API 683 : 1993

Section 1 - General
1.1 Scope
1.2 Definition of terms
1.3 How to use this Recommended Practice
1.4 Referenced publications
1.5 Continuous improvement of this Recommended
     Practice
Section 2 - Traditional methods to assure quality
2.1 General
2.2 Supplier qualifications
2.3 Comprehensive specifications
2.4 Communication meetings
2.5 Design audits
2.6 Manufacturing quality surveillance
2.7 Factory testing
2.8 Field inspection prior to start-up
Section 3 - Guidelines for evaluation of a supplier's
            quality system
3.1 General
3.2 Major elements of a total quality system
3.3 The evaluation process
3.4 Evaluating results
Section 4 - Working together toward continuous quality
            improvement
4.1 General
4.2 Improved communications
4.3 Improved feedback
4.4 Joint development of long-term requirements
Appendix A - Quality assurance system evaluation
             checklist
Appendix B - Typical design audit checklist
Appendix C - Comments and suggestions for improvement of
             API Recommended Practice 683
Figures
1 How to use this Recommended Practice
A-1 Blank evaluation scoresheet
A-2 Sample evaluation scoresheets
B-1 Compressor design audit logic diagram

Gives guidelines to improve quality of mechanical equipment. It is intended to benefit users, contractors and suppliers alike and to facilitate improved relationships between them by promoting trust, teamwork, and communication. A three-part approach is described in this publication consisting of (a) the traditional methods used to help assure quality; (b) techniques that can be used to identify those suppliers who have quality systems so effective that intense user involvement is unnecessary and (c) suggestions on how users, contractors, and suppliers can work together to improve quality.