Inside the laboratory: material evaluation and component inspection

Material evaluation and component inspection

Royal Way maintains laboratory and inspection facilities for its oilfield sealing-component manufacturing work. Material evaluation examines the specified properties of a compound. Finished-component inspection checks the seal against its drawing and acceptance requirements. Both belong in a product specification, but they answer different questions.

Define the material evaluation

A useful material requirement identifies the compound reference, test method and acceptance criteria. It also defines the sample and test conditions, so the result can be compared with the requirement it was intended to assess.

For a new sealing application, include the service fluid, temperature and operating conditions with the component drawing. For a replacement part, provide the existing material reference where available. A material report applies to the object and conditions stated in that report; it is not a pressure or temperature rating for the complete equipment assembly.

Inspect the finished component

Dimensions and tolerances come from the applicable drawing revision. Identify critical dimensions and any specified visual inspection criteria before samples or production parts are prepared. Where an order contains several similar seals, each component needs an identifiable reference so the inspection record can be matched to the correct part.

Sample evaluation and delivery inspection may have different purposes. A sample can be used for a dimensional or assembly check; supplied components are inspected against the agreed product and order requirements.

Choose the right quality documents

A certificate of conformance, material report and dimensional inspection record provide different information. State which documents you need and whether they must cover the compound, finished component or supplied batch. Applicable documents can then be included in the quotation and delivery scope.

For a specific component, contact Royal Way with the drawing or part reference and inspection requirements. See our technical Q&A for common questions about materials and quality documentation.