How to Write a Pipe Fitting RFQ That Gets an Accurate Quote First Time

The Minimum Information Required

A pipe fitting RFQ must specify — at minimum — seven pieces of information. Without any one of them, the quote will either be generic (and therefore inaccurate) or will require a back-and-forth clarification that adds days to your lead time.

1. Fitting type and angle: 90° LR Elbow, Equal Tee, Concentric Reducer, Eccentric Reducer, Cap, Stub End, etc. For elbows: long radius (R=1.5D) or short radius (R=1D)? For reducers: concentric or eccentric?
2. Nominal pipe size: NPS 4 (ASME) or DN100 (EN). For reducers, both inlet and outlet: e.g. NPS 6×4 or DN150×100.
3. Wall schedule or wall thickness: SCH 40, SCH 80, SCH 40S, or actual wall in mm. For EN 10253-2 Type B, also specify the pipe standard the bore must match (e.g. EN 10216-5 OD Series 1).
4. Material grade: ASTM designation (e.g. A403 WP316L) or EN designation (e.g. EN 10253-2, W.Nr. 1.4404). Both if dual-certification is needed. "SS 316" without the grade letter (L or standard) is ambiguous.
5. Product standard: ASME B16.9, ASME B16.28, EN 10253-2 Type A or Type B, MSS SP-43. This determines dimensional tolerances, wall requirements, and testing regime.
6. Certificate type: EN 10204 2.2, 3.1, or 3.2. For 3.2, name the acceptable TPI bodies (TÜV, Lloyd's, BV, DNV, etc.).
7. Quantity and delivery: Number of pieces per line item. Delivery point (DDP, CIF, FOB Mumbai). Required delivery date.

Additional Requirements That Affect Price and Lead Time

These are not always required but must be stated if they apply — adding them after a quote has been issued invariably increases price and extends delivery:

• NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156: Sour service compliance. Requires hardness testing, low-sulphur steel (≤0.010% S for carbon steel), normalised condition for CS. Must be on PO from the start — cannot be added after manufacture.
• Impact testing: Temperature and minimum energy (e.g. -46°C, 20 J avg). Must be specified per material standard. Particularly for carbon steel below -29°C.
• PMI (Positive Material Identification): 100% XRF PMI on each fitting, with report. Adds cost and time but is mandatory for alloy-critical or sour service.
• Third-party inspection witness: Name of TPI, extent of witness (chemical analysis, mechanical testing, dimensional, hydrostatic test).
• NDE beyond standard: UT, RT, PT, MT requirements above the product standard minimum.
• IBR Form III-B: For Indian boiler steam service — requires IBR-approved manufacturer and state CIB inspection.
• PED Declaration of Conformity: For EU pressure equipment — category (I–IV), fluid group, applicable module (B+D, G, H).
• Surface finish: Ra in µm for pharmaceutical/food applications. Electropolish requirement.

Example: Complete RFQ Line Item

What Happens When the RFQ Is Incomplete

Suppliers receiving an incomplete RFQ must either (a) quote the cheapest assumption that meets the stated requirement (e.g. Type A instead of Type B, 3.1 instead of 3.2, without NACE), or (b) send a clarification request. If you choose option (a) and the fitting schedule is placed on that basis, you may receive Type A fittings when the project specification requires Type B — requiring replacement of all installed fittings at 5–10× the original cost. The safest approach: use the above checklist on every RFQ, every time.