25/03/2011	<<Back to News
Fort Vale ASME "U" Stamp Approval
Pressure vessel component manufacturer Fort Vale has recently been audited and assessed and has passed its tri-annual review for ASME “U” Stamp accreditation, having first qualified in 1992. This means that Fort Vale has the capability to design and manufacture pressure vessels as well as weld-in components, manways and inspection hatch assemblies to an internationally recognised level of safety.
“U” Stamp accreditation gives Fort Vale clients the confidence and the guarantee that their pressure-bearing components are in full compliance with the ASME Code, which encompasses proven long-standing data and incorporates the most up-to-date knowledge and procedures of design, manufacture and testing. The Code prescribes parameters such as material wall thickness, pressure rating, weld procedures, non-destructive tests and examination which are determined by design conditions such as pressure, temperature and corrosion resistance. In addition, any specific customer requirements may be incorporated. Using all this data, a comprehensive set of design calculations is prepared which goes on to be assessed and approved by an ASME inspector. The vessel or components will be manufactured using specially approved materials with full traceability that will comply with the necessary chemical and mechanical properties and with any necessary heat treatment and non-destructive test requirements. Quality has always been a core principal of Fort Vale. In addition to “U” Stamp, the company is presently accredited to ISO9001:2008; PED/TPED Module D & H with the full range of Safety Relief Valves having Module B approval; ATEX (Equipment Directive 94/9/EC). The company also invests in the training and development of its personnel and currently employs 21 full-time ASME coded welders. Fort Vale’s quality activities are supported by the expertise of two certified non-destructive testing personnel qualified to ASNT (American Society of Non-destructive Testing) and PCN Level 2 (Personal Certificate in Non-destructive Testing). In addition, the company employs a European & International Welding Engineer and qualified Material Scientist. Quality and Procurement Director, Peter Staveley says, “Our quality systems and wealth of expertise ensure that Fort Vale products are of a proven safe and robust construction. Our customers can be confident that our equipment has been designed, manufactured and tested to the most rigorous of standards in the transportable tank industry.”