said, you will be required to fabricate a demonstration project. The 'usual & customary' item is a K-O pot, which can be as simple as a 3-ft slice of 24"NPS pipe with pipe caps for heads. This demo will require you so show competence in every step of the work; Design // Design Calc's // Document Control // Fab traveler with Hold Points // WPS/PQR selection and implementation // Welder Qual's and continuity log // on-site welding inspector(s) with documentation that the company finds them acceptable + the basis of the Inspector being qualified // specification of appropriate NDE, along with an 'agreement' with an acceptable NDE shop, to include you having a Controlled Copy of that NDE shop's 'written practice' - procedures. And an example of you specifying PWHT of a weld, to include ramp-up rate, ramp-down rate, soak time & temp, and that you can adequately review a PWHT temp chart ant thermocouple locations.

But again, you app0ear to be at the stage that it is time to hire an Authorized Inspection agency, and get them involved. The list above is comprehensive, but it may have missed something that your local jurisdiction considers important.

ps; be ready and able [forms available] to write an NCR on yourself. That will probably come up during the Joint Review. Unless you are perfect, it will take an NCR to correct a mistake/omission/fab flaw. And they really want to see if you can "look the puppy in the eyes, and shoot it". NCR's are painful, but absolutely necessary for a Stamp-holder.