Champion Achieves R Stamp of Authorization

September 21, 2023

In August 2023, Champion Specialty Services LLC (CSS) received the R Stamp of Authorization (R Stamp) from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI). The R Stamp acknowledges high-quality welding work in the repair and alteration of boilers, pressure vessels, and other pressure-retaining items. The NBBI issues the R Stamp to welders who have a written, proven quality system that is compliant with the current requirements of the National Board Inspection Code and includes reference to the scope of activities that may be performed.

“Our projects always start with safety and quality,” said Bryan Monteon, Champion Quality Director. “We received the R Stamp Certificate and have made it a priority to demonstrate to our customers not just our commitment to safety and quality, but also to provide the highest standard of reliability with code welding repairs and alterations on metallic pressure retaining items, for both shop and field locations.”

The R Stamp achievement was led by Richard Sharek, CSS Quality Manager, Welding Services, who joined our team in January. This extensive certification process requires CSS to:

Maintain an inspection agreement with a commissioned Authorized Inspection agency.
Submit a written Quality Management System (QMS) that complies with the current edition of the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC).
Have the current edition of all four parts of the NBIC.
Qualify a welder to complete all four welding phases: gap fit-up, proper root fusion, fill pass and cap pass. Each phase was visually inspected by the National Board Representative.

This reviewed project was based on the original ASME code of vessel construction. The National Board Review and welding demonstration was hosted by CSS Alpharetta, GA.

Founded in 1919, NBBI’s mission is to reduce the risk to life and property by promoting safety in the construction, installation, inspection, operation, overpressure protection, and repair and alteration of boilers, pressure vessels, and other pressure-retaining items.

Although scheduled shutdowns or unplanned outages for components such as boilers, heat exchangers, storage tanks, process vessels and pressure piping are challenging environments, Champion possesses the experience to incorporate Code Welding Services for these rigorous conditions and critical path activities.

The R Stamp takes an honored place among our many other certifications and symbols of achievement that reinforce our commitment to quality, safety, and innovation.