Brazilian and Petrobras standards for steels and piping
In Brazil, most industrial purchases follow international standards (ASTM, ASME, EN), but some national standards and the Petrobras standards appear frequently in specifications.
ABNT and regulatory standards
| Standard | Subject |
|---|---|
| ABNT NBR 5601 | Stainless steels: classification by chemical composition |
| ABNT NBR NM 87 | Carbon and alloy steels for mechanical construction: designation and composition (SAE) |
| NR-13 | Boilers, pressure vessels, piping and tanks: inspection and safety |
| ABNT NBR 15827 | Industrial valves for petroleum exploration, production, refining and transport: design requirements and prototype testing |
Most cited Petrobras (N) standards
| Standard | Subject |
|---|---|
| N-76* | Piping materials for refining and transport facilities |
| N-115* | Fabrication and erection of metallic piping |
| N-133* | Welding |
| N-1594* | Non-destructive testing: ultrasonic |
| N-1595* | Non-destructive testing: radiography |
| N-1596* | Non-destructive testing: liquid penetrant |
| N-1598* | Non-destructive testing: magnetic particle |
* Abbreviated titles. Confirm the current revision in the Petrobras catalog before citing it in the order.
Petrobras fabrication inspection
In purchases by Petrobras and its contractors, the order defines the type of fabrication inspection. Before fabricating, the supplier submits the ITP (Inspection and Test Plan, PIT in Portuguese), with the points at which the inspector must be present.
| Type | How it works in practice |
|---|---|
| A | Final inspection, no tests: the inspector checks the finished part and the documentation. |
| B | Final inspection with tests: the inspector witnesses the final tests (dimensional, hydrostatic, tests). |
| C | Fabrication follow-up: the inspector takes part in the stages, with hold points (HP) and witness points (WP) throughout the process. The ITP must be approved. |
| L | Released from factory inspection: there is no inspector at the supplier; the documentation (certificates, records) is kept available and checked on receipt. |
| Z | Inspection by the unit that placed the order. |
HP (hold point): fabrication stops until the inspector releases it. WP (witness point): the inspector is notified, but fabrication continues. MP: monitoring without notice. RD: document review. The inspector releases the material with the CLM (Material Release Notice). In the market, "type Q inspection" usually designates fabrication inspection performed by an accredited inspection body (ISO/IEC 17020) hired by the manufacturer.
In practice
- Material for Petrobras normally follows ASTM/ASME, with extra requirements from the N standards.
- Type C inspection: schedule the hold points in advance (Petrobras requires prior notice) and keep calibrated instruments and raw material certificates at hand.
- Send the complete specification with the quote request: material standard, N standards and inspection requirements.
- For equivalence between standards, see each material in the catalog.
Frequently asked questions
Does NBR 5601 replace ASTM?
No. It classifies stainless steels by chemical composition. For purchasing bar, plate, pipe or forging, the product standard applies, almost always ASTM or EN.
What is the difference between type C and type L inspection?
In type C the inspector follows fabrication and must release the ITP hold points before the process continues. In type L there is no inspection at the factory: the material ships with the documentation, which is checked on receipt.
Does Dustre supply Petrobras and its contractors?
Yes, Dustre supplies material and parts for oil and gas per the order specification, with EN 10204 3.1 certificate and tests in its own laboratory.
