END USER INTERVIEW
“ We use our AML to mitigate risk and ensure a minimum level of quality and reliability of the piping components we purchase . Because manufacturing quality can vary between facilities , even from the same company , our AML approvals are location specific .”
Before beginning the approval process , we first consider the potential benefit of adding a manufacturer to a given category . If we do see a potential benefit , then the approval process begins with the collection of data through survey questionnaires and an initial ‘ desktop review ’ of the documentation . The results of the desktop review are then used to determine whether to proceed
“ We use our AML to mitigate risk and ensure a minimum level of quality and reliability of the piping components we purchase . Because manufacturing quality can vary between facilities , even from the same company , our AML approvals are location specific .”
with an audit , and if so , on what priority . “ Historically , all of our audits have been in person . However , in some cases , we do consider virtual audits as an acceptable alternative , which is something we have adapted to since COVID-19 ,” explained Scrivner .
The typical goal of an audit is to infer the quality of the final product , based on the processes observed during the audit . “ However , for valves , we often have the opportunity to measure that quality directly ,” said Scrivner . “ As valves are commodity items ( design one , build many ), manufacturers can have a valve design destructively tested by a third party to API RP 591 standard . The results of that testing can then be supplied to end users as documentation of valve design and manufacturing quality .”
For ExxonMobil , the approval is based not only on the company but also on the specific manufacturing location . “ This requirement may be overlooked or misunderstood in the industry ,” stated Scrivner . “ When we approve a manufacturer for the AML , it is the specific location that has been approved , not necessarily the company . So , if a facility moves locations , they need to be reassessed to remain on the list .”
There are two main reasons that a company may be removed from the list . The first , as mentioned , is due to a change in location . “ If a manufacturing facility is closing and moving to another area , providing as much notice as possible is crucial ,” said Scrivner . Advanced notice would allow Scrivner the time to decide if the new manufacturing location fits within the AML requirements .
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FAST TRACK www . valve-world-americas . net • March 2023 | Valve World Americas 5