Certificates & Quality Standards

Volga Burmash products meet the highest international standards for quality and performance. Every drill bit is manufactured and tested in accordance with API and ISO requirements.

API Spec 7-1 Certification

American Petroleum Institute Specification for Rotary Drill Stem Elements

Volga Burmash holds a valid API Spec 7-1 license, certifying that its roller cone drill bits are manufactured in full compliance with the American Petroleum Institute specifications. This certification covers the design, materials, manufacturing processes, and quality control procedures for rotary drill bits used in oil and gas exploration and production.

The API Spec 7-1 certification ensures that every Volga Burmash roller cone bit meets stringent requirements for:

  • Thread specifications: API regular and API internal flush connections machined to exact tolerances
  • Material grades: Steel alloys meeting minimum tensile strength and hardness requirements
  • Bearing design: Roller and journal bearings conforming to dimensional and surface finish standards
  • Seal integrity: Elastomeric and metal-face seals tested for pressure retention and durability
  • Carbide inserts: Tungsten carbide composition, hardness, and dimensional tolerances per API guidelines
  • Marking and traceability: Every bit carries a unique serial number and IADC classification code

The API license is subject to regular audits by API inspectors who visit the Samara factory to verify ongoing compliance with all specification requirements.

ISO 9001 Quality Management System

International Organization for Standardization

The Volga Burmash manufacturing facility operates under an ISO 9001 certified quality management system. This certification confirms that the factory maintains documented procedures for all production stages, from incoming raw material inspection to final product testing and shipment.

Key elements of the ISO 9001 system at Volga Burmash include:

  • Document control: All engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions are centrally managed and revision-controlled
  • Supplier qualification: Raw material suppliers are audited and approved based on quality, consistency, and delivery performance
  • In-process inspection: Critical dimensions and properties are checked at each manufacturing stage with calibrated instruments
  • Non-conformance management: Any deviation from specifications triggers a formal investigation and corrective action process
  • Customer feedback: Post-run bit reports and field data are systematically collected and analyzed to drive continuous improvement
  • Internal audits: Regular internal audits ensure compliance with both ISO requirements and the company's own quality standards

Quality Control Process

From raw material to finished product, every step of manufacturing is subject to rigorous quality checks.

1

Incoming Material Inspection

All steel billets, tungsten carbide powders, seals, and bearings are inspected upon receipt. Chemical composition is verified using spectrometry. Dimensional checks and hardness testing are performed on every batch.

2

Carbide Production QC

Tungsten carbide inserts are tested for density, hardness (HRA), transverse rupture strength, magnetic coercivity, and cobalt content. Statistical process control charts are maintained for each carbide grade.

3

Machining Verification

CNC-machined components are measured using coordinate measuring machines (CMM). Thread gauges verify API connection dimensions. Surface finish is checked with profilometers on bearing and seal surfaces.

4

Heat Treatment Control

Furnace temperature profiles are recorded and archived for every batch. Hardness testing is performed on sample parts after carburizing, quenching, and tempering to verify the specified case depth and core hardness.

5

Assembly Inspection

Assembled bits are checked for bearing preload, cone retention, insert height consistency, and overall dimensional accuracy. Seal assemblies undergo pressure testing to verify leak-free performance.

6

Final Acceptance & Packaging

Every finished bit receives a final visual and dimensional inspection. Serial numbers and IADC codes are permanently marked. Bits are coated with corrosion inhibitor and packed in wooden crates for safe transport.

Request Certificate Copies

Need copies of our API or ISO certificates for your vendor qualification process? Contact our sales team and we will provide certified copies within one business day.

Request Certificates