Complex regulations and compliance requirements for high pressure pipework are driving demand for specialist services from hygienic fabricators, says Axium Process.

The company reports that a growing number of manufacturers are turning to its team to help them modify, maintain and commission high pressure pipework. The nature of this work, and associated risks, means it must comply with Pressure Equipment Regulations (PER), be carried out by tradesmen with appropriate qualifications, and will often be subject to third-party inspections and approvals.

Sean Crowley, Technical Services Manager at Axium, explained: “During remedial work, we may find that existing processes don’t comply with current PER or hygienic engineering standards. These regulations cover a vast range of requirements, such as the compatibility of the materials used to prevent potential corrosion issues, weld procedures and qualifications, to name just a few.

“This means that appropriate risk and technical assessments must be carried out to control, authorise and manage any proposed changes. The welding procedures that follow should relate specifically to the type of joint, material, and specification of the job in hand, which is why the engineer responsible is legally required to have the correct qualifications.

“As there are so many factors to consider, companies are now recognising the importance of partnering with specialist fabricators with the required expertise, qualifications and experience to ensure full compliance.”

Axium Process specialises in high-quality hygienic pipework fabrications in non-ferrous material.  Welders and weld procedures are  approved to ASME IX, BS EN ISO 9606-1 and BS EN 15614-1.