Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1 Scope............................................................ 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations................................ 3
3 References.................................................... 3
4 Definitions...................................................... 7
5 Responsibilities.............................................. 8
6 Proposals...................................................... 8
7 Mechanical Design........................................ 8
8 Nozzles and Manways................................. 15
9 Internals....................................................... 19
10 Vessel Support............................................ 19
11 Clips and Attachments................................. 22
12 Materials...................................................... 23
13 Fabrication................................................... 28
14 Nondestructive Examination........................ 35
15 Postweld Heat Treatment............................ 39
16 Examination, Inspection,
Pressure Tests and Repairs................ 40
17 Nameplates and Stampings........................ 44
18 Coatings and Painting................................. 45
19 Shipping Requirements............................... 45
20 Drawings, Calculations and Data................ 49
1 Scope
1.1 This specification covers the minimum mandatory requirements for the
manufacture of pressure vessels. The requirements are in addition to and
supplement the requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes.
1.3 Pressure vessels under scope of this specification, having partial or complete
cladding, shall also conform to 32-SAMSS-031 in addition to the requirements
of this specification.
1.5 This specification does not include in its scope the following:
a) 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.
b) Pressure vessels used as part of heating and air conditioning systems.
1.6 Vessels specified in paragraphs 1.4 and 1.5 of this specification are exempted
from meeting the requirements of this specification provided that:
a) The vessel is ASME Code stamped,
b) Full penetration welds joints are used, and
c) The vessel is protected against overpressure conditions.
1.7 Low alloy steels for vessels intended for services within the scope of
API RP 934-A, API RP 934-C or API RP 934-E, shall meet all requirements of
the respective document of the aforementioned documents and this specification.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
1.8 1 Cr- Mo and 1 Cr- Mo steels used for vessels not in hydrogen service
with design temperature below 440C, shall meet all requirements of API RP
934-C and this specification.
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-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
4 Definitions
Cyclic Service: 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 an
allowance for corrosion.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
High - Alloy Steels: Steels with a total alloying content more than 5%.
Hot Forming: Forming operations carried out at an elevated temperature such that re-
crystallization occurs simultaneously with deformation.
Hydrogen Service: 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 of less than 5% but more than
specified for carbon steels.
MDMT: Minimum design metal temperature determined by the Design Engineer and
specified in the data sheet.
Pressure Vessel and Vessel: As defined in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Codes.
Saudi Aramco Inspector: The person or company authorized by the Saudi Aramco
Inspection Department to inspect pressure vessels to the requirements of this
specification.
Thick Wall: Nominal thickness of a vessel or portion of a vessel greater than 50 mm.
Unfired Steam Drums: As defined in ASME SEC VIII D1, paragraph U-1 (g) (2).
Vessel Manufacturer: The Company responsible for the manufacture of new pressure
vessels in accordance with this specification.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
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 Vessel Manufacturer may offer an alternative design, but must quote on the
base inquiry documents.
6.3 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 Codes, ASME SEC VIII D1 or
ASME SEC VIII D2 (herein referred to as the Codes), and the
requirements of this specification.
7.1.2 The ASME SEC VIII D1 or ASME SEC VIII D2, to which a vessel is
to be manufactured, shall be in accordance with the data sheet.
7.1.3 Should the Vessel Manufacturer have any part of a stress analysis
executed by a third party, the Vessel Manufacturer shall advise the
Saudi Aramco Engineer.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
The value of design pressure(s) shall be in accordance with the data sheet.
Commentary Note:
Design pressure is the maximum difference in pressure between the inside and
the outside of a vessel, or between the chambers of a combination unit. The term
internal design pressure is used when the internal pressure is greater than the
external pressure. However, the term external design pressure is used when
the internal pressure is less than the external pressure.
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.
7.2.5 Requirements for the design of packing bed supports for vessels that
contains packing shall be as specified on the data sheet.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
7.4.2 Where there are differences in the design temperatures for different
zones in a vessel, the extremities of these zones will be shown on the
data sheet.
7.7.2 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.
7.7.3 A joint efficiency of 50% shall be specified for the following details:
a) Shell-to-bottom head weld joint that is not exposed for
nondestructive examination from outside the vessel.
b) Intermediate head-to-shell welds joints.
7.8.2 The corrosion allowances required for tray assemblies, except for tray
supports, shall be in accordance with the requirements of 32-SAMSS-020.
Nominal thickness of shells and heads shall not be less than the following:
a) Carbon steels, 6 mm.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
7.10.3 ASME flanged flat heads and ASME torispherical heads can be used
only for air and water services up to a design pressure of 690 kPa
(100 psi).
a) Layout of head.
b) Nondestructive examination.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
7.11 Loads
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
d) P + Ps + D + (W or E),
Where,
P is internal and/or, as applicable, external pressure,
Ps is static head from liquid or bulk materials (e.g., catalyst),
D is dead weights defined in paragraph 7.11.3,
L is appurtenances live loading and effects of fluid flow,
W is wind load,
E is earthquake load.
7.12.2 All pressure vessel components whether shop or field fabricated shall
be designed to withstand a full hydrostatic test in the erected position.
Combined stresses due to full hydrostatic test and wind or earthquake
loads shall not exceed 90% of 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.
7.13.1 For vessels designed in accordance with ASME SEC VIII D1, refer to
the data sheet for stress analysis requirements.
7.13.2 For vessels designed in accordance with ASME SEC VIII D2, the
specific components of a vessel requiring detailed stress analysis shall
be as specified on the data sheet.
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
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
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 of studs 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.
8.1.3 Flanges, nozzles and manways shall be of the following types in all
services:
a) Forged steel long welding neck.
b) Forged steel welding neck flange with seamless pipe, or rolled
plate with 100% radiography. The bores of nozzle flanges shall
match the nozzle neck bore.
c) Studded nozzles and proprietary designs may be offered as
alternatives provided their design is in accordance with the Codes
and approved by the Saudi Aramco Engineer.
d) Slip-on type flanges with seamless pipe nozzle necks or rolled
plate with 100% radiography are permissible for vessels, other
than those exempted in paragraph 1.5 of this specification, for
only air and water services up to and including 121C (250F)
design temperature and 1.7 MPA (245 psi) design pressure.
8.1.7 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.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
8.1.10 Design of flanged connections with stud bolts of diameter 1 inch and
above shall be such as to provide clearance to permit use of a stud and
bolt-tensioning device.
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.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
8.3.5 Machined surfaces other than gasket contact faces shall not exceed
500 AARH.
8.4 Manways
8.4.1 The data sheet shall specify the number, nominal inside diameter, and
locations of manways.
8.4.2 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.
8.5.2 Permissible types of nozzles larger than NPS 4 and manway necks
weld-attachments are:
a) Division 1 vessels: Figure UW-16.1 (c), (d), (e), (f-1), (f-2),
(f-3), (f-4) or (g).
b) Division 2 vessels: Table 4.2.10, details: (3), (4), (6), (7), (9) or
weld attachments in paragraph 8.5.4(b).
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
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Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
b) Division 2 vessels: Table 4.2.13, details: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or
(6).
8.5.5 NPS 4 and smaller connections attached to nozzles or manways for the
following design conditions and services shall be according to
paragraph 8.5.4 of this specification:
a) Thick wall nozzles or manways,
b) Unfired steam boilers with design pressure exceeding 50 psi,
c) Lethal, hydrogen or cyclic services.
9 Internals
9.1 All fixed and removable internals, including trays, packing, distributors, screens,
etc. shall be specified on the data sheet.
9.2 Tray rings and tray supports that are welded to vessels shall be designed by the
tray manufacturer and supplied and installed by the Vessel Manufacturer in
accordance with the requirements of 32-SAMSS-020.
9.3 The Vessel Manufacture shall design, supply and install all other internals,
except for trays, as specified on the data sheet.
9.4 All removable internals are to be designed so that they may be passed through
tray and vessel manways.
9.5 Internal ladder rungs shall be provided by the Vessel Manufacturer according to
PIP document VEFV1100.
10 Vessel Support
10.1 General
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
10.1.5 Base plates shall be designed by the Vessel Manufacturer for all
loading conditions in accordance with this specification.
10.1.6 The allowable concrete bearing stress to be used for the design of base
plates shall be 5170 kPa.
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, 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 this offset limit
shall require prior approval of the Saudi Aramco Engineer, as defined
in this specification, supported by stress analysis.
10.2.5 Hot-box design when specified for skirt-supported vessels with design
temperatures greater than 205C (400F) shall be in accordance with
PIP VEFV1100 and dimensions that meet the intent of reducing the
thermal gradient at the skirt-to-vessel junction.
10.2.6 One minimum 500 mm diameter skirt access opening shall be provided
for vessels with diameters equal to and larger than 1200 mm. For
vessels with diameters less than 1200 mm, skirt access opening
diameter shall be minimum one half of the vessel diameter. Skirt
access opening diameters smaller than the above specified shall require
prior approval of the Saudi Aramco Engineer. It is the vessel
manufacturer's responsibility to determine the need for reinforcing the
opening, according to the applicable Code.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
10.2.9 Skirt-to-vessel juncture details for vessels with design thickness greater
than 50mm 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.
c) Weld build-up construction (connecting skirt to shell): according
to ASME SEC VIII D2, Figure 4.2.4(f).
d) Forged skirt-to-shell junction ring: similar to ASME SEC VIII,
D2, Table 4.2.5, Detail 7.
10.2.10 Shell-to-internal head joint for vessels with design thickness greater
than 50mm, stacked vessels 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,
Table 4.2.5, Detail 7.
b) Weld build-up construction connecting shell to internal head.
10.2.11 Joint details in paragraphs 10.2.9 and 10.2.10 shall provide a smooth
transition, minimizing peak stress concentration effects. The inner
radius of the weld build-up and forged detail shall be minimum 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.
10.3.1 Two saddles with anchor bolts shall be used to support horizontal
pressure vessels. The vessel shall be fixed at one saddle support and
free to slide at the other saddle. Saddle base plates shall be in full
contact with the foundation.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
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 The shell shall be analyzed in accordance with the LP Zick method.
Saddle supports and the vessel shell shall be analyzed for operating and
hydrotest loads including any piping, wind or other external loads.
10.3.5 The anchor bolt holes on the sliding-end saddle shall be slotted to
facilitate thermal expansion.
10.4.1 The Vessel Manufacturer shall determine the size and number of
anchor bolts required.
10.4.2 Anchor bolts shall straddle vessel centerlines on the north-south, east-
west axes.
10.4.3 Anchor bolts shall not be less than 19 mm minimum nominal diameter.
10.4.4 The allowable stress (based on ASTM A307 Grade B material) shall be
as follows:
a) 104 MPa (tension). External loads (Wind or Earthquake, plus
operating weight).
b) 69 MPa (shear). External loads (Wind or Earthquake, plus
operating).
10.4.5 Vessels supported on skirts, lugs or legs shall be provided with an even
number of anchor bolts with a minimum of four anchor bolts.
11.1 General
11.1.1 The Vessel Manufacturer shall supply and install all clips and
attachments as specified on the data sheet.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
11.1.2 All internal and external attachments, including clips, welded directly
to pressure parts are to be attached by continuous welding except for
blank square nuts used for external insulation where tack welding is
allowed.
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 on
edge and located on 300 mm square centers.
11.3.2 The Vessel Manufacturer shall supply and install anchoring system
required for refractory.
11.4.1 Support for fireproofing system shall be according to the data sheet.
11.4.2 The Vessel Manufacturer shall supply and install supports required for
fireproofing materials.
11.4.3 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.
11.6.1 A davit for the lifting of equipment shall be supplied when specified on
the data sheet.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of 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 Prior approval by the Saudi Aramco Engineer is required for use of
alternative materials of construction for carbon and low alloy steels
pressure vessels. Alternative materials must comply with all the
requirements of the applicable Code and this specification.
12.1.3 Material specifications and tests procedures for base metal and
weldments materials for 1 Cr- Mo, 1 Cr- Mo, 2 Cr-1 Mo,
2 Cr-1 Mo- V, 3 Cr-1 Mo and 3 Cr-1 Mo- V shall be submitted
to Saudi Aramco Engineer for review and approval prior to ordering
the materials from the mill.
12.1.4 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 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
based on the design temperature, minimum design metal temperature
and intended service.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
12.1.10 Specimens for material testing shall be taken per the following:
a) Plates
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
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Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of 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 T.
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.
12.1.14 Low alloy steels shall not be mixed. For example, a vessel requiring
1 Cr- Mo materials shall have all components manufactured from
1 Cr- Mo.
12.1.15 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 12.1.9 of this specification.
12.1.16 Material for nameplate mounting brackets shall be of the same type
and material grade as the shell material.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
12.1.17 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.
12.1.23 One manual UT test block and one TOFD UT test block shall be
provided by the fabricator of hydrotreating or hydrocracking reactors
made of 2 Cr-1Mo, 2 Cr-1Mo- V, 3Cr-1Mo or 3Cr-1Mo- V
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
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Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
with shell thickness greater than 150 mm. Test blocks shall be made
from prolongation of a shell ring or a shell plate used for constructing
the reactor. Test blocks shall be prepared in such a way that they can
be used to meet all fabricators UT calibration procedures and that
inspection according to API RP 934A, Appendix A can be performed
on site in a later date, if deemed necessary.
12.4.3 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 licensors specification, but not less than
34/27 Joules
4) 55/47 Joules for 1 Cr- Mo, 1 Cr- Mo, 2 Cr- 1 Mo, 2
Cr- 1 Mo- V, 3 Cr- 1 Mo and 3 Cr- 1 Mo- V steels
Commentary Notes:
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
Issue Date: 23 February 2011
Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
12.4.4 For Div. 1 vessels the impact testing exemptions of UG-20 (f),
UCS-66 (b) (1) and (3), UCS-68(c), UG-84 (b) (2) and by reference to
Table UG-84.4 are not permitted. For Div. 2 vessels the exemptions of
3.11.2.3, 3.11.2.4, 3.11.2.5, 3.11.2.6, 3.11.2.8, 3.11.2.10, 3.11.3.1 and
3.11.4 are not permitted.
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 -28C.
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-004
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Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
0 mm, + 6 mm.
13.1.3 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.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
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Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
13.2.2 The beveled edges of weld preparations for carbon steel plates with
thickness 25 mm and thicker and all ferrous alloy plates shall be
magnetic particle examined for linear discontinuities. Defects shall not
exceed limits as per ASME SA-20.
13.2.6 Welds attaching manways, nozzles and their reinforcement pads and
other structural attachments to pressure components shall not be closer
than 20 mm (toe-to-toe) from any welds under stresses due to pressure.
It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure that requirements
of paragraphs 7.11.4 and 14.2.4 of this specification are met in the
vicinity of the welds.
13.2.7 Tapped tell-tale holes " NPT shall be provided at low location in
reinforcing pads for attachments, including nozzles and manways, as
follows:
a) One hole in single piece reinforcing pad.
b) Where a pad is split, each segment shall have at least one hole at
low location in the segment.
13.2.10 Internal and external welded attachment pads shall have their corners
rounded to a minimum radius of 50 mm radius and shall be fully seal-
welded. Use of suitable non-pressure retaining sealing material is
permitted on externally welded attachments that can not be fully seal
welded, due to inaccessibility, after prior approval of the Saudi
Aramco Engineer.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
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Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
13.2.11 No tack welding is permitted between heads and skirts on the inside of
skirts.
13.2.12 Vessels with large diameter and/ or overall length which fabrication
cannot be completely done in shop shall be designed to minimize the
amount of field welding, radiography and heat treatment. Where
adjacent sections are of such a size that shop fabrication and field
assembly is required, the sections shall be match marked to ensure
proper field fit up.
13.2.13 Leg supports, lug supports, lifting lugs and other attachments that will
impose stress levels higher than the acceptable limits per the
acceptable Code shall be welded to an attachment pad. The pad shall
be a minimum of 10 mm (3/8") thick or equal to the shell thickness,
whichever is less. Attachment loads must comply with paragraph
7.11.4 above and pads shall not cover pressure retaining welds.
13.2.14 Forming
13.2.14.1 General
a) Cold forming is performed at temperatures within the
range of above 20C (68F) and below 120C (248F).
b) Hot forming is any forming performed above the
austenite phase start temperature of 740C (1364F).
c) All tempering heat treatments must be at least 25C
(45F) above the nominal PWHT temperature as
given in the applicable ASME code for the respective
material.
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Next Planned Update: 23 February 2016 Manufacture of 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
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
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Commentary Notes:
i) Cold spun heads with nominal thickness exceeding 50 mm shall be heat treated by normalizing,
normalizing and tempering or quenching and tempering, as required to maintain original material
properties), irrespective of the calculated fiber elongation strain.
ii) For semi-ellipsoidal and torispherical heads formed from one-piece or welded multi-piece blanks,
maximum calculated extreme fiber elongation strain among all heads 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.
iii) Separate calculation of extreme fiber elongation shall be made for each formed segment
(e.g., spherical dished shell plates or dished segments of ellipsoidal or torispherical heads).
Need for heat treatment shall be determined for each segment individually using the greatest
measured thickness and smallest radius of curvature after forming.
iv) In case of different forming steps without intermediate heat treatment are employed, extreme
fiber elongation is the total amount of elongation of the individual forming steps. In case of
intermediate heat treatment, the deformation is that elongation achieved after the last previous
heat treatment. This is applicable for all types of formed part.
v) Filler metal used in items subjected to hot forming temperatures, or normalized, shall satisfy the
weld joint design requirements after such heat treatment. This is considering that such welds will
generally suffer significant strength reduction.
13.2.15 Bolt tensioning device shall be used for bolting up flanged connections
with stud bolts of diameter 1- inch and above. Bolt up of flanges,
irrespective of bolt diameter shall be according to ASME PCC-1
requirements.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
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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.
14 Nondestructive Examination
14.1 General
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
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14.1.3 All required NDE for final acceptance of the vessel, prior to pressure
testing, shall be performed after the completion of all welding and
repairs. 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
accessible. All segments of longitudinal, circumferential or built-up
head pressure weld seams covered or rendered inaccessible by
internals, lifting lugs or other attachments shall be fully radiographed
over the entire affected length plus minimum 5 cm (2 inches) either
side prior to installation of the attachment.
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14.3.2 All plates in thick wall vessels shall be ultrasonically examined by the
Vessel Manufacturer in accordance with ASTM SA-578. Acceptance
criteria shall be in accordance with ASME SEC VIII D2.
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.
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.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
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14.4.4 All edges prepared for welding and all openings shall be magnetic
particle examined in accordance with the applicable Code.
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
15.1 Postweld heat treatment shall be done when required by the applicable 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
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
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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.
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 650C
maximum for carbon steel and 700C 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 RP 582.
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 applicable 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 applicable 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.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
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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.
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.
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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.
16.3.3 Hydrostatic test pressure shall be held for a minimum of one hour per
25 mm of vessel thickness and in no case less than one hour.
16.3.6 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.
16.3.7 The Vessel Manufacturer shall furnish all test materials and facilities,
including blinds, bolting, and gaskets.
16.3.8 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-004
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16.3.10 Test pressure measured at the top of the vessel shall be:
Greater of:
i) PT = 1.43 MAWP
ii) PT = 1.25 MAWP (ST/ S)
Where,
PT is the minimum test pressure
S is the allowable stress at design temperature
ST is the allowable stress at test temperature
ST/S is the lowest ratio for the pressure boundary
materials, excluding bolting materials, of which the
vessel is constructed.
16.3.11 Water used for pressure testing shall be potable. For vessels
manufactured from stainless steel, the water shall not contain more
than 50 ppm chlorides with pH value not exceeding 7 at the time of
filling the vessel.
16.3.13 Vertical vessels that are pressure 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.
16.3.15 Vessels shall be protected from being over pressured, while being
pressure tested, by use of pressure test relief valve(s) meeting the
following:
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
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16.4.1 The Saudi Aramco Engineer must review and approve crack repair
procedures, required by the applicable 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 applicable
Code, are documented.
17.1 Each vessel shall be identified by a nameplate and marked with the information
required by the applicable Code and the requirements of this specification.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
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17.2 Vessels manufactured inside and outside Saudi Arabia shall be Code stamped
for all services in accordance with the applicable 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 applicable 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 mounting bracket material shall conform to Table 1 in this specification.
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.
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
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and internals being shipped are adequately braced and shall provide
temporary supports where appropriate to ensure adequate supporting of
the vessel during shipment.
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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19.2.2.6 Vessels must be sealed vapor tight using metallic covers, for
inhibitors to be effective.
19.2.3 For vessels made completely of stainless steels and vessels internally
cladded or weld-overlaid with these materials, in addition vapor phase
corrosion inhibitors applied per 19.2.2, nitrogen blanketing shall be
used during shipment or periods of storage at the construction site.
To apply nitrogen blanketing, pressurize the vessel to 60 psig with
nitrogen and bleed down slowly to 5 psig. Pressurization in this
manner shall be repeated 3 times. Bleed down must be slow and
controlled to minimize the loss of vapor phase inhibitor. The vessel
shall be clearly marked with a warning Warning: asphyxiation
hazard--preserved with nitrogen.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
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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.
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, CSD.
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painting system.
b) Prepare the surface and apply the complete (primer and final
coatings) Saudi Aramco surface preparation, and coating and
painting system in the shop.
c) For solid Stainless Steel vessels, which are to be shipped via ocean
freight, shall be protected using a temporary protective system
compatible with stainless steel and suitable outdoor exposure.
19.3.2 Telltale holes in reinforcing pads shall be protected with wooden plugs
or packed with rust preventative grease.
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 and 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.
20.1 The Vessel Manufacturer shall Prepare drawings, calculations, and data in
accordance with NMR-7919-1, Nonmaterial Requirements.
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
EK&RD/Drawing Management Unit (DMU) for inclusion into Corporate
Drawings Management System.
Revision Summary
23 February 2011 Major revision.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-004
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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.
Lethal services.
Hydrogen services.
Cyclic services.
Unfired steam boilers with design pressure exceeding 50 psi.
Thick wall vessels.
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 services and design conditions per note 1 of this table.
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:
i. For Division 1 vessels: Figures UW-16.1: (f-1), (f-2), (f-3) or (f-4).
ii. For Division 2 vessels: Figures 4.2.13: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6).
c) Where RT cannot be utilized, due to only joint geometry, for services and design conditions other than
those per note 1 of this table, 100% UT method 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) Weld joint that are not readily radiographable in vessels with thickness up to 50 mm (2 inches), under
services other than those specified in note 1, following examination shall be performed:
i. 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.
ii. For attachments with a reinforcing plate, similar examination as in (ii) 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 NPS 4 and smaller connections attached to nozzles or manways per
pargaraphs 8.5.5 and 8.5.6 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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