Inspection of a heat exchanger is split by who owns the action. The manufacturer executes the inspection and test plan (ITP) agreed on the order: materials, dimensions, welds, NDT as specified, and hydrostatic test of pressure parts. The purchaser (or TPI) witnesses hold points they paid for and reviews documents. Site receipt checks handling damage and nameplate data. Collapsing those into one 'FAT checklist' copied from a U-stamp vessel article produces hold points this shop was never contracted to perform — and misses the ones it was.
Manufacturer shop ITP — what Ohm actually does
Under ISO 9001:2015 at the Vadodara works, typical heat-exchanger inspection scope — unless the purchase order narrows or extends it — is:
Third-party inspection is a purchase-order item. If you need TPI hold points, write them on the ITP at order — do not assume a resident AI or a default RT coverage.
- Dimensional inspection against approved drawings (shell length/diameter, nozzle location and orientation, saddle centres, overall length).
- Visual examination (VT) of welds and workmanship.
- NDT as specified on the ITP — RT, UT, DPT/PT as named. Not every weld on every unit; extent follows the order and the construction code joint efficiency.
- Hydrostatic testing of pressure parts (shell side and tube side as applicable to the design).
- Material test certificates (MTC) for pressure-boundary items, heat numbers traceable to the parts.
Drawing and identification checks (shop)
| Check | Against |
|---|---|
| TEMA type, class, and pass count as on GA | Approved drawing / datasheet |
| Nozzle sizes, ratings, facing, projection | Piping spec / GA |
| Tube OD, thickness, count (sample / record) | Datasheet |
| Baffle cut, spacing, orientation where accessible | Approved drawing |
| Nameplate fields (P, T, materials, serial, code basis as specified) | Datasheet and PO |
| Lifting lugs and saddle bolt pattern | GA |
Purchaser / TPI hold points — your list, not a default
Typical purchaser-added holds, when contracted: review of WPS/PQR before production welds; witness of root NDT; review of MTC before fit-up; witness hydro; final documentation review. The purchaser also confirms that the approved-for-construction drawing matches the PO (MOC, CA, flange ratings, painting). Those are buyer responsibilities. Ohm cannot witness its own work as TPI.
Documentation pack at release
As agreed on the order, typically: MTCs, inspection records / ITP sign-off, NDT reports for tests that were specified, hydro test record (pressure, medium, duration, result), as-built drawings, and weld maps where the ITP requires them. Form U-1 and an ASME stamp appear only if code stamping was part of the contract — they are not standard attachments to every Vadodara shipment. Painting and packing inspection follow the PO, not a hidden export standard.
Purchaser checks at site (not shop ITP)
- Transit damage, flange-face protection still in place, nozzle blinds fitted.
- Nameplate vs PO; documents in the box match serial number.
- Foundation bolt pattern vs GA before grouting.
- Internal cleanliness if the PO required a particular cleanliness class — open only under site procedure.
- Gasket types on hand before first bolt-up.
What not to copy onto Ohm's ITP
Do not list helium leak test, pneumatic test, PMI of every weld, full RT, electropolish, or U-stamp AI presence unless those are written in the order. Do not list plate-pack or floating-head specific checks on a fixed-tubesheet or U-tube unit. Align the ITP with the configuration actually purchased.
RFQ: attach the ITP you want
If you have a company ITP or TPI matrix, attach it to /rfq?product=heat-exchangers with the datasheet. If you do not, say whether you need only Ohm's standard shop checks (dimensional, VT, NDT as specified, hydro, MTC) or additional holds. Inspection scope is a commercial and technical document — it should be agreed before steel is cut.
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