Pipe, Flange and Fitting Material Requirements | SAES-L-136 [PDF]

SAES-L-136 is a standard that outlines specific requirements for the selection of metallic and non-metallic pipes, flanges, and fittings. These requirements are primarily intended for use in in-plant and pipeline applications. It’s important to note that SAES-L-136 does not cover utility and plumbing piping, as those are addressed separately in SAES-S-060 and SAES-S-070.

This section of the document provides specific guidelines and references to Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications (SAMSS) regarding the selection of various types of pipes for different applications. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

1. Carbon Steel Pipe for Pipelines and On-Plot Applications:

• Carbon steel pipes for pipelines and on-plot applications should adhere to the relevant SAMSS specifications.
• Specific SAMSS references include:
  • 01-SAMSS-035: API Line Pipe
  • 01-SAMSS-038: Small Direct Charge Purchases of Pipe
  • 01-SAMSS-333: High Frequency Welded Line Pipe
  • 01-SAMSS-043: Carbon Steel Pipes for On-Plot Piping
• Commentary: SAMSS-038 does not cover ASTM pipes. Therefore, for small quantities of ASTM A106 Grade B pipes intended for on-plot applications, API SPEC 5L Grades can be used as allowed by SAES-L-105. This provision allows the procurement of small quantities from stockists following the requirements of SAMSS-038.

1. Non-Metallic Pipe:

• Non-metallic pipes should adhere to the guidelines provided in 01-SAMSS-042, which specifically covers Reinforced Thermoset Resin (RTR) Pipe and Fittings for use in Water and Hydrocarbon Services.

1. CRA (Corrosion Resistant Alloy) Clad or Lined Pipe:

• CRA Clad or Lined Pipe should conform to the specifications outlined in 01-SAMSS-048.

1. CRA (Corrosion Resistant Alloy) Weld Overlayed Flanges and Fittings:

• The procurement of CRA weld overlayed flanges and fittings should follow the guidelines provided in 02-SAMSS-012.

1. CRA Clad Pipe Spools:

• The procurement of CRA clad pipe spools should adhere to the requirements specified in 01-SAMSS-044.

1. Seamless Pipe for Sour Service:

• Seamless pipe intended for sour service should not be procured as sour service pipe following API SPEC 5L.
• HIC (Hydrogen-Induced Cracking) testing is not required for seamless pipes intended for sour service if they are procured in accordance with 01-SAMSS-035 and 01-SAMSS-043.

1. HIC Testing for Small Quantity Seamless Pipes for Sour Service:

• HIC testing is required for small quantity seamless pipes intended for sour service when procured in accordance with 01-SAMSS-038.

These guidelines and specifications help ensure that the selection and procurement of pipes, whether carbon steel, non-metallic, or corrosion-resistant alloys, meet the specific requirements and standards set by Saudi Aramco for various applications and service conditions.

Requirements by Material

This section outlines various requirements related to the selection and use of different types of pipes for different service conditions. Following is summarized points.

6.1 Furnace Butt-Welded Pipe: Furnace butt-welded pipe should not be used.

6.2 Cast Iron Pipe: Cast iron pipe and fittings are limited to utility and plumbing services as defined in SAES-S-060 and SAES-S-070.

6.3 Non-Metallic Reinforced Thermoset Resin (RTR) Pipe: Non-metallic RTR pipe should be used per 01-SAMSS-042. Consult a non-metallic specialist for material service compatibility.

6.4 Carbon Steel Pipe: Carbon steel pipe should have a specified minimum yield strength (SMYS) of not less than 35 ksi (241 MPa), equivalent to ASTM A106 Grade B or higher.

6.5 Pipe Grade Restrictions: The highest grade allowed for all types of pipes is API 5L Grade X-65 for sour service and API 5L Grade X-70 for non-sour service.

6.6 Restrictions on High-Frequency Welded (HFI or ERW) Carbon Steel Pipe:

• For sour gas or corrosive services, Class C requirements of 01-SAMSS-333 shall be used.
• For other services, Class B requirements of 01-SAMSS-333 shall be used.
• ERW pipe should not be used in certain applications, including on-plot piping (except for firewater systems), sour or corrosive gas pipelines, and low-temperature service.

6.7 Restrictions on Spiral Weld Pipe:

• Spiral weld pipe should not be used in sour services, on-plot piping, or as backing carbon steel material for lined or weld-overlayed pipes.

6.8 Restrictions on Mechanically Bonded Lined Pipe: Mechanically bonded lined pipe should not be used in subsea applications.

6.9 Longitudinally Welded Pipe: Requirements for heat treatment, stress relief, or cold expansion apply to various services to mitigate stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen-induced cracking.

6.10 Pipe Derating: Pipe per API SPEC 5L grades X65 and X70 shall be derated to X60 for ASME B31.3 on-plot piping. Grade X70 pipe shall not be used in any sour service.

6.11 Low Temperature Piping Requirements:

• Various requirements for low-temperature piping, including restrictions on ERW pipe usage below 0°C, acceptable materials, and impact testing criteria.
• ANSI/ASME B16.11 socket-welding and threaded fittings, less than 2-inch NPS, manufactured in accordance with ASTM A350 Grade LF2 Class 1, can be used down to -45°C.
• Pipe fittings for low temperature shall comply with 02-SAMSS-005, using acceptable materials such as ASTM A420 Grade WPL 6 and ASTM A350 Grade LF2 Class 1.
• All weld neck flanges and lap joint flanges should comply with requirements specified in 02-SAMSS-011.

6.12 Additional Requirements for Fracture Control: Additional requirements specified in 01-SAMSS-035 should be applied as specified in SAES-L-131 for fracture control of transportation pipelines.

These requirements are essential to ensure that the selected pipes and fittings are suitable for their intended applications and service conditions while adhering to Saudi Aramco’s standards and specifications.

International Codes and Standards used for this Article

American Petroleum Institute
API SPEC 5L – Specification for Line Pipe.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME B31.3 – Process Piping.
ASME B31.4 – Liquid Transportation Systems for Hydrocarbons, LPG, Anhydrous Ammonia, and Alcohols.
ASME B31.8 – Gas Transmission and Distribution Systems.

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