Materials System Specification

01-SAMSS-035 22 April 2006

API Line Pipe
Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee Members
Anezi, Mohammed Ali, Chairman
Rumaih, Abdullah Mohammad, Vice Chairman
Burgess, Brian Wayne
Cruz, Czar Ivan Tecson
Kermad, Abdelhak
Lobley, Graham Russel
Mehdi, Mauyed Sahib
Moore, Mark Andrew
Niemeyer, Dennis Charles
Sannaa, Muhsen Shobbar
Nabulsi, Khalid Mohammad
Palmer, Robert Eugene
Stark, Gregory Dalton
Tems, Robin Douglas
Abdul Hadi, Abdul Latif Ibrahim
Mugbel, Wajdi Mohammad

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents

I Scope............................................................. 2
II Conflicts and Deviations................................ 2
III References..................................................... 2
IV Modifications to API SPEC 5L....................... 3
V Material Selection and
Testing Subcommittee................................. 14

Previous Issue: 21 December 2005 Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 16

For additional information, contact Rumaih, Abdullah Mohammad on 966-3-8734398

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2005. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-035
Issue Date: 22 April 2006
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009 API Line Pipe

I Scope

This Specification covers seamless and submerged-arc welded (SAW), straight-seam

and spiral-seam, steel line pipe manufactured in accordance with API Specification 5L
(43rd Edition, 2004) to Product Specification Level 2.

Spiral-seam SAW pipe shall be limited to size 20 or larger.

Pipe less than size 4.0 is exempt from the requirements of this Specification.

Unless stated to the contrary in the Purchase Order, pipe manufactured to this
specification must be suitable for external coating with fusion bonded epoxy (minimum
thickness 350 micrometers) at a later date by the Purchaser. If the pipe will be
internally coated, it shall be so stated in the Purchase Order. See paragraphs 4.2, 7.5
and 7.8.14.

II Conflicts and Deviations

A. Any conflicts between this specification and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs), Engineering Standards (SAESs),
Standard Drawings (SASDs), or industry standards, codes, and forms shall be
resolved in writing by the Company or Buyer Representative through the
Manager, Consulting Services Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

B. 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.

III References

The manufacture and purchase of material covered by this specification shall comply
with the latest edition of the references listed below, as noted.

A. Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a
Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

01-SAMSS-016 Qualification of Pipeline and Pressure Vessel
Steels for Resistance to Hydrogen-Induced
Cracking

Page 2 of 16
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-035
Issue Date: 22 April 2006
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009 API Line Pipe

01-SAMSS-022 Fracture Control Testing Procedures for Line

Pipe

Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements

Form 175-010700 Pipe: Beveled End, Seamless or Submerged Arc
Welded, Straight or Spiral Seam, Carbon Steel
Pipe Size ≥ 6"

Saudi Aramco Standard Drawing

AB-036386 Hardness Testing for Welding Procedure

B. Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute

API SPEC 5L Specification for Line Pipe

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASME SEC IX Qualification Standard for Welding and Brazing
Procedures, Welders, Brazers, and Welding
and Brazing Operators

American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc.

ASNT SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel
Qualification and Certification
ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certification of
Nondestructive Testing Personnel

American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM A20 General Requirements for Steel Plates for
Pressure Vessels
ASTM A106 Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe for High-
Temperature Service

IV Modifications to API SPEC 5L

The following paragraph numbers refer to API SPEC 5L, which is part of this
specification. The text in each paragraph below is an addition or modification to API
SPEC 5L as noted. Paragraph numbers not appearing in API SPEC 5L are new
paragraphs to be inserted in numerical order.

1.2 Product Specification Level [modification]

Page 3 of 16
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-035
Issue Date: 22 April 2006
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009 API Line Pipe

All pipe shall be manufactured to PSL 2, with the additional requirements

contained in this specification.

1.3 Grades [modification]

Pipe manufactured as Grade X60 or X65 may be substituted for a lower

grade if it meets all requirements for the lower grade except maximum yield
strength. The pipe shall be marked with the actual grade.
Commentary Note:

Maximum design metal temperature limitation established in ASME piping

code for X-grade pipe shall be noted when substituting the B-grade pipe. In
addition, girth weld requirements established in Saudi Aramco welding
standards for X65 pipe shall be also noted.

4 Information to be Supplied by the Purchaser

4.2 Optional Requirements [addition]

Indicate in the Purchase Order only when required:

a) Suitable for internal coating. (See Scope, 7.5, and 7.8.14)
b) Suitable for automatic welding (See 7.2)
c) Qualification for resistance to hydrogen-induced cracking
(See Appendix F)
d) Non-sour service (See 10.1.4)

5 Process of Manufacture and Material

5.1 Process of Manufacture [addition]

Welded pipe shall be made by the automatic submerged-arc process (fusion

welded) in accordance with API SPEC 5L, paragraphs 5.1.3.5 or 5.1.3.11
with a minimum of two welding passes on the outside and one on the inside.
(Use of two or more wires is accepted as equal to two welding passes). For
wall thickness 7.9 mm and less, one outside welding pass may be acceptable
upon approval by the Buyer. Double seam pipe is not acceptable for size
60" and smaller. The steel shall be fully killed and shall conform to the fine
austenitic grain size requirement of ASTM A20.

5.1.1 Seamless Process [addition]

Seamless Grade B pipe shall meet the requirements of ASTM A106 in

addition to the requirements of API SPEC 5L and this specification. The
primary compatibility item is the requirement for killed steel and 0.10%

Page 4 of 16
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-035
Issue Date: 22 April 2006
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009 API Line Pipe

minimum silicon content. For other properties, the more restrictive

specification applies in each case.
Exception:

For pipe size 14 and larger, not for automatic welding, O.D. tolerances on the
pipe body and ends shall be in accordance with API SPEC 5L only.

5.1.2 Welding Processes [addition]

Manufacturing welding procedures shall document, as a minimum, all

essential variables listed in API SPEC 5L, Appendix C, or a similar listing,
and all necessary testing to verify product compliance with the purchase
requisition.

Repair welding procedures for the weld seam shall meet the essential
requirements and testing of API SPEC 5L, Appendix B & C, or ASME SEC
IX, at the option of the manufacturer.

The welding procedures shall be available for review by Saudi Aramco

representative upon request.

The welding procedure specification (WPS) and procedure qualification

record (PQR) shall meet the following additional specific requirements:
1. The manufacturer, trade name and type of weld wires and fluxes used
for the PQR shall be specified on the WPS as essential variables.
Procedure using any consumable with a "G" designation shall be
restricted to the same batch number used for the PQR.
2. The heat input specified on the WPS shall not be less than 90% and
shall not exceed that recorded on the PQR.
3. Recycling of crushed slag or contaminated flux is not permitted.
4. Hardness measurements must be performed during the welding
procedure qualification in accordance with Saudi Aramco Standard
Drawing AB-036386 (see Figure 1). The maximum hardness reading
shall not exceed 250 VHN (using 5 or 10 kg load) at any location of
the (weld metal, heat-affected zone and parent metal).

5.2 Cold Expansion [addition]

SAW straight-seam pipe shall be cold expanded at least 0.3% of the pipe
circumference, but shall not exceed 1.5%.

Heat-treatment of pipe may be used in lieu of cold expansion, provided that

heat treatment does not cause any adverse effect on the mechanical
properties and pipe roundness.

Page 5 of 16
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-035
Issue Date: 22 April 2006
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009 API Line Pipe

Commentary Note:

Cold expansion of 0.8-1.0% has been found effective in controlling pipe

dimensional and roundness tolerances, and minimizing residual stresses
resulted from pipe forming and welding operation.

6 Material Requirements

6.1.1 Chemical Composition [modification]

The product analysis shall not exceed the following:

Silicon : 0.35% for SAW and 0.40% for seamless
Titanium : 0.04%
Vanadium : 0.08%

Boron content shall be shown in the heat analysis or product analysis and
shall not exceed 0.0005%.

6.1.3 Carbon Equivalent

6.1.3.2 Maximum Carbon Equivalent [modification]

The carbon equivalent shall not exceed the maximum limits tabulated below,
unless approved by the Chairman of the Saudi Aramco Welding Standards
Committee or the Chairman of the Saudi Aramco Materials and Corrosion
Control Standards Committee.

Maximum C.E. Maximum C.E.

Wall Thickness (IIW) Value (Pcm) Value
(mm) For C > 0.12% For C ≤ 0.12%
≤ 9.5 0.43 0.24
12.7 0.40 0.22
15.9 0.39 0.22
19.1 0.37 0.21
22.2 0.35 0.20
25.4 0.34 0.19
31.8 0.35 0.19
38.1 0.36 0.20
44.5 0.37 0.21
50.8 0.38 0.22

The maximum C.E. value for intermediate wall thickness shall be

interpolated linearly.

Page 6 of 16
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-035
Issue Date: 22 April 2006
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009 API Line Pipe

If a C.E. deviation from the above table is accepted for any order, each pipe
length shall be marked in accordance with paragraph 10.1 showing the actual
C.E. value. The value shall be marked on each end on both the I.D. and
O.D. (i.e., four locations).

For thicknesses in excess of 50.8 mm, the C.E. value shall be proposed by
the vendor and shall be approved by the Chairman of the Saudi Aramco
Welding Standards Committee or the Chairman of the Saudi Aramco
Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee. The C.E. value shall
be marked on each pipe as described in the paragraph above.

6.2.1 Tensile Properties [addition]

The finished pipe (after all heat treatment and expanding or sizing
operations) shall conform to the requirements of Paragraph 6.2.1 in API
SPEC 5L for the grade as indicated in the Purchase Order.

6.2.5.3 Supplementary Fracture Toughness Tests [addition]

Fracture toughness tests shall be made in accordance with the requirements

of 01-SAMSS-022 when indicated in the Purchase Order. If 01-SAMSS-
022 is specified, the Purchase Order shall also indicate the Class of fluid
service and for Class IV shall specify the API SPEC 5L SR5B minimum
average absorbed energy requirement.

6.3 Macro Residual Stress Test [addition]

Spiral welded pipe shall meet the testing and minimum acceptance criterion
set forth in this paragraph. The residual stress test shall be done after the
hydrostatic test.

6.3.1 Test Frequency

One specimen shall be tested for each grade, size and wall thickness. In
addition, at the beginning of each shift, and after changing the production
line equipment settings, the first produced pipe shall be tested.

6.3.2 Test Specimen

The specimen consists of a 150 mm wide ring cut from the end of a pipe,
Figure 2. The specimen may be either flame cut or sawed from the parent
pipe.

6.3.3 Testing

Page 7 of 16
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-035
Issue Date: 22 April 2006
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009 API Line Pipe

The specimen ring shall be cut, by flame or sawing, parallel to the

longitudinal axis. The cut shall be 180 degrees from the spiral weld. Prior
to cutting the ring, fiducial marks shall be placed on either side of the
proposed cut location.

6.3.4 Computation of Macro Residual Stress

The change in circumference after cutting shall be measured using the

fiducial marks established on the specimen prior to severing. The assumed
residual stress shall be computed using the following formula.

EtC
S= (1)
12.566 R 2

where: S = residual stress in MPa (psi)

C = ± change in circumference, mm (in)
t = nominal thickness, mm (in)
E = 200,000 MPa (29 x 106 psi)
R = nominal pipe radius mm (in)

6.3.5 Acceptance Criterion

The computed macro residual stress shall not exceed ±10% of the specified
minimum yield strength of the material.

6.3.6 Retests

Retest criteria are the same as for tensile tests. (See API SPEC 5L 9.12.2)

6.3.7 Reporting

All residual stress results shall be recorded as part of the mill report.

6.4 Hardness Tests [addition]

6.4.1 Hardness tests shall be conducted on cross-section samples of finished pipe.

For sizes up through 12 inches nominal diameter, test one pipe per 200
lengths. For sizes greater than 12 inches nominal diameter, test one pipe per
100 lengths. For all sizes, test at least one pipe per heat.

6.4.2 At least one transverse specimen shall be removed from each tested pipe
length. The specimen shall be polished to metallographic quality and etched
prior to hardness testing to provide grain boundary contrast.

Page 8 of 16
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-035
Issue Date: 22 April 2006
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009 API Line Pipe

6.4.3 For seamless pipe, at least four hardness measurements shall be made in
each of the following locations on the polished specimen cross-sections:
a) 1.5 mm ± 0.5 mm from the O.D. surface
b) 1.5 mm ± 0.5 mm from the I.D. surface,
c) at the midwall.

(Total of 12 indentations)

6.4.4 For SAW pipe, hardness measurements shall be made 1.5 mm ± 0.5 mm
from the O.D. and from the I.D. surfaces. Each traverse shall consist of
indentations in the following locations:
a) Two indentations in the weld metal
b) Three indentations in the heat-affected zones on both sides of the weld,
and
c) Two indentations in the parent metal on both sides of the weld.

6.4.5 Only Vickers hardness testers shall be used. The maximum hardness
measured shall not exceed 250 HV using 5 or 10 kg load.

6.4.6 Retest criteria are the same as for tensile tests. (See API SPEC 5L 9.12.2)

6.5 Sour Service [Addition]

Welded pipe (SAW, ERW) intended for sour service shall conform to the
requirements of 01-SAMSS-016.

7 Dimensions, Weights, Lengths, Defects, and End Finishes

7.2 Diameter [addition]

7.2.1 On SAW pipe, local out-of-roundness (deviation from the normal cylindrical
contour) in the form of peaking or flattening of the seam shall not exceed
3.0 mm. See 7.2.3 below.

7.2.2 Pipe that is to be joined using pipeline field automatic welding systems

Pipe that is designated in the Purchase Order as "Suitable for Automatic

Welding" shall meet the following additional requirements:
(a) For straight seam or spirally welded pipe, the outside weld
reinforcement shall be ground flush with the pipe surface for a
minimum longitudinal distance of 130 mm from each end of the pipe.
The pipe wall thickness at the weld location after grinding shall not be
less than the nominal pipe thickness.

Page 9 of 16
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-035
Issue Date: 22 April 2006
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009 API Line Pipe

Commentary Note:

Removal of outside weld reinforcement from the pipe ends is needed to

facilitate the movement of the automatic ultrasonic probe as part of
pipeline field automatic welding requirement.
(b) The difference in outside diameter, at the ends, between any two
lengths of the same Line Item shall not exceed 1.6 mm for 75% of the
pipes produced.
(c) Out-of-Roundness at the ends shall not exceed ±0.5% of specified
(nominal) O.D. For pipe with D/t < 75, the difference between
maximum diameter and minimum diameter shall not exceed 6 mm.
(d) On SAW pipe for automatic welding, local out-of-roundness (deviation
from the normal cylindrical contour) in the form of peaking or
flattening of the seam shall not exceed 1.6 mm. See 7.2.3 below.

7.2.3 One acceptable method of determining local out-of-roundness is

measurement of the maximum gap between a template and the pipe exterior.
The template must conform to a circle of the pipe's nominal diameter and the
length of the template must be one-fourth of the nominal diameter, except
that it need not be over 200 mm. Weld reinforcement may be removed for
the measurement or the template may have a groove to accommodate the
weld seam. For spiral-seam pipe, a 200 mm straight template parallel to the
pipe axis may be used.

7.5 Length [modification]

7.5.1 Length shall be as specified in the Purchase Order, with tolerances shown in
API SPEC 5L Table 11 unless specified otherwise. If the length is not
specified in the Purchase Order, 12-meter lengths shall be supplied with
tolerances shown in API SPEC 5L Table 11, except that:
a) No pipe lengths less than 10.0 m will be accepted
b) Pipe lengths less than 11.6 m shall not exceed 2% of the total line item
quantity.
c) If the pipe is identified in the Purchase Order as being intended for
subsequent internal coating, the maximum length of any individual
pipe shall be 12.8 m.

7.5.2 The total length of pipe supplied per item on an order shall not be less than
the amount ordered and shall not exceed the amount ordered by more than
three lengths, except by agreement. Quantity tolerances for very small
orders are by agreement between the manufacturer and Buyer
Representative.

Page 10 of 16
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-035
Issue Date: 22 April 2006
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009 API Line Pipe

7.8 Workmanship and Defects

7.8.14 Other Defects [addition]

For pipe that is intended to be subsequently coated (See Section I), the
surfaces to be coated shall be essentially free of scabs, slivers, cold laps,
burrs or other surface defects that would impair the coating.

Inclusions or particles that are detrimental to welding, including tungsten

carbide inclusions rolled into the surface, shall be considered to be defects
regardless of depth.

9 Inspection and Testing [addition]

Pipe purchased in accordance with this Specification is subject to the

requirements of API SPEC 5L Appendix H and Saudi Aramco Inspection
Form 175-010700.

9.4 Hydrostatic Tests

9.4.3 Test Pressures [modification]

Each length of pipe shall be given a mill hydrostatic test at the pressure
indicated in the Purchase Order, or, in the absence of such a pressure in the
Purchase Order, not less than the pressure necessary to obtain a fiber stress
equal to 90% of the specified minimum yield strength of the material. Pipe
furnished from Vendor inventory may be accepted with the standard API test
pressure by negotiation.

The hydrostatic test shall be conducted after all manufacturing processes

(including repairs and heat treatments) are completed.

A test pressure greater than 25.0 MPa (3630 psi) shall not be required unless
so specified in the Purchase Order.

9.8 Nondestructive Inspection

9.8.1 Qualification of Personnel [addition]

NDT personnel shall be qualified to ASNT SNT-TC-1A Level 1 or 2

according to their responsibilities. Level 1 personnel may set up the
equipment, perform tests, and report the results. Supervision of Level 1
personnel and interpretation of results shall be done by Level 2 employees.
The primary Level 3 employee shall be certified in accordance with ASNT
CP-189 or by an independent certifying body acceptable to Saudi Aramco.

9.8.3 Methods of Inspection (Weld Inspection) [modification]

Page 11 of 16
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-035
Issue Date: 22 April 2006
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009 API Line Pipe

The full length of every welded seam shall be examined as required by

API SPEC 5L paragraph 9.8.3 except that fluoroscopic examination is not
acceptable. If this examination is done before the hydrostatic test, the
Buyer's Inspector may, at his sole discretion, require re-examinations by
manual ultrasonic method of any questionable areas after the hydrostatic
test. Means shall be provided to mark the pipe when the nondestructive
inspection equipment indicates an imperfection is present so that anomalous
areas can be readily identified. Note that after cold expansion, lengths with
defective weld seams shall not be repaired, but are rejected.

Locations showing indications above the allowable limits may be re-

examined by the manual ultrasonic method. If no defects are located during
re-examination, the original findings may be ignored.

Additional scanning may be required by the Buyer's Representative to check

questionable areas.

10 Marking

10.1 General [addition]

The area of the pipe to be marked shall be clean and dry. The markings shall
be paint stenciled using a medium and protective varnish that will provide a
legible marking for at least one year of outside storage. The varnish coating
shall be hard drying and the dry film thickness shall not exceed 50
micrometers. The size of the lettering shall be commensurate with the
diameter of the pipe, but in no case less than 21 mm in height for API
markings and 13 mm in height for shipping markings.

10.1.4 Marking of Non-sour Service Pipe [addition]

SAW pipe purchased for non-sour service shall be identified by painting a

white longitudinal stripe, 50 mm wide by 450 mm long, on the inside surface
of both ends. This stripe is intended to provide identification until the pipe
is installed.

10.3 Sequence of Markings [addition]

Each pipe shall be marked Saudi Aramco, followed by the destination,

Purchase Order number/Item Number, and the Saudi Aramco Materials
System (SAMS) catalog stock number. If there is no assigned SAMS Stock
number, the pipe shall be marked "01-SAMSS-035."

10.3.10 Supplementary Requirements [addition]

Page 12 of 16
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-035
Issue Date: 22 April 2006
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009 API Line Pipe

For pipe which has been impact tested to 01-SAMSS-022, the class indicated
in the Purchase Order shall be included in the markings.

Example: To indicate pipe that has been impact tested for Saudi Aramco
Service Class IV, mark it: "01-SAMSS-022 Class IV".

11.1 Coatings

Pipe shall be supplied without mill coating unless specified otherwise in

Purchase Order.

Appendix B – Repair of Defects by Welding

B.1.2 Weld Seam of Welded Pipe

B.1.2.1 [modification] Defects in the weld after cold expansion shall not be repaired
but rejected.

Appendix F – Supplementary Requirements

SR15 Test Certificates and Traceability for Line Pipe [addition]

Four copies of the required certificate(s) in the English language shall be

furnished to Buyer's Representative. In addition to the data specified in SR
15.1, the following information is required:

1) A report of the residual stress tests required by paragraph 6.3 of this

Specification for spiral welded pipe.

2) Hardness test results (Refer to paragraph 6.4).

SR HIC Qualification for resistance to hydrogen-induced cracking shall be per

01-SAMSS-016 when indicated in the Purchase Order. (See 4.2)

Page 13 of 16
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-035
Issue Date: 22 April 2006
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009 API Line Pipe

V Material Selection and Testing Subcommittee

Graham Lobley Coordinator

Abdullah Al-Rumaih Member
Muhsen Al-Sannaa Member
Mike Morrow Member
Mauyed Mehdi Member
Khalid Al-Nabulsi Member
Robin Tems Member
Abdelhak Kermad Member
Brian Burgess Member
Gregory Stark Member
Wajdi Al-Mugbel Member

Page 14 of 16
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-035
Issue Date: 22 April 2006
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009 API Line Pipe

Figure 1 - Hardness Testing for Welding Procedure Qualification

(Ref: Std Drawing AB-036386)

Page 15 of 16
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-035
Issue Date: 22 April 2006
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2009 API Line Pipe

Figure 2 - Split Ring Test to Estimate Macro Residual Stress for Spiral Pipe

Revision Summary
29 June 2005 Minor revisions. Revised in conjunction with API SPEC 5L 43rd Edition.
Revised the "Next Planned Update."
21 December 2005 Editorial revisions.
22 April 2006 Editorial revision.

Page 16 of 16