According to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Organization, there are over 160,521 miles of liquid petroleum pipelines and approximately 1,585,672 miles of natural gas distribution mains and pipelines. Pipe fittings are a critical part of the oil and gas industry, interconnecting the different components into one seamless pipeline.

Finding high-quality components for your plant may require carefully selecting the right fitting distributors to fulfill your orders. With dozens of manufacturers at your disposal, it may become challenging to find the right partner.

Here are six great tips to help you find the right supplier for your pipe flanges.

1. Product Quality

Pipe fittings within the oil and gas industry need to meet certain standards that govern the use, environment, and material type. You may choose to use ANSI, AWWA, API, or ASME standardization marks to design your flanges. You may need to ensure that the fitting distributors have the right equipment and technology to manufacture products that meet your desired quality. Emphasize the quality of material used.

2. Certifications and Accreditations

You should always work with experienced suppliers that understand the different standards observed within the oil and gas industry. Industry certifications may guarantee that the fitting distributors stock products that match the desired quality. The supplier also needs to have a strong quality assurance system with checks that ensure the parts meet the industry-accepted performance standards.

3. Customization

Oil and gas plants are complex environments, with thousands of interconnected pipes and nodes running across the industrial unit. At times, standard dimensions may not meet your specific needs perfectly. You may need to find fitting distributors that can provide customized flanges that are in the correct shape, size, and style that you desire.

4. Supply Capacity

You may need to find a fitting distributor with a larger inventory that can meet your orders without delays. It may be convenient to work with a supplier that can avail all the necessary pipe fitting supplies for your project. Verify that the company can fulfill your demand before placing an order.

5. Customer Service

You may need to be constantly in contact with your fitting suppliers as the project continues. Proper communication channels are key to ensuring that the products are delivered on time and in the right specification. The company staff ought to take time and address any queries you may have about their business. How much the fitting distributors value their customer service may tell a lot about their work ethic.

6. Reviews

Past client reviews, comments, and testimonials can provide you with an idea of what to expect when working with a specific supplier. Read through the distributor’s website, industry forums, and online review sites to understand more about their services and product quality.

Fittings are crucial for any oil and gas project. They’re the connection between pipes and other gas distribution fixtures, and without them, you won’t be able to put together your distribution system in a way that ensures good flow. But with all the different types of pipe fittings available on the market today, it can be difficult to know which type is best for your needs. That’s why you need experienced and knowledgeable fitting distributors. If you are searching for flange suppliers for oil and gas plants, reach out to Lynco Flange and Fitting and we’ll get you taken care of.