DEP SPECIFICATION

SPECIFICATION FOR NICKEL BASE ALLOY 718

(UNS N07718) FOR OIL AND GAS DRILLING AND
PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT
(AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO API STANDARD
6A718)

DEP 39.01.10.32-Gen.

February 2011
(DEP Circular 36/12 has been incorporated)
ECCN EAR99

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING PRACTICE

DEM1

2011 Shell Group of companies

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, published or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior
written permission of the copyright owner or Shell Global Solutions International BV.

This document contains information that is classified as EAR99 and, as a consequence, can neither be exported nor re-exported to any country which is under an
embargo of the U.S. government pursuant to Part 746 of the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. Parts 746) nor can be made available to any national of such
country. In addition, the information in this document cannot be exported nor re-exported to an end-user or for an end-use that is prohibited by Part 744 of the Export
Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. Parts 744).
ECCN EAR99 DEP 39.01.10.32-Gen.
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PREFACE

DEP (Design and Engineering Practice) publications reflect the views, at the time of publication, of Shell Global Solutions
International B.V. (Shell GSI) and, in some cases, of other Shell Companies.
These views are based on the experience acquired during involvement with the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of processing units and facilities. Where deemed appropriate DEPs are based on, or reference international,
regional, national and industry standards.
The objective is to set the recommended standard for good design and engineering practice to be applied by Shell
companies in oil and gas production, oil refining, gas handling, gasification, chemical processing, or any other such facility,
and thereby to help achieve maximum technical and economic benefit from standardization.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to Shell companies for their consideration and decision to
implement. This is of particular importance where DEPs may not cover every requirement or diversity of condition at each
locality. The system of DEPs is expected to be sufficiently flexible to allow individual Operating Units to adapt the
information set forth in DEPs to their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use DEPs, they shall be solely responsible for such use, including the
quality of their work and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In particular, for those
requirements not specifically covered, the Principal will typically expect them to follow those design and engineering
practices that will achieve at least the same level of integrity as reflected in the DEPs. If in doubt, the Contractor or
Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting from his own responsibility, consult the Principal.
The right to obtain and to use DEPs is restricted, and is typically granted by Shell GSI (and in some cases by other Shell
Companies) under a Service Agreement or a License Agreement. This right is granted primarily to Shell companies and
other companies receiving technical advice and services from Shell GSI or another Shell Company. Consequently, three
categories of users of DEPs can be distinguished:
1) Operating Units having a Service Agreement with Shell GSI or another Shell Company. The use of DEPs by these
Operating Units is subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the relevant Service Agreement.
2) Other parties who are authorised to use DEPs subject to appropriate contractual arrangements (whether as part of
a Service Agreement or otherwise).
3) Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with users referred to under 1) or 2)
which requires that tenders for projects, materials supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said
users comply with the relevant standards.
Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with users, Shell GSI disclaims
any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury or death) suffered by any company or person
whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the use, application or implementation of any DEP, combination of DEPs
or any part thereof, even if it is wholly or partly caused by negligence on the part of Shell GSI or other Shell Company. The
benefit of this disclaimer shall inure in all respects to Shell GSI and/or any Shell Company, or companies affiliated to these
companies, that may issue DEPs or advise or require the use of DEPs.
Without prejudice to any specific terms in respect of confidentiality under relevant contractual arrangements, DEPs shall
not, without the prior written consent of Shell GSI, be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever and the
DEPs shall be used exclusively for the purpose for which they have been provided to the user. They shall be returned after
use, including any copies which shall only be made by users with the express prior written consent of Shell GSI. The
copyright of DEPs vests in Shell Group of companies. Users shall arrange for DEPs to be held in safe custody and Shell
GSI may at any time require information satisfactory to them in order to ascertain how users implement this requirement.
All administrative queries should be directed to the DEP Administrator in Shell GSI.
ECCN EAR99 DEP 39.01.10.32-Gen.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL.............................................................................4
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................4
1.1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................4
1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS .........4
1.3 DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................4
1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES .............................................................................................5
1.5 SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES...............................................................................5
1.6 COMMENTS ON THIS DEP .......................................................................................5
1.7 DUAL UNITS...............................................................................................................5
2. GENERAL...................................................................................................................6
PART II AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO API STANDARD 6A718 ................................7
1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................7
1.3 INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE PURCHASER ......................................7
4 SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NICKEL BASE ALLOY 718 (UNS
N07718) ......................................................................................................................7
4.1 PROCESS CONTROL REQUIREMENTS..................................................................7
4.2 TESTING REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................8
5. CERTIFICATION ......................................................................................................10
7. CONFIGURATION OF THREADED CONNECTIONS .............................................10
8. COPPER PLATING OF THREADS ..........................................................................10
PART III REFERENCES .........................................................................................................11
ECCN EAR99 DEP 39.01.10.32-Gen.
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PART I INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 SCOPE
This DEP specifies requirements and provides recommendations for the manufacture and
supply of Alloy 718 (UNS N07718) for use in key load-bearing components for critical
wellhead and downhole applications that may be exposed to high temperatue, high
pressure, and/or corrosive environments. Key components typically include but are not
limited to casing hangers, tubing hangers, and completion accessories with threaded
connections.
This DEP is based on API Standard 6A718. Part II of this DEP is written in the form of
amendments and supplements to API Standard 6A718, and follows the clause numbering
of API Standard 6A718 for easy reference.
All clauses of API Standard 6A718 not modified by this DEP remain valid as written.
This DEP contains mandatory requirements to mitigate process safety risks in accordance
with Design Engineering Manual DEM 1 Application of Technical Standards.
This is a revision of the DEP of the same number dated December 2008; see (1.5)
regarding the changes.

1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Unless otherwise authorised by Shell GSI, the distribution of this DEP is confined to Shell
companies and, where necessary, to Contractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers nominated
by them. Any authorised access to DEPs does not for that reason constitute an
authorization to any documents, data or information to which the DEPs may refer.
This DEP is intended for use in facilities related to oil and gas production facilities.
Application in other facilities may also apply.
When DEPs are applied, a Management of Change (MOC) process should be
implemented; this is of particular importance when existing facilities are to be modified.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements could be more
stringent than in this DEP, the Contractor shall determine by careful scrutiny which of the
requirements are the more stringent and which combination of requirements will be
acceptable with regards to the safety, environmental, economic and legal aspects. In all
cases the Contractor shall inform the Principal of any deviation from the requirements of
this DEP which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or local
regulations. The Principal may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned, the objective
being to obtain agreement to follow this DEP as closely as possible.

1.3 DEFINITIONS
1.3.1 General definitions
The Contractor is the party that carries out all or part of the design, engineering,
procurement, construction, commissioning or management of a project or operation of a
facility. The Principal may undertake all or part of the duties of the Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party that manufactures or supplies equipment and
services to perform the duties specified by the Contractor.
The Principal is the party that initiates the project and ultimately pays for it. The Principal
may also include an agent or consultant authorised to act for, and on behalf of, the
Principal.
The word shall indicates a requirement.
The capitalised term SHALL [PS] indicates a process safety requirement.
The word should indicates a recommendation.
ECCN EAR99 DEP 39.01.10.32-Gen.
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1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES
Where cross-references to other parts of this DEP are made, the referenced section
number is shown in brackets. Other documents referenced by this DEP are listed in
(Part III).

1.5 SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES

This DEP is a revision of the DEP of the same number dated January 2010. The following
are the main, non-editorial changes.

Old New Change

section section
All All Informative content removed and added to the informative version of
this DEP
4.2.2.3a 4.2.2.3a Added: SHALL [PS]

1.6 COMMENTS ON THIS DEP

Comments on this DEP may be sent to the Administrator at standards@shell.com, using
the DEP Feedback Form. The DEP Feedback Form can be found on the main page of
DEPs on the Web, available through the Global Technical Standards web portal
http://sww.shell.com/standards and on the main page of the DEPs DVD-ROM.

1.7 DUAL UNITS

Amended per
Circular 36/12
Dual units have been incorporated throughout this DEP.

This DEP contains both the International System (SI) units, as well as the corresponding
US Customary (USC) units, which are given following the SI units in brackets. When
agreed by the Principal, the indicated USC values/units may be used.
ECCN EAR99 DEP 39.01.10.32-Gen.
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2. GENERAL
Part II of this DEP is written as amendments and supplements to API Standard 6A718.
Wherever reference is made to API Standard 6A718, it shall be understood to mean API
Standard 6A718 as amended/supplemented by this DEP.
For ease of reference, the clause numbering of API Standard 6A718 has been used
throughout Part II of this DEP.
Clauses in API Standard 6A718, which are not mentioned in this DEP, shall remain valid as
written.
ECCN EAR99 DEP 39.01.10.32-Gen.
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PART II AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO API STANDARD 6A718

1 SCOPE
Add new clause:

1.3 INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE PURCHASER

Material requirement options are stated in the following clauses. In addition, the option
numbers and reference clauses are summarized in the table below.
When placing orders for alloy 718 to be manufactured in accordance with this DEP, the
purchaser shall state on the purchase agreement the selected material requirement
options, where applicable.
As an aid for the Principal, an informative NOTE has been stated below some of the
options in order to provide points of consideration prior to invoking an option.

Material Requirement Options

Option Reference Requirement
Number Clause
1 4.1.4.1 Contact surface thermocouples attached to each piece.
2 4.1.4.1 Heat sink thermocouples embedded in each piece.
3 4.1.4.2 Furnace calibration and temperature survey records submitted to
the Principal for review and approval prior to any heat treatment.
4 4.2.2.3 Metallographic examination shall be subject to the review and
approval of the Principal.
5 4.2.3.2 The tensile test reduction of area for QTC cross-section
thickness >254 mm (10 in) shall be at least 30%.
6 4.2.3.2 Elevated temperature tensile test at 177C (350F).
7 4.2.4.2 Charpy V-notch toughness requirements for QTC cross-section
thicknesses 76 mm (3 in) to 254 mm (10 in), inclusive, shall apply
to cross-section thicknesses >254 mm (10 in).
8 8 Submit the procedure and parameters for copper plating of
threads to the Principal for review and approval prior to copper
plating.

4 SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NICKEL BASE ALLOY 718 (UNS N07718)

4.1 PROCESS CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

4.1.2 Melt Practice requirements
4.1.2.1 Acceptable melt practices
Amend this clause:
Electroslag remelting (ESR) or electroflux remelting (EFR) shall not be performed.
4.1.3 Forging and Hot Working Requirements
4.1.3.1 Hot work reduction ratio
Add to this clause:
Materials shall be hot worked according to a documented and controlled procedure. The
hot work reduction ratio shall be determined by the product of all hot work sequences from
ECCN EAR99 DEP 39.01.10.32-Gen.
February 2011
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the initial ingot cross-section to the final hot worked cross-section, prior to any closed die
work.
4.1.4 Heat Treating Requirements
4.1.4.1 Temperature monitoring
Add to this clause:
If contact surface thermocouples are used, external heat flux (e.g. radiation) that affects the
temperature measurement shall be minimized.
If heat sinks are used, the temperature-sensing tip of the thermocouple shall be within the
heat sink, and shall be no closer than 25 mm (1 in) from any external or internal surface.
The thermocouple may be embedded in the center (or mid-wall) of the heat sink if the
cross-section (or mid-wall) thickness is less than 50 mm (2 in).
Option 1: If specified, contact surface thermocouples shall be attached to each piece
within the heat treatment lot.
NOTE for Option 1: This option is intended only for very small manufacturing lots of large
cross-section components (e.g. shape-forging), because heat treatment
lots can have many pieces.

Option 2: If specified, heat sink thermocouples shall be embedded in each piece within
the heat treatment lot.
NOTE for Option 2: This option is intended only for very small manufacturing lots of large
cross-section components (e.g. shape-forging), because thermocouples
are normally embedded in separate heat sinks rather than embedded in
the manufactured pieces. In addition, each piece shall have enough length
to accommodate cropping the thermocouple hole drilling in each piece
(unless the hole will be subsequently machined away).

4.1.4.2 Solution Annealing and Age Hardening

Add to this clause:
Option 3: If specified, the furnace qualification, calibration, and temperature survey
records shall be submitted to the Principal for review and approval prior to any
heat treatment.
NOTE for Option 3: Invoking this option might preclude the supply of Alloy 718 that is already
heat treated (e.g. available from a stockist).

The material shall be loaded into the furnace in such a way that the presence of one piece
does not affect the heat treatment response of any other piece in the same heat treatment
load (e.g. spacing between pieces and uniform arrangement of mass within the furnace).
Heat treatment charts (solution annealing and age hardening) and furnace loading plan (if
available) shall be submitted with the certification.

4.2 TESTING REQUIREMENTS

Add:
The test laboratory and test equipment calibration laboratory shall comply with
ISO/IEC17025 or, if approved by the Principal, ISO 9001, and shall have been subject to
formal accreditation by a recognized body.
4.2.2 Microstructural Analysis Requirement
4.2.2.1 Use of the Super Kallings etchant shall require the approval of the Principal.
4.2.2.3 Metallographic Examination for Deleterious Phases
a) Replace this clause by: The microstructure SHALL [PS] be free from continuous
networks of secondary phases or precipitates along grain boundaries, except for
individual, isolated grains that are not representative of the bulk of the microstructure.
Discrete, isolated particles of delta phase or carbides may be present.
ECCN EAR99 DEP 39.01.10.32-Gen.
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Delete this paragraph:

If a heat treat lot is rejected, then the other pieces within the heat treat lot may be qualified
on an individual piece basis. Material containing rejectable metallographic locations may be
accepted if the rejectable locations will be removed by machining.
Add to this clause:
The material manufacturer or supplier may use scanning electron microscopy to
demonstrate the absence of continuous networks of secondary phases or precipitates.
Option 4: If specified, the metallographic examination shall be subject to the review and
approval of the Principal.
NOTE for Option 4: For this option, the Principal should be a Shell material SME or PTE. This
option can be performed by review of high resolution photomicrographs
(included with each certification) or by review of microstructure mounts
(per API 6A718 the mounts are retained by the manufacturer or supplier
for five years minimum following the date of the examination). Additional
time may be required if the Principal reviews the microstructure mounts at
the manufacturers or suppliers site.

4.2.3 Tensile Property Requirements

4.2.3.1 For solid material, the tensile specimens shall be taken from the T location or deeper,
where T is the thickest cross-section. For hollow material, the tensile test specimens shall
be taken within 3 mm (1/8 in) of the mid-wall location of the thickest section, unless full wall
thickness strip or full cross-section specimens are taken from the thickest section.
4.2.3.2 Tensile Test Acceptance Criteria
Table 1 Material Property Requirements
Amend:
Option 5: If specified, the reduction of area for QTC cross-section thickness > 254 mm
(10 in) shall be at least 30 %.
NOTE for Option 5: Due to material manufacturing capabilities, the design cases and supply
chain options should be verified before invoking this option (e.g. may need
a special process route by heat treating as bored material, rather than
solid material).

Option 6: If specified, a tensile test shall also be performed at 177C (350F) and shall
meet the requirements of Table 1, unless other mechanical properties or
temperature are agreed with the Principal.
Retesting: If the results of the tensile tests do not satisfy the applicable requirements, two
additional tests on two additional test specimens (removed from the same
QTC/ piece and end location with no additional heat treatment) may be
performed in an effort to qualify the material. The results of each of these
retests shall satisfy the applicable requirements.
4.2.4 Impact Toughness Requirements
4.2.4.1 For solid material, each specimen shall be at 1/4 T or deeper, where T is the thickest cross-
section. For hollow material, each specimen location shall be within 3 mm (1/8 in) of the
mid-wall location of the thickest section.
ECCN EAR99 DEP 39.01.10.32-Gen.
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4.2.4.2 Charpy V-notch Acceptance Criteria

Add to this clause:
Option 7: If specified, toughness requirements for QTC cross-section thicknesses
76 mm (3 in) to 254 mm (10 in), inclusive, shall apply to cross-section
thicknesses >254 mm (10 in).
NOTE for Option 7: Due to material manufacturing capabilities, the design cases and supply
chain options should be verified before invoking this option (e.g. it might
need a special process route by heat treating as bored material, rather
than solid material).

Retesting: If a test fails, then a retest of three additional specimens (removed from the
same location with no additional heat treatment) may be made; each of the
retests shall exhibit an impact value of at least the required minimum average
energy value and lateral expansion specified in Table 2.

5. CERTIFICATION
Add to this clause:
The inspection certificates shall be as specified in the Purchase Order but shall at least
comply with ISO 10474 Type 3.1.B or EN 10204 Type 3.1.
Add new clauses:
5.18 Heat treatment charts (solution annealing and age hardening) and, if available,
furnace loading plan [see 4.1.4.2].
5.19 Etchant used during the microstructural analysis [see 4.2.2.1].
5.20 When threaded connections apply, post threading NDE results [see 7].
5.21 When copper plating is performed, state the plating procedure and revision level
[see 8].
5.22 If retesting is performed, then report initial and retest results
Add new section:

7. CONFIGURATION OF THREADED CONNECTIONS

When threaded connections apply, all thread and sealing surfaces of the connections shall
be visually and liquid penetrant examined prior to any copper plating. The visual and liquid
penetrant examination acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with the connection
manufacturers requirements.
Add new section:

8. COPPER PLATING OF THREADS

Option 8: If specified, the procedure for copper plating of threads shall be submitted to
the Principal for review and approval prior to any copper plating.
NOTE for Option 8: Copper plating can be performed by brush plating (usually a small batch
process that can be less consistent) or immersion plating (usually a
continuous process that can be more consistent).
ECCN EAR99 DEP 39.01.10.32-Gen.
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PART III REFERENCES

In this DEP, reference is made to the following publications:
NOTES: 1. Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used,
together with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
2. The DEPs and most referenced external standards are available to Shell staff on the SWW (Shell
Wide Web) at http://sww.shell.com/standards/.

AMERICAN STANDARDS
Specification of nickel base Alloy 718(UNS N07718) for oil and gas API Standard 6A718:
drilling and production equipment Second Edition,
Issued by: December 2009, including
American Petroleum Institute Addendum and Errata 1
Publications and Distribution Section dated April 2010
1220 L Street Northwest
Washington DC 20005
USA

EUROPEAN STANDARDS
Metallic products Types of inspection documents EN 10204
Issued by:
CEN Secrtariat Central
Rue de Stassart 36
B-1050 Brussels
Belgium

Copies can also be obtained from national standards organizations.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Steel and steel products Inspection documents ISO 10474
General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration ISO/IEC 17025
laboratories
Quality management systems - Requirements ISO 9001
Issued by:
ISO Central Secretariat
1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse
Case postale 56
CH-1211 Genve 20
Switzerland
Copies can also be obtained from national standards organizations.