VAM Field Service International (VAM FSI) provide product support for Vallourec & Mannesmann Tubes, OCTG Division. Field Service centers are located in Aberdeen, Great Yarmouth, Abu Dhabi and Oman. Other VAM field service centers are located in USA, Singapore, Canada, Mexico and Brazil.

Although VAM FSI is owned by Vallourec & Mannesmann Tubes total independence with respect to inspection is guaranteed.

With over 70 service engineers located around the world, VAM approved and qualified personnel can be brought in from other areas to cope with periods of high activity in any one region.

After all, a little knowledge can be dangerous thing in the wrong hands !

Using laser and palmtop computer to measure and record pipe lengths

• Type of storage grease, oil or running compound to be applied
• Measurements units (meters or feet / decimal feet)
• Overall length or effective length requirement
• Running order - high number or low number in well first
• Position of tally number and lengths on pipe body
• Shipping requirements - bundles or transit frames

• Safety => No need to send personnel offshore to carry out this work
• Safety => No climbing onto pipe on deck to tally and inspect
• Safety => No manual handing of drift mandrels on the pipe deck
• Safety => No double handling of pipe on deck
• Quality => No manual input of tally lengths. Pipe measured using laser and data transferred electronically to running tally.
• Quality => Vallourec & Mannesmann approved thread inspectors are used
• Quality => In hole tally linked to manufacturers records to ensure full trace ability from 'cradle to grave'
• Environmental => No cleaning of grease from connections offshore. Pipe is sent to the rig with light oil or running compound already applied.
• Cost => Pipe is shipped to the rig 'Just in Time'
• Cost => No need to send large contingency strings
• Cost = > Measuring average inside diameter to ascertain accurate cement volumes

13 3/8" Casing in transit frames prepared 'Rig Ready'

Other elements concerning the onshore preparation can include inspection of sub-assemblies prior to joint make-up and confirmation of sealing and shouldering of VAM connections using barrette gauges. These services are charged at a 'per hour' rate and include.

• Inspection of pin and box ends to verify correct machining operations
• Ensure suitability of torque machine
• Ensure correct make-up using barrette gauges
• Issue a certificate of acceptance

To meet this condition the field engineer will carry out an inspection of all connections, make necessary repairs to transport damaged pipe and reject pipe that has been damaged to such a degree that it is unsafe to run. They will also check the suitability of the equipment used for making-up and handling the tubulars and ensure that connections are made-up to the correct parameters.

In addition the engineer will assist in supervising running, making recommendations as necessary on handling and make-up procedures and ensuring that the pipe is made-up to the correct torque and make-up parameters. On completion of the job a written report with inspection results and joint make-up performance will be issued.

All VAM Field Service engineers regularly attend training and testing on the VAM Product line and have attended a minimum 5 day survival training course to comply with European standards.

Major oil and gas companies and drilling contractors have recognised the added value provided through the expertise exhibited at VAM FSI by issuing long term contracts for inspection services.

Rig site services are charged at a 'per day' rate. This is based on the date of departure from our local office to date of return inclusive. In addition all transport, accommodation and visa charged are back charged to the customer with supporting documentation.

The last and most important inspection of connections before make-up