Samms Spec PDF

Materials System Specification
32-SAMSS-036 31 August 2014

Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents
1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations................................. 3
3 References..................................................... 3
4 Definitions....................................................... 6
5 Responsibilities............................................... 7
6 Proposals....................................................... 8
7 Mechanical Design......................................... 8
8 Nozzles and Manways.................................. 12
9 Internals........................................................ 15
10 Vessel Support............................................. 16
11 Clips, Brackets and
Internal Supporting Rings...................... 18
12 Materials....................................................... 20
13 Fabrication.................................................... 24
14 Nondestructive Examination......................... 29
15 Postweld Heat Treatment............................. 34
16 Examination, Inspection,
Pressure Tests and Repairs.................. 34
17 Nameplates and Stampings.......................... 39
18 Coatings and Painting................................... 39
19 Shipping Requirements................................ 40
20 Drawings, Calculations and Data.................. 43
Table 1 – Nondestructive Examination
Requirements…………………..……….. 45
Previous Issue: 15 January 2012 Next Planned Update: 31 August 2019

Page 1 of 45
Primary contact: Al-Ghamdi, Fayez Hasin on +966-13-8809618
Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2014. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 31 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 31 August 2019 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
1 Scope
1.1 This specification covers the minimum mandatory requirements for the
manufacture of shop fabricated pressure vessels made out of carbon steel, high
alloy and non-ferrous materials with diameter not exceeding 4 feet and a
tangent-to-tangent length not exceeding 12 feet, under the following design
conditions:
a) Design pressure no greater than 1.69 MPa (245 psi) and,
b) Design temperature no greater than 121°C (250°F)
Note: Such vessels are also referred to as small pressure vessels.
1.2 Vessels under the scope of this specification are purchased on a stand-alone
basis or as an integral part of a skid-mounted unit.
Note: This is applicable irrespective of the party contractually responsible for the
purchase order (Saudi Aramco facility, LSTK contractor, sub-supplier, etc.).
1.3 The requirements are in addition to and supplement the requirements of the
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII Division 1.
1.4 This specification does not cover the following:

1) “UM” stamped pressure vessels per ASME SEC VIII D1.
2) In-service pressure vessels.
3) Pressure vessels under the following services:
a) Hydrogen service.
b) Lethal service.
c) Cyclic service.
4) Vessels in which the required design wall thickness is governed by
loadings due to wind pressure or earthquake forces.
5) Devices used as an integral part of piping systems, made of what are
recognized as piping components (piping, fittings, etc.) and serve purposes
such as straining, filtering, mixing, separating, distributing, metering and
controlling flow.
6) Pressure vessels used as part of heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(HVAC) systems.
7) Compressed gas cylinders.
8) All types of heat exchangers.
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9) All components of Sulfur Recovery Units: Reaction Furnace, Waste Heat

Boiler, Sulfur Condenser, Thermal Oxidizer, Steam Drum and Catalytic
Converter.
10) Unfired Steam Boilers.
1.5 Pressure vessels having partial or complete cladding shall also conform to
32-SAMSS-031 in addition to the requirements of this specification.
1.6 Where a licensor's specification requirement is more stringent than that of this
specification, the licensor's specification requirement will govern.
1.7 A vessel that is an integral part of a skid-mounted unit shall be designed and
manufactured by a manufacturer of such unit per the relevant SAP database.
2 Conflicts and Deviations
2.1 Any conflicts between this Specification and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs), Standard Drawings (SASDs), or
industry standards, codes, and forms shall be in writing by the Company or
Buyer Representative through the Manager, Consulting Services Department of
Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this specification in writing to the Company or
Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Manager, Consulting Services Department of
Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
3 References
Unless otherwise noted, materials or equipment supplied to this specification shall

comply with the applicable edition of the references listed below. The applicable
edition shall be as on the project cut-off date for Saudi Aramco documents and purchase
order date for industry standards.
3.1 Saudi Aramco References
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory
Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement
SAEP-347 Supplying Material from Stockists
Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

01-SAMSS-016 Qualification of Plates for Storage Tanks and
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Pressured Equipment Steels for Resistance to

Hydrogen-Induced Cracking
01-SAMSS-043 Carbon steel Pipes for On-Plot Piping
02-SAMSS-005 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings
32-SAMSS-031 Manufacture of Clad Vessels and Heat Exchangers
32-SAMSS-038 Manufacture of Skid Mounted Units
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-A-007 Hydrostatic Testing Fluids and Lay-Up Procedures
SAES-A-112 Meteorological and Seismic Design Data
SAES-A-206 Positive Materials Identification
SAES-H-001 Coating Selection and Application Requirements for
Industrial Plants and Equipment
SAES-L-133 Corrosion Protection Requirements for Pipelines,
Piping and Process Equipment
SAES-M-001 Structural Design Criteria for Non-Building
Structures
SAES-N-001 Industrial Insulation
SAES-W-010 Welding Requirements for Pressure Vessels
Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements

Form 175-321950 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets

NMR-7919-1 Nonmaterial Requirements for Pressure Vessels
9527-ENG Pressure Vessel Data Sheet
(herein referred to as data sheet)
Saudi Aramco Standard Drawing

AA-036322 Anchor Bolt Details
3.2 Industry Codes and Standards
American Institute of Steel Construction

AISC Manual of Steel Construction
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American Petroleum Institute

API RP 520 Part I - Sizing, Selection, and Installation of
Pressure Relieving Devices in Refineries
American Society of Civil Engineers

ASCE 7-2005 Edition Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other
Structures
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes)

ASME SA-20 Specification for General Requirements for Steel
Plates for pressure Vessels
ASME SA-435 Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic
Examination of Steel Plates
ASME SEC V Nondestructive Examination
ASME SEC VIII D1 Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels
ASME SEC VIII D2 Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels,
Alternative Rules
ASME B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings NPS ½ through
NPS 24
ASME B16.11 Forged Steel Fittings, Socket Welding and Threaded
ASME B1.20.1 Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch)
ASME B16.20 Metallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges-Ring-Joint,
Spiral-Wound, and Jacketed
ASME B16.21 Nonmetallic Flat Gaskets for Pipe Flanges
ASME B16.25 Butt-welding Ends
ASME B16.47 Large Diameter Steel Flanges NPS 26 through
NPS 60
American Society for Nondestructive Testing

ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certification of
Nondestructive Testing Personnel
American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM A380 Practice of Cleaning, Discleaning and Passivation
of Stainless Steel Part Equipment and System
ASTM E381 Standard Method of Macrotech Testing Steel Bars,
Billets, Blooms, and Forgings American Society
Page 5 of 45
for Nondestructive Testing
International Standards Organization

ISO 15156 Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries - Materials
for Use in H2S Containing Environments in Oil
and Gas Production
National Association of Corrosion Engineers

NACE RP0472 Methods of Control to Prevent In-Service Cracking
of Carbon Steel Welds in P-1 Materials in
Corrosive Petrochemical Refining Environments
NACE RP0590 Recommended Practice for Prevention, Detection
and Correction of Deaerator Cracking
NACE TM0208 Laboratory Test to Evaluate the Vapor-Inhibiting
Ability of Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor Materials for
Temporary Protection of Ferrous Metal Surfaces
Process Industry Practices

VEFV1100 Vessel/S&T Heat Exchanger Standard Details
Welding Research Council

WRC 297 Welding Research Council Bulletin
WRC 537 Local Stresses in Spherical and Cylindrical Shells
Due to External Loadings
4 Definitions
AARH: Average arithmetic roughness height, which is a measure of surface texture.
Cyclic Services: Services that require fatigue analysis per 5.5.2 “Screening Criteria for
Fatigue Analysis” of ASME SEC VIII D2.
Design Engineer: The Engineering Company responsible for specifying on the data
sheet the mechanical design requirements for pressure vessels.
High - Alloy Steels: Steels with a total alloying content more than 5%.
Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) Environment: Process streams that introduce

HIC according to SAES-L-133.
Hydrogen Services: Process streams containing relatively pure hydrogen and process
streams containing hydrogen as a component with an absolute partial pressure of 350 kPa
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(50 psi) and higher.
Lethal Services: Process streams containing a concentration of hydrogen sulfide in

excess of 20% volume per total volume of vessel shall be considered lethal. Other
services as determined by the project design may also be designated as lethal services.
MDMT: Minimum design metal temperature, determined by the Design Engineer.
Nominal Thickness: Thickness selected as commercially available, and supplied to the

Manufacturer. For plate material, the nominal thickness is the measured thickness of
the plate at the joint or location under consideration after forming.
Pressure Vessel and Vessel: As defined in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes.
SAP: Saudi Aramco corporate materials database that includes approved manufacturers.
Saudi Aramco Engineer: The Supervisor of the Process Equipment Unit, Consulting
Services Department, Dhahran.
Saudi Aramco Inspector: The person or company authorized by the Saudi Aramco
Inspection Department to inspect pressure vessels to the requirements of this specification.
Small Pressure Vessels: Vessels under scope of this specification.
Skid-mounted Units: Self-contained units for process and utility applications (e.g., air
dryers, portable air compressors, filtering unit, nitrogen generation, dehydration, etc.)
fabricated and skid-mounted in one section under the scope of 32-SAMSS-038. Such unit
consists of equipment (pressure vessels, compressors, pumps, storage tank, etc.),
interconnecting piping, electrical and/ or instrument components, and support structures.
Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC) Environment: Process streams that introduce SSC
according to SAES-L-133.
Utility Services: Water, and air and nitrogen services within scope limitations of this
specification.
Vessel Manufacturer: Company responsible for the manufacture of new pressure

vessels in accordance with this specification.
5 Responsibilities
The Vessel Manufacturer is responsible for the manufacture of pressure vessels, which
includes complete mechanical design, Code and structural calculations, supply of all
materials, fabrication, nondestructive examination, inspection, testing, surface
preparation, and preparation for shipment in accordance with the completed data sheet
and the requirements of this specification.
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6 Proposals
6.1 The Vessel Manufacturer's proposal shall be based on details for individual
vessels and the requirements of this specification.
6.2 The proposal shall include a detailed description of any exception to the
requirements of this specification.
7 Mechanical Design
7.1 General
7.1.1 All pressure vessels shall be designed in accordance with the rules of
the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, ASME SEC VIII D1 (hereinafter
referred to in this document as the Codes), and the requirements of this
specification.
7.1.2 Stress analyses according to the Code rules shall be executed by the
manufacturer. A third party under full control and responsibility of the
manufacturer may execute only finite element analysis.
7.1.3 No proof testing shall be permitted unless specifically approved by the

Saudi Aramco Engineer.
7.1.4 Application of ASME Code Cases to the manufacturing of pressure

vessels requires approval of the Saudi Aramco Engineer.
7.1.5 All welded joints of category A, B, C and D shall be complete fusion

full penetration welds, except for joint welds of slip-on flanges
specified per paragraph 8.1.3(d) of this specification.
7.2 Design Pressure
The value of design pressure(s) shall be in accordance with the data sheet.
7.2.1 Unless otherwise specified on the data sheet the design pressure will be
assumed to be at the top of the vessel in the operating position.
7.2.2 Design pressure(s) acting at the bottom of vessels shall take into
account pressure heads, both static and dynamic, due to the maximum
liquid levels.
7.2.3 The external design pressure and corresponding temperature shall be as

specified on the data sheet.
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7.3 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure
7.3.1 The Vessel Manufacturer shall calculate the maximum allowable

working pressure (MAWP) acting on the top of a vessel, in the hot and
corroded condition in accordance with the Code.
7.3.2 The MAWP of a vessel shall not be limited by flange ratings.
7.4 Design Temperature
The value of design temperature(s) shall be as specified on the data sheet.
7.5 Minimum Design Metal Temperature (MDMT)
The value of the minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) shall be as

7.6 Service and Description
7.6.1 The service of a vessel shall be as specified on the data sheet.
7.6.2 The process description of a vessel (Examples: DGA filter

Regenerator, Air Receiver) shall be as specified on the data sheet.
7.7 Joint Efficiency
7.7.1 The joint efficiency shall be as specified on the data sheet.
7.7.2 A joint efficiency of 85% or higher shall be specified for the design of
all pressure containing components of ASME SEC VIII D1 pressure
vessels.
7.8 Corrosion Allowance
7.8.1 Corrosion allowance shall be as specified on the data sheet.
7.8.2 Corrosion allowance is to be added to all pressure retaining parts which

are in contact with the process fluid, including, shells, heads
nozzle/manway necks, covers, and non-removable internals.
7.9 Nominal Thickness
Nominal thickness of shells and heads shall not be less than the following:
a) Carbon steels, 6 mm.
b) High alloy steels and non-ferrous materials, 5 mm.
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7.10 Head Types
7.10.1 Refer to the data Sheet for the type of head.
7.10.2 The type of heads to be used shall be ASME 2:1-ellipsoidal, ASME

hemispherical or ASME torispherical heads.
7.10.3 One piece construction shall be used for heads.
7.10.4 Minimum inside radius of knuckles for conical transition sections shall
not be less than 6% of the outside diameter of the adjoining cylindrical
section with conical transition section.
7.10.5 Minimum inside radius of knuckles for torispherical heads shall not be
les 6% of the outside diameter of the adjoining cylindrical section with
torispherical heads.
7.11 Design Loads
Design loads are defined and classified as follows:
7.11.1 Dead Load (L1)
Dead Load is the installed weight of the vessel including internals,

supports (e.g., skirts, lugs, saddles and legs), insulation, and
appurtenances (e.g., platforms, ladders, etc.), attached equipment such
as motors machinery, valves, other vessels, and piping.
7.11.2 Operating Live Load (L2)
Operating Live Load is the weight of liquid contents under the

maximum operating conditions, including that on trays.
7.11.3 Pressure Load (L3)
Pressure load is the internal design pressure and, as applicable, external

design pressure.
7.11.4 Thermal Load (L4)
Thermal loads are the loads caused by the restraint of thermal

expansion/interaction of the vessel and/or its support(s).
7.11.5 Pressure testing Load (L5)
All pressure vessel components whether shop or field fabricated shall

be designed to withstand a full pressure test in the erected position.
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7.11.6 Wind Load (L6)

a) Wind loads shall be calculated for the vessel in its erected
position in accordance with the procedures detailed in ASCE 7
(2005 Edition), using Occupancy Category IV and based on
design data corresponding to the site location per SAES-A-112.
b) Wind pressures shall be assumed to act on the projected surface
area of the pressure vessel and shall include due allowances for
platforms, ladders, piping, insulation, and equipment supported
from the pressure vessel as specified on the data sheet.
7.11.7 Earthquake Load (L7)
Earthquake loads shall be calculated for the vessel in its erected

position in accordance with the procedures detailed in ASCE 7 (2005
Edition), using Occupancy Category IV and based on design data
corresponding to the site location per SAES-A-112.
7.11.8 Piping, Equipment and External Loads (L8)

a) Imposed external piping loads that will affect the overall integrity
of the vessel shall be considered as applicable. Such loads shall
be added to moments and forces due to other external primary
loads (weight, wind or earthquake loads).
b) The vessel manufacturer shall ensure that local stresses imposed
on a vessel due to piping (other than dead loads), equipment,
lifting, supports and other external loads shall not exceed the
allowable limits in accordance with the Code.
7.12 Load Combinations
7.12.1 All components of a vessel, including its support(s), shall be designed

to the following loading combinations:
a) L1 + L6: Erected condition with full wind load.
b) L1 + L2 + L3 + L4 + L6 + L8: Design condition with full wind
load (includes both full and zero pressure conditions L3).
c) L1 + L2 + L3 + L4 + L7 + L8: Design condition with full
earthquake load (includes both full and zero pressure conditions
L4).
d) L1 + L3 + L5 + (0.5) L6: Full pressure test condition with vessel
in its erected position and with 50% of design wind load.
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Combined stresses shall not exceed 90% of the lowest Specified

Minimum Yield Strength (SMYS) of the materials of construction
at test temperature.
e) L1 + L3 + L5 + (0.5) L7: Full pressure test condition with vessel
in its erected position and with 50% of design seismic load.
Combined stresses shall not exceed 90% of the lowest Specified
Minimum Yield Strength (SMYS) of the materials of construction
at test temperature.
7.12.2 Anchor bolts shall be designed for load combinations, based on the
allowable stress design method (Service Loads) in accordance with
SAES-M-001.
7.12.3 Loads (moments or forces) acting on a vessel due to external piping

that will affect the overall integrity of the vessel shall be added to
moments and forces due to other external primary loads (weight, wind
or earthquake loads). Addition of piping loads shall be based on
performing stress analysis.
7.12.4 All pressure vessel components shall be designed to withstand a full

pressure test in the erected position.
7.12.5 Combined stresses due to full pressure test and the greater of wind and
earthquake loads shall not exceed 90% of the lowest Specified
Minimum Yield Strength (SMYS) of the materials of construction at
test temperature. However, wind and earthquake design loads can be
reduced to 50% of its values.
7.13 Local Stress Analysis
Stress analysis due to piping, equipment, lifting, supports and other external
loads shall be completed in accordance with the procedures as detailed in
WRC 537, WRC 297 or a finite element analysis.
8 Nozzles and Manways
8.1 General
8.1.1 The quantities, types, sizes, ratings, (ASME pressure classes), facings,
elevations, and orientations of nozzles and manways shall be as
8.1.2 Unless otherwise specified on the data sheet, the minimum projections
for nozzles and manway necks, as measured from the outside surface
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of the shell or head to the face of a flange, shall meet the following
requirements:
a) 6 inches for NPS 6 nozzles and smaller.
b) 8 inches for NPS 8 nozzles and larger and manways necks.
c) For insulated vessels, projection shall be sufficient to allow
bolting/unbolting without interference with the insulation.
d) For vessel drain connections and other connections, where a
process stream is likely to be stagnant, the projection shall not
exceed three times the connection nominal diameter.
8.1.3 Permissible types of nozzles and manways are according to the

following:
a) Forged steel long welding neck.
b) Forged steel welding neck flange. Such type of flange is welded
to seamless pipe, rolled plate with 100% radiography or an
integrally reinforced contour shaped forged nozzle or manway.
The bore of flange shall match the bore of nozzle and manway, as
applicable.
c) Studded nozzles and proprietary designs may be offered as
alternatives provided their design is in accordance with the
applicable Code and approved by the Saudi Aramco Engineer.
d) Slip-on type flanges with seamless pipe nozzle necks or rolled
plate with 100% radiography are permissible for vessels intended
for only air and water services.
8.1.4 Threaded or socket-welded connections with 3000# rating conforming

to ASME B16.11 may be used for 1-½ inch NPS and smaller vents,
drains and instrument connections in other than the following services
and design conditions:
a) Caustic service.
b) Continuous or intermittent vibration.
c) Any service where crevice corrosion or severe erosion may occur.
d) Services where leakage would result in serious consequences for
the operation or safety of plant or personnel.
8.1.5 Threaded connections shall conform to ASME B1.20.1.
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8.1.6 Vessels in services other than air and water shall be provided with a
minimum 2-inch NPS flanged steam-out connection.
8.1.7 The ends of butt-welded connections shall be in accordance with

ASME B16.25.
8.1.8 The Vessel Manufacturer shall design nozzles that are required for the
supporting of mechanical mixers and shall include the additional loads
and dimensional tolerances as specified on the data sheet.
8.1.9 Minimum, four gusset plates shall be provided for the reinforcement of
nozzles supporting mixers.
8.2 Reinforcement of Openings
8.2.1 Reinforcement of vessel openings shall be in accordance with the Code

and this specification.
8.2.2 Thickness of reinforcing pads shall not exceed that of the vessel where
the pad is located.
8.2.3 Use of internal reinforcing pad and internal nozzle projection is not
permitted.
8.3 Flange Ratings (ASME Pressure Classes) and Facings
8.3.1 The ASME pressure classes and facings shall be as specified on the
data sheet.
8.3.2 Bolted joints specified with non-ASME flanges shall be designed to

meet all anticipated loading conditions of the vessel.
8.3.3 Pressure ratings for standard flanges shall be in accordance with the
following:
a) ASME B16.5 for flanges NPS 24 and smaller.
b) ASME B16.47, Series A for flanges larger than NPS 24.
8.3.4 Gasket seating surfaces shall comply with the following:

a) For spiral wound gaskets, 125 to 250 AARH.
b) For Nonmetallic gaskets, 250 to 500 AARH.
8.3.5 Machined surfaces other than gasket contact faces shall not exceed
500 AARH.
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8.4 Manway
8.4.1 The number, nominal inside diameter and locations of manways shall
be as specified in the data sheet.
8.4.2 Manway shall be circular. The manway cover shall be hinged or

provided with a handling davit according to PIP VEFV1100.
8.5 Attachment Details for Nozzles, Manways and their Connections
8.5.1 All nozzles and manway necks shall be attached by welding

completely through the total thickness of the vessel shell, head or
nozzle wall, including any reinforcement. Backing rings used in
attaching nozzles and manways to vessels shall be removed after
welding.
8.5.2 Permissible types of nozzles, manways and their connections shall be

according to the table below.
Design Conditions / Figure reference from indicated

Attachment
Services Group ASME Code Section VIII, Division 1
 All nozzle sizes and

Group I manway necks
Figure UW-16.1(g).
Vessels that will  Connections attached
undergo PWHT to nozzles and
manways
NPS 4 and smaller Figure UW-16.1, details: (a), (a-1),
nozzles (b), (c), (d), (e) or (g).
Group II
Nozzles larger than
NPS 4 and manway
Vessels that do Figure UW-16.1, details: (c), (d), (e)
necks
not require PWHT or (g).
Connections attached to
nozzles and manways
9 Internals
9.1 All fixed and removable internals, including distributors, screens, etc., shall be
9.2 The Vessel Manufacture shall design, supply and install all other internals, as
9.3 All removable internals are to be designed so that they may be passed through
vessel manways.
Page 15 of 45
10 Vessel Support
10.1 General
10.1.1 Refer to the data sheet for the type of support.
10.1.2 Supports shall be designed to prevent excessive localized stresses due

to deformations produced by the internal pressure, primary loads and,
if applicable, thermal gradients in the vessel and support system.
10.1.3 Each vessel shall be designed as a self-supporting unit in accordance

with the requirements of the Code and AISC.
10.1.4 All supports shall be continuously welded to the vessel.
10.1.5 The material of anchor bolts shall be in accordance with this

specification.
10.1.6 Base plates shall be designed by the Vessel Manufacturer for all
loading conditions in accordance with this specification.
10.1.7 The allowable concrete bearing stress to be used for the design of base
plates shall be 8300 kPa.
10.2 Supports for Vertical Vessels
10.2.1 The data sheet shall specify the type, location and overall dimensions
required for the design of supports for vertical vessels.
10.2.2 The Vessel Manufacturer shall design all supports required, including
skirts, legs, lugs, and base-plates, number of anchor bolts in
accordance with the data sheet.
10.2.3 Skirts shall have a minimum thickness of 6 mm.
10.2.4 The mean corroded diameter of the shell and the mean diameter of the
skirt shall coincide [rounded off to the nearest 3 mm], and shall be
symmetrical about the vessel centerline. Exceeding this offset limit
shall require prior approval of the Saudi Aramco Engineer, as defined
in this specification, supported by stress analysis.
10.2.5 Skirt access opening diameter shall be minimum one half of the vessel
diameter. Skirt access opening diameters smaller than the above
specified shall require prior approval of the Saudi Aramco Engineer.
It is the vessel manufacturer's responsibility to determine the need for
reinforcing the opening, according to the applicable Code.
Page 16 of 45
10.2.6 No flanged connection shall be provided inside skirts for vessels in

services other than water.
10.2.7 Piping passing through skirt openings shall be adequately supported to

prevent damage during shipment.
10.2.8 The Vessel Manufacturer shall provide skirt bracing to prevent

buckling during shipping and lifting in the field.
10.2.9 Leg supports, lug supports, and lifting lugs that will impose stress
levels higher than the acceptable Code limits shall be welded to an
attachment pad. The pad shall be a minimum 10 mm (3/6 in) thick but
not greater than the vessel thickness.
10.2.10 Skirt-to-vessel juncture shall be according to ASME SEC VIII D2,

Figure 4.2.4, detail (a) or (b). Adjacent edges of head-to-shell and
skirt-to-head welds shall not be closer than the head thickness or
25 mm (1 inch), whichever is greater.
10.3 Supports for Horizontal Vessels
10.3.1 Two saddles with anchor bolts shall be used to support horizontal
pressure vessels. The vessel shall be fixed at one saddle support and
free to slide at the other saddle. Saddles shall be in full contact with
the foundation.
10.3.2 The data sheet shall specify locations of the fixed and sliding saddles
and dimension from vessel centerline to underside of saddle base plate.
10.3.3 Saddle supports and the vessel shell shall be analyzed for operating and
hydrotest loads including any piping loads.
10.3.4 Minimum of 10 mm thick reinforcing pad is required at the junction of

the saddle and the vessel with all corners rounded to a minimum radius
of 50 mm.
10.3.5 The anchor bolt holes on the sliding-end saddle shall be slotted to
facilitate thermal expansion/ contraction along the longitudinal axis of
the vessel.
10.3.6 The sliding saddle height shall take into account the thickness of low
friction sheet assembly under the sliding saddle. The low friction sheet
assembly shall be provided by the vessel manufacturer.
Page 17 of 45
10.4 Anchor Bolts
10.4.1 The Vessel Manufacturer shall determine the size and number of
anchor bolts required.
10.4.2 Anchor bolts shall straddle vessel centerlines on the north-south,

east-west axes.
10.4.3Anchor bolts shall not be less than 19 mm minimum nominal diameter.
10.4.4 Design of anchor bolts shall be based on the following allowable

stresses:
a) 0.264 of Ultimate Tensile Strength (tension).
b) 0.176 of Ultimate Tensile Strength (shear).
10.4.5 Vessels supported on skirts shall be provided with an even number of

anchor bolts with a minimum of four anchor bolts. Vessels supported
on lugs or legs shall be provided with minimum four lugs or legs and
minimum one anchor bolt per support.
10.4.6 Vessels supported on saddles shall be provided with an even number of

anchor bolts with a minimum of two anchor bolts per saddle.
11 Clips and Non-Pressure Retaining Attachments
11.1 General
The Vessel Manufacturer shall supply and install all clips and attachments as
11.2 Insulation Supports
11.2.1 Support for insulation system shall be according to the data sheet.
11.2.2 The Vessel Manufacturer shall supply and install supports required for
insulation.
11.2.3 The bottom heads of vertical vessels that are externally insulated shall
be provided with 12 mm blank nuts. Blank nuts shall be welded edge
and located on 300 mm square centers.
11.3 Fireproofing Supports
11.3.1 Support for fireproofing system shall be according to the data sheet.
Page 18 of 45
11.3.2 The Vessel Manufacturer shall supply and install supports required for
fireproofing materials.
11.3.3 Vertical vessels, which are not externally insulated, shall be provided
with a 5 mm thick steel weather cap on the skirt to provide a flashing
for fireproofing.
11.4 Grounding Lugs
All pressure vessels shall be provided with a grounding lug connection welded
to the vessel support in accordance with PIP VEFV1100.
11.5 Equipment Davit
11.5.1 A davit for the lifting of equipment shall be supplied when specified on
the data sheet.
11.5.2 The davit shall be in accordance with PIP VEFV1100.
11.6 Lifting Devices
Lifting devices (lifting lugs, trunnions, tailing lugs) shall be specified for vessels
to facilitate shipping and handling purposes.
11.7 Reinforcing / Wear Pads
11.7.1 Reinforcing and wear pads for internal and external welded
attachments shall be sized to meet requirements of paragraph 7.11.8 of
this specification. Pads shall be a minimum of 10 mm (⅜") thick, but
shall not exceed the shell thickness; with all of their corners rounded to
a minimum radius of 50 mm. Distance from any edge of the
attachment to the closest edge of the reinforcing pad shall not be less
than 50 mm (2 inches).
11.7.2 Where no reinforcing pad is required, internal and external welded

attachments shall be welded directly onto pressure boundary of vessel
surfaces with a smooth transition, minimizing peak stress concentration
effects and facilitating non-destructive examination. Where this
construction detail cannot be met (due to only vessel geometry), wear
pads per paragraph 11.7.1 of this specification shall be provided.
Commentary Note:
If the welds for the wear pads do not meet the spacing requirements
(eg: for leg supports with pads) alternatives such as thicker shell
material to avoid the use of pads may be considered.
Page 19 of 45
12 Materials
12.1 General
12.1.1 All carbon steel, high alloy and non-ferrous materials required for
pressure and non-pressure components shall be as specified on the data
sheet.
12.1.2 Prior approval by the Saudi Aramco Engineer is required for use of
alternative materials of construction. Alternative materials must
comply with all the requirements of the applicable Code and this
specification.
12.1.3 All materials must be clearly identified and provided with legible
original or certified true copies of Mill Test Certificates. Lack of
adequate identification and certification shall be cause for rejection.
12.1.4 Use of solid high alloy steels, including austenitic stainless steels, shall
be on a case-by-case basis, with prior approval of the Saudi Aramco
Engineer as defined in this specification. Material selection shall be
based on the design temperature, minimum design metal temperature
and intended service.
12.1.5 All materials, except carbon steels, shall be alloy-verified by the

Vessel manufacturer according to SAES-A-206.
12.1.6 Material of construction shall be tested, as applicable, to verify that

their mechanical properties will be retained considering the following:
a) All heat treatment cycles that will be required for the fabrication
of the vessel, including the final postweld heat treatment (PWHT)
and,
b) Two PWHT cycles to account for future repairs and/or
alterations.
12.1.7 As an alternative to material qualification requirements per paragraph

12.1.6 of this specification for carbon standard flanges (according to
ASME B16.5 and B16.47) and nozzle pipe that do not require impact
testing, materials of construction shall have minimum 70 MPa (10 ksi)
over their specified minimum yield strength and ultimate tensile
strength values.
12.1.8 Forgings shall meet a material cleanliness C2/R2/S2 rating, as

described in ASTM E381.
Page 20 of 45
12.1.9 Specimens for material testing shall be taken per the following, based
on the maximum heat-treated thickness (T):
a) Plates
Specimens shall be taken from each plate transverse to the rolling
direction in accordance with SA-20 at the standard test locations
and at a depth of ½T location. If required, ½T specimens should
be used for hot tensile and step cooling tests.
b) Standard flanges according to ASME B16.5
For flanges with T equal to or less than 50 mm (2 inches),
specimens shall be removed in accordance with the material
specification.
c) Pipe
Specimens shall be taken from each heat and lot of pipe,
transverse to the major working direction in accordance with used
material specification except that test specimens should be taken
from a depth of ½T.
12.1.10 Materials for pressure vessels for de-aeration service shall be in

accordance with NACE RP0590.
12.1.11 Materials for vessels exposed to HIC environments shall be in

accordance with the following:
i) Shells and heads formed from plate shall be manufactured
from HIC resistant steels that meet the testing requirements of
01-SAMSS-016.
ii) Piping components (such as nozzle/manway necks, elbow, etc.)
made from rolled and welded plate used in the manufacture of a
pressure vessel within the scope of this standard shall be
manufactured from HIC resistant steels that meet the testing
requirements of 01-SAMSS-016. Wrought piping components
shall meet the requirements of 02-SAMSS-005. Forged piping
components do not require HIC testing. Welded pipes shall meet
the requirements of 01-SAMSS-043.
12.1.12 Materials for vessels exposed to SSC environments shall be in

accordance with the following:
a) Standard flanges and flanged fittings (i.e. flanges and flanged
fittings under the scope of ASME B16.5 and large diameter
Page 21 of 45
flanges under the scope of ASME B16.47) are restricted to: SA-
350 (Grade LF1 or Grade LF2).
b) Special forgings (long weld neck flanges, non-standard forged
flanges, integrally reinforced nozzles and manways, forged
butt-welded fittings, etc.) are restricted to: SA-266 (Grades 2 or
4), SA-350 (Grade LF1 or Grade LF2) and SA-765 Grade II.
c) Studs are restricted to: SA-193 B7M or SA-320 L7M.
d) Nuts are restricted to: SA-194 Grade 2HM.
e) It shall satisfy the requirements of ISO 15156 and NACE RP0472.
12.1.13 Material for nameplate mounting brackets shall be of the same type
and material grade as the pressure retaining component to which it is
attached.
12.1.14 SA-36 and SA-285 materials may be used only for pressure retaining
components of vessels in water and air services with plate thickness
not exceeding 19 mm.
12.1.15 Materials of supports shall be as follows:

1) Legs and lugs: same material as vessel wall base material.
Supports of vessels described in paragraph 12.1.15 of this
specification may be of the same ASME material P No. as that of
the vessel wall base material.
2) Skirts: same material as the vessel wall base material for a
minimum distance of 300 mm measured below the vessel-to-skirt
connection line, unless thermal calculations require additional
length. Remaining section of skirt shall be of the same material
or same ASME material P-number.
3) Saddles: same material as the vessel wall base material.
12.1.16 External attachments, other than those in paragraph 12.1.16 of this

specification, and internal attachments welded to the vessel shall be of
the same material as the vessel wall base material. With prior approval
of Saudi Aramco Engineer as defined in this specification, Stainless
Steel (SS) internal attachments can be welded to carbon steel pressure-
retaining parts of vessels in environments not containing wet H2S.
12.1.17 SA-105 shall not be used for applications requiring impact testing.
SA-266 (Grade 2 or Grade 4) may be used for applications requiring
impact testing, provided the energy values at the impact test
temperature per this specification are satisfied.
Page 22 of 45
12.1.18 Internal attachments to clad vessels shall be of the same material as

that of the cladding. SS 321 and SS 347 can be used interchangeably.
12.1.19 Material of construction for anchor bolts shall be ASTM A193 /

A193M, ASTM F1554 Grade 36 or ASTM F1554 Grade 105 with the
corresponding material of construction for nuts according to SASD
AA-036322.
12.1.20 Types and material specifications of gaskets shall be as specified on

the data sheet.
12.2 HIC Resistant Materials
Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) resistant steel qualified in accordance with

01-SAMSS-016. HIC resistant steel shall be procured from Saudi Aramco
approved manufacturers within a list available by the Saudi Aramco Buyer, as
defined in this specification.
12.3 Gasket Materials
Types and material specifications of gaskets shall be as specified on the data

sheet.
12.4 Impact Testing
12.4.1 The Vessel Manufacturer is responsible of determining the required

Charpy impact energy value(s) based on the test temperature specified
on the data sheet and the purchased vessel’s component thickness.
12.4.2 Impact test temperature for a component of a vessel shall be as

12.4.3 Minimum acceptable Charpy impact energy values for all materials of
construction (base and weld metals) shall not be less than 34/27 Joules.
Commentary Note:
The first number of required energy values is the minimum average

energy of three specimens and the second number is the minimum for
one specimen of the impact test results. The second number shall not
be less than 80% of the average value.
12.4.4 Impact testing exemptions of ASME Code, Section VIII, Division 1:

UG-20 (f), UCS-66 (b)(1) and (3), UCS-68(c), UG-84 (b)(2) and by
reference to Table UG-84.4 are not permitted.
12.4.5 Impact testing of materials and welding procedures are required when
test temperature is lower than -28°C.
Page 23 of 45
12.5 All forgings shall be forged as close as practicable to finished shape and size to
develop metal flow in a direction most favorable for resisting the stresses
encountered in service.
12.6 All flanges, fittings and piping for use as integral parts of pressure vessels shall
be purchased from Saudi Aramco approved manufacturers, either directly or
through approved stockists. Procurement of these items from stockists shall be
in accordance with SAEP-347.
13 Fabrication
13.1 Fabrication Tolerances
13.1.1 Fabrication tolerances shall be in accordance with the more stringent of

the Code and PIP document VEFV1100, with the following exceptions
to tolerances on page 1 of drawing VEFV1102:
Tolerance 1: Height from base line to face of top nozzle shall be 1

mm per 750 mm of height.
Tolerance 2: Flange face of nozzle with agitator shall be aligned

within ±¼ degree of indicated plan in any direction.
Tolerance 7: Unless more stringent tolerances are specified by the

process licensor, alignment of flange face of nozzle
without an agitator shall be within ±½ degree of
specified plan, but not to exceed 5 mm across the
diameter.
Tolerance 12: Bottom of vessel support to base line 0 mm, -6 mm.
Tolerance 13: For supports located above baseline, tolerances shall be

0 mm, +6 mm.
Tolerance 14: Maximum difference in peak deviations from straight,

applied to the shell at any location along the
circumference clear of openings, shall be 3 mm in any
3000 mm of shell length. In addition, distortion caused
by welding of longitudinal or circumferential joints
shall not exceed 6 mm maximum depth in a 900 mm
length of shell centered on the weld.
Tolerance 20: Deviation from average I.D. (as determined by

strapping) from nominal I.D. shall be ±3 mm.
Page 24 of 45
Out-of- roundness tolerances shall be according to

ASME Code Section VIII, Division 1.
Tolerance 26: Supports out of level shall be within ±3 mm.

Deviation from flatness of support base plate is not
acceptable, i.e., support base plates shall be in full
contact with the foundation.
Tolerance 28: Delete.
Tolerance 31: Distance between centerlines of support bolt holes shall

be within ±6 mm and maximum diagonal measurements
shall be within ±6 mm.
13.1.2 Use of fitness-for-service assessment methodology to qualify the

design of components that do not satisfy the fabrication tolerances
according to this specification is prohibited.
13.1.3 Dished heads shall achieve at least the minimum required thickness in
all areas after forming.
13.2 Forming and Assembly
13.2.1 Tapered transitions shall be made only on the external surface of the
vessel, according to the rules of the applicable Code, in the following
conditions:
a) There will be an interference with the removal of a vessel's
internals.
b) Vessels that have strict requirements regarding smooth internal
profiles for flow or internal volume constraints.
13.2.2 The beveled edges of weld preparations for carbon steel plates shall be
magnetic particle examined for linear discontinuities. Defects shall not
exceed limits as per ASME SA-20.
13.2.3 Plate edge laminations revealed by magnetic particle examination shall

be completely removed and repaired.
13.2.4 Each shell section shall be completely welded longitudinally and

corrected for out of roundness and peaking of the weld seam prior to
welding to adjoining shell or head.
13.2.5 All re-rolling or forming of the shell sections is to be completed prior

to radiography.
Page 25 of 45
13.2.6 Welds Encroachment
13.2.6.1 It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure that the

outer edge of welds attaching manways, nozzles (with and
without reinforced pads) and other structural attachments
(with and without reinforced pads) to pressure-retaining
components shall not be closer than 1 inch from the
adjacent edge of any other weld. It is the responsibility of
the manufacturer to ensure that requirements of paragraph
7.11.8 of this specification are met in the vicinity of the
welds.
13.2.6.2 NDE per paragraph 14.6 shall be performed, where the

optimized fabrication layout and/ or process design
requirements do not absolutely allow meeting the spacing
requirement in paragraph 13.2.6.1 of this specification.
13.2.6.3 It is prohibited to cover butt welds in wall of vessels that

will undergo PWHT by structural attachments (with or
without reinforcing pads).
13.2.7 Telltale Holes in Reinforcing Pads
13.2.7.1 ¼ - inch telltale vent holes drilled and tapped for ⅛ -inch
NPT shall be provided in reinforcing pads for welded
attachments, including nozzles and manways, per the
following:
1) One hole in single piece reinforcing pad.
2) Where a pad is split, each segment shall have at least
one hole.
13.2.7.2 Telltale holes shall be located at the lowest position

accessible for inspection with center of the hole 25 mm
from edge of the pad. This is applicable to each segment of
a split reinforcing pad.
Commentary Note:
In case of reinforcing pads for attachments, other than

nozzles and manways, center of telltale hole shall be
25 mm from the closest edge of the pad.
13.2.7.3 Telltale holes in reinforcing pads for external welded

attachments shall be plugged with grease or other materials
adequate for the operating temperature but not capable of
Page 26 of 45
retaining pressure, to prevent moisture ingress between the

pad and the vessel pressure-retaining component. Telltale
holes in internal attachment pads shall be seal welded.
13.2.8 Segments of split reinforcing pad shall be welded together without

using a backing strip.
13.2.9 All internal and external attachments, including clips, welded directly
to pressure-retaining parts, shall be fully seal welded, except for blank
square nuts used for external insulation where tack welding is allowed.
13.2.10 No tack welding is permitted between heads and skirts on the inside of
skirts.
13.2.11 Forming and Heat Treatment
13.2.11.1 Cold forming shall be performed at temperatures within the

range of above 20°C (68°F) and below 120°C (248°F).
13.2.11.2 Post weld heat treatment is required after cold forming

(by pressing or cold spinning) for the following:
Material Fiber Elongation Strain εf (%) Heat Treatment Requirement
Carbon Steels P-1 Greater than 5 PWHT per the applicable Code
Table 6.2 of ASME Section VIII, Division 2
Table 6.2 of ASME Section VIII, (Exception: Austenitic stainless steel formed
High Alloy Materials
Division 2 heads shall be solution annealed
irrespective of the calculated fiber elongation
strain εf)
Table 6.3 of ASME Section VIII,

Non-ferrous Materials Table 6.3 of ASME Section VIII, Division 2
Division 2
Commentary Note:
PWHT per the applicable Code shall be performed for cold spun heads.
Page 27 of 45
13.2.11.2 Calculation of forming fiber elongation strain εf (%) shall

be according to the following:
Type of Part Being Formed Fiber Elongation Strain εf (%)
For double curvature heads that are formed from

one-piece or welded multi-piece blanks by any
εf = 100 ln [Db/(Df -2t)]
process that includes dishing or cold spinning
(e.g., dished heads or cold spun heads)
For heads that are assembled from formed
segments (e.g., spherical dished shell plates or
εf = 100 t / Rfd
dished segments of ellipsoidal or torispherical
heads)
Cylinders and cones formed from plate εf = (50 t / Rfc) [1-(Rfc / Ro)]
Where:
ln is the natural logarithm
Db is the diameter of unformed blank plate or diameter of intermediate
product
Df is original outside diameter
Rfd is the smallest mean radius of curvature of formed segment (mean
radius of spherical segment, mean knuckle radius of knuckle
segment of multi sectional semi-ellipsoidal or torispherical heads)
Rfc is the mean radius of curvature of finished product (mean radius of
cylinder, mean radius of the smaller diameter of cone)
Ro is the mean radius of initial product (flat plate) or the intermediate
product (in case of unformed initial product equals to infinity)
t is the nominal thickness of the plate before forming or intermediate
product
Commentary Notes:
1) For semi-ellipsoidal and torispherical heads, maximum calculated

extreme fiber elongation strain among all head’s zones shall be used to
determine the need for heat treatment. Separate calculation for each
zone (spherical crown, knuckle area, etc.) shall be made, using the
greatest measured thickness and smallest radius of curvature of the zone
after forming.
2) Austenitic stainless steel formed heads shall be solution annealed

irrespective of the calculated fiber elongation strain εf.
Page 28 of 45
13.2.12 Correction of fit-up offsets of the closing longitudinal butt joint in a

rolled shell ring shall be achieved by only employing rolling machine
operation until the deviations are within the specified Code tolerances.
13.2.13 Alignment of completely fabricated sections at girth joints (shell ring-to-

shell ring and head-to-shell ring), with fit-up deviations exceeding the
Code tolerances, shall be achieved by only reforming the shell (using
rolling machine) or head (employing pressing machine), whichever is
out-of-true, until the deviations are within the specified limits.
13.3 Welding
13.3.1 All welding shall be in accordance with the requirements of

SAES-W-010.
13.3.2 Dissimilar metal welds (DMW) are not permitted in sulfide stress
cracking environment as defined in this specification. Welds in clad
systems are acceptable if the DMW interface with the ferritic steel is
beyond the liquid phase by minimum 600 mm (24 inches).
13.3.3 Maximum allowable carbon equivalent (CE) of 0.43% shall be met for
pressure vessels intended for sulfide stress cracking environment.
13.3.4 The method of weld overlay shall be such as to produce a minimum of

3.2 mm thickness meeting the specified chemical composition of the
specified weld overlay material.
13.3.5 Welding procedures shall be qualified considering all of the thermal

treatments that could affect the material plus two additional cycles to
account for future repairs and/or alterations (refer to para.12.1.6 of this
specification).
14 Nondestructive Examination
14.1 General
14.1.1 All required Nondestructive Examination (NDE) shall be performed in

accordance with inspection procedures that are in complete compliance
with ASME SEC V and this specification. This written procedure shall
address each inspection method and technique used including acceptance
criteria. When required by the purchase order the procedure(s) shall be
submitted to Saudi Aramco Inspection Department for approval.
14.1.2 All Nondestructive Examination, including Magnetic Particle and Liquid

Penetrant examinations, shall be performed by personnel certified in
Page 29 of 45
accordance with ASNT CP-189, or equivalent National Certification

Programs that has been approved by the Saudi Aramco Inspection
Department. Personnel responsible for interpretation of Nondestructive
Examination results shall be certified to a minimum of Level II.
14.1.3 All required NDE for final acceptance of the vessel shall be performed
after the completion of all welding and repairs and prior to pressure
testing. In vessels requiring PWHT, all NDE for final acceptance shall
be performed after the final PWHT.
14.1.4 Use of fitness-for-service assessment methodology to qualify vessel

welding joints that do not satisfy the applicable construction code
acceptance criteria is prohibited
14.1.5 All pressure and non-pressure welds shall be visually inspected where
accessible. All segments of longitudinal, circumferential or built-up
head pressure weld seams covered or rendered inaccessible by
internals, lifting lugs or other attachments shall be fully radiographed
the entire affected length plus 50 mm (2 inches) either side prior to
installation of the attachment.
14.2 Radiographic Examination
14.2.1 All radiography shall be performed with intensifying screens. Only

lead or lead foil (fluoro-metallic) screens shall be permitted unless
otherwise approved by the Saudi Aramco Inspection Department.
14.2.2 Tungsten inclusions in Gas Tungsten Arc welds shall be evaluated as

individual rounded indications. Clustered or aligned tungsten
inclusions shall be removed and repaired.
14.2.3 Radiography examination requirements for weld joints categories A, B,

C and D shall be according to Table 1 of this specification.
14.3 Ultrasonic Examination
14.3.1 Plates with thickness more than 12.5 mm (0.5 inch) shall be ultrasonically
examined by the vessel manufacturer in accordance with ASME SA-435.
Any area where one or more discontinuities produce a continuous total
loss of back reflection accompanied by continuous indications on the
same plane (within 5% of plate thickness) that cannot be encompassed
within a 25 mm (1 inch) diameter circle is unacceptable.
14.3.2 100% Ultrasonic examination is required for the following weld joints:
a) Butt-welds in vessel supports.
Page 30 of 45
c) Full-penetration welds in external attachments (supports,

brackets, lugs, etc.) to pressure retaining parts.
14.3.3 All forgings shall be 100% ultrasonically examined by the equipment

manufacturer in accordance with ASME SA-388. Acceptance criteria
shall be in accordance with ASME SEC VIII D2, 3.3.4.2. Indications
per ASME SEC VIII D2, paragraphs 3.3.4.3 and 3.3.4.4 are not
acceptable.
14.3.4 100% ultrasonic examination is required for weld attaching vessel to

skirt. Where ultrasonic examination cannot be utilized, due to only
construction geometric configuration, the whole joint shall be either
magnetic particle (MP) or liquid penetrant (LP) examined after each
6 mm depth of weld deposit and the finished weld surface.
14.3.5 100% conventional ultrasonic examination is required for all full

penetration welds in vessel supports. Alternatively, 100% radiography
examination shall be used.
14.4 Magnetic Particle Examination
14.4.1 Permanent magnetic yokes are not permitted.
14.4.2 Prods are not permitted for use on air-hardenable materials, materials
that require impact testing, and on the fluid side of pressured
components for vessels in wet sour service.
14.4.3 Except for non-Ferro magnetic materials, magnetic particle

examination using an AC yoke is required for the following welds:
a) Pressure containing weld joints categories A, B, C and D per
Table 1 of this specification.
b) Welds in vessel support (skirt, saddle, lug, and leg)
c) Attachment welds to the pressure vessel
d) Areas where temporary attachments have been removed
e) Arc strike areas
Internal welds shall be examined with Wet fluorescent MPI. External

welds shall be examined with wet visible MPI or Wet fluorescent MPI.
Notes:
1. If wet visible MPI is used, a white color contrast coating shall be applied
prior to the examination.
Page 31 of 45
2. Examination shall be performed at the root pass and final weld surface
for items a), b) and c).
14.4.4 All edges prepared for welding and all openings shall be 100%
magnetic particle examined in accordance with the applicable Code.
14.4.5 Forgings shall be examined on all surfaces, utilizing wet fluorescent

magnetic particle method after final machining. All defects shall be
removed and repaired by welding in accordance with SAES-W-010.
Exception:
Liquid penetrant examination is acceptable as an alternative to

magnetic particle examination for welding edges.
14.5 Liquid Penetrant Examination
14.5.1 For non-Ferro magnetic materials, liquid penetrant examination shall

be used for the following welds:
a) Pressure containing welds joints categories A, B, C and D per
Table 1 of this specification
b) Welds in vessel support (skirt, saddle, lug, and leg)
c) Attachment welds to the pressure vessel
d) Areas where temporary attachments have been removed
e) Arc strike areas
Note:
Examination shall be performed at the root pass and final weld surface
for items a), b) and c).
14.5.2 All edges prepared for welding and all openings in non-Ferro magnetic
vessels shall be 100% liquid penetrant examined in accordance with
the applicable Code.
14.6 Welds Encroachment
Where the optimized fabrication layout and/ or process design requirements do

not absolutely allow meeting the spacing requirement in paragraph 13.2.6.1 of
this specification, NDE per the following table shall be performed.
Page 32 of 45
Case PWHT is required (Notes 1, 2) PWHT is not required
1. Nozzle or manway without a reinforcing RT of butt weld in vessel for a length equal
pad installed onto a butt weld in vessel to three times the diameter of the opening Same as when PWHT is required.
wall. with the center of the opening at mid-length.
RT of butt weld in vessel for a length equal
N/A to three times the diameter of the opening
2. Nozzle or manway with a reinforcing pad
(Such detail is not permitted per paragraph with the center of the opening at mid-length.
installed onto a butt weld in vessel wall.
8.5.2 of this specification) The butt weld shall be ground flush prior to
installation of the pad.
3. Nozzle or manway, without a reinforcing RT of butt weld in vessel for a length equal
pad, encroaching on a butt weld in vessel to three times the diameter of the opening Same as when PWHT is required.
wall. with the center of the opening at mid-length.
4. Reinforced nozzle or manway with the N/A RT of butt weld in vessel for a length equal
reinforcing pad encroaching on the butt (Such detail is not permitted per paragraph to three times the diameter of the opening
weld in vessel wall. 8.5.2 of this specification) with the center of the opening at mid-length.

5. Reinforced nozzle or manway with N/A to three times the diameter of the opening
penetration encroaching the butt weld (Such detail is not permitted per paragraph with the center of the opening at mid-length.
and the reinforcing pad covering it. 8.5.2 of this specification) The butt weld shall be ground flush prior to
6. Structural attachment, except for vacuum
stiffeners and tray support rings:
(a) Structural attachment, without a to the projection of the attachment weld plus
reinforcing pad, encroaching on a butt a minimum of 50 mm on either side. Same as when PWHT is required.
weld in vessel wall. Minimum length of the radiographed weld is
12 inches.
to the projection of the reinforcing pad
(b) Reinforced structural attachment, with N/A attachment weld plus a minimum of 50 mm
the reinforcing pad covering a butt weld (See prohibition in paragraph 13.2.6.3 of this on either side. Minimum length of the
in vessel wall. specification) radiographed weld is 12 inches. The butt
weld shall be ground flush prior to
(c) Structural attachment, without a N/A to the projection of the structural attachment
reinforcing pad, covering a butt weld in (See prohibition in paragraph 13.2.6.3 of this weld plus a minimum of 50 mm on either
vessel wall. specification) side. Minimum length of the radiographed
weld is 12 inches.
(d) Reinforced structural attachment, with to the projection of the reinforcing pad
the reinforcing pad encroaching on a butt attachment weld plus a minimum of 50 mm Same as when PWHT is required.
weld in vessel wall. on either side. Minimum length of the
radiographed weld is 12 inches.
7. Structural attachment (with or without
reinforcing pads) encroaching:
MP or LP on the entire outermost fillet weld
(a) Another structural attachment (with
of each attachment on the vessel side per
or without reinforcing pads). Same as when PWHT is required.
paragraph 14.4 or 14.5, as applicable, after
(b) Reinforced nozzle or manway.
completion of all welds in all attachments.
(c) Nozzle or manway without a
reinforcing pad.
Note 1: NDE for final acceptance of the vessel shall be performed after the final PWHT per paragraph 14.1.3 of this specification.
Note 2: 100% UT, employing methods that generate permanent records, must be approved by Inspection Department prior to commencement of
any work.
Page 33 of 45
14.7 Hardness Testing
Weld hardness testing shall be in accordance with the requirements of

SAES-W-010.
15 Postweld Heat Treatment
15.1 Postweld heat treatment shall be done when required by the Code or when
15.2 Code exemptions for postweld heat treatment of ferritic materials based on the
use of austenitic or nickel-based electrodes are not permitted for vessels in
sulfide stress cracking environments as defined in this specification.
15.4 The maximum post weld heat treating soaking temperature for quenched and
tempered carbon steel materials shall not exceed either the tempering
temperature shown on the Mill Test Reports or 650°C maximum.
15.5 The holding temperature for post weld heat treatment for carbon steel vessels
shall be 620°C – 650°C (1150°F – 1200°F).
15.6 Final postweld heat treatment shall follow all welding and repairs but shall be
performed prior to any pressure test.
15.7 A sign shall be painted on a postweld heat treated vessel and located such that it
is clearly visible from grade reading:
“Caution-Vessel Has Been Postweld Heat Treated-Do Not Weld”
15.8 Postweld heat treatment shall be in accordance with the requirements of

SAES-W-010.
16 Examination, Inspection, Pressure Tests and Repairs
16.1 Examination
16.1.1 The responsibility for examination rests with the Vessel Manufacturer
in accordance with the Code and the requirements of this specification.
16.1.2 Additional examination of any weld joint at any stage of the fabrication
may be requested by the Saudi Aramco Inspector, including repeating
examination of previously examined joints. The Saudi Aramco
Inspector also has the right to request or conduct independent
Nondestructive Examination of any joint. If such examination should
disclose nonconformance to the requirements of the Code or this
Page 34 of 45
specification, all repair and Nondestructive examination costs shall be

done at the Vessel Manufacturer's expense.
16.1.3 All necessary safety precautions shall be taken for each examination
method.
16.1.4 Surface irregularities, including weld reinforcement, inhibiting

accurate interpretation of the specified method of nondestructive
examination shall be ground smooth.
16.1.5 Examination of all welds shall include a band of base metal at least one
inch wide on each side of the weld.
16.2 Inspection
16.2.1 The Saudi Aramco Inspector shall have free access to the work at all
times.
16.2.2 Saudi Aramco shall have the right to inspect the fabrication at any
stage and to reject material or workmanship, which does not conform
to the specified requirements.
16.2.3 Saudi Aramco reserves the right to inspect, photograph, and/or

videotape all material, fabrication, coating, and workmanship and any
materials, equipment, or tools used or to be used for any part of the
work to be performed.
16.2.4 Saudi Aramco may reject the use of any materials, equipment, or tools
that do not conform to the specification requirements, jeopardize safety
of personnel, or impose hazard or damage to Saudi Aramco property.
16.2.5 All of the rights of Saudi Aramco and their designated representatives
for access, documentation, inspection, and rejection shall include any
work done by sub-contractors or sub-vendors.
16.2.6 The Vessel Manufacturer shall provide the Saudi Aramco Inspector all
reasonable facilities to satisfy him that the work is being performed as
specified.
16.2.7 The fabricator shall furnish, install, and maintain in a safe operating
condition all necessary scaffolding, ladders, walkways, and lighting for
a safe and thorough inspection.
16.2.8 Pressure vessels manufactured in accordance with this specification are

subject to verification by the Saudi Aramco Inspector in accordance
Page 35 of 45
with Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements Form 175-321950,

Manufacture of Pressure Vessels.
16.2.9 Prior to final inspection and pressure testing, the inside and outside of
the vessel shall be thoroughly cleaned of all slag, scale, dirt, grit, weld
spatter, paint, oil, etc.
16.2.10 Inspection at the mill, shop, or fabrication yard shall not release the
Vessel Manufacturer from responsibility for repairing or replacing any
defective material or workmanship that may be subsequently
discovered in the field.
16.3 Pressure Testing
16.3.1 After completion of all external and internal welding, nondestructive

examination, repairs and heat treatment, as applicable, and prior to
painting, vessels shall be pressure tested using any of the following
methods in accordance with the Code, SAES-A-007 and this
specification:
a) Hydrostatic test, using water
b) Pneumatic test using gas (air or nitrogen)
16.3.2 When pneumatic testing is used, as a minimum, the inspection

precautions contained in the ASME Code shall be applied when
performing any pneumatic test.
16.3.3 Hydrostatic test pressure shall be held for a minimum of one hour.
16.3.4 Pressure testing for acceptance of the vessel shall not be made prior to
the final postweld heat treatment.
16.3.5 All welded attachments provided with telltale holes shall be

pneumatically tested at minimum 70 kPa (10 psi) prior to the final
postweld heat treatment and vessel pressure testing.
16.3.6 Telltale holes in external attachments must not be plugged during the
vessel pressure test. Telltale holes in internal attachments must be seal
welded prior to pressure testing of the vessel.
16.3.7 The use of shellacs, glues, lead, etc., on gaskets during testing is
prohibited. No paint or primer shall be applied to a vessel prior to
pressure testing.
16.3.8 The Vessel Manufacturer shall furnish all test materials and facilities,
including blinds, bolting, and gaskets.
Page 36 of 45
16.3.9 Pressure testing shall be performed with gaskets and bolting identical to
those required in service and as specified on the data sheet. These
gaskets may be used as service gaskets if the bolted joint is not
disassembled after completion of pressure testing.
16.3.10 The manufacturer shall supply the following:

a) Minimum two sets of spare gaskets with a blind flange for each
manway and blinded nozzle in the vessel.
b) Minimum one set of service gasket set and two sets of spare
gaskets for each nozzle with companion flanges in the vessel.
c) All bolting with minimum 10% spare bolting (3 minimum for
each size) per vessel.
16.3.11 The test pressure measured at the top of the vessel shall be 1.3 times
the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) of the vessel
multiplied by the lowest ratio (for the materials of which the vessels is
constructed) of the allowable stress for the test temperature to the
allowable stress for the design temperature.
16.3.12 Water used for pressure testing shall be potable. For vessels manufactured
from stainless steel, the water shall not contain more than 50 ppm
chlorides with pH value not exceeding 7 at the time of filling the vessel
16.3.13 Testing Conditions

a) Metal temperature throughout a pressure vessel shall be
maintained at all times during pressure testing as follows:
1. At least 17ºC (30°F) above the warmest MDMT based on
the temperature values on the impact test exemption curves
of the applicable code, considering materials of
construction for all of the vessel’s components.
2. Not below 15°C (59°F).
3. Not above 50°C (122°F), unless there is information on the
brittle characteristics of the equipment material indicating
that a higher test temperature is needed.
b) The temperature of the test water shall be maintained at least
15ºC (59ºF) at all times during pressure testing.
c) For pneumatic testing, medium test temperature shall be
maintained at least 11ºC (20ºF) above the dew point temperature
of the testing medium at all times during pneumatic testing.
Page 37 of 45
When compressed air is used, testing shall be performed when

the dew point of air is between -20ºC to -70ºC (-4ºF to -94ºF).
d) The test pressure shall not be applied until the vessel and the test
fluid are at about the same temperature.
16.3.14 Vertical vessels that are tested in the horizontal position shall be
adequately supported such that the primary stresses in any part of the
vessel do not exceed 90% of the minimum specified yield strength of
the vessel material.
16.3.15 Vessels shall be protected from being over pressured, while being
pressure tested, by use of pressure test relief valve(s) meeting the
following:
a) Relief valves shall be of adequate capacity set to relieve at 10%
above the test pressure, provided requirements of paragraph
7.12.4 are met.
b) Sizing of relief valve(s) shall be according to API RP 520, Part I.
c) The relief valve(s) shall be tested, dated, and tagged within one
week prior to the pressure test.
d) The pressure test relief valve shall be accompanied with a
calibration certificate that includes the cold differential test
pressure (CDTP), test date and the spring range. The CDTP shall
be within the spring range.
16.3.16 After completion of pressure testing, the vessel shall be completely

drained and thoroughly dried including surfaces of internals.
For vessels made completely of stainless steels and vessels internally
cladded or weld-overlaid with these materials, pickling and passivation
shall be applied according to ASTM A380.
16.4 Manufacturing Repairs
16.4.1 The Saudi Aramco Engineer must review and approve crack repair
procedures, required by the Code, prior to commencement of repairs.
It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure that repairs done
by the mill of any material defects, per the Code, are documented.
16.4.2 After completion of repairs required by the Code the following shall be
repeated:
a) Heat treatment of the repaired section if it has been heat-treated
prior to the repairs.
Page 38 of 45
b) All nondestructive examinations (radiography, magnetic particle,

dye-penetrant, etc.) performed on the repaired section prior to the
repairs.
c) A weld map of all repairs shall be made a part of the final vessel
documentation. The weld map shall include the nondestructive
examination procedure and results, the welding procedure
specifications and stress relief charts.
17 Nameplates and Stampings
17.1 Each vessel shall be identified by a nameplate and marked with the information
required by the Code and the requirements of this specification.
17.2 Vessels manufactured inside and outside Saudi Arabia shall be Code stamped
for all services in accordance with the Code.
17.3 Nameplates and nameplate mounting brackets shall be located such that they
will not be covered by insulation and are easily readable from grade or a
platform. Brackets shall extend from the outside of vessel to clear insulation,
and with sufficient access for surface preparation, and painting. The nameplate
markings as required by the Code shall be stamped or engraved such that the
nameplate material is permanently deformed with the symbols.
17.4 Nameplates shall be 3-mm minimum thickness and manufactured from type 304
stainless steel or Monel and continuously welded to the mounting bracket
according to PIP VEFV1100.
17.5 The bracket shall be continuously seal welded and positioned such as not to
allow for collection of moisture or rain.
17.6 Nameplate for internally coated vessels shall show: the Saudi Aramco Painting
System Numbers, type of coating, brand name, and date of application.
18 Coatings and Painting
18.1 Type of coating and painting systems to be applied shall be as specified on the
Vessel Data Sheet.
18.2 Surfaces to be coated shall be cleaned and prepared prior to its coating in
accordance with the applicable coating and painting systems, in accordance with
SAES-H-001.
18.3 Gasket contact surfaces shall be properly protected from blasting and shall not
be coated or painted.
Page 39 of 45
19 Shipping Requirements
19.1 General
19.1.1 Vessel shall be protected against corrosion during shipping and at

fabrication yard and construction sites.
19.1.2 Prior to shipping, vessels are to be completely and thoroughly dried

and cleaned from all loose scales, weld slags, dirt and debris to the
satisfaction of the Saudi Aramco Inspector.
19.1.3 The Vessel Manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that the vessels
and internals being shipped are adequately braced and shall provide
temporary supports where appropriate to ensure adequate supporting of
the vessel during shipment.
19.1.4 Vessels partially shop fabricated and/or liable to suffer distortion

during transit and erection shall be suitably braced. All ends that will
be open during shipment shall be covered to prevent ingress of dirt and
other foreign matters. The Vessel Manufacturer shall advise the Saudi
Aramco Engineer of the method of protection for review and approval.
19.1.5 Markings shall be done with water-insoluble materials that contain no

harmful substances that would attack or harmfully affect the vessel at
both ambient and design temperatures.
19.1.6 Marking materials shall be free of lead, sulfur, zinc, cadmium,

mercury, chlorine, or any other halogens.
19.1.7 Export packaging marking and shipping shall be in accordance with

the purchase order.
19.2 Internal Protection
19.2.1 Thoroughly dry the internal surface of the vessel. Remove all free
water. Thoroughly purge vessel with dry air so that relative humidity
inside vessel is less than 40% at the lowest ambient temperature likely
to be experienced in shipping and storage.
19.2.2 The interior surfaces of vessels, including internals, shall be protected

from corrosion by the use of a nontoxic liquid or powder vapor phase
corrosion inhibitor (VpCI) that is compatible with the metallurgy of all
components in the equipment being protected and is environmentally
friendly for disposal at sea. The chemistry shall be based on amine
carboxylates, amine benzoates, or amine oleates with additional
components as necessary. Nitrites shall not be used.
Page 40 of 45
Following are specific requirements for corrosion inhibitors:
19.2.2.1 Water-soluble liquid products shall provide both vapor phase

and contact inhibition. These products shall be applied at the
rate of 1 liter per cubic meter of internal space or the
minimum specified by the inhibitor manufacturer, whichever
is greater. Liquid products are preferred as these are easily
removed with the process flow on start up.
19.2.2.2 Ready to spray, oil soluble liquid vapor phase corrosion

inhibitors can be used at a surface application rate of 25 to
30 square meters per liter of chemical, or the minimum
application rate recommended by vendor, whichever is
greater. Oil soluble inhibitors will leave an oily film on the
interior of the equipment that must be acceptable to the end
user.
19.2.2.3 Powders shall be free flowing crystals for ease of application

and be environmentally friendly for disposal at sea if
necessary. Powder products shall be applied at the rate of
0.3 kg per cubic meter of internal void space or the
minimum specified by the inhibitor manufacturer, whichever
is greater. Powder can be fogged into the equipment or it
can be placed inside Tyvek bags and then placed inside the
equipment. Tyvek bags must be removed before start-up.
For gas and LNG service, excess loose powder must be
removed before start-up by vacuuming or by water rinsing.
19.2.2.4 Products shall be tested per NACE TM0208-2008 and shall

provide Grade 3 or Grade 4 performance. When the
equipment contains a copper/copper alloy component, the
VpCI shall also be tested per Section 7 of NACE TM0208-
2008.
19.2.2.5 For any questions on application rates, or any situations

requiring clarification or for approval of other products,
forms, or chemistries of vapor phase corrosion inhibitors,
obtain the prior written approval of the Group Leader,
Material Engineering & Corrosion Project Support, Capital
Program Support Division, CSD.
19.2.2.6 Vessels must be sealed vapor tight using metallic covers, for
inhibitors to be effective.
Page 41 of 45
19.2.3 For vessels made completely of austenitic or martensitic stainless steels

and vessels internally cladded or weld-overlaid with these materials, in
addition to vapor phase corrosion inhibitors applied per 19.2.2, nitrogen
blanketing shall be used during shipment or periods of storage at the
construction site. To apply nitrogen blanketing, pressurize the vessel to
60 psig or MAWP, whichever is lower, with nitrogen then bleed down
slowly to 5 psig. Repeat 3 times. Bleed down must be slow and
controlled to minimize the loss of vapor phase inhibitor. The vessel
shall be clearly marked with a warning:
“Warning: asphyxiation hazard--preserved with nitrogen”
19.2.4 For vessels that have permanent internal coatings covering some or all
of the vessel internals, the Vessel Manufacturer shall contact the Group
Leader, Material Engineering & Corrosion Project Support, Capital
Program Support Division, CSD, and obtain prior written agreement on
required preservation techniques.
19.2.5 Use of non-toxic desiccants is considered acceptable as an alternative

internal protection measure against corrosion for vessels ONLY when
the warranty will be revoked by using non-toxic VpCI; provided that
the following conditions are met:
19.2.5.1 The plan is pre-approved in writing by the Supervisor,

Corrosion Technology Unit, Materials Engineering and
Corrosion Control Division, CSD.
19.2.5.2 Silica gel application rate shall be a minimum of 3.0 kg per

cubic meter of internal space.
19.2.5.3 The vessel shall be maintained 100% vapor tight using

bolted metal blind flanges.
19.2.5.4 The plan includes methods and designated responsible

persons to evaluate the condition of the desiccant and re-apply
if necessary.
19.2.5.5 Calcium chloride desiccants shall not be used.
19.2.5.6 The desiccant must be removed on site prior to operating the

vessel.
Commentary Note:
These circumstances have arisen in the past when a vessel is shipped

from a manufacturer with a catalyst in place prior to field erection.
Page 42 of 45
19.2.6 Other preservation products or methods may be applied with the prior
written approval of the Group Leader, Material Engineering &
Corrosion Project Support, Capital Program Support Division, CSD.
19.3 External Protection
19.3.1 The protection of external surfaces shall be obtained by using one of

the following:
a) A hard temporary preservative appropriate for the metallurgy of
the vessel and can be removed at site prior to surface preparation
and application of the Saudi Aramco coating and painting system.
b) Prepare the surface and apply the complete (primer and final
coatings) Saudi Aramco surface preparation, and coating and
painting system in the shop.
c) For solid Stainless Steel vessels, which are to be shipped via ocean
freight, shall be protected using a temporary protective system
compatible with stainless steel and suitable outdoor exposure.
19.3.2 Telltale holes in reinforcing pads shall be protected with wooden plugs
or packed with rust preventative grease.
19.3.3 Flanged connections and all other machined surfaces shall be protected
by a coating suitable for the metallurgy of the vessel and can be easily
removed in the field. Connections shall be fitted with steel or wood
cover, 3 mm thick and neoprene gaskets.
19.3.4 Covers shall be securely attached by a minimum of four bolts equally

spaced. For ocean shipment, flanged connections shall also be covered
with heavy-duty plastic bags securely taped to the nozzles.
19.3.5 Flanges with permanent blind flanges or covers shall be secured with
the gaskets and bolting specified for service.
20 Drawings, Calculations and Data
20.1 The Vessel Manufacturer shall Prepare drawings, calculations, and data in
accordance with NMR-7919-1, Nonmaterial Requirements. Calculations shall
include, but not limited to:
a. ASME Code Section VIII calculations.
b. Wind and earthquake calculations, as applicable.
c. Support calculations.
Page 43 of 45
d. Calculations associated with lifting and erecting the vessel

e. Nozzle load analysis for local and gross effect, when required.
f. Design of internal and external attachments.
g. Design loads and load combinations.
20.2 Drawings and calculations that are approved by the Design Engineer shall not
relieve the Vessel Manufacturer from the responsibility to comply with the
Codes, and this specification.
20.3 Vessel manufacturer shall prepare drawings which indicate the ultrasonic
thickness of the vessel shell section, heads and nozzles. An adequate number of
readings shall be taken to represent the actual thickness of the components.
20.4 All approved data sheets, drawings and forms are to be submitted to Engineering
Drawings Services Division (EDSD) for inclusion into Corporate Drawings
Management System.
Revision Summary
31 August 2014 Major revision to reaffirm contents of the document and reflect applicable requirements of the
latest edition of 32-SAMSS-004.
Page 44 of 45
Table 1 – Nondestructive Examination Requirements
Liquid Penetrant (LP) or

Weld Joint Category Radiography (RT) Ultrasonic (UT)
Magnetic Particle (MP)
Per Design Code Criteria
A and B - 100%
(Spot or 100%)
C 100% - 100% (3)
D See Note (1) See Note (1) See Note (1)
Notes:
(1) Inspection for Category - D weld joint shall meet the following:
 For attachments without a reinforcing pad, the whole joint shall be either 100% magnetic particle (MP) or
100% liquid penetrant (LP) examined at the root pass, after each 6 mm depth of weld deposit and the final
weld surface. Where PWHT is required, final surfaces of weld joints shall be examined for acceptance
after final PWHT.
 For attachments with a reinforcing pad, similar examination as in (i) above shall be performed at the
nozzle. 100% MT or 100% LP shall be also performed on the final surface of the fillet welds attaching the
reinforcing pad to vessel and nozzle.
(2) Inspection requirements for connections attached to nozzles and manways per paragraph 8.5.2 shall be
according to Note 1 of this table.
(3) 100% MT or 100% LP shall be applied to the root pass and final surface of lap-welded Category - C weld joint.
Page 45 of 45

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Materials System Specification

32-SAMSS-036 31 August 2014

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Previous Issue: 15 January 2012 Next Planned Update: 31 August 2019

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2014. All rights reserved.

1.4 This specification does not cover the following:

9) All components of Sulfur Recovery Units: Reaction Furnace, Waste Heat

2 Conflicts and Deviations

Unless otherwise noted, materials or equipment supplied to this specification shall

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

Pressured Equipment Steels for Resistance to

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements

Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets

Saudi Aramco Standard Drawing

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Institute of Steel Construction

American Petroleum Institute

American Society of Civil Engineers

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes)

American Society for Nondestructive Testing

American Society for Testing and Materials

for Nondestructive Testing

International Standards Organization

National Association of Corrosion Engineers

Process Industry Practices

Welding Research Council

AARH: Average arithmetic roughness height, which is a measure of surface texture.

Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) Environment: Process streams that introduce

(50 psi) and higher.

Lethal Services: Process streams containing a concentration of hydrogen sulfide in

MDMT: Minimum design metal temperature, determined by the Design Engineer.

Nominal Thickness: Thickness selected as commercially available, and supplied to the

Small Pressure Vessels: Vessels under scope of this specification.

Vessel Manufacturer: Company responsible for the manufacture of new pressure

7.1.3 No proof testing shall be permitted unless specifically approved by the

7.1.4 Application of ASME Code Cases to the manufacturing of pressure

7.1.5 All welded joints of category A, B, C and D shall be complete fusion

7.2 Design Pressure

7.2.3 The external design pressure and corresponding temperature shall be as

7.3 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure

7.3.1 The Vessel Manufacturer shall calculate the maximum allowable

7.3.2 The MAWP of a vessel shall not be limited by flange ratings.

7.4 Design Temperature

The value of design temperature(s) shall be as specified on the data sheet.

7.5 Minimum Design Metal Temperature (MDMT)

The value of the minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) shall be as

7.6 Service and Description

7.6.1 The service of a vessel shall be as specified on the data sheet.

7.6.2 The process description of a vessel (Examples: DGA filter

7.7 Joint Efficiency

7.7.1 The joint efficiency shall be as specified on the data sheet.

7.8 Corrosion Allowance

7.8.1 Corrosion allowance shall be as specified on the data sheet.

7.8.2 Corrosion allowance is to be added to all pressure retaining parts which

7.9 Nominal Thickness