Ask Swagelok: Understanding JIP33 S-716 for Oil and Gas
Understanding industry standards and compliance requirements can help simplify project execution and improve consistency across global operations. Joint Industry Project 33 (JIP33) was developed by leading oil and gas operators to standardize procurement specifications and reduce complexity throughout the supply chain. In this video, you'll learn what JIP33 is, why it was created, and how it supports greater efficiency, quality, and interoperability when specifying fluid system components. You'll also gain insight into the role of standardized technical requirements in reducing engineering effort and helping projects move forward more smoothly.
Video Transcript
CRAIG GIFFORD:
Welcome to Ask Swagelok. I'm your host, Craig Gifford, here today with Brian Rudary, who is Swagelok’s Associate Market Manager for Oil, Gas, and Chemical. Today we're unpacking JIP 33, an oil and gas industry specification. So, Brian, for those who are new to the industry, what are JIP 33 and S716, and what problems are those specifications trying to solve?
BRIAN RUDARY:
Sure, and happy to be here, Craig. JIP 33 is an industry-led standardization program developed by the IOGP. The main goal is to streamline and align technical specifications on major capital projects.
What this is meant to do is ensure that, as organizations are procuring and engineering many of these common systems, they're working to an aligned standard across the globe. Where S716 fits in is that it's the specific specification governing the use and design of small-bore tubing and fittings.
CRAIG GIFFORD:
What are the core requirements of S716, and how does that relate to this intermix and interchange issue?
BRIAN RUDARY:
As a whole, Craig, S716 governs the design and use of small-bore tubing and fittings. One of the largest changes this specification brings is that it prohibits the intermixing and interchanging of tube fittings from different manufacturers.
It's important to note that Swagelok has always advocated against intermixing and interchanging. By the IOGP recognizing this, it really shows that the industry is paying close attention to field practices that can impact consistency and quality when these packages are being built on large capital projects.
CRAIG GIFFORD:
Great. What level of competency and training are required of installers so they can be compliant with S716?
BRIAN RUDARY:
Training is a really important part of the specification, Craig, and really the backbone of what JIP 33 relies on for competence within the field.
The scope of training requires that those installing and working with these small-bore systems receive training on the entire tubing and fitting system directly from the tube fitting manufacturer. That's a very important distinction. The manufacturer must provide the training.
That training then needs to translate into demonstrated competency. Personnel working with these systems must show they can properly assemble, inspect, and remake fittings in the field. They also have to understand and recognize the prohibited practice outlined in S716, which is the intermixing and interchanging of fittings from different manufacturers.
CRAIG GIFFORD:
Okay. So, I'm assuming manufacturers like Swagelok can help installers learn more and stay compliant. How can Swagelok help support in this area?
BRIAN RUDARY:
Swagelok can help in a few ways. We can provide installer training and certification programs to help organizations, owners, and installers keep track of who has been trained to Swagelok standards.
We can also help with installation best practices and technical guidance in the field through our global network of experts. In addition, we provide documentation tools and other resources aligned with the requirements of S716.
CRAIG GIFFORD:
Fantastic. How do the gaps between what is documented in the S716 requirements and what installers are seeing day to day in the field vary, and how does that impact project outcomes?
BRIAN RUDARY:
It's a great question, Craig. The first thing we have to recognize is that the environments where these major capital projects take place are often very challenging. Keeping everything aligned with the requirements needed to complete projects on time can be difficult.
What we often see are gaps around consistency, quality, and safety. These challenges can erode some of the best practices outlined in S716 and jeopardize the on-time delivery of project packages.
Where Swagelok can help, and what the industry is increasingly looking for, is partnership with organizations that can quickly close those gaps. That means providing training that ensures installers are working with the right small-bore tubing systems and following established best practices.
It also means supporting procurement and supply-chain needs by helping ensure the right components are available on site, or having a plan in place to quickly provide them when inventory runs low. Those are all critical enablers that help transform the practices mandated in S716 into reality.
CRAIG GIFFORD:
Great. Well, Brian, thank you for sharing your knowledge on this subject, and thank you for joining us on Ask Swagelok.
