Key Points to Note in Procurement (Core Points of Engineering Orders
Clarify the technical standards and steel grade requirements
Case question:
The customer initially only requested "S355" without specifying the suffix (such as J2H, J0H), which led the supplier to produce according to S355J0H (without low-temperature impact requirements), but the actual project required S355J2H (impact toughness at -20℃).

Solution:

Clearly specify the complete steel grade (such as S355J2H) in the order.

Indicate the impact test temperature (such as Charpy V-notch at -20℃).

2. Dimensions and Tolerances (To avoid installation issues)
Case question:
The outer diameter of a certain batch of steel pipes was Ø219.1mm (+1.5% allowable tolerance), but the actual measurement reached Ø222.5mm, resulting in the inability to match the flange on site.

Solution:

Stipulate strict tolerances in the contract (such as Class D1 tolerances in EN 10210-2).

Require a third-party inspection report (such as SGS/BV) to verify the dimensions.

3. Delivery status (Affecting material Performance)
Case question:
The customer did not specify the delivery status. The supplier defaults to "AR" (As-Rolled), but the designer requires "+N" (normalizing treatment) to ensure the welding performance.

Solution:

Clarify the heat treatment requirements (such as "+N" or "+AR").

Check whether the quality guarantee certificate indicates the heat treatment status.

4. Inspection and Certification (To avoid quality disputes)
Case question:
The supplier provided the EN 10204 3.1 certificate, but the customer requested the 3.2 certificate (verified by an independent laboratory), resulting in customs clearance delays.

Solution:

Indicate the type of certificate (such as EN 10204 3.1/3.2) in the order.

Designated inspection items (such as UT flaw detection, tensile test, impact test).

5. Surface treatment and anti-corrosion (affecting service life)
Case question:
Steel pipes are used in coastal environments, but no anti-corrosion coating is required, which leads to rusting during transportation and requires additional sandblasting treatment.

Solution:

Clarify the surface treatment (such as sandblasting Sa2.5, galvanizing or applying anti-rust oil).

Specify the packaging method (such as strapping + moisture-proof film).

6. Delivery Time and Logistics (To avoid delay fines)
Case question:
The supplier delayed production due to a shortage of raw materials, but the contract did not stipulate a penalty for late payment. As a result, the customer was forced to adjust the construction plan.

Solution:

Include Liquidated Damages in the contract, such as 0.5% of the payment for each week of delay.

Require the supplier to provide the production progress report.

7. Payment Terms and Letter of Credit (Risk Reduction)
Case question:
The customer opened 100% LC at sight, but during the inspection, it was found that the wall thickness of the steel pipe was uneven. After the dispute, the bank refused to make the payment.

Solution:

Installment payment is adopted (such as 30% deposit and 70% based on the copy of the bill of lading + inspection report).