Saes D 001

Engineering Standard
SAES-D-001 20 August 2017

Design Criteria for Pressure Vessels
Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee
Contents
1 Scope ................................................................ 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations ................................... 3
3 References........................................................ 3
4 Definitions ......................................................... 6
5 Responsibilities ................................................. 8
6 Basis for Mechanical Design ............................. 8
7 Nozzles, Manways, and Gaskets .................... 18
8 Internals .......................................................... 24
9 Vessel Supports .............................................. 25
10 Clips and Attachments .................................... 27
11 Materials ......................................................... 28
12 Coatings and Painting ..................................... 32
13 Insulation......................................................... 32
14 Refractory Lining ............................................. 32
15 Fireproofing ..................................................... 32
16 Grounding ....................................................... 33
17 Cathodic Protection ......................................... 33
18 Drawings and Calculations.............................. 33
Revision Summary .................................................. 33
Table 1 - Acceptable Materials

for Carbon and Low - Alloy Steels ............ 34
Previous Issue: 1 May 2016 Next Planned Update: 20 August 2020

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Contact: Ghamdi, Fayez H. (ghamfh0a) on phone +966-13-8809618
Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2017. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee SAES-D-001
Issue Date: 20 August 2017
Next Planned Update: 20 August 2020 Design Criteria for Pressure Vessels
1 Scope
1.1 This standard covers the minimum mandatory requirements for the design of
pressure vessels (referred to hereinafter also as vessels).
1.2 This standard is intended to establish basic guidelines of mechanical design and
to inform Design Engineers of preferred analytical design requirements.
1.3 Vessels under the scope of this standard are purchased on a stand-alone basis or
as an integral part of a skid-mounted packaged equipment unit (e.g., air dryers,
portable air compressors, filtering unit, nitrogen generation, dehydration, etc.).
Note: This is applicable irrespective of the party responsible for placing the relevant
purchase order (Saudi Aramco facility, LSTK contractor, sub-contractor, etc.).
1.4 This standard does not cover the following:

1) “UM” stamped pressure vessels per ASME SEC VIII D1.
2) In-service pressure vessels.
3) 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.
4) Pressure vessels used as part of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
(HVAC) systems.
5) Compressed gas cylinders.
6) Pots used for instrumentation devices.
7) All types of heat exchangers.
8) Following components of Sulfur Recovery Units: Reaction Furnace,
Waste Heat Boiler (shell-and-tube heat exchanger), Sulfur Condenser,
and Thermal Oxidizer.
Note: Reaction Furnace and Thermal Oxidizer shall be per ASME SEC VIII D1 with
no stamping.
1.5 Steam Drum and Catalytic Converter of Sulfur Recovery Units are covered by
this standard.
1.6 Low alloy steels for vessels intended for services within the scope of
API RP 934-A, API RP 934-C, API RP 934-E, or API TR 934-G shall meet all
requirements of the respective document of the aforementioned documents and
this standard.
Saudi Aramco: Company General Use
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1.7 1 Cr-½ Mo and 1¼ Cr-½ Mo steels used for vessels not in hydrogen service with
design temperature below 441°C, shall meet all requirements of API RP 934-C
and this standard.
1.8 This standard shall not be attached to nor made a part of purchase orders.
1.9 Where a requirement of a licensor’s or a relevant industry standard/specification

is more stringent than that of this standard, the most stringent requirement will
govern.
1.10 Partially or completely buried tanks are not permitted.
2 Conflicts and Deviations
Any conflicts between this document and other applicable Mandatory Saudi Aramco
Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be addressed to the EK&RD Coordinator.
Any deviation from the requirements herein shall follow internal company procedure
SAEP-302.
3 References
Unless otherwise noted in this standard, materials or equipment designed to this

standard shall comply with the applicable edition of the references listed below.
The applicable edition of each reference is that in effective on the project proposal
approval date for Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) and
the purchase order date for industry standards.
3.1 Saudi Aramco References
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

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

SAES-A-005 Safety Instruction Sheet
SAES-A-112 Meteorological and Seismic Design Data
SAES-B-006 Fireproofing for Plants
SAES-C-001 Process Design of Trays and Packing
SAES-H-001 Coating Selection and Application Requirements for
Industrial Plants and Equipment
SAES-J-600 Pressure Relief Devices
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SAES-L-133 Corrosion Protection Requirements for Pipelines,

Piping, and Process Equipment
SAES-N-001 Basic Criteria, Industrial Insulation
SAES-N-100 Refractory Systems
SAES-P-111 Grounding
SAES-X-500 Cathodic Protection Vessels and Tank Internals
Saudi Aramco Materials Systems Specifications

01-SAMSS-016 Qualification of Plates for Storage Tanks and
Pressured Equipment 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-004 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
32-SAMSS-020 Manufacture of Distillation Trays and Packing
32-SAMSS-031 Manufacture of Clad Vessels and Heat Exchangers
32-SAMSS-036 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
32-SAMSS-038 Manufacture of Skid Mounted Units
Saudi Aramco Standard Drawing

AA-036322 Anchor Bolt Details
Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets

SA-2694 Safety Instruction Sheet-Vessels
SA-9527 Pressure Vessel Data Sheet (herein after referred to
as data sheet)
3.2 Industry Codes and Standards
American Petroleum Institute

API RP 934-A Materials and Fabrication of 2¼Cr-1Mo, 2¼Cr-
1Mo-¼V, 3Cr-1Mo, and 3Cr-1Mo-¼V Steel
Heavy Wall Pressure Vessels for High-
temperature, High-pressure Hydrogen Service
API RP 934-C Materials and Fabrication of 1¼Cr-½Mo Steel
Heavy Wall Pressure Vessels for High-pressure
Hydrogen Service Operating at or below 825°F

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(441°C)
API RP 934-E Recommended Practice for Materials and
Fabrication of 1¼CR-½Mo Steel Pressure
Vessels for Service above 825°F (441°C)
API TR 934-G Design, Fabrication, Operational Effects,
Inspection, Assessment, and Repair of Coke
Drums and Peripheral Components in Delayed
Coking Units
API RP 941 Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated
Temperatures and Pressures in Petroleum
Refineries and Petrochemical Plants
API RP 945 Avoiding Environmental Cracking in Amine Units
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 B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings NPS ½ through
NPS 24
ASME B16.20 Metallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges - Ring-Joint,
Spiral-Wound and Jacketed
ASME B16.21 Nonmetallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges
ASME B16.47 Large-Diameter Steel Flanges NPS 26 inch through
NPS 60 inch
ASME SEC II Materials
ASME SEC VIII D1 Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels
ASME SEC VIII D2 Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels,
Alternative Rules
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

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Corrosive Petrochemical Refining Environments

NACE RP0590 Recommended Practice for Prevention, Detection
and Correction of Deaerator Cracking
Process Industry Practice

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

WRC 297 Local Stresses in Cylindrical Shells Due to External
Loadings on Nozzles
WRC 537 Local Stresses in Spherical and Cylindrical Shells
Due to External Loadings
4 Definitions
Amine Services: All amine solutions including MEA, DGA and ADIP.
Auto-Refrigeration Temperature: Auto-refrigeration temperature is the adiabatic

vaporization temperature of the process fluid coincident with a pressure equal to 25% of
the maximum operating pressure.
Caustic Services: All sodium hydroxide solutions at all temperatures and concentrations.
Cyclic Services: Services that require fatigue analysis according to screening criteria
per 5.5.2 of ASME SEC VIII D2. This applies to Division 1 and Division 2 of
ASME SEC VIII.
Design Engineer: The Engineering Company responsible for specifying on the data
sheet the mechanical design requirements for pressure vessels.
Design Thickness: Sum of thickness required to withstand all primary loads and
corrosion allowance.
Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) Environment: Process streams that introduce

HIC according to SAES-L-133.
High - Alloy Steels: Steels with a total alloying content more than 5%.
Hydrogen Services: Process streams containing hydrogen with an absolute partial

pressure of 350 kPa (50 psi) and higher.
Lethal Services: Process streams containing a concentration of hydrogen sulfide (H2S)

in excess of 20% by volume shall be considered as lethal service. Other services as
determined by the project design may also be designated as lethal services.
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LODMAT: The lowest one day mean temperature at a site or location.
Low - Alloy Steels: Steels with a total alloying content of less than 5% but more than
specified for carbon steels.
Maximum PWHT Condition: Specified heat treatment of test specimens used to

simulate all fabrication heat treatments, the final PWHT, and two PWHT cycles to
account for future repairs and/or alterations.
MDMT: Minimum design metal temperature, determined in accordance with this

standard.
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.
P&ID: Piping & Instrument Diagram
PFD: Process Flow Diagram
Pressure Vessel and Vessel: As defined in the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Codes.
SAP data base: Saudi Aramco corporate materials database that includes approved
manufacturers.
Saudi Aramco Engineer: The Chairman of the Vessels Standards Committee.
Shock Chilling Effect: The rapid decrease in temperature of a vessel component

caused by a sudden flow of process stream colder than -20°C and at a temperature lower
than the initial temperature of the component by 40°C, regardless of pressure.
Skid-mounted unit: 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.
Unfired Steam Drums: As defined in ASME SEC VIII D1.
Utility Services: Water, air, and nitrogen services
Vessel Manufacturer: Company responsible for the manufacture of pressure vessels.

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5 Responsibilities
5.1 The Design Engineer is responsible for specifying the mechanical design
requirements and completing the data sheet in accordance with this standard.
5.2 The Vessel Manufacturer is responsible for the manufacture of pressure vessels,
which includes the 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
32-SAMSS-004 or 32-SAMSS-036 and, as applicable, 32-SAMSS-031.
6 Basis for Mechanical Design
6.1 General
6.1.1 All pressure vessels, including unfired steam drums, shall be

mechanically designed in accordance with ASME SEC VIII D1 or
ASME SEC VIII D2 (herein referred to as the Codes), and the
requirements of 32-SAMSS-004 or 32-SAMSS-036 and, as applicable,
32-SAMSS-031.
6.1.2 The applicable Division and edition of the Codes to be used for the
design of pressure vessels shall be specified on the data sheet.
6.1.3 ASME SEC VIII D2 shall be specified when economically justified.

The following guidelines shall be used to determine when D2 should
be considered:
1) When the design thickness of the vessel shell or heads exceeds
50 mm, irrespective of design pressure, materials, or service.
2) When the erected weight of the vessel, (excluding removable
internal and external attachments) exceeds 90 Tonnes (100 Tons).
3) For vessels with design pressures 6.9 MPa (1,000 psi) and
greater, irrespective of service and materials of construction.
6.1.4 Certification of the User’s Design Specification

1) It is the responsibility of the Design Engineer, as defined in this
standard, to prepare a detailed User’s Design Specification
(UDS) for ASME SEC VIII D2 pressure vessels in accordance
with paragraph 2.2.2 of Division 2.
2) The vessel manufacturer shall neither prepare nor certify a UDS.

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3) UDS shall be certified according to paragraph 2-A.2.1 (a) of

Division 2.
4) The engineer that signs and certifies a UDS shall meet
requirements of paragraphs 2-A.2.2 (a), 2-A.2.3, and 2-A.2.4 of
Division 2.
6.1.5 Stress analysis requirements according to this standard shall be

included in the data sheet.
6.1.6 The application of ASME Code Cases to the design of pressure vessels
requires the prior approval of the Saudi Aramco Engineer as defined in
this standard.
6.1.7 Trays and packing shall be designed in accordance with SAES-C-001.
6.1.8 Layered constructions are prohibited for all vessels.
6.1.9 For stacked vessels, each vessel shall have its own bottom and top heads.
6.2 Design Pressure
6.2.1 Pressure vessels shall be designed to withstand the maximum internal

and/or external pressure conditions which can occur during normal
operation, including startup, shutdown, or any unusual operation as
shown on the PFD.
Commentary Note:
Pressure is the maximum difference in pressure between inside and

outside of a vessel, or between chambers of a combination unit.
The term internal design pressure indicates that internal pressure is
greater than external pressure. The term external design pressure
indicates that internal pressure is less than external pressure.
6.2.2 The values of normal operating pressure, maximum operating pressure,

and design pressure acting at the top of a vessel shall be specified on
the data sheet.
6.2.3 The internal design pressure shall be according to the following table:
Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP) Design Pressure
{M OP 15 psi}
Up to 1,000 psi Greater of or
{1.1 x M OP}

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Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP) Design Pressure
{1100 psi}
1,000 psi and above Greater of or
{1.05 x M OP}
Notes: (1) Maximum operating pressure values shall be as shown on the PFD.
(2) Higher design margin shall be used if the process designer anticipates
higher pressure surges because of the characteristics of the process.
6.2.4 Where there are differences in design pressures in different sections of

a vessel, the extremities of these sections shall be specified on the data
sheet.
6.2.5 For multi-compartment vessels, the differential design pressures

between compartments shall be specified on the data sheet. In all
cases, the design differential pressure shall be at least 1.1 times the
maximum operating differential that can occur. All pressure
differentials shall be considered.
6.2.6 Vessels in vacuum service, including those in which a vacuum may be

created inadvertently, shall be designed for a maximum external
pressure of 100 kPa (15 psi) or 125% of the maximum operating
external pressure, whichever is smaller.
Notes:
(1) Maximum operating external pressure values shall be as shown on the

PFD.
(2) Higher design margin shall be used if the process designer anticipates
based on the characteristics of the process.
6.2.7 Vessels that are not in vacuum service, but are subject to steam-out
conditions, shall be designed for an external pressure of 50 kPa
(7.5 psi) at 149°C (300°F).
6.2.8 All vessels in steam services shall be designed for an external pressure
of 100 kPa (15 psi) at design temperature.
6.2.9 For vessels that contain packing, the following data shall be specified
on the data sheet for the design of packing bed supports:
1) The differential design pressure and temperature
at the end-of-process-run (fouled) condition.
2) The differential regeneration pressure and temperature.

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3) The directions of the differential pressure corresponding to the

above items (1) and (2).
6.3 Design Temperature
6.3.1 The design temperature shall not be less than the maximum operating
temperature as shown on the PFD plus 28°C (50°F).
6.3.2 Where there are differences in the maximum operating temperature for
the different sections of a vessel, the extremities of these sections shall
be specified on the data sheet.
6.4 Minimum Design Metal Temperature
The MDMT shall be specified on the data sheet and shall be equal to the lowest
of the following applicable conditions:
1) The LODMAT at the site location, unless a higher start-up temperature is
specified and approved by operations, and a suitable warm-up start-up
procedure has been developed.
2) The temperature of a process stream causing shock chilling condition as
defined in Section 4 of this standard.
3) Auto-refrigeration condition as defined in Section 4 of this standard.
4) The minimum operating temperature at an operating pressure greater than
25% of the design pressure.
6.5 Service and Description

1) The service of a vessel (e.g., lethal, hydrocarbon, hydrogen, caustic,
amine, utility, cyclic, etc.) as defined in Section 4 of this standard shall be
specified on the data sheet.
2) The process description of the vessel (e.g., fractionator, regenerator,
separator, receiver, K.O. drum, deaerator, etc.) shall be specified on the
data sheet.
6.6 Joint Efficiency
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.
6.7 Corrosion Resistance
Resistance to corrosion shall be provided according to the following:

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6.7.1 Corrosion Allowance
6.7.1.1 Corrosion allowance shall be based on achieving a minimum

service life of twenty years.
6.7.1.2 The maximum amount of corrosion allowance shall be

6 mm. Should a higher corrosion allowance be required in
order to obtain a twenty year service life, the vessel shall be
integrally clad or weld overlaid with a corrosion resistant
metallic lining or as an alternative solid corrosion resistant
material shall be specified for the vessel. Selection of any of
the alternatives shall be based on cost effectiveness and a
proven history of satisfactory service in similar service
environments.
6.7.1.3 Minimum corrosion allowances shall be specified on the

data sheet as follows:
1) For all carbon and low-alloy steels, in all services,
except environments containing wet H2S, the minimum
corrosion allowance shall be specified as 1.6 mm.
2) For all carbon and low-alloy steels in environments
containing wet H2S, the minimum corrosion allowance
shall be specified as 3.2 mm.
3) All attachments welded to pressure boundary
components and intended to support internals, e.g., tray
support rings, brackets, etc., shall have the same
corrosion allowance as the pressure boundary
components. Corrosion allowance shall be provided to
all surfaces of the attachment that are exposed to the
process stream.
6.7.1.4 No reductions to corrosion allowances specified in paragraph

6.7.1.3 shall be given for vessels that are internally coated.
6.7.2 Cladding
6.7.2.1 For all integrally-bonded clad vessels, in all services, the

minimum thickness of cladding shall be 3.2 mm.
6.7.2.2 For all weld overlaid vessels, in all services, the minimum
thickness of undiluted weld overlay shall be 3.2 mm.
6.7.3 Corrosion allowances for tray assemblies, excluding tray supports

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welded to pressure-retaining components, shall be specified in

accordance with the requirements of 32-SAMSS-020.
6.7.4 Corrosion resistant coating shall be applied to the inside surface of

vessels with refractory lining, if corrosion caused by flue gas
condensation is expected.
6.7.5 For completely clad vessels in HIC services, it is not mandatory to

specify HIC resistant base material.
6.7.6 For partially clad vessels, the following requirements shall be met:
a) Cladding shall extend minimum 600 mm beyond each of the

boundaries influenced by the process design.
b) An edge of cladding shall be minimum 50 mm from the closer side

of any internal attachment welded to vessel’s wall within the
vicinity of the cladding edge.
c) HIC resistance material meeting requirements of 01-SAMSS-016

shall be specified for the base metal of the whole unclad portion(s)
of vessels in HIC services.
d) HIC resistance material shall extend to the first pressure-retaining

weld joint(s) in weld overlaid portion(s) of vessels in HIC services.
6.8 Heads
6.8.1 The types of heads shall be specified on the data sheet.
6.8.2 The type of heads for vessels shall be specified as ASME 2:1-
ellipsoidal or ASME hemispherical, unless as allowed in 6.8.3 of this
standard.
6.8.3 ASME dished flat heads (with a knuckle) and ASME torispherical
heads maybe used for only air and water services with a design
pressure not exceeding 690 kPa (100 psi).
6.8.4 For vessels with design thickness exceeding 50 mm, heads shall be
specified as hemispherical unless 2:1 ellipsoidal heads are deemed
economical.
6.8.5 Minimum inside radius of knuckles for conical transition sections or

torispherical heads shall be as follows:
a) Not be less than 15% of the outside diameter of the adjoining
cylindrical section with conical section of thickness greater than
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or equal to 50 mm.
b) Not be less than 10% of the outside diameter of the adjoining
cylindrical section with conical transition section or torispherical
heads with thickness greater than 19 mm and less than 50 mm.
c) Not be less than 6% of the outside diameter of the adjoining
cylindrical section with conical transition section or torispherical
heads with thickness 19 mm and less.
6.8.6 Reinforcing for conical transition sections in vessels with design

thickness greater than 50 mm shall be provided by increased plate
thickness. Use of reinforcing rings is prohibited.
6.8.7 Shell-to-internal head joint shall be only one of the following details:
a) Forged junction ring according to ASME SEC VIII D2,
Table 4.2.5 - Detail 7.
b) Weld build-up construction connecting shell to internal head.
This is not applicable to vessels in cyclic service.
6.8.8 Joint details in paragraph 6.8.7 shall provide a smooth transition,

minimizing peak stress concentration effects. The inner radius of the
weld build-up and forged detail shall be minimum 25 mm (1 inch).
Backing strips used in fabricating the junction shall be removed after
completion of welding. All welds shall be ground smooth flush
contour of the joined parts.
6.9 Loads
6.9.1 Wind and Earthquake Loads

1) The Design Engineer shall specify on the vessel data sheet design
data related to wind and earthquake loads and corresponding to
the Saudi Aramco site location per SAES-A-112.
2) Wind and earthquake loads shall be determined by the Vessel
Manufacturer in accordance with the procedures detailed in
ASCE 7 (2005 Edition). Occupancy Category IV shall be used
and the corresponding Importance Factor shall be IWIND=1.15 and
ISEISMIC=1.5.
3) Wind-induced Vibration
i. Vertical vessels shall be checked for wind-induced vibration
by the Vessel Manufacturer for the following cases:

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a) H > 30 m with H/D ratio > 15

b) W/HD² < 400
Where:
H is the height of the vessel in meters, including the
supports.
D is the diameter of vessel in meters.
(For multi-diameter vessels the diameter shall equal
the weighted diameter of the top third).
W is the weight of the vessel in kilograms in both the
erected empty and operating conditions.
ii. The use of vortex breakers or guying devices in order to
maintain stresses, due to wind-induced vibration within
allowable limits, is prohibited.
iii. The fatigue life of those vessels susceptible to wind induced
vibration shall be a minimum of one million cycles.
The fatigue curves in ASME SEC VIII D2 shall be used for
the materials at the specified design temperature.
6.9.2 Weight of Liquid Contents
Design Engineer shall specify the following on the vessel data sheet:
1) Maximum operating liquid level (including flooded condition)
2) Density of operating liquid
3) Test water static head in the erected position
6.9.3 Piping and Equipment Loads

1) Nozzles shall be designed for external piping loads (other than the
dead load), such as may be produced from thermal
expansion/contraction and weight.
2) Where such conditions exist, the Design Engineer shall specify
these loads on the data sheet.
3) For vessels supporting other equipment (e.g., stab-in type heat
exchanger, reboilers, etc.), the equipment loads imposed on the
vessel are to be determined by the Design Engineer and specified
on the data sheet.

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6.9.4 Dynamic Loads
Dynamic loads caused by the action of vibratory equipment

(e.g., agitators), liquid sloshing, sub-liquid surface jets, slug catchers,
etc., shall be specified on the data sheet.
Commentary Note:
Dynamic loads due to slugs shall be specified for the inlet nozzle as
well as for the corresponding internals. The nozzle detail shall be as
per paragraph 7.5.2 Group I, (c).
6.9.5 Thermal Load
Thermal loads caused by thermal transients and restraining thermal

expansion/ interaction of the vessel and/ or its support(s) shall be
specified on the datasheet.
6.9.6 Buoyancy Loads
Buoyancy loads, are loads caused by external flooding of the equipment

with water (e.g.; vessels placed in concrete vaults). The vessel
manufacturer shall evaluate the effect of the buoyancy forces including
the vessel anchoring.
6.9.7 Lifting Devices
Lifting devices (lifting lugs, trunnions, tailing Lugs) shall be designed

for an impact factor of 2.0 minimum. For vertical vessels, the worst
load during lifting shall be determined considering change in vessel
position from the horizontal to the final erected position.
6.9.8 Refractory Lining
For vessels which are refractory lined, the extent and design density of
the refractory lining shall be specified on the data sheet.
6.9.9 Insulation
For vessels which are insulated, the extent and design density, of the
insulation system shall be specified on the data sheet.
6.10 Nominal Thickness
6.10.1 Nominal thickness of shells and heads shall not be less than the following:
a) Carbon steels, 6 mm.
b) Low chrome alloy steels, 5 mm.
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6.10.2 Maximum thickness for plates used for construction of vessels under
the scope of API RP 934-A shall be limited to 150 mm (6 in).
For vessels requiring thickness higher than 150 mm (6 in), forged ring
construction shall be used.
6.11 Stress Analysis
6.11.1 Where applicable, the requirements for thermal stress and fatigue stress
analyses are to be specified in the data sheet by the Design Engineer in
accordance with this standard. Analysis methods and stress
combination limits presented in Division 2, section 5, shall be used for
vessels under scope of Division 1 and Division 2. However, allowable
stress shall be taken from the respective tables of ASME SEC II for
each division for the corresponding material and temperature.
6.11.2 The Design Engineer is responsible for specifying the heat transfer
coefficients to be used for all thermal stress analysis.
6.11.3 Thermal Analysis

1) A thermal stress analysis is required for a vessel, if a thermal
gradient (calculated under steady state operating conditions and,
if applicable, transient operating conditions) across any vessel
section exceeds 65°C (150°F), in a distance equal to the square
root of R times T, where:
- R is the radius of the vessel component under consideration and,
- T is the thickness of the component under consideration
- R and T have the same units.
2) As a minimum, the scope of the stress analysis shall include the
following junctures, as applicable:
- Head-to-shell
- Support-to-vessel
- Nozzle-to-shell, considering external piping loads
- Tray supports to vessel wall
3) Thermal analysis shall be based on gradients under steady state

design conditions and also, if applicable, transient design
conditions.
4) Thermal gradients may be reduced to within allowable limits
with the provision of:
Page 17 of 36
a) Thermal sleeves in pressure-retaining components

b) Hot-box design at the skirt-to-vessel junction in skirt-
supported vessels with design temperatures greater than
260°C (500°F).
6.11.4 Fatigue Analysis

1) Scope of the required stress analysis shall be specified by the
Design Engineer in accordance with the rules of Division 2.
2) As a minimum, the scope of the stress analysis shall include the
following junctures, as applicable:
- Head-to-shell
- Support-to-vessel
- Nozzle-to-shell, considering external piping loads
- Tray supports to vessel wall
3) Analysis shall be based on the calculated number of cycles for a
minimum 20 year service life, as determined in accordance with
the rules of Division 2, paragraph 5.5.2.
4) The number of cycles shall include the number of start-ups, shut-
downs, emergency shut-downs, and upset conditions.
6.11.5 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.
7 Nozzles, Manways, and Gaskets
7.1 General
7.1.1 The quantity, types, sizes, facings, elevations, orientations, and

pressure classes of all nozzles and manways shall be specified on the
data sheet.
7.1.2 The Design Engineer is responsible for ensuring that the facings, bolt
centers, number of bolts, and size of bolts of vessel nozzles match the
mating piping flanges.
7.1.3 Design of bolted connections with stud bolts of diameter 1-½ inch and
above shall be such as to provide clearance to permit use of a stud and
Page 18 of 36
bolt tensioner device.
7.1.4 The quantity and sizes of nozzles required for pressure relief valves
shall be determined in accordance with SAES-J-600 and specified on
the vessel data sheet.
7.1.5 The locations and sizes of nozzles shall be in accordance with the
P&IDs and this standard.
7.1.6 Nozzles with NPS of 2-½, 3-½, and 5 shall not be used.
7.1.7 A body flange shall be constructed of one-piece forging.
7.1.8 Nozzles smaller than NPS 2 are not permissible.
7.1.9 Only flanged nozzles and manways shall be used.
7.1.10 Vessels in services other than air and water shall be provided with a
minimum 2-inch NPS flanged steam-out connection.
7.1.11 1½ NPS and smaller drains and instrument connections can be used
and shall be attached to a blind flange on a flanged nozzle or manway
in other than the following design conditions and services:
a) Lethal service
b) Hydrogen service
c) Caustic service
d) Cyclic service
e) Pressure-retaining parts thicker than 50 mm
f) Unfired steam boilers with design pressure exceeding 50 psi.
Attachment welds of such connections to the blind flange shall be

treated as category-D weld joint. Accordingly, attachment details and
NDE requirements shall be similar to those required for the vessel per
Section 7.5 of this standard.
7.1.12 Unless provided on overhead piping, all vessels shall be provided with
vent and pressure relief connections.
7.1.13 All liquid level column instrument connections shall be located so as to

avoid turbulent areas (e.g., turbulence from impact of inlet streams).
7.1.14 For vertical skirt-supported vessels, no flange connection shall be

allowed inside the skirt.
Page 19 of 36
7.1.15 For vessels with mechanical mixers, the Design Engineer shall specify
on the vessel data sheet: the torque, bending loads, and dimensional
tolerances (axial and angular) specified by the mixer manufacturer.
7.1.16 Anti-swirl baffles (vortex breakers) shall be provided on liquid outlet

nozzles upstream of a pump suction side.
7.1.17 Permissible types of flanges for 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 or manway.
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 flange with seamless pipe nozzle necks or rolled
plate with 100% radiography is permissible for vessels, which are
integral parts of skid-mounted packaged equipment units, in only
non-cyclic air and water services with design temperature and
design pressure not exceeding 121C (250F) and 1.7 MPA
(245 psi), respectively. Slip-on flange shall be welded on the
front or face and at the back of the hub per ASME SEC VIII D1,
Figure UW-21, detail (1), (2) or (3).
7.2 Ratings (ASME Pressure Classes) and Facings
7.2.1 The ASME pressure classes and facings shall be specified on the data
sheet.
7.2.2 ASME Pressure Class 400 shall not be used.
7.2.3 Pressure ratings shall be in accordance with the following:

1) ASME B16.5 for flanges, NPS 24 and smaller.
2) ASME B16.47 - Series A for flanges larger than NPS 24.
7.2.4 The facings of flanges in bolted joints shall be identical and specified
as raised face or ring-type joint. Associated gaskets shall be per
ASME B16.20 requirements.

Page 20 of 36
7.2.5 Flat face flanges are permissible for only water and air services.
See also paragraph 7.1.17.d of this standard.
7.2.6 Specifying different types of flange facing in a vessel is not permitted.
7.2.7 Ring type joint shall be used for flanges in Class 900 and higher
ratings, unless lower rating is specified by the licenser. For vessels in
services, where there is a potential of introducing Polythionic Acid
Stress Corrosion Cracking (PASCC), including hydrotreating and
catalytic reforming processes, the ring groove shall be weld overlaid
with Alloy 625.
7.2.8 Raised face type flanges, unless otherwise specified in paragraph 7.2.7
of this standard, shall be used.
7.2.9 Licensor’s proposal to use flange faces other than those specified in
paragraphs 7.2.7 and 7.2.8 above and/or deviate from requirement in
paragraph 7.2.6 above shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and
approved by the Saudi Aramco Engineer as defined in this standard.
7.2.10 Bolted joints specified with non-ASME flanges shall be designed to

meet all anticipated loading conditions of the vessel.
7.3 Manways
7.3.1 The location, quantity and size of manways shall be specified to ensure
that all interior areas are accessible. Requirements of internal ladder
rungs shall be as specified in 32-SAMSS-004.
7.3.2 Manways in columns with trays shall be specified as follows, such that
access through internal tray manways is not restricted by
appurtenances or by staggering of the tray manways:
1) Above top tray, below bottom tray and above feed trays.
2) There are no more than 10 trays between any two manways.
This requirement does not apply to tray designs that do not
require maintenance personnel to pass through trays.
7.3.3 The Design Engineer shall ensure that the size of manways are such
that all removable internals, including tray sections, piping, filters,
screens, etc., can pass through.
7.3.4 All vessels larger than 36 inches in diameter shall have manways with
20 inch minimum inside diameters. If replacement of internals

Page 21 of 36
(catalyst, packing, trays, etc.) is necessary, the vessel shall be provided

with 24 inch minimum inside diameter manways.
7.3.5 All vessels smaller than 36 inches in diameter shall be provided with
minimum two flanged NPS 4 openings. If replacement of internals is
necessary, one end of the vessel shall have a full diameter flange for
vessel sizes through 24-inch diameter. From 24-inch through 36-inch
vessel diameter, one of the following alternatives shall be considered:
a) A conical section and a 24-inch diameter flanged end.
b) Full diameter flanged end.
c) A 24-inch diameter shell or head manway.
7.3.6 Vessel designs with non-removable welded internals, such as multiple

baffles, that make passage of maintenance personnel inside the vessel
impossible need not have manways. However, such vessels shall be
provided with sufficient number of flanged NPS 4 inspection openings
that enable internal inspection of the vessel. Vessels in clean services
such as nitrogen need not have manway(s).
7.3.7 Vessels with mixers shall be provided with at least one manway that
does not require removal of the mixer.
7.3.8 All manways shall be circular. The manway covers shall be hinged or
provided with handling davits as specified on the data sheet, according
to PIP VEFV1100.
7.4 Gaskets
7.4.1 The type of gaskets shall be specified on the data sheet.
7.4.2 The materials of construction for spiral wound gaskets shall be as

follows with flexible filler suitable for the intended service.
Service Winding Filler Guiding Ring(s)

Design
Type 304 or Solid outer;
Temperature
316 Stainless Graphite Type 304 or
from -100°C to
Steel (SS) 316 (SS)
0°C
Design
Solid outer;
Temperature Type 304 or
Graphite Carbon Steel
above 0°C to 316 SS
(CS)
425°C
Design Solid inner and
Type 321 or
Temperature Vermiculite outer; Type
347 SS
above 425°C 304 or 316 SS

Page 22 of 36
Service Winding Filler Guiding Ring(s)

Per Per
Vacuum or with Solid inner; Type
Temperature Temperature
Catalyst 304 or 316 SS
Range Range
7.4.3 Materials for ring joint gaskets must be chemically resistant and
mechanically suitable for the intended service conditions.
7.4.4 Gaskets for water and air services shall be specified as non-asbestos
conforming to ASME B16.21, and must be chemically resistant and
mechanically suitable for the service conditions.
7.5 Attachment Details for Nozzles, Manways and their Connections
7.5.1 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.
7.5.2 Permissible types of attachments details for nozzles, manways, and

their connections are according to the table below.
Figure Reference from indicated

Design Conditions / ASME Code Section VIII
Attachment
Services Group Division 1 Division 2
Vessels Vessels
Group I
a. Pressure-retaining vessel’s component (shell,
head, nozzle or manway) with design thickness
greater than 50 mm
Case-1
b. Unfired steam boilers with design pressure All nozzle sizes and
exceeding 50 psi manway necks
Figure UW-16.1,
Table 4.2.13,
c. Lethal, hydrogen and cyclic services details:
details: (1), (2),
(f-1), (f-2), (f-3) or
d. Openings larger than 900 mm (Note 1) Case-2 (3), (4), (5) or (6)
(f-4)
Connections
e. Design temperature greater than 400°C (Note attached to nozzles
1) and manway necks
f. Low alloy steel vessels with design thickness
greater than 25 mm (Note 1)
g. Vessels that will undergo PWHT (Note 1)
- Table 4.2.10,
Figure UW-16.1, details: (1), (2),
Group II (3), (4), (6), (7) or
Case-1 details: (a), (a-1),
NPS 4 and smaller (a-4), (b), (c), (d), (8)
Design conditions and services other than those
nozzles (e), (f-1), (f-2), (f-
in group I of this table - Table 4.2.11,
3), (f-4) or (g).
detail (2)

Page 23 of 36
Figure Reference from indicated

Design Conditions / ASME Code Section VIII
Attachment
Services Group Division 1 Division 2
Vessels Vessels
- Table 4.2.13,
details: (1), (2),
(3), (4), (5) or (6)
- Table 4.2.10,
Figure UW-16.1, details: (1), (2),
Case-2 details: (a), (a-4), (3), (4), (6), (7) or
Connections to NPS (b), (c), (d), (e), (f- (8) (Note 3)
4 and smaller 1), (f-2), (f-3), (f-4)
nozzles or (g). - Table 4.2.13,
(Note 2) details: (1), (2),
(3), (4), (5) or (6)
- Table 4.2.10,
details: (3), (4),
(6) or (8)
Case-3 Figure UW-16.1,
Nozzles larger than details: (c), (d), - Table 4.2.11,
NPS 4 and manway (e), (f-1), (f-2), (f- detail (2)
necks 3), (f-4) or (g)
- Table 4.2.13,
details: (1), (2),
(3), (4), (5) or (6)
- Table 4.2.10,
details: (3), (4),
(6) or (8)
Figure UW-16.1,
Case-4
details: (c), (d),
Connections to - Table 4.2.11,
(e), (f-1), (f-2), (f-
nozzles larger than detail (2)
3), (f-4) or (g)
NPS 4 and manway
necks - Table 4.2.13,
(Note 4)
details: (1), (2),
(3), (4), (5) or (6)
(Note 5)
Note 1: Alternatively, detail per Figure UW-16.1(g) may be used for Division 1 vessels provided that design
conditions / services per a, b and/ or c of group I are not applicable.
Note 2: Figure UW-16.1, details: (a), (a-4), (b), (c), (d), and (e) shall be without reinforcement pad.
Note 3: Table 4.2.10, details: (1), (2), (3), (4), (6), and (7) shall be without reinforcement pad.
Note 4: Specified details are applicable if the connection size is greater than NPS 4. For NPS 4 and smaller
connections, use details under Group II, Case-2 (Division 1 Vessels).
Note 5: Specified details are applicable if the connection size is greater than NPS 4. For NPS 4 and smaller
connections, use details under Group II, Case-2 (Division 2 Vessels).
7.5.3 Integrally reinforced contour shaped attachments made partially or

completely of weld build up are prohibited.
8 Internals
8.1 The Design Engineer shall specify all design data required for the mechanical
design of internals, including their locations and dimensions for piping
distributors, anti-swirl baffles, screens, filters, packing supports, etc.
Page 24 of 36
8.2 All design data required for the process design of trays and packing shall be
specified in accordance with SAES-C-001.
9 Vessel Supports
9.1 General
9.1.1 Vessel shall be designed as a self-supporting unit in accordance with

the requirements of the applicable Code and AISC.
9.1.2 The type of support required shall be specified by the Design Engineer
on the data sheet.
9.1.3 Anchor bolts shall meet all the requirements of SASD AA-036322.
9.1.4 The material of anchor bolts shall be in accordance with this standard.
9.1.5 Base plates shall be designed by the Vessel Manufacturer for all
loading conditions in accordance with this standard.
9.1.6 The allowable concrete bearing stress to be used for the design of base
plates shall be 8,300 kPa.
9.2 Supports for Vertical Vessels
9.2.1 Vertical vessels shall be supported by means of a skirt, legs, or lugs.
9.2.2 The skirt height shall be specified on the data sheet.
9.2.3 The minimum number of legs or lugs shall be specified as four for
vessels above 24 inches in diameter.
9.2.4 The locations and orientations of legs and lugs shall be specified on the
data sheet.
9.2.5 Hotbox design when specified for skirt-supported vessels with design
temperatures greater than 260°C (500°F) shall be in accordance with
PIP VEFV1100 and dimensions that meet the intent of reducing the
thermal gradient at the skirt-to-vessel junction.
9.2.6 One minimum 500 mm diameter skirt access opening shall be provided
for vessels with diameters equal to and larger than 1,200 mm.
For vessels with diameters less than 1,200 mm, skirt access opening
diameter shall be minimum one half of the vessel diameter.
Skirt access opening diameters smaller than the above specified shall

Page 25 of 36
require prior approval of the Saudi Aramco Engineer as defined in this

standard.
9.2.7 Skirt-to-vessel juncture details for vessels with design thickness greater
than 50 mm and vessels in cyclic, hydrogen or lethal services shall be
only any of the following details:
a) Forged junction ring: according to ASME SEC VIII D2,
Figure 4.2.4(e).
b) Weld build-up construction (connecting skirt to head): according
to ASME SEC VIII D2, Figure 4.2.4(b). (Exception: This type of
construction is not applicable to vessels in cyclic service and vessels
under scope of API RP 934-A, API RP 934-C, API RP 934-E, and
API TR 934-G).
c) Weld build-up construction (connecting skirt to shell): according

to ASME SEC VIII D2, Figure 4.2.4(f). (Exception: This type of
construction is not applicable to vessels in cyclic service and vessels
under scope of API RP 934-A, API RP 934-C, API RP 934-E, and
API TR 934-G).
d) Forged skirt-to-shell junction ring: similar to ASME SEC VIII D2,

Table 4.2.5 - Detail 7.
9.2.8 Joint details in paragraph 9.2.7 shall provide a smooth transition,

minimizing peak stress concentration effects. The inner radius of the
weld build-up and forged detail shall be minimum 50 mm (1 inch).
Backing strips used in fabricating the junction shall be removed after
completion of welding. All welds shall be ground smooth flush
contour of the joined parts.
9.2.9 Skirt-to-vessel junctures details for vessels other those specified in

paragraph 9.2.7 shall be according to any of the following:
i) ASME SEC VIII D2, Figure 4.2.4, details (a), and (c).
ii) Details per paragraph 9.2.7.
9.2.10 Forged skirt-to-shell junction ring similar to ASME SEC VIII D2,
Table 4.2.5 - Detail 7 and junctions per ASME SEC VIII D2,
Figure 4.2.4, details (a), (b), (c), and (f) shall meet the following
weld spacing requirements:
1. Adjacent edges of the head-to-shell and skirt-to-head welds shall
not be closer than the head thickness or 25 mm (1 inch),
whichever is greater.

Page 26 of 36
2. Adjacent edges of the skirt-to-shell weld and any category-B

weld joint shall not be closer than the shell thickness or 25 mm
(1 inch), whichever is greater.
9.3 Supports for Horizontal Vessels
9.3.1 Horizontal vessel shall be supported by two saddles with anchor bolts.
The vessel shall be fixed at one saddle and free to move in the
longitudinal direction, due to thermal and pressure differentials, at the
other saddle.
9.3.2 The data sheet shall specify locations of the fixed and sliding saddles
and dimension from vessel centerline to underside of saddle base plate.
9.4 Anchor Bolts
9.4.1 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).
9.4.2 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.
9.4.3 Vessels supported on saddles shall be provided with an even number of

anchor bolts with a minimum of two anchor bolts per saddle.
9.5 Support Design for Pressure Test
Support, including foundation, of a vessel shall be designed to withstand the

intended test pressure (full hydrostatic, pneumatic or hydrostatic-pneumatic) in
the erected position. Hydrostatic and hydrostatic-pneumatic test loads shall
include the higher value of the following:
a) Maximum operating liquid static head, including flooded condition.
b) Test water static head in the erected position.
10 Clips and Attachments
10.1 General
The Design Engineer shall specify the orientations, elevations, and details of
clips and attachments required for pipe supports, ladders, and platforms.

Page 27 of 36
10.2 Equipment Davit
10.2.1 A davit for the lifting of equipment shall be specified for vessels
containing removable internals such as trays, packing and relief valves.
10.2.2 The davit shall be designed and manufactured in accordance with

VEFV1100.
10.3 Lifting Devices
10.3.1 Lifting devices (lifting lugs, trunnions, tailing lugs) or other

attachments shall be specified for vessels to facilitate shipping and
handling purposes.
10.3.2 The davit shall be designed and manufactured in accordance with

VEFV1100.
10.4 Grounding Lugs
All pressure vessels shall be provided with a grounding lug connection welded
to the vessel support in accordance with PIP VEFV1100.
11 Materials
11.1 General
11.1.1 Design Engineer shall specify materials of construction on the data

sheet, according to the Saudi Aramco approved materials selection
diagram and this standard.
11.1.2 Unless approved by the Saudi Aramco Engineer as defined in this

standard, materials of construction for carbon and low alloy steels
pressure vessels designed for different temperature ranges shall be in
accordance with Table 1. Selected materials, including alternative
materials, must comply with all the requirements of the applicable
Code and this standard.
11.1.3 Materials for hydrogen service shall be selected in accordance with

API RP 941 using the following:
1. A value for the hydrogen partial pressure not less than the
maximum operating hydrogen partial pressure plus 350 kPaa
(50 psia).
2. A value for temperature not less than 28°C (50°F) above the
maximum operating temperature.

Page 28 of 36
11.1.4 Reactors in hydrotreating processes such as hydrocracker, gas oil

hydrotreater, diesel hydrotreater, kerosene hydrotreater, and naphtha
hydrotreater shall be per paragraphs 11.1.3 and 11.1.7 of this standard.
Use of 2¼ Cr-1 Mo-¼ V, 3 Cr-1 Mo and 3 Cr-1 Mo-¼ V steels
requires prior approval of the Saudi Aramco Engineer as defined in this
standard.
11.1.5 Reactors in catalytic reforming processes, such as Platformer and

Continuous Catalytic Regeneration (CCR), shall be made of
1¼ Cr-½ Mo steels.
11.1.6 Coke drum shall be made of 1¼ Cr-½ Mo steels. Use of 2¼ Cr-1 Mo,
2¼ Cr-1 Mo-¼ V, 3 Cr-1Mo and 3 Cr-1 Mo-¼ V steels for coke drums
is prohibited.
11.1.7 1 Cr-½ Mo and 1¼ Cr-½ Mo steels can be used for shell and heads of
vessels with thickness not exceeding 100 mm (4 in). These alloys can
also be used for forged components (e.g., integrally reinforced nozzles,
flanges, etc.) of vessels with a thickness exceeding 100 mm (4 in) within
the scope of API RP 934-C, API RP 934-E, API TR 934-G, and
paragraph 1.7 of this standard, provided that fracture toughness
requirements specified in these documents and this standard can be met.
11.1.8 Use of different low alloy steels for pressure-retaining components of

vessels is not permitted. For example, a vessel requiring 1 Cr-½ Mo
materials shall have all pressure-retaining components manufactured
from 1 Cr-½ Mo.
11.1.9 Use of solid high alloy steels is not permitted as follows:

1. Types 304 and 304L, where there is a potential of external chloride
stress corrosion cracking.
2. In process streams containing more than 50 ppm chloride at
temperatures above 50°C.
3. Duplex stainless steel in sour service applications.
4. Ferritic or martensitic stainless steels containing 12% chromium for
pressure retaining components.
11.1.10 Use of solid high alloy steels, including austenitic stainless steels, in
services and design conditions other than those in paragraph 11.1.9
shall be on a case-by-case basis, with prior approval of the Saudi
Aramco Engineer as defined in this standard. Material selection shall
be based on the design temperature, minimum design metal
temperature and intended service.
Page 29 of 36
11.1.11 Use of C-½ Mo steels in hydrogen services is prohibited.
11.1.12 Austenitic stainless steel clad plate (SA-264) shall be used in the
following:
1) Amine regenerator
2) Non-liquid filled amine absorber
3) Refinery Sour water stripper
11.2 Impact Testing
11.2.1 Impact test temperature for a pressure-retaining component of a vessel

shall not be warmer than MDMT, determined in accordance with
paragraph 6.4 of this standard. Colder test temperature shall be used,
based on the lowest of the following applicable values:
a) As specified for vessels within scope of API RP 934-A,
API RP 934-C, API RP 934-E, and API TR 934-G
b) As specified by the licensor specification
c) As specified by API RP 934-C for vessels constructed of
1 Cr-½ Mo and 1¼ Cr-½ Mo steels and used in services other
than hydrogen services with design temperature below 440°C.
11.2.2 Minimum acceptable Charpy impact energy values for all materials of
construction (base and weld metals) shall not be less than the highest
of the following applicable values:
1) 40/32 Joules for carbon steels thicker than 50 mm
2) As specified by ASME SEC VIII D2, but not less than 34/27 Joules
3) As specified by the licensor’s specification, but not less than
34/27 Joules
4) 55/48 Joules for 1 Cr-½ Mo, 1¼Cr-½Mo, 2¼Cr- 1 Mo,
2¼Cr- 1Mo-¼V, 3Cr- 1Mo and 3 Cr- 1Mo-¼V steels.
Commentary Notes:
a) 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.
b) Minimum acceptable Charpy impact energy values are applicable to

Div. 1 and Div.2 vessels.
11.2.3 The Design Engineer is responsible, through coordination with the

Page 30 of 36
Vessel Manufacturer, of determining the required Charpy impact

value(s) based on the test temperature specified on the data sheet and
the purchased vessel component thickness.
11.2.4 Impact test requirements, i.e., test temperature and Charpy impact
energy values shall be included in the vessel design data sheet by the
Design Engineer.
11.2.5 Impact testing is required, with no exception, for pressure vessels made
of low alloy steels.
11.2.6 Impact test of materials and welding procedures are required when
impact test temperature is lower than -28°C.
11.3 Elevated temperature tensile test is required at the design temperature for
equipment made of steels within scope of API RP 934-A, API RP 934-C,
API RP 934-E, and API TR 934-G. Test specimens should be in the maximum
PWHT condition as defined in this standard. Acceptance value is 90% of values
listed in ASME SEC II-D, Table U for the test temperature.
11.4 Postweld Heat Treatment (PWHT)
11.4.1 Apart from Code requirements of PWHT for carbon and low alloy
steels, the following process services require PWHT. Other process
conditions may also require PWHT, as determined during the project
design or as specified by the Saudi Aramco Engineer as defined in this
standard.
1) All caustic soda (NaOH) solutions, including conditions where
caustic carryover may occur (all temperatures).
2) All amine solutions, at all temperatures excepting the following:
a. Diglycol amine (DGA) solutions below 138°C design
temperature
b. Rich amino di-isopropanol (ADIP) solutions below 90°C
design temperature
c. Lean ADIP solutions below 60°C design temperature.
3) Boiler deaerators above 80°C design temperature
Commentary Note:
Vacuum deaerators operating at ambient temperature are exempt.
4) Vessels in hydrogen service at all temperatures manufactured

Page 31 of 36
from P-No.3, 4, and 5A/B/C base materials

5) Vessels in SSC environments as defined in SAES-L-133.
6) Vessels in carbonate cracking environments.
11.4.2 Code exemptions for PWHT are not permitted if PWHT is specified
for process conditions in accordance with this standard.
12 Coatings and Painting
12.1 The selection of the type of coating and painting required shall be in accordance
with SAES-H-001.
12.2 The Saudi Aramco Painting and Coating Specification (APCS) shall be selected
from SAES-H-001 and specified on the data sheet together with the applicable
Class 09 specification for the surface preparation and painting systems.
13 Insulation
13.1 For vessels which are insulated, the Design Engineer is responsible for the design
of insulation system according to SAES-N-001 and PIP VEFV1100.
13.2 Material type, thickness, extent, and method of support of insulation system
shall be specified on the data sheet.
14 Refractory Lining
14.1 For vessels which are refractory lined, the Design Engineer is responsible for the
design of refractory lining according to SAES-N-100.
14.2 Material type, thickness, extent, design density, and maximum design surface
temperature of the refractory lining shall be specified on the data sheet.
14.3 Design of refractory lining shall be such that temperature of vessel wall is at
least 28C warmer than the calculated dew point of the process stream to
prevent condensation corrosion.
15 Fireproofing
15.1 The Design Engineer is responsible for the design of fireproofing.
15.2 The extent of fireproofing required on vessel skirts, lugs, legs, and saddles shall
be determined in accordance with the requirements of SAES-B-006 and this
standard. Extent of fireproofing shall be specified on the data sheet.

Page 32 of 36
15.3 Vessel supports shall not be covered by fire proofing in the immediate vicinity of
anchor bolts and associated nuts to allow free accessibility for their inspection.
15.4 Fireproofing extent in insulated vertical vessels shall be according to

PIP VEFV1100, drawing VEFV1123.
15.5 Fireproofing in un-insulated vertical vessels shall be according to PIP VEFV1100,

drawing VEFV1123, except that it shall not cover the weld joint between the head
and the skirt. Additionally, a 5 mm thick steel weather cap shall be provided on
the skirt to provide a flashing for fireproofing.
16 Grounding
The Design Engineer shall specify the grounding requirements in accordance with
SAES-P-111.
17 Cathodic Protection
Vessels shall be cathodically protected when required by SAES-X-500.
18 Drawings and Calculations
17.1 The data sheet, drawings, and forms are to be completed by the Design Engineer
to the extent as detailed in this standard.
17.2 The as built thicknesses of shells, heads, and supports shall be specified by the
Design Engineer on the Safety Instruction Sheet (SIS) after the completion of
fabrication.
17.3 All approved data sheets, drawings and forms are to be submitted to
EK&RD/Drawing Management Unit (DMU) for inclusion into Corporate
Drawings Management System.
17.4 The Design Engineer is responsible for the completion of the Safety Instruction
Sheet (Form SA-2694) for the vessel in accordance with SAES-A-005 and the
data on the Vessel Manufacturer's drawings.
Revision Summary
1 May 2016 Major revision. Revised the "Next Planned Update." Reaffirmed the contents of the
document and clarify some requirements.
20 August 2017 Major revision. (1) revise some of the Cr-Mo material requirement and (2) provide
clarification to some requirements.

Page 33 of 36
Table 1 – Acceptable Materials for Carbon and Low - Alloy Steels

[Note: The numbers in ( ) refer to the specific notes at the end of the table]
Design Temperature (°C)

Vessel
> - 100 and ≤ - 45 > - 45 and ≤ 0 > 0 and ≤ 400 > 400 and ≤ 645
Component
SA-516 Grade 70 (1)
SA-516 SA-387 Grade 11,
Shells, heads, SA-537 Class 1 or
SA-203 Grade 70N, SA-387 Grade 12 or
nozzle/manway SA-537 Class 2
Grades D or E SA-537, Class 1 SA-387 Grade 22,
necks, special SA-266 Grade 2 (7) or
SA-350 Grade LF3 or SA-537 Class 2 SA-336 Grade F11
forgings(9) and SA-266 Grade 4 (7)
SA-765 Grade III SA-350 LF2 or SA-336 Grade
reinforcing pads SA-350 LF1 or LF2
SA-765 Grade II F22
SA-765 Grade II
Pipe, Nozzle SA-335 Grade P11
and manway SA-333, Grade 3 SA-333 Grade 6 SA-106 Grade B or SA-335 Grade
necks 22
Standard flanges
SA-105(6) SA-182 Grade F11
& flanged SA-350 Grade LF3 SA-350 LF2 or
SA-350 LF1 or LF2 or SA-182 Grade 22
fittings(8)
SA-234 Grade SA-
234 Grade WP11,
SA-420 Grade
Wrought fittings SA-420 WPL6 SA-234 WPB SA-234 Grade
WPL3
WP12 or SA-234
Grade WP22
SA-193 Grade B5,
Studs/nuts for SA-320 Grade
SA-320, L7 w/ SA-193 Grade B7 or SA-193 Grade
pressure L43/SA-194
SA-194 Grade 2H w/SA-194 Grade 2H Grade B16 w/
connections Grade 4 or 7
SA-194 Grade 4
SA-516
SA-516, Grade 70, SA-387 Grade 11,
Internal SA-203 Grade 70N,
(3) (4) SA-537 Class 1 or SA-387 Grade 12 or
attachment Grade D or E SA-537 Class 1
SA-537 Class 2 SA-387 Grade 22
or SA-537 Class 2
SA-516
SA-516, Grade 70, SA-387 Grade 11,
External SA-203 Grade 70N,
SA-537 Class 1 or SA-387 Grade 12 or
attachment (3) (4) Grade D or E SA-537, Class 1
SA-537 Class 2 SA-387 Grade 22
or SA-537 Class 2
Vessel supports: SA-516 SA-387 Grade 11,
SA-516 Grade 70,
saddles, skirts, SA-203 Grade 70N, SA-387 Grade 12 or
SA-537 Class 1 or
legs, lugs and Grades D or E SA-537, Class 1 SA-387 Grade 22
SA-537 Class 2
base rings (2) or SA-537 Class 2
ASTM ASTM A193/A193M, ASTM
ASTM
A193/A193M, Grade B7 A193/A193M,
A193/A193M,
Grade B7 ASTM F1554 Grade B7
Grade B7
Anchor bolts (5) ASTM F1554 Grade 36 or ASTM F1554
ASTM F1554
Grade 36 or ASTM F1554 Grade 36 or
Grade 36 or ASTM
ASTM F1554 Grade 105 ASTM F1554
F1554 Grade 105
Grade 105 Grade 105

Page 34 of 36
General Notes:
A) Materials for pressure vessels in amine service shall be selected in accordance with Table 1 and API RP945.
B) Materials for pressure vessels for de-aeration service shall be in accordance with Table 1 and NACE RP0590.
C) Materials for vessels exposed to HIC environments with normal operating temperature up to and including
150°C (300°F) shall be in accordance with Table 1, with the following revisions:
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 pipe fittings shall meet
the requirements of 02-SAMSS-005. Forged pipe fittings do not require HIC testing. Welded pipes shall
meet the requirements of 01-SAMSS-043.
D) Materials for vessels exposed to SSC environments shall be according to Table 1, with the following revisions:
i) Standard flanges and flanged fittings are restricted to: SA-350 (Grade LF1 or Grade LF2).
ii) Special forgings are restricted to: SA-266 (Grades 2 or 4), SA-350 (Grade LF1 or Grade LF2), and
SA-765 Grade II.
iii) Studs are restricted to: SA-193 B7M or SA-320 L7M.
iv) Nuts are restricted to: SA-194 Grade 2HM.
v) It shall satisfy the requirements of ISO 15156 and NACE RP0472.
E) Low alloy steels shall be specified in the normalized-and-tempered or quenched-and-tempered heat-treated
condition.
F) Mechanical properties of all materials shall be verified considering all heat treatment cycles that will be required
for the fabrication of the vessel and additional two PWHT cycles to account for future repairs and/or alterations.
G) Material for nameplate mounting brackets shall be of the same type and material grade as the pressure
retaining component to which it is attached.
Specific Notes:
(1) SA-36 and SA-285 Grade C materials may be used for pressure retaining components of vessels, with plate
thickness not exceeding 19 mm, in only water and air services.
(2) The materials of supports shall be as follows:
i) Legs and lugs: same material as vessel wall base material. If legs or lugs are not welded directly to the
vessel wall (i.e., pads are used between legs or lugs and the vessel wall), the used pads shall be of the
same material as the vessel wall base material and the legs or lugs material can be different. Supports of
vessels described in Note 1 may be of the same ASME material P No. as that of the vessel wall base
material.
ii) 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.
For 1 Cr-½ Mo, 1¼ Cr-½ Mo, 2¼ Cr-1 Mo, 2¼ Cr-1 Mo-¼ V, 3 Cr-1 Mo, 3 Cr-1 Mo-¼ V, and high alloy
steels, remaining section of skirt shall be of the same material or same ASME material P-number or
SA516 Gr.70. The vessel nameplate shall clearly identify the skirt material specification(s) and its extent
when the skirt is made of more than one material specification.
iii) Saddles: same material as the vessel wall base material.
(3) External attachments, other than those in Note 2, 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
Page 35 of 36
in this standard, Stainless Steel (SS) internal attachments can be welded to carbon steel pressure-retaining
parts of vessels in environments not containing wet H2S.
(4) 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.
(5) Corresponding material of construction for nuts according to SASD AA-036322 shall be used with material of
construction for bolts shown in the table.
(6) SA-105 shall not be used for applications requiring impact testing.
(7) SA-266 (Grade 2 or 4) may be used for applications requiring impact testing, provided the energy values at
the impact test temperature per this standard are satisfied.
(8) “Standard flanges and flanged fittings” are flanges and flanged fittings under the scope of ASME B16.5 and
large diameter flanges under the scope of ASME B16.47.
(9) “Special forgings” include long weld neck flanges, non-standard forged flanges, integrally reinforced nozzles
and manways, forged Y-rings, complex forgings that are contour shaped or machined to essentially the
finished product configuration prior to heat treatment, forged butt-welded fittings, etc. Plate specifications
stated under this row shall not be used for special forgings.

Page 36 of 36

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Engineering Standard

SAES-D-001 20 August 2017

Table 1 - Acceptable Materials

Previous Issue: 1 May 2016 Next Planned Update: 20 August 2020

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2017. All rights reserved.

1.4 This standard does not cover the following:

1.9 Where a requirement of a licensor’s or a relevant industry standard/specification

1.10 Partially or completely buried tanks are not permitted.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

Unless otherwise noted in this standard, materials or equipment designed to this

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-L-133 Corrosion Protection Requirements for Pipelines,

Saudi Aramco Materials Systems Specifications

Saudi Aramco Standard Drawing

Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

American Society of Civil Engineers

American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes

International Standards Organization

National Association of Corrosion Engineers

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Corrosive Petrochemical Refining Environments

Process Industry Practice

Welding Research Council

Auto-Refrigeration Temperature: Auto-refrigeration temperature is the adiabatic

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

Hydrogen Services: Process streams containing hydrogen with an absolute partial

Lethal Services: Process streams containing a concentration of hydrogen sulfide (H2S)

LODMAT: The lowest one day mean temperature at a site or location.

Maximum PWHT Condition: Specified heat treatment of test specimens used to

MDMT: Minimum design metal temperature, determined in accordance with this

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

P&ID: Piping & Instrument Diagram

PFD: Process Flow Diagram

Saudi Aramco Engineer: The Chairman of the Vessels Standards Committee.

Shock Chilling Effect: The rapid decrease in temperature of a vessel component

Unfired Steam Drums: As defined in ASME SEC VIII D1.

Utility Services: Water, air, and nitrogen services

Vessel Manufacturer: Company responsible for the manufacture of pressure vessels.

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

6 Basis for Mechanical Design

6.1.1 All pressure vessels, including unfired steam drums, shall be

6.1.3 ASME SEC VIII D2 shall be specified when economically justified.

6.1.4 Certification of the User’s Design Specification

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

3) UDS shall be certified according to paragraph 2-A.2.1 (a) of

6.1.5 Stress analysis requirements according to this standard shall be

6.1.7 Trays and packing shall be designed in accordance with SAES-C-001.

6.1.8 Layered constructions are prohibited for all vessels.

6.2 Design Pressure

6.2.1 Pressure vessels shall be designed to withstand the maximum internal

Pressure is the maximum difference in pressure between inside and

6.2.2 The values of normal operating pressure, maximum operating pressure,

Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP) Design Pressure

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP) Design Pressure

6.2.4 Where there are differences in design pressures in different sections of

6.2.5 For multi-compartment vessels, the differential design pressures

6.2.6 Vessels in vacuum service, including those in which a vacuum may be