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32-SAMSS-036 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessel
32-SAMSS-036 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessel
1 Scope
1.1 This specification covers the minimum mandatory requirements for the
manufacture of pressure vessels with diameter not exceeding 4 feet and a tangent-
to-tangent length not exceeding 12 feet, under the following design conditions:
a) Design pressure no greater than 1.69 MPa (245 psi) and,
b) Design temperature no greater than 121°C (250°F)
Note: Such vessels are also referred to as small pressure vessels.
1.2 Vessels under the scope of this specification are purchased on a stand-alone
basis or as an integral part of a skid-mounted packaged equipment unit.
Note: This is applicable irrespective of the party contractually responsible for the
purchase order (Saudi Aramco facility, LSTK contractor, sub-supplier, etc.).
1.3 The requirements are in addition to and supplement the requirements of the
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII D1.
1.4 This specification does not cover in-service pressure vessels and pressure
vessels stamped “UM” per ASME SEC VIII D1.
1.5 Pressure vessels having partial or complete cladding shall also conform to
32-SAMSS-031 in addition to the requirements of this specification.
1.6 This specification does not cover pressure vessels under the following services
and design conditions:
a) Hydrogen service.
b) Lethal service.
c) Cyclic service.
d) Vessels which required design wall thickness is not governed by loadings
due to wind pressure or earthquake forces.
e) 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.
f) Pressure vessels used as part of heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(HVAC) systems.
g) Compressed gas cylinders.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
1.7 Where a licensor's specification requirement is more stringent than that of this
specification, the licensor's specification requirement will govern.
1.8 A vessel that is an integral part of a skid-mounted packaged equipment unit shall
be designed and manufactured by a manufacturer of such unit per the relevant
SAP database.
2.1 Any conflicts between this Specification and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs), Standard Drawings (SASDs), or
industry standards, codes, and forms shall be in writing by the Company or
Buyer Representative through the Manager, Consulting Services Department of
Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this specification in writing to the Company or
Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Manager, Consulting Services Department of
Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
3 References
Materials or equipment supplied to this specification shall comply with the latest edition
of the references listed below, unless otherwise noted.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
4 Definitions
Cyclic Services: Services that require fatigue analysis per 5.5.2 “Screening Criteria for
Fatigue Analysis” of ASME SEC VIII D2.
Design Engineer: The Engineering Company responsible for specifying on the data
sheet the mechanical design requirements for pressure vessels.
High - Alloy Steels: Steels with a total alloying content more than 5%.
Hydrogen Services: Process streams containing relatively pure hydrogen and process
streams containing hydrogen as a component with an absolute partial pressure of
350 kPa (50 psi) and higher.
Low Alloy Steels: Steels with a total alloying content less than 5% but more than that
specified for carbon steels.
Pressure Vessel and Vessel: As defined in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes.
Saudi Aramco Engineer: The Supervisor of the Process Equipment Unit, Consulting
Services Department, Dhahran.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
Saudi Aramco Inspector: The person or company authorized by the Saudi Aramco
Inspection Department to inspect pressure vessels to the requirements of this
specification.
Skid-mounted packaged equipment 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. Such unit consists of
equipment (pressure vessels, compressors, pumps, storage tank, etc.), interconnecting
piping, electrical and/ or instrument components, and support structures.
Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC) Environment: Process streams that introduce SSC
according to SAES-L-133.
Utility Services: Water, and air and nitrogen services within scope limitations of this
specification.
5 Responsibilities
The Vessel Manufacturer is responsible for the manufacture of pressure vessels, which
includes complete mechanical design, Code and structural calculations, supply of all
materials, fabrication, nondestructive examination, inspection, testing, surface
preparation, and preparation for shipment in accordance with the completed data sheet
and the requirements of this specification.
6 Proposals
6.1 The Vessel Manufacturer's proposal shall be based on details for individual
vessels and the requirements of this specification.
6.2 The proposal shall include a detailed description of any exception to the
requirements of this specification.
7 Mechanical Design
7.1 General
7.1.1 All pressure vessels shall be designed in accordance with the rules of
the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, ASME SEC VIII D1 (hereinafter
referred to in this document as the Codes), and the requirements of this
specification.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
7.1.2 Should the vessel Manufacturer have any part of stress analysis
executed by a third party, the Vessel Manufacturer shall advise the
Saudi Aramco Engineer.
The value of design pressure(s) shall be in accordance with the data sheet.
7.2.1 Unless otherwise specified on the data sheet the design pressure will be
assumed to be at the top of the vessel in the operating position.
7.2.2 Design pressure(s) acting at the bottom of vessels shall take into
account pressure heads, both static and dynamic, due to the maximum
liquid levels.
7.5.1 The value of the minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) shall be
as specified on the data sheet.
7.5.2 The MDMT shall be used to determine the requirements for impact
testing in accordance with Section 12 of this specification.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
In no case, shall the nominal thickness of shells and heads be less than the
following:
a) Carbon steels, 6 mm.
b) Alloy steels, 5 mm.
7.10.4 Minimum inside radius of knuckles for conical transition sections shall
not be less than 0.17 of the inside diameter of the adjoining the
cylindrical section with the conical section.
7.10.5 Minimum inside radius of knuckles for torispherical heads shall not be
less than 0.17 of its inside diameter.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
Seismic loads shall be calculated for the vessel in its erected position in
accordance with ASCE 7, using Occupancy Category III and based on
design data corresponding to the site location per SAES-A-112.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
7.12.2 Anchor bolts shall be designed for load combinations, based on the
allowable stress design method (Service Loads) in accordance with
SAES-M-001.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
7.12.4 All pressure vessel components whether shop or field fabricated shall
be designed to withstand a full hydrostatic test in the erected position.
7.12.5 Combined stresses due to full hydrostatic test and the greater of wind
and earthquake loads shall be within the allowable limits per
ASME SEC VIII D2, paragraph 4.1.6.2, based on the lowest Specified
Minimum Yield Strength (SMYS) of the materials of construction at
test temperature. However, wind and earthquake design loads can be
reduced to 50% of its values.
Stress analysis due to piping, equipment, lifting, supports and other external
loads shall be completed in accordance with the procedures as detailed in
WRC 107, WRC 297 or a finite element analysis.
8.1 General
8.1.2 Unless otherwise specified on the data sheet, the minimum projections
for nozzles and manway necks, as measured from the outside surface
of the shell or head to the face of a flange, shall meet the following
requirements:
a) 6 inches for NPS 6 nozzles and smaller.
b) 8 inches for NPS 8 nozzles and larger and manways necks.
c) For insulated vessels, projection shall be sufficient to allow
bolting/unbolting without interference with the insulation.
d) For vessel drain connections and other connections, where a
process stream is likely to be stagnant, the projection shall not
exceed three times the connection nominal diameter.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
8.1.7 Vessels in services other than air and water shall be provided with a
minimum 2-inch NPS flanged steam-out connection.
8.1.9 The Vessel Manufacturer shall design nozzles that are required for the
supporting of mechanical mixers and shall include the additional loads
and dimensional tolerances as specified on the data sheet.
8.1.10 Minimum, four gusset plates shall be provided for the reinforcement of
nozzles supporting mixers.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
8.2.2 The thickness of reinforcing pads shall not exceed the shell or head
thickness of a vessel.
8.3.1 The ASME pressure classes and facings shall be as specified on the
data sheet.
8.3.3 Pressure ratings for standard flanges shall be in accordance with the
following:
a) ASME B16.5 for flanges NPS 24 and smaller.
b) ASME B16.47, Series A for flanges larger than NPS 24.
8.3.5 Machined surfaces other than gasket contact faces shall not exceed
500 AARH.
8.4 Manway
8.4.1 The number, nominal inside diameter and locations of manways shall be
as specified in the data sheet.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
NPS 4 and smaller Figure UW-16.1, details: (a), (a-1), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f-
nozzles 1), (f-2), (f-3), (f-4) or (g).
Note 1: Alternatively, detail per Figure UW-16.1(g) may be used, provided that design condition (a) of group I is not
applicable.
9 Internals
9.1 All fixed and removable internals, including, distributors, screens, etc., shall be
specified on the data sheet.
9.2 The Vessel Manufacture shall design, supply and install all internals, as
specified on the data sheet.
9.3 All removable internals are to be designed so that they may be passed through
vessel manways.
10 Vessel Support
10.1 General
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
10.1.7 Base plates shall be designed by the Vessel Manufacturer for all
loading conditions in accordance with this specification.
10.2.1 The data sheet shall specify the type, location and overall dimensions
required for the design of supports for vertical vessels.
10.2.2 The Vessel Manufacturer shall design all supports required, including
skirts, legs, lugs, and base-plates, number of anchor bolts in
accordance with the data sheet.
10.2.4 The mean corroded diameter of the shell and the mean diameter of the
skirt shall coincide [rounded off to the nearest 3 mm], and shall be
symmetrical about the vessel centerline. Exceeding the
aforementioned offset limit shall require prior approval of the Saudi
Aramco Engineer.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
10.2.9 Leg supports, lug supports, and lifting lugs that will impose stress
levels higher than the acceptable Code limits shall be welded to an
attachment pad. The pad shall be a minimum 10 mm (3/6 in) thick but
not greater than the vessel thickness.
10.3.1 Horizontal vessel shall be supported by two saddles with anchor bolts.
The vessel shall be fixed at one saddle support and free to slide at the
other saddle. Saddles shall be in full contact with the foundation.
10.3.2 The data sheet shall specify locations of the fixed and sliding saddles
and dimension from vessel centerline to underside of saddle base plate.
10.3.3 Saddle supports and the vessel shell shall be analyzed for operating and
hydrotest loads including any piping loads.
10.3.5 The anchor bolt holes on the sliding-end saddle shall be slotted to
facilitate thermal expansion/ contraction along the longitudinal axis of
the vessel.
10.4.1 The Vessel Manufacturer shall determine the size and number of
anchor bolts required.
10.4.2 Anchor bolts shall not be less than 19 mm minimum nominal diameter.
10.4.4 Vessels supported on skirts, lugs or legs shall be provided with an even
number of anchor bolts with a minimum of four anchor bolts.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
11.1 General
The Vessel Manufacturer shall supply and install all clips and attachments as
specified on the data sheet.
11.2.1 Support for insulation system shall be according to the data sheet.
11.2.2 The Vessel Manufacturer shall supply and install supports required for
insulation.
11.2.3 The bottom heads of vertical vessels that are externally insulated shall
be provided with 12 mm blank nuts. Blank nuts shall be welded edge
and located on 300 mm square centers.
11.3.1 Support for fireproofing system shall be according to the data sheet.
11.3.2 The Vessel Manufacturer shall supply and install supports required for
fireproofing materials.
11.3.3 Vertical vessels, which are not externally insulated, shall be provided
with a 5 mm thick steel weather cap on the skirt to provide a flashing
for fireproofing.
All pressure vessels shall be provided with a grounding lug connection welded
to the vessel support in accordance with PIP VEFV1100.
11.5.1 A davit for the lifting of equipment shall be supplied when specified on
the data sheet.
Reinforcing pads for all internal and external welded attachments shall be sized
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
12 Materials
12.1 General
12.1.1 All carbon, low alloy and high alloy steels required for pressure and
non-pressure components shall be as specified on the data sheet.
12.1.2 The Vessel Manufacturer may propose alternative materials at the time
of proposal, with prior approval of Saudi Aramco Engineer.
Alternative materials must comply with all the requirements of the
Code and this specification.
12.1.3 All materials must be clearly identified and provided with legible
original or certified true copies of Mill Test Certificates. Lack of
adequate identification and certification shall be cause for rejection.
12.1.6 All material, except carbon steels, shall be alloy-verified by the Vessel
manufacturer according to SAES-A-206.
12.1.7 Use of high alloy steels, including austenitic stainless steels, shall be
on a case-by-case basis, with prior approval of the Saudi Aramco
Engineer as defined in this specification. Material selection shall be
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
12.1.9 Specimens for material testing shall be taken per the following:
a) Plates
Specimens shall be taken from each plate transverse to the rolling
direction in accordance with SA-20 at the standard test locations
and at a depth of ½T (T = maximum heat-treated thickness)
location. If required, ½T specimens should be used for hot tensile
and step cooling tests.
b) Plate-like forgings (forged rings, tubesheets, blind flanges, etc.)
Specimens shall be taken from each heat transverse to the major
working direction in accordance with the material specification,
and at a depth of ½T of a prolongation or of a representative
separate test block.
c) Standard flanges according to ASME B16.5 and B16.47.
1. For flanges with T equal to or less than 50 mm, specimens
shall be removed in accordance with the material
specification.
2. For flanges with T greater than 50 mm, specimens shall be
removed in accordance with the material specification from a
production forging or a representative separate test block that
are machined to essentially the finished product configuration
prior to heat treatment. The center axis of the specimen shall
be at a depth of ½T and the mid-length of the test specimen
shall be at a depth at least equal to T from any second heat-
treated surface.
d) Other forgings that are contour shaped or machined to essentially
the finished product configuration prior to heat treatment, test
specimens shall be removed in accordance with the material
specification of a production forging or a representative separate
test block. The center axis of the specimen shall be at a depth of
½T and the mid-length of the test specimen shall be at a depth at
least equal to T from any second heat-treated surface.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
e) Pipe
Specimens shall be taken from each heat and lot of pipe,
transverse to the major working direction in accordance with used
material specification except that test specimens should be taken
from a depth of ½T.
f) A separate test block, if used, should be made from the same heat
and should receive substantially the same reduction and type of
hot working as the production forgings that it represents. It should
be of the same nominal thickness as the production forgings and
shall be machined to essentially the finished product configuration
prior to heat treatment. The separate test forgings should be heat-
treated in the same furnace charge and under the same conditions
as the production forgings.
12.1.11 Low alloy steels shall be specified in the normalized and tempered
heat-treated or quenched and tempered conditions. Material of
construction shall be tested, as applicable, to verify that their
mechanical properties will be retained considering thermal treatments
specified in paragraph 12.1.4 of this specification.
12.1.12 Material for nameplate mounting brackets shall be of the same type
and material grade as the shell material.
12.1.13 SA-36 and SA-285 materials may be used only for pressure retaining
components of vessels in water and air services with plate thickness
not exceeding 19 mm.
12.1.14 Material of supports legs, lugs, skirts, and saddles shall be the same
ASME material as the shell base material.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
the same material as the vessel wall base material. With prior approval
of Saudi Aramco Engineer as defined in this specification, Stainless
Steel (SS) internal attachments can be welded to carbon steel pressure-
retaining parts of vessels in non-sour services.
12.4.3 Minimum acceptable Charpy impact energy values for all materials of
construction (base and weld metals) shall not be less than 34/27 Joules.
Commentary Note:
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
12.4.5 Impact testing is required, with no exception, for pressure vessels made
of low alloy steels.
12.4.6 Impact testing of materials and welding procedures are required when
test temperature is lower than -28°C.
12.5 All forgings shall be forged as close as practicable to finished shape and size to
develop metal flow in a direction most favorable for resisting the stresses
encountered in service.
12.6 All flanges, fittings and piping for use as integral parts of pressure vessels shall
be purchased from Saudi Aramco approved manufacturers, either directly or
through approved stockists. Procurement of these items from stockists shall be
in accordance with SAEP-347.
13 Fabrication
Tolerance 1: Height from base line to face of top nozzle shall be the
smaller of 4 mm per 3000 mm of height or 19 mm.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
13.1.2 Dished heads shall achieve at least the minimum required thickness in
all areas after forming.
13.2.1 Tapered transitions shall be made only on the external surface of the
vessel, according to the rules of the applicable Code, in the following
conditions:
a) There will be an interference with the removal of a vessel's
internals.
b) Vessels that have strict requirements regarding smooth internal
profiles for flow or cyclic loading conditions or internal volume
constraints.
13.2.2 The beveled edges of weld preparations for carbon steel plates shall be
magnetic particle examined for linear discontinuities. Defects shall not
exceed limits as per ASME SA-20.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
13.2.7.1 ¼ - inch telltale vent holes drilled and tapped for ⅛ -inch
NPT shall be provided in reinforcing pads for welded
attachments, including nozzles and manways, per the
following:
1) One hole in single piece reinforcing pad.
2) Where a pad is split, each segment shall have at least
one hole.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
13.2.9 All internal and external attachments, including clips, welded directly
to pressure-retaining parts, shall be fully seal welded, except for blank
square nuts used for external insulation where tack welding is allowed.
13.2.10 No tack welding is permitted between heads and skirts on the inside of
skirts.
13.2.11.1 Cold forming shall not be performed below 20°C and in the
temperature range of 120°C to 480°C.
13.2.11.2 Post weld heat treatment is required after cold forming (by
pressing or cold spinning) for the following:
1) Calculated extreme fiber elongation exceeds 5% shell
sections and heads for carbon steels.
2) Calculated extreme fiber elongation exceeds 3% shell
sections and heads for low alloy steels.
3) PWHT per the applicable Code shall be performed for
cold spun heads.
4) Per Table 6.2 ASME Section VIII, Division 2 for high
alloy materials.
5) Per Table 6.3 ASME Section VIII, Division 2 for
non-ferrous materials.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
Where:
ln is the natural logarithm
Db is the diameter of unformed blank plate or diameter of intermediate product
Df is original outside diameter
Rfd is the smallest mean radius of curvature of formed segment (mean radius of spherical
segment, mean knuckle radius of knuckle segment of multi sectional semi-ellipsoidal or
torispherical heads)
Rfc is the mean radius of curvature of finished product (mean radius of cylinder, mean
radius of the smaller diameter of cone)
Ro is the mean radius of initial product (flat plate) or the intermediate product (in case of
unformed initial product equals to infinity)
ta is the nominal thickness of the plate before forming or intermediate product
tb is the nominal thickness of the plate before forming
Commentary Note:
For semi-ellipsoidal and torispherical heads formed from one-piece or welded multi-piece blanks,
maximum calculated extreme fiber elongation strain among all head’s zones shall be used to
determine the need of heat treatment. Separate calculation for each zone (spherical crown,
knuckle area, etc.) shall be made, using the greatest measured thickness and smallest radius of
curvature of the zone after forming.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
13.3 Welding
13.3.2 Dissimilar metal welds (DMW) are not permitted in sulfide stress
cracking environment as defined in this specification. Welds in clad
systems are acceptable if the DMW interface with the ferritic steel is
not in contact with the sour fluid.
13.3.3 Maximum allowable carbon equivalent (CE) of 0.43% shall be met for
pressure vessels intended for sulfide stress cracking environment.
14 Nondestructive Examination
14.1 General
14.1.3 All required NDE for final acceptance of the vessel shall be performed
after the completion of all welding and repairs and prior to pressure
testing. In vessels requiring PWHT, all NDE for final acceptance shall
be performed after the final PWHT.
14.1.4 All pressure and non-pressure welds shall be visually inspected where
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
14.3.2 Plates with thickness more than 12.5 mm (0.5 inch) shall be
ultrasonically examined by the vessel manufacturer in accordance with
ASME SA-435. Any area where one or more discontinuities produce a
continuous total loss of back reflection accompanied by continuous
indications on the same plane (within 5% of plate thickness) that
cannot be encompassed within a 25 mm (1 inch) diameter circle is
unacceptable.
14.3.3 100% Ultrasonic examination is required for the following weld joints:
a) Butt-welds in vessel supports.
c) Full-penetration welds in external attachments (supports,
brackets, lugs, etc.) to pressure retaining parts.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
14.4.2 Prods are not permitted for use on air-hardenable materials, materials
that require impact testing, and on the fluid side of pressured
components for vessels in wet sour service.
14.4.4 All edges prepared for welding and all openings shall be magnetic
particle examined in accordance with the applicable Code.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
For non-Ferro magnetic materials, liquid penetrant examination shall be used for
the following welds:
a) Pressure containing welds joints categories A, B, C and D per Table 1 of
this specification.
b) Welds in vessel support (skirt, saddle, lug, and leg)
c) Attachment welds to the pressure vessel
d) Areas where temporary attachments have been removed
e) Arc strike areas
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
15.1 Postweld heat treatment shall be done when required by the Code or when
specified on the data sheet.
15.2 Code exemptions for postweld heat treatment of ferritic materials based on the
use of austenitic or nickel-based electrodes are not permitted for vessels in
sulfide stress cracking environments as defined in this specification.
15.3 Code exemptions for postweld heat treatment of P4 and P5 materials are not
permitted for applications involving either wet sour or hydrogen services or for
materials exceeding 1.25% nominal chromium content.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
15.4 The maximum postweld heat treating soaking temperature for quenched and
tempered carbon steel materials shall not exceed the temperature at which the
test pieces were heat treated, as shown on the Mill Test Reports or 650°C
maximum for carbon steel and 700°C for low chrome alloy steels.
15.5 Time and temperature of post weld heat treatment for carbon steel vessel with
potential environmental cracking shall be in accordance with requirements of
API RP582.
15.6 Final postweld heat treatment shall follow all welding and repairs but shall be
performed prior to any hydrotest or other load test.
15.7 A sign shall be painted on a postweld heat treated vessel and located such that it
is clearly visible from grade reading:
16.1 Examination
16.1.1 The responsibility for examination rests with the Vessel Manufacturer
in accordance with the Code and the requirements of this specification.
16.1.2 Additional examination of any weld joint at any stage of the fabrication
may be requested by the Saudi Aramco Inspector, including repeating
examination of previously examined joints. The Saudi Aramco
Inspector also has the right to request or conduct independent
Nondestructive Examination of any joint. If such examination should
disclose nonconformance to the requirements of the Code or this
specification, all repair and Nondestructive examination costs shall be
done at the Vessel Manufacturer's expense.
16.1.3 All necessary safety precautions shall be taken for each examination
method.
16.1.5 Examination of all welds shall include a band of base metal at least one
inch wide on each side of the weld.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
16.2 Inspection
16.2.1 The Saudi Aramco Inspector shall have free access to the work at all
times.
16.2.2 Saudi Aramco shall have the right to inspect the fabrication at any
stage and to reject material or workmanship, which does not conform
to the specified requirements.
16.2.4 Saudi Aramco may reject the use of any materials, equipment, or tools
that do not conform to the specification requirements, jeopardize safety
of personnel, or impose hazard or damage to Saudi Aramco property.
16.2.5 All of the rights of Saudi Aramco and their designated representatives
for access, documentation, inspection, and rejection shall include any
work done by sub-contractors or sub-vendors.
16.2.6 The Vessel Manufacturer shall provide the Saudi Aramco Inspector all
reasonable facilities to satisfy him that the work is being performed as
specified.
16.2.7 The fabricator shall furnish, install, and maintain in a safe operating
condition all necessary scaffolding, ladders, walkways, and lighting for
a safe and thorough inspection.
16.2.9 Prior to final inspection and pressure testing, the inside and outside of
the vessel shall be thoroughly cleaned of all slag, scale, dirt, grit, weld
spatter, paint, oil, etc.
16.2.10 Inspection at the mill, shop, or fabrication yard shall not release the
Vessel Manufacturer from responsibility for repairing or replacing any
defective material or workmanship that may be subsequently
discovered in the field.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
16.3.3 Hydrostatic test pressure shall be held for a minimum of one hour.
16.3.4 Pressure testing of the vessel shall not be made prior to the final
postweld heat treatment.
16.3.6 Telltale holes in external attachments must not be plugged during the
vessel pressure test. Telltale holes in internal attachments must be seal
welded prior to pressure testing of the vessel.
16.3.7 The use of shellacs, glues, lead, etc., on gaskets during testing is
prohibited. No paint or primer shall be applied to a vessel prior to
hydrostatic testing.
16.3.8 The Vessel Manufacturer shall furnish all test materials and facilities,
including blinds, bolting, and gaskets.
16.3.9 Hydrostatic pressure testing shall be performed with gaskets and bolting
identical to those required in service and as specified on the data sheet.
These gaskets may be used as service gaskets if the bolted joint is not
disassembled after completion of hydrostatic pressure testing.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
16.3.11 The test pressure measured at the top of the vessel shall be 1.3 times
the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) of the vessel
multiplied by the lowest ratio (for the materials of which the vessels is
constructed) of the allowable stress for the test temperature to the
allowable stress for the design temperature.
16.3.13 Vertical vessels that are tested in the horizontal position shall be
adequately supported such that the primary stresses in any part of the
vessel do not exceed 90% of the minimum specified yield strength of
the vessel material.
16.3.16 Vessels shall be protected from being over pressured, while being
pressure tested, by use of pressure test relief valve(s) meeting the
following:
a) Relief valves shall be of adequate capacity set to relieve at 10%
above the test pressure, provided requirements of paragraph
7.12.4 are met.
b) Sizing of relief valve(s) shall be according to API RP 520, Part I.
c) The relief valve(s) shall be tested, dated, and tagged within one
week prior to the pressure test.
d) The pressure test relief valve shall be accompanied with a
calibration certificate that includes the cold differential test
pressure (CDTP), test date and the spring range. The CDTP shall
be within the spring range.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
16.4.1 The Saudi Aramco Engineer must review and approve crack repair
procedures, required by the Code, prior to commencement of repairs.
It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure that repairs done
by the mill of any material defects, per the Code, are documented.
16.4.2 After completion of repairs required by the Code the following shall be
repeated:
a) Heat treatment of the repaired section if it has been heat-treated
prior to the repairs.
b) All nondestructive examinations (radiography, magnetic particle,
dye-penetrant, etc.) performed on the repaired section prior to the
repairs.
c) A weld map of all repairs shall be made a part of the final vessel
documentation. The weld map shall include the nondestructive
examination procedure and results, the welding procedure
specifications and stress relief charts.
17.1 Each vessel shall be identified by a nameplate and marked with the information
required by the Code and the requirements of this specification.
17.2 Vessels manufactured inside and outside Saudi Arabia shall be Code stamped
for all services in accordance with the Code.
17.3 Nameplates and nameplate mounting brackets shall be located such that they
will not be covered by insulation and are easily readable from grade or a
platform. Brackets shall extend from the outside of vessel to clear insulation,
and with sufficient access for surface preparation, and painting. The nameplate
markings as required by the Code shall be stamped or engraved such that the
nameplate material is permanently deformed with the symbols.
17.4 Nameplates shall be 3-mm minimum thickness and manufactured from type 304
stainless steel or Monel and continuously welded to the mounting bracket
according to PIP VEFV1100.
17.5 The bracket shall be continuously seal welded and positioned such as not to
allow for collection of moisture or rain.
17.6 Nameplate for internally coated vessels shall show: the Saudi Aramco Painting
System Numbers, type of coating, brand name, and date of application.
Page 37 of 43
Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
18.1 Type of coating and painting systems to be applied shall be as specified on the
Vessel Data Sheet.
18.2 Surfaces to be coated shall be cleaned and prepared prior to its coating in
accordance with the applicable coating and painting systems, in accordance with
SAES-H-100.
18.3 Gasket contact surfaces shall be properly protected from blasting and shall not
be coated or painted.
19 Shipping Requirements
19.1 General
19.1.3 The Vessel Manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that the vessels
and internals being shipped are adequately braced and shall provide
temporary supports where appropriate to ensure adequate supporting of
the vessel during shipment.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
19.2.1 Thoroughly dry the internal surface of the vessel. Remove all free
water. Thoroughly purge vessel with dry air so that relative humidity
inside vessel is less than 40% at the lowest ambient temperature likely
to be experienced in shipping and storage.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
19.2.2.6 Vessels must be sealed vapor tight using metallic covers, for
inhibitors to be effective.
19.2.4 For vessels that have permanent internal coatings covering some or all
of the vessel internals, the Vessel Manufacturer shall contact the
Supervisor, Corrosion Technology Unit, Materials Engineering and
Corrosion Control Division, CSD, and obtain prior written agreement
on required preservation techniques.
Page 40 of 43
Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
19.2.6 Other preservation products or methods may be applied with the prior
written approval of the Supervisor, Corrosion Technology Unit,
Materials Engineering and Corrosion Control Division, Consulting
Services Department.
19.3.2 Telltale holes in reinforcing pads shall be protected with wooden plugs
or packed with rust preventative grease such as Denso paste.
19.3.3 Flanged connections and all other machined surfaces shall be protected
by a coating suitable for the metallurgy of the vessel and can be easily
removed in the field. Connections shall be fitted with steel or wood
cover, 3 mm thick and neoprene gaskets.
19.3.5 Flanges with permanent blind flanges or covers shall be secured with
the gaskets and bolting specified for service.
Page 41 of 43
Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
20.1 The Vessel Manufacturer shall Prepare drawings, calculations, and data in
accordance with NMR-7919-1, Nonmaterial Requirements. Calculations shall
include, but not limited to:
a. ASME Code Section VIII calculations.
b. Wind and earthquake calculations, as applicable.
c. Support calculations.
d. Calculations associated with lifting and erecting the vessel
e. Nozzle load analysis for local and gross effect, when required.
f. Design of internal and external attachments.
g. Design loads and load combinations.
20.2 Drawings and calculations that are approved by the Design Engineer shall not
relieve the Vessel Manufacturer from the responsibility to comply with the
Codes, and this specification.
20.3 Vessel manufacturer shall prepare drawings which indicate the ultrasonic
thickness of the vessel shell section, heads and nozzles. An adequate number of
readings shall be taken to represent the actual thickness of the components.
20.4 All approved data sheets, drawings and forms are to be submitted to Engineering
Drawings Services Division (EDSD) for inclusion into Corporate Drawings
Management System.
Revision Summary
6 September 2008 New Saudi Aramco Materials Specification.
31 January 2011 Editorial revision in line with the ongoing effort to eliminate single sourcing.
15 January 2012 Editorial revision intended to reflect changes to requirements, which have been already
included in the relevant 32-SAMSS-004.
Page 42 of 43
Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-036
Issue Date: 15 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 6 September 2013 Manufacture of Small Pressure Vessels
Notes:
(1) 100% RT is required for vessels under any of the following services or design conditions:
Weld joints requiring full radiography per the applicable code.
Unfired steam boilers with design pressure exceeding 50 psi.
(2) 100% conventional UT is required for only vessels under any of the services or design conditions per note
1 of this table.
(3) 100% UT, employing methods that generate permanent records may be used as a substitute for the
combination of 100% RT and 100% conventional UT specified for vessels under common services and
design conditions per notes 1 and 2 of this table. Such UT methods must be approved by Inspection
Department prior to commencement of any work.
(4) Inspection for Category - D weld joint shall meet the following:
a) 100% RT and 100% Conventional UT for design conditions/ services Group I per paragraph 8.5.2 of
this specification. Alternatively, 100% UT employing methods that generate permanent records can
be used, where such methods must be approved by the Inspection Department prior to
commencement of any work.
b) Following design details shall be used where RT is required for Category - D weld joint:
Figures UW-16.1: (f-1), (f-2), (f-3) or (f-4) of ASME Section VIII, Division 1.
c) Where RT cannot be utilized, due to only joint geometry, 100% UT shall be performed on the joint
from an accessible side. If conventional UT method can not be utilized, other UT methods shall be
used and must be approved by Inspection Department prior to commencement of any work.
d) Where RT and UT cannot be utilized, due to only joint geometry, following examination shall be
performed:
For attachments without a reinforcing pad, the whole joint shall be either 100% magnetic particle
(MP) or 100% liquid penetrant (LP) examined at the root pass, after each 6 mm depth of weld
deposit and the final weld surface. Where PWHT is required, final surfaces of weld joints shall be
examined for acceptance after final PWHT.
For attachments with a reinforcing plate, similar examination as in (i) above shall be performed at
the nozzle. 100% MT or 100% LP shall be also performed on the final surface of the fillet welds
attaching the reinforcing pad to vessel and nozzle.
(5) Inspection requirements for connections attached to nozzles and manways per paragraph 8.5.2 shall be
according to note 4 of this table.
(6) 100% MT or 100% LP shall be applied to the root pass and final surface of lap-welded Category - C weld
joint.
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