Quality Control and Service Performance

Quality control requirements are discussed as they pertain to (a) materials specifications; (b) fabrication specifications including welding, heat-treatment, and cleaning; and (c) final inspection specifications. Current standard and specification writing practice is resulting in considerable confusion among the users of these specifications. Realistic levels of quality control commensurate with service requirements need to be established. Lack of recognition of service requirements has resulted in excessively tight quality control requirements. Excessive repairs have led to more serious defect conditions not detectable by the normal inspection requirements involved.