Smith Industries Quality Control for Oilfield Equipment

In the oil and gas industry, quality control is not just a best practice, it is a critical necessity. Equipment used in upstream and midstream operations must withstand extreme pressure, temperature, and corrosive environments while maintaining high operational reliability. At Smith Industries, quality control for oilfield fabrication is woven into every stage of production, from engineering and welding to testing and documentation.

With multiple certifications and a culture of accountability, Smith Industries is equipped to meet the most demanding quality standards in the industry.

The High Stakes of Quality Control in Oilfield Fabrication

Failures in oilfield production equipment can lead to catastrophic consequences, including environmental spills, safety incidents, costly downtime, and legal penalties. Pressure vessels, separator tanks, heater treaters, and other surface production equipment must be fabricated with a high degree of precision to comply with both customer specifications and regulatory codes.

This is why rigorous quality control systems are paramount. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), proper fabrication and inspection of pressure vessels directly reduces the risk of dangerous pressure-related failures in the field. Similarly, industry organizations like the American Petroleum Institute (API) publish technical standards that help fabricators produce reliable, safe, and efficient equipment.

A Certified Quality Program Built for Oilfield Demands

Smith Industries has invested in one of the most robust quality programs in the industry. From personnel qualifications to third-party certifications, every element of the fabrication process is documented, reviewed, and verified.

ASME Code Stamps – “U” Stamp (Established 2007)

Smith Industries is an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) certified facility, holding the "U" stamp for the fabrication of pressure vessels. This certification demonstrates the company’s ability to manufacture equipment in accordance with Section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

The ASME "U" stamp requires that all pressure-containing equipment be fabricated using qualified procedures, certified welders, and traceable materials. Every ASME vessel is subject to third-party inspections and rigorous quality documentation, and Smith’s track record in this area goes back nearly two decades.

National Board Certification – “NB” and “R” Stamps (Established 2007)

Smith also holds "NB" and "R" stamps from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. The "NB" stamp allows Smith to register pressure vessels with the National Board, while the "R" stamp authorizes the company to repair and alter pressure-retaining items.

This is particularly important in the oil and gas industry, where operators may need to retrofit or repair equipment on-site. All repairs under the "R" stamp follow documented procedures and must pass testing standards equivalent to original fabrication.

API Q1, 12F, and 12D Certifications (Established 2015)

In addition to ASME and National Board accreditations, Smith Industries also maintains API Q1, 12F, and 12D certifications. The API Q1 standard sets the benchmark for quality management systems within the oil and gas equipment manufacturing sector.

The 12F and 12D specifications apply to oilfield production tanks and atmospheric vessels. By fabricating to these API standards, Smith provides clients with equipment that meets or exceeds common field requirements for performance, safety, and longevity.

All API certifications are subject to annual audits by the American Petroleum Institute, adding another layer of external oversight to Smith’s operations.

Certified Welders and Approved Welding Procedures

Behind every high-quality pressure vessel or tank is a team of certified welders who follow qualified procedures. All Smith welders are tested and certified to applicable ASME and API standards, and are required to demonstrate consistent technique, bead quality, and penetration control.

Each welding procedure specification (WPS) is reviewed and approved by qualified personnel and linked to specific job orders. This traceability allows Smith to meet customer and code-specific welding requirements while reducing variability in the final product.

Non-Conformance Tracking and Reporting

One of the core pillars of quality control for oilfield fabrication is the ability to identify, document, and correct any non-conformances. Smith Industries maintains a formal non-conformance tracking and reporting system across all projects.

Every instance of deviation from design, procedure, or material specifications is recorded and reviewed by the quality department. Root cause analysis and corrective actions are initiated immediately to prevent recurrence. This commitment to transparency and continuous improvement has allowed Smith to uphold consistent quality standards even as production volumes grow.

Third-Party Audits: Built-In Accountability

External validation plays a critical role in the credibility of Smith’s quality program. The ASME “U” and National Board “R” stamps require third-party inspections for every applicable project. Moreover, Smith undergoes an ASME facility audit every three years to maintain certification. This includes a comprehensive review of documentation, personnel qualifications, welding procedures, and inspection records.

The API Q1 program adds another layer of annual auditing. Representatives from the American Petroleum Institute evaluate Smith’s conformance to API’s quality management system, focusing on customer satisfaction, risk mitigation, and operational consistency.

These audits not only validate compliance but also support the continuous refinement of Smith’s fabrication process.

Supporting Industry Standards with In-House Resources

Smith Industries doesn’t just meet quality standards, it builds them into the foundation of every job. The company’s full-service capabilities allow it to maintain control over every stage of the fabrication process. From engineering to blasting and coating, all work is performed in-house, which reduces the risk of quality lapses and improves communication across departments.

This vertical integration allows Smith to:

• Track every component by heat number and material test report

• Monitor weld quality at every stage of fabrication

• Coordinate NDE (non-destructive examination) and hydrostatic testing

• Verify compliance with design specifications and industry standards

A Culture of Accountability

Quality control for oilfield equipment is not just about inspections and audits. It is about fostering a culture where every employee takes ownership of their work. At Smith Industries, quality training is part of onboarding, and every team member understands their role in upholding standards.

From the fabrication floor to the final quality control sign-off, accountability is a company-wide value. That is why clients across the oil and gas industry trust Smith to deliver equipment that performs safely and reliably in the harshest conditions.

Final Thoughts

As oilfield operators face increasing pressure to improve safety, uptime, and compliance, having a fabrication partner that prioritizes quality is essential. Smith Industries has built a quality program that stands up to rigorous third-party scrutiny, maintains industry-leading certifications, and delivers peace of mind to clients.

From ASME and National Board Code Stamps to API Q1 and certified welding programs, every layer of the company’s operations is designed with quality in mind. For those seeking dependable surface production equipment and pressure vessels, Smith Industries provides a partner you can count on, every time.