Oil, gas, and energy fabrication

Energy fabrication covers skids, pressure vessels, tanks, process piping, and structural supports for wells, plants, and pipelines.

Five-step flow diagram of a typical oil and gas fabrication job: Code and spec review, Qualified procedures, Fabricate and weld, NDE and pressure test, Document and ship.

Materials and processes

Carbon steel pipe and plate, low-temperature and alloy steels, and stainless and duplex grades for corrosive service.

Standards and certifications to know

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII: governs pressure vessel design and fabrication; certified shops can apply the ASME certification mark.
ASME B31.3: the process piping code.
API standards: such as API 650 for welded storage tanks.
NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156: materials requirements for sour (H2S) service.

Questions to ask a shop

Does the shop hold the ASME certification needed for this work (for example the U stamp for pressure vessels)?
Which welding procedures are qualified for the material and code?
How does it handle hydrotesting, radiography, and other NDE?
Can it document material traceability for every heat number?

What drives cost

Code requirements, testing and NDE, alloy material, and documentation can outweigh welding labor. Remote site work adds travel and logistics.

Metros with strong local demand

Questions

What should I look for in a oil and gas fabricator?

Relevant certifications, finished work similar to yours, the right equipment, and clear documentation. Start with: Does the shop hold the ASME certification needed for this work (for example the U stamp for pressure vessels)?

Where is oil and gas fabrication concentrated?

On this site, these metros have strong local demand: Dallas, TX, Denver, CO, Houston, TX, New Orleans, LA, Pittsburgh, PA.