Your Trusted NORSOK Certification Consulting Partner
RASOO Certification & Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd. is a professional organization specializing in international industrial standards compliance and NORSOK certification consulting. Headquartered in China with offices in the USA and UK, our NORSOK certification services cover oil and gas, offshore engineering, chemical, metallurgical, and energy equipment manufacturing sectors.
RASOO has assembled a professional team of experts in metallurgy, materials science, welding, quality systems, and NORSOK standards. We are dedicated to helping suppliers, manufacturers, and material producers successfully achieve NORSOK M-650 Qualification of Manufacturers certification, ensuring compliance with NORSOK offshore standards and NORSOK approved materials requirements.
As a leading NORSOK certification body partner, we provide comprehensive NORSOK certification services including NORSOK M-501 certification, NORSOK M-650 qualification, NORSOK M-710 requirements compliance, NORSOK M-601 welding standard qualification, NORSOK M-101 steel structures certification, NORSOK M-004 materials selection guidance, and NORSOK coating requirements consulting.
NORSOK M-650: Qualification of Manufacturers of Special Materials is a critical NORSOK standard developed by the Norwegian oil industry, primarily used to assess and confirm the capabilities of metal material manufacturers (such as forgings, bars, plates, forged rings, pipe fittings, etc.), ensuring compliance with the stringent specifications for use on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
Comprehensive NORSOK M-650 Consulting Modules
Benchmarking against NORSOK M-650 requirements: Comprehensive analysis of existing material manufacturing processes, NORSOK documentation system, test plans, and NORSOK compliance checklist against standard requirements.
Deliverable: Gap Analysis Report with remediation recommendations for NORSOK certification procedure compliance.
Establishment and optimization of NORSOK documentation: Assistance in preparing or improving QTR (Qualification Test Record), PQP (Product Qualification Plan), production flowcharts, and NORSOK material traceability records.
Deliverable: Complete NORSOK documentation dossier meeting NORSOK documentation checklist requirements.
Sample preparation and testing coordination: Guidance on sampling, trial production, heat treatment, and physical/chemical/mechanical property testing using NORSOK testing methods. Coordination with NORSOK testing laboratory partners.
Deliverable: Test result reports complying with NORSOK M-650 Appendix B requirements.
On-site NORSOK compliance audit support: Technical support during manufacturing survey/test, including client representative or main manufacturer (Aker BP, Equinor, TotalEnergies) witness activities.
Deliverable: Audit preparation materials and NORSOK quality inspection checklist.
NORSOK documentation service and communication: Assistance in submitting complete QTR documents and test records to main manufacturers or owners, with follow-up clarification support for NORSOK qualified manufacturer approval.
Deliverable: Qualification Dossier ready for approval.
Continuous NORSOK quality system support: Annual internal reviews, NORSOK documentation updates, NORSOK training material provision, and staff training for maintained NORSOK certification.
Deliverable: Annual compliance assessment report.
| Service Module | Core Content | Deliverable Results |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Gap Analysis | Benchmark client's existing material manufacturing processes, documentation system, and test plans against NORSOK M-650 requirements | Gap Analysis Report (GAP Report) with remediation recommendations |
| Stage 2: Process Documentation | Assist in preparing or improving QTR, PQP, production flowcharts, material traceability records | Complete Documentation Dossier |
| Stage 3: Testing Guidance | Guide sampling, trial production, heat treatment, and testing; coordinate third-party laboratory testing | Test result reports meeting NORSOK M-650 Appendix B requirements |
| Stage 4: Manufacturing Audit | On-site technical support during manufacturing survey/test, including client or main manufacturer witness | Audit preparation materials and issue checklist |
| Stage 5: Qualification Submission | Assist in submitting complete QTR documents and test records to main manufacturers/owners | Qualification Dossier Ready for Approval |
| Stage 6: Ongoing Compliance | Annual internal reviews, quality documentation updates, employee training | Annual compliance assessment report |
Why Choose RASOO for NORSOK Certification Consulting
Successful NORSOK Certification Projects
The following content represents industry case summaries within permitted confidentiality limits:
Challenge: Required NORSOK M-650 qualification for duplex stainless steel F51 material to supply Norwegian offshore projects.
RASOO Solution: Comprehensive NORSOK certification consulting including gap analysis, QTR documentation preparation, NORSOK testing methods implementation, and audit support.
Result: Successfully completed duplex stainless steel F51 material NORSOK M-650 Qualification and obtained Equinor approval as NORSOK qualified manufacturer.
Challenge: Needed process verification and documentation approval for Inconel 625 alloy to meet NORSOK approved materials requirements.
RASOO Solution: Complete NORSOK documentation service, NORSOK compliance audit preparation, and main manufacturer communication support.
Result: Completed Inconel 625 alloy process verification and documentation review, obtaining TechnipFMC approval for material usage.
Challenge: Required remote NORSOK quality inspection support and heat treatment process verification.
RASOO Solution: Remote QTR document review and on-site heat treatment observation guidance using NORSOK training material.
Result: Successful certification as NORSOK qualified manufacturer with approved manufacturing processes.
Project Service Workflow
Initial contact to understand NORSOK certification requirements, material scope, and project objectives.
Comprehensive gap analysis against NORSOK standards with detailed quotation and NORSOK certification cost breakdown.
Project initiation meeting with data collection and NORSOK compliance checklist review.
Preparation of NORSOK documentation and implementation of process trials using NORSOK testing methods.
NORSOK testing laboratory coordination and witness support during qualification testing.
Finalization of QTR documents and formal submission to owner/main manufacturer.
Owner review process support and obtaining final NORSOK qualified manufacturer approval.
Ongoing maintenance and re-certification support for sustained NORSOK compliance.
| Stage | Estimated Time | Main Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| Gap analysis and remediation plan | 2-3 weeks | GAP Report |
| Sample manufacturing and testing | 6-10 weeks | Test Reports |
| Documentation preparation and submission | 3-4 weeks | QTR & Submission Package |
| Owner review and approval | Depends on project schedule | Final Approval Letter |
NORSOK Approved Materials Categories
F44, F51, F53, F55, F60, and other grades meeting NORSOK M-630 specifications
Inconel 625, 825, 718, Hastelloy C, and other NORSOK approved materials
Titanium alloys and copper-nickel materials for offshore applications
Materials for pressure vessels, flanges, forgings, and other applications
NORSOK M-650 certification applies to the following material production and manufacturing processes:
Note: If manufacturers outsource semi-finished products (such as ingots or billets), upstream suppliers must also be approved, forming a "complete manufacturing chain certification."
Detailed NORSOK M-650 Certification Guide
NORSOK M-650: Qualification of Manufacturers of Special Materials is a critical standard developed by the Norwegian Petroleum Industry Association (OLF/NORSOK) to assess and confirm the capabilities of metal material manufacturers (such as forgings, bars, plates, forged rings, pipe fittings, etc.), ensuring compliance with stringent specifications for use on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
NORSOK M-650 is typically used together with:
The objective is: "To verify that material manufacturers have the capability to continuously produce materials meeting specified requirements."
| Stage | Work Content | Main Parties | Output Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Define Certification Objectives | Clarify certification material grades, product forms, customer requirements; determine applicable NORSOK M-630 material specification clauses | Manufacturer + Main Contractor/Owner | Qualification Plan |
| Stage 2: Gap Analysis | Evaluate existing technical documents, processes, and testing capabilities against NORSOK M-650 requirements | Manufacturer / NORSOK certification companies | Gap Analysis Report |
| Stage 3: Prepare & Approve Test Plan | Develop Qualification Test Plan (PQP) including sampling, process steps, heat treatment methods, testing items | Manufacturer + Main Contractor | Approved PQP Document |
| Stage 4: Sample Manufacturing & Testing | Conduct production, heat treatment, and sampling per PQP; third-party or witness organization supervision; complete testing (chemical, mechanical, corrosion, microstructure) | Manufacturer + NORSOK testing laboratory + Owner representative | Test Reports (Test Certificates) |
| Stage 5: Manufacturing Survey Audit | Main contractor conducts on-site audit of production facility to confirm process control, equipment capability, NORSOK documentation system, traceability | Main Contractor + Manufacturer | Audit Report and Corrective Action Records |
| Stage 6: Prepare QTR | Compile all manufacturing records, test results, audit conclusions, and compliance statements | Manufacturer | QTR Documentation Package |
| Stage 7: Owner/Contractor Approval | Main contractor reviews QTR and issues approval letter | Main Contractor | Material Manufacturer Approval Letter |
| Stage 8: Ongoing Surveillance & Recertification | Review every 3-5 years, or after significant process/equipment/personnel changes requiring re-certification | Manufacturer + Customer | Update or Renewal Certification |
The following represents a classification checklist for certification materials, typically included in QTR/PQP documentation packages:
| Module | Standard Requirements | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Materials | Must use controlled melting processes (VOD, AOD, ESR, etc.) | Prevent inclusions and composition deviations |
| Heat Treatment | Heat treatment process must match certification production conditions exactly, furnace temperature uniformity ±10°C | Detailed temperature records and thermocouple placement required |
| Chemical Composition | Must meet corresponding NORSOK M-630 material specifications | More stringent than ASTM or EN standards |
| Mechanical Properties | Must meet NORSOK M-630 and owner additional requirements | Includes stress-oriented test specimens |
| Corrosion & Microstructure | Corrosion grade requirements typically more stringent (e.g., ASTM G48 Method A ≤0.5 g/m²) | Ensures consistent corrosion resistance performance |
| Traceability | Full traceability from raw material → test sample → finished product required | Identification system must be closed-loop |
| Process Consistency | Critical processes like heat treatment, machining, cleaning, pickling cannot be changed | Any change requires re-certification |
| Audit Requirements | On-site audit by main contractor or representative required | Typically lasts 1-3 days, reviewing production, documentation, personnel qualifications |
| Challenge | Description | RASOO Recommended Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Disorganized Documentation | QTR logic unclear, non-standard English expression | Use standardized templates and terminology from NORSOK training material |
| Test Failures | Corrosion or mechanical property deviations | Conduct preliminary simulation testing and optimize heat treatment using NORSOK testing methods |
| Insufficient Audit Preparation | Passive response during on-site audit | Organize mock NORSOK compliance audit in advance |
| Change Re-certification | Process/equipment changes requiring re-assessment | Maintain controlled document versions, record change history |
| Category | Reference Standards |
|---|---|
| Material Standards | NORSOK M-630, ASTM A182/A276/A479, EN 10272 |
| Testing Standards | ASTM E8, E10, E18, E112, G48, E262 |
| Quality Systems | ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025 |
| Audit Guidelines | NORSOK Z-001 (Supplier qualification) |
| Coating Standards | NORSOK M-501 (Surface preparation and protective coating), NORSOK coating system guide, NORSOK painting system no.1 |
| Welding Standards | NORSOK M-601 (Welding and inspection of piping), NORSOK welding procedure qualification record (WPQR) |
| Other Key Standards | NORSOK M-101 (Structural steel fabrication), NORSOK M-710 (Non-metallic sealing materials), NORSOK M-004 (Materials selection) |
Many manufacturers ask about the difference between ISO certification and NORSOK certification:
Conclusion: ISO 9001 is a prerequisite quality system for NORSOK certification, but NORSOK certification requires additional product-specific qualifications, testing, and documentation. Both certifications complement each other, with NORSOK providing the technical product qualification and ISO providing the quality management framework.
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