Obtaining a U-Stamp or U2-Stamp from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors...
Read MoreUnderstanding ASME® Joint Reviews - Key Elements
One of the most exemplary achievements a fabrication shop can attain is Certification, which indicates a level of quality that is superior to organizations with little or no documentation to prove their work is highly regarded worldwide.
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What is an ASME® Joint Review?
The ASME® Joint Review is a two-day audit at a manufacturer’s shop. It is the process that a manufacturer will take to Code Certify a Boiler or Pressure Vessel. The ASME® Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) is an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME®) standard that regulates the design and construction of boilers and pressure vessels. Requirements for the conduct of ASME® joint reviews are described in the document, “Conduct of Conformity Assessment Activities”.
Why is a Joint Review Important?
The ASME® Joint Review is a rigorous process conducted by one of many entities that include, ASME® the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBPVI) and Jurisdictions to assess the quality and safety of pressure vessels and boilers.
This review involves a thorough examination of the manufacturer’s quality assurance program, design procedures, fabrication processes, and inspection techniques.
- Ensuring Safety: Joint Reviews help to ensure that pressure vessels and boilers are manufactured to the highest safety standards.
- Maintaining Quality: They promote continuous improvement in manufacturing practices.
- Compliance with Regulations: Joint Reviews help manufacturers comply with the ASME® Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) and other relevant regulations.
Key Elements of an ASME® Joint Review:
Document Review:
- Review of the manufacturer’s quality assurance program documentation, including procedures, work instructions, and records.
- Verification of the adequacy of design calculations and stress analysis.
- Review of material specifications and test reports.
Facility Inspection:
- Inspection of the manufacturing facility to assess the adequacy of equipment, tools, and facilities.
- Verification of the cleanliness and organization of the manufacturing area.
- Inspection of the calibration of measuring instruments.
Witnessing of Manufacturing Processes:
- Observation of welding, heat treatment, and other critical manufacturing processes.
- Verification of welder qualifications and welding procedure specifications.
- Inspection of non-destructive examination (NDE) activities.
Review of Test Data:
- Review of hydrostatic test data, radiographic test results, and other test reports.
- Verification of the accuracy and completeness of test data.
Inspection of Finished Products:
- Visual inspection of the finished product to verify conformance to design requirements.
- Verification of the application of appropriate markings and stamps.
Preparing for a Joint Review:
- Maintain Detailed Records: Keep accurate records of all manufacturing processes, inspections, and tests.
- Train Personnel: Ensure that all personnel involved in manufacturing are properly trained and qualified.
- Implement a Robust Quality Assurance Program: This program should include procedures for material control, welding, NDE, and quality control.
- Address Non-Conformances Promptly: Any non-conformances identified during the manufacturing process should be addressed promptly and effectively.
By understanding the key elements of an ASME® Joint Review and taking proactive steps to prepare for it, manufacturers can ensure the quality and safety of their pressure vessels and boilers.
Understanding Nation Board Joint Reviews
One of the highest accolades a fabrication shop can earn is Certification, a testament to superior quality and global recognition.
The Application for Authorization to Register is an online application form. Listed below are some of the features of the application.
- NB Stamp: The National Board charges a nominal fee for shipping and handling.
2. Agreement to Register: The applicant will be asked to read this Agreement in its entirety and agree to comply with its terms and conditions.
3. Authorization: The authorization to register will remain in effect as long as the applicant holds a valid ASME® Certification of Authorization. (A copy of your new, revised, or renewed ASME® Certificate(s) must be submitted with this application). In addition, the applicant must agree to:
- Apply the National Board Marks (NB Symbol and Number) to only items manufactured during such time that the applicant holds a valid ASME® Certificate of Authorization
- Notify the National Board regarding changes in company name, physical or mailing addresses by submitting a new application, and changes in personnel contact information, by send an email.
4. Quality Control Manual: The pages from the applicant’s Quality Control Manual containing the requirements for Registration Number Control and for Submitting Registration Documents are to be included in the specified location on the application. For further information regarding the pages to be submitted, please see the “Agreement to Register Boilers, Pressure Vessels and Other Pressure Retaining Items with the National Board” included as part of the application.
Practices for the conduct of National Board joint reviews are outlined in the National Board RTL Training Course.
For National Board joint reviews, useful forms include:
NB-202, Qualification Review Report for the National Board R Certificate of Authorization
NB-232, Deficiency Listing for Follow-Up Action
NB-237, Attendance Sheet
NB-244, Qualification Review Report for Accreditation of Owner-User Inspection Organizations, Federal Inspection Agencies, and Authorized Inspection Agencies (Inservice)
These forms are in PDF format and may be printed for use by a Review Team Leader.
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Applicant’s Guide for Certificates of Authorization Home / Page Applicant’s Guide for Certificates of Authorization...
- All
- API Tanks
- ASME
- Boiler
- Dehydration Unit
- Fabrication
- Gas Metering
- Hall of Fame
- Heat Exchangers
- Industry News
- NBBIC
- Oil and Gas
- Oil Treating
- Piping
- Production Drawings
- Production Units
- Repair and Alteration
- Separators
- Stamps
- Vessel Knowledge
- Videos
- Welding
- Back
- Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
- Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers
- Compact Heat Exchangers
- Other Heat Exchangers
- Back
- Exploration
- Production
- Refining
- Back
- Sand Separators
- Three Phase Separators
- Two Phase Separators
- Gas Separator
- Magnetic Separators
- Liquid Separators
- Back
- Joint Review
- U Stamp
- UM Stamp
- PP Stamp
- S Stamp
- U2 Stamp

Home / Page Pre-Joint Review Checklist: The following is a list of items to verify prior to the Pre-Joint Review Audit. Please be advised that this list is general and...
- All
- API Tanks
- ASME
- Boiler
- Dehydration Unit
- Fabrication
- Gas Metering
- Hall of Fame
- Heat Exchangers
- Industry News
- NBBIC
- Oil and Gas
- Oil Treating
- Piping
- Production Drawings
- Production Units
- Repair and Alteration
- Separators
- Stamps
- Vessel Knowledge
- Videos
- Welding
- Back
- Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
- Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers
- Compact Heat Exchangers
- Other Heat Exchangers
- Back
- Exploration
- Production
- Refining
- Back
- Sand Separators
- Three Phase Separators
- Two Phase Separators
- Gas Separator
- Magnetic Separators
- Liquid Separators
- Back
- Joint Review
- U Stamp
- UM Stamp
- PP Stamp
- S Stamp
- U2 Stamp

Home / Page Applicants Requesting; New, Multiple, or Renewal Certification There are also a lot...
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