THE BOURGEONING DEMAND OF EN10204 TYPE 3.

2
MATERIAL CERTIFICATION
Introduction
Mazeikiu, Lithuania: A fire on the vacuum distillation unit of a refinery caused the
main vacuum distillation column to collapse onto the heat exchanger train. The unit
was shut down completely and while the refinery was left running, it was at a much
reduced capacity. The fire was caused by a leak from a branch on the column
fabricated from incorrect material. This material, when lab tested failed to
comply with the specification. As per the manufacturer, the material earlier had
complied with the specification when initially tested at the mills. Who is to be
blamed???!!!
Many similar incidents have occurred in the recent past rising the need for safer
approach towards material conformity. Increasingly there has been demand for
manufacturers to prove the materials they use in pressure equipment applications
meet the required chemical and mechanical properties. As such, the use of the EN
10204:2004 standard for inspection documents for metallic products has become
more widespread.
EN 10204:2004 standard for inspection documents for metallic products
EN 10204 was first published in 1991, based on the German standard DIN 50049,
Inspection documents for the delivery of metallic products. EN 10204 was revised
in 2004 and published as BS EN 10204 in October 2004 with a simplified range of
inspection documents (certificate types). These include types 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2.
For pressure parts, normally Type 3.1 & Type 3.2 are mandatory.
Type 3.1 & type 3.2 certificate
Type 3.1: A document issued by the manufacturer which declares that the
products supplied are in compliance with the requirements of the order and is
supported by evidence of the manufacturers test results. The document is
validated by the manufacturers authorized inspection representative,
independent of the manufacturing department.
Type 3.2: A document prepared by both the manufacturer and an
independent third-party in which they declare that the products supplied are
in compliance with the requirements of the order and in which test results are
supplied. This independent third party may be officiated by the User.
The Modus Operandi for Type 3.2 Certificate: The goal of type 3.2 certification is
to independently verify material conformity across the supply chain, all the way back
to the steel maker. Type 3.2 certification involves visits to the manufacturer by the
third-party surveyor for ladle chemical analysis confirming its properties meet the
specification requirements. Then the surveyor would visit the house for the final
product a visual examination, sample dimensional checks, and the materials product
analysis confirming they meet the specification requirements. The surveyor would

THE BOURGEONING DEMAND OF EN10204 TYPE 3.2

MATERIAL CERTIFICATION
then visit the test house to witness the appropriate mechanical tests & any additional
tests if required. Once the requirements are met, the surveyor will issue a certificate
of conformance that details the scope of inspection with EN 10204 Type 3.2.
Epilogue: The supply chain for steel has become more complex. Metal
manufacturers are using stockholders (Suppliers) as they are the more cost-effective
solution for relatively smaller orders of material. Stockists have also become heavily
involved in the supply of metals for oil and gas equipment, where the traceability and
properties of the materials has become a key safety concern.
Hence the type 3.2 certification has become a more desirable & reliable method for
ensuring the material conformance.