Petrochemical equipment carries a high unit price and a long rework cycle. A problem found at the destination port costs far more than one caught in the factory, so pre-shipment inspection should focus on whether documents and physical goods correspond.
1. Material certificates and heat-number traceability
The heat number on the material test certificate (MTC) must be findable on the physical marking. If it cannot be found, the certificate is worthless.
2. Pressure test records
Pressure value, hold time and test medium for both shell and seat tests must be recorded and signed by the inspector.
3. Dimension and interface verification
Flange diameter, pressure rating and sealing face type checked item by item against drawings. This is the most common failure point, because factories substitute from stock.
4. Nameplate and marking
Nameplate content must agree across the order, the drawing and the material certificate, and the marking must survive transport and outdoor storage.
5. Surface preparation and coating
Check blast grade, number of coats and dry film thickness against the agreed standard, and retain thickness gauge records.
6. Packing and securing
Check crate strength, moisture protection and centre-of-gravity restraint — especially the transport risk created by off-centre heavy items.
After determining sample size per AQL standards, run all six items item-by-item and retain photographs. The report travels with the shipment so it can be checked directly at the destination port.