The National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspectors is an organization comprised of chief inspectors from various states and territories of the US and Province and territories of Canada. The primary mission is to promote public safety.
The NBIC provides rules, information, and guidance to manufacturers, Jurisdictions, Inspectors, owner-users, installers, contractors, and other individuals and organizations performing or involved in post-construction activities, thereby encouraging the uniform administration of rules pertaining to pressure retaining items.
We sat down to ask a few clarifying questions with our very own Marianne Brodeur, who was the owner of International Valve and Instrument (IVI), before its purchase by Collins in October of 2019. She also sits on the National Board as Chairperson of the subcommittee on Pressure Relief Devices. IVI has held a VR stamp for the last 34 years.
What does it mean to hold a VR Stamp?
VR stands for Valve Repair; having a Pressure Relief Valve rebuilt by a VR certificate holder is the customer’s assurance that the work on the valve was performed by a credible, qualified organization.
What is the difference between a T/O and a VR Stamp?
A T/O Certificate, which stands for “Testing Only” is obtained by an organization for the purpose of in-service testing and performing minor adjustments of Pressure Relief Valves constructed in accordance with the requirements of the ASME code requirements for testing and inspection.
It may be required by a facility’s insurance carrier, Jurisdiction or Corporate Policy to test safety relief valves every year.
What types of assessments does a shop need to go through to acquire a VR Stamp?
The National Board controls the issuance and renewal of the VR Certificate through conducting an audit of the VR organization every 3 years. This audit will consist of a complete review of the Quality Assurance Manual, Personnel Training Records, witnessing complete repair process including disassembly, internal inspection of components, machining, assembly and testing of the Pressure Relief Valve.
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How does the National Board regulate the market?
The National Board does not regulate the market. A VR Certificate is issued by the National Board for the repair activities of Pressure Relief Valves constructed in accordance with ASME Code. The VR organization shall have and maintain a Quality System which shall establish that all rules and administrative procedures and applicable ASME Code requirements including material control, fabrication, machining, welding, examination, setting, testing inspection and stamping are met.
If a shop does not abide by the above outlined standards, they could lose their certification and the stamp would be null and void.