Piping Line Classes

The article is about the scope and purpose of the SAES-L-105 standard, which pertains to piping line classes data sheets for new piping used in oil and gas processing, refining, distribution, and utility services. Here is an interpretation of the text:

Scope and Purpose:

The SAES-L-105 standard establishes the minimum mandatory requirements for piping line classes data sheets.
These data sheets are applicable to piping, valves, and fittings in new piping systems used in the oil and gas industry, including processing, refining, distribution, and utility services.
The design of these piping systems adheres to recognized industry codes such as ASME B31.1, ASME B31.3, ASME B31.4, or ASME B31.8.

SAES-L-105

SAES-L-105 PDF Download

Basic Piping Line Classes:

The standard provides a set of basic Piping Line Classes, which serve as standardized templates for different types of piping systems.
These Piping Line Classes are established to ensure consistency, reliability, and safety in the design and construction of piping systems.

Development of Unlisted Line Classes:

For situations where the provided Piping Line Classes do not directly match the project’s specific requirements, unlisted line classes can be developed.
Unlisted line classes may be needed when dealing with unlisted materials, requiring a higher corrosion allowance, or when modifications are needed for a base line class.
The development of unlisted line classes should be based on the SAES-L-105 standard and should align with its principles and requirements.

Approval Process:

The development of unlisted line classes must be approved by the Piping Standards Committee Chairman.
The Piping Standards Committee Chairman is responsible for reviewing and approving any modifications or deviations from the established Piping Line Classes.

Preamble Attachment:

The preamble section of the SAES-L-105 standard should be attached to the relevant selected piping class(es) for the specific project.
This ensures that the specific requirements and guidelines outlined in the standard are incorporated into the design and construction of the piping system for that project.

In summary, the SAES-L-105 standard provides a structured framework for developing piping line classes data sheets that conform to industry codes. It offers a set of basic Piping Line Classes and allows for the creation of unlisted line classes to accommodate project-specific needs. The approval process and attachment of the preamble section help ensure consistency and compliance with the standard’s requirements in piping system design.

General Requirements for Pipe Line Classes

Here shortly brief the structure and purpose of a standard that supplements various ASME B31 codes for different types of piping in the oil and gas industry. Here’s an interpretation:

Part I: This part of the standard complements the ASME B31.4/8 design codes and applies to specific piping outlined in SAES-L-100. The scope of Part I covers non-process facilities such as pump stations, terminals, water treatment and water injection plants, bulk plants, air fueling terminals, tank farms, and wellhead piping. Notably, flowlines, trunklines, transmission lines, cross-country pipelines, and sub-sea pipelines are excluded from the scope of Part I.

Part II: This part supplements the ASME B31.1/3 design codes and applies to the designated piping from SAES-L-100 in process facilities. Process facilities include steam generation plants, gas oil separation plants (GOSPs), gas plants, natural gas liquids (NGL) plants, offshore platforms, refineries, and petrochemical plants.

Part III: This part addresses utility and non-metallic piping, encompassing both process and non-process facilities.

Usage of the Standard:

The most recent revision of this standard should be utilized to develop “Piping Line Classes” for new facilities or plants starting from scratch.
For existing plants or facilities, original plant specifications based on previous revisions of this standard should be employed for maintaining or making tie-ins to existing piping systems. However, these specifications must adhere to applicable code requirements and ensure safety without posing any hazards.

In summary, this standard provides a comprehensive framework for designing piping systems in the oil and gas industry. It includes guidelines for different types of facilities and piping components while aligning with relevant ASME B31 design codes. It ensures consistency and safety across a wide range of applications within the industry.

Design

Key design considerations and requirements for various aspects of piping systems in the context of the standard. Here’s an interpretation:

6.1 General:

Piping designed according to the specified ASME B31 Codes and specific line classes should adhere to several additional Saudi Aramco standards: SAES-L-100, SAES-L-108, SAES-L-109, SAES-L-110, SAES-L-310, SAES-L-410, SAES-L-610, SAES-L-620, and SAES-L-810.
Sanitary and drainage piping must meet the relevant standards: SAES-S-010, SAES-S-020, SAES-S-030, and SAES-S-060.
Piping for fire water systems must comply with the standards SAES-B-017 and SAES-S-050.

6.2 Corrosion Allowance:

Corrosion allowance should be determined based on the criteria specified in SAES-L-133 and should align with the allowance indicated in the material selection diagram(s) for the specific facility.

6.3 Pipe:

Pipe size limitations as defined by SAES-L-310 or SAES-L-410 should be followed.

6.4 Pipe Joints and Components:

Pipe joint and component limitations stated in SAES-L-110 are applicable.
The selection of flanges, gaskets, bolts, and nuts should be in accordance with SAES-L-109.

6.5 Valves:

The choice of valve types and valve trims must conform to the requirements outlined in the individual line classes, considering service conditions and limitations provided in SAES-L-108.

6.6 Branch Connection:

When constructing new metallic piping, branch connections should be made following the guidelines of SAES-L-110.

In essence, this section of the standard focuses on ensuring that the design and components of piping systems are in line with Saudi Aramco’s standards and specific requirements. It covers various aspects such as corrosion allowance, pipe sizes, joints, components, valves, and branch connections to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the piping systems across different applications and services.

Materials:

This section of the standard pertains to the selection and usage of materials for piping systems. Here’s a breakdown of the content:

7.1 General:

The material specifications (line classes) listed in Tables 8.1, 9.1, and 10.1 provide basic descriptions for pipe, valves, and fittings suitable for specific fluid services and conditions.
The listed fluid services and materials are not exhaustive or limiting. New services and alternative materials are acceptable if they meet SAES-L-132 requirements and project-specific material selection specifications.
Restrictions on the use of line pipe material, as specified in SAES-L-136, are applicable.
The specified pipe material specifications (line classes) should only be used within the specified pressure and temperature ranges.
The mandatory requirements stated in line class notes within individual line classes and in the appendix must be followed.
Alternative material specifications (ASTM, API, ISO, MSS) to those listed in detailed line class sections 8.3, 9.3, and 10.2 may be used upon approval from the CSD (Consulting Services Department).

7.2 Impact Testing (Pipe and Fittings):

Carbon steel materials ASTM A106 and API SPEC 5L require impact testing when the design temperature falls below the minimum temperature indicated in ASME B31.3 Figure 323.2.2.

7.3 Postweld Heat Treatment (Pipe and Fittings):

Postweld heat treatment (PWHT) should be specified when necessary according to the applicable Code or for service conditions specified in SAES-W-011.

7.4 Material Specifications and Procurement:

Pipe, fittings, and valve materials must conform to relevant codes, industry specifications, and SAMSS referenced in Section 3 of the standard.
Restrictions on the procurement of pipes, flanges, pipe fittings, and gaskets according to SAES-L-101 shall be followed.
Restrictions on the procurement of valves according to SAES-L-102 shall also be adhered to.

In essence, this section outlines the considerations and procedures for selecting appropriate materials for various components of piping systems. It emphasizes compliance with relevant codes and standards while also allowing for flexibility in terms of alternative materials and new service conditions, as long as they meet the specified requirements.

Piping Line Classes – SAES-L-105 PDF