32-SAMSS-019 (2)

Materials System Specification
32-SAMSS-019 29 April 2019

Manufacture of Plate and Frame Heat Exchangers
Document Responsibility: Heat Transfer Equipment Standards Committee
Contents
1 Scope ................................................................ 2
2 Normative References ...................................... 2
3 Terms and Definitions ....................................... 5
4 General ............................................................. 6
5 Proposal Information Required ......................... 7
6 Drawings and Other Data Requirements .......... 8
7 Design ............................................................... 9
8 Materials ......................................................... 18
9 Fabrication ...................................................... 22
10 Inspection and Testing .................................... 25
11 Preparation for Shipment ................................ 34
Revision Summary .................................................. 36
Table 1 – Nondestructive Examination
Requirements.......................................... 37
Previous Issue: 18 February 2019 Next Planned Update: 7 November 2020

Page 1 of 37
Contact: Otaibi, Dhawi A. (otiabida) on +966-13-8804877
©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Heat Transfer Equipment Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-019
Issue Date: 29 April 2019
Next Planned Update: 7 November 2020 Manufacture of Plate and Frame Heat Exchangers
The following paragraph numbers refer to API STD 662, Part 1, First Edition, February
2006 (Reaffirmed, February 2011), which is part of this specification. The text in each
paragraph below is an addition, exception, modification, or deletion to API STD 662,
Part 1 as noted. Paragraph numbers not appearing in API STD 662, Part 1 are new
paragraphs to be inserted in numerical order.
1 Scope
1.1 This specification covers the minimum mandatory requirements for the
manufacture of plate and frame type heat exchangers (hereinafter referred to
as exchangers). It does not cover in-service exchangers.
1.2 Where a requirement of a licensor’s or a relevant industry standard/

specification is more stringent than that of this specification, the most
stringent requirement will govern.
1.3 Use of fitness-for-service assessment methodology to qualify exchangers’

component(s) that do not satisfy any of the requirements of this specification
is prohibited.
1.4 Conflicting Requirements
1.4.1 Any conflicts between this document and other applicable Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be addressed to the
EK&RD Coordinator.
1.4.2 Any deviation from the requirements herein shall follow internal company
procedure SAEP-302.
2 Normative References
Unless otherwise noted in this specification, materials or equipment supplied to this

specification shall comply with the applicable edition of the references listed below.
The applicable edition of each reference is that in effect on the Project Proposal
approval date for Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) and
the purchase order date for industry standards.
2.1 Saudi Aramco References
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAEP-302 Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement
Saudi Aramco: Company General Use
Page 2 of 37
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-A-007 Hydrostatic Testing Fluids and Lay-Up
Requirements
SAES-A-112 Meteorological and Seismic Design Data
SAES-A-206 Positive Material Identification
SAES-H-001 Coating Selection and Application Requirements for
Industrial Plants and Equipment
SAES-L-133 Corrosion Protection Requirements for Pipelines,
Piping, and Process Equipment
SAES-M-001 Structural Design Criteria for Non-building Structures
SAES-N-001 Basic Criteria, Industrial Insulation
SAES-P-111 Grounding
SAES-W-010 Welding Requirements for Pressure Vessels
SAES-W-014 Weld Overlays and Welding of Clad Materials
SAES-W-016 Welding of Special Corrosion-Resistant Materials
Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

01-SAMSS-043 ASTM Carbon Steel and Low Alloy Pipes for On-
plot Applications
01-SAMSS-046 Stainless Steel and Nickel Alloy Pipes
02-SAMSS-005 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings
02-SAMSS-011 Forged Steel and Alloy Flanges
12-SAMSS-007 Fabrication of Structural and Miscellaneous Steel
32-SAMSS-031 Manufacture of Clad Vessels and Heat Exchangers
Saudi Aramco Standard Drawing

AA-036322 Anchor Bolt Details – Inch and Metric Sizes
Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements

175-323300 Heat Exchangers Plate and Frame
Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets

SA-7922-4 Nonmaterial Requirements for Plate and Frame
Heat Exchangers
Page 3 of 37
SA-8172 Plate and Frame Type Heat Exchanger
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards
American Concrete Institute

ACI 318 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete
American Society of Civil Engineers

ASCE 7-2005 Edition Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other
Structures
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes)

ASME SEC II Materials
ASME SEC V Nondestructive Examination
ASME SEC VIII D1 Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels
ASME B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings
ASME B16.11 Forged Fittings, Socket-welding, and Threaded
ASME B16.20 Metallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges - Ring-joint,
Spiral-Wound, and Jacketed
ASME B16.21 Non-Metallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges
ASME B16.25 Buttwelding Ends
ASME PCC-1 Guidelines for Pressure Boundary Bolted Flange
Joint Assembly
American Society for Nondestructive Testing

ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certification of
Nondestructive Testing Personnel
American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM A380 Practice of Cleaning, Discleaning, and Passivation
of Stainless Steel Part Equipment and System
ASTM E381 Standard Method of Macrotech Testing Steel Bars,
Billets, Blooms, and Forgings
American Petroleum Institute

API STD 662 (Part 1) Plate Heat Exchangers for General Refinery Services

Page 4 of 37
International Standards Organization

NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries-
materials for use in H2S-Containing
Environments in Oil and Gas Production
National Association of Corrosion Engineers
NACE SP0472 Methods and Control to Prevent In-Service
Environmental Cracking of Carbon Steel
Weldments in Corrosive Petroleum Refining
Environments
Process Industry Practices

PIP VEFV1100 Vessel/S&T Heat Exchanger Standard Details
Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association (TEMA)
Welding Research Council

WRC 297 Local Stresses in Cylindrical Shells due to External
Loadings on Nozzles
WRC 537 Local Stresses in Spherical and Cylindrical Shells
due to External Loadings
3 Terms and Definitions
3.7 (Exception) MDMT: Minimum Design Metal Temperature determined

by the Design Engineer and specified in the data sheet.
3.15 (Exception) Pressure Design Code: ASME SEC VIII.
3.18 (Exception) Structural Welding Code: As specified in 12-SAMSS-007.
3.19 AARH: Average arithmetic roughness height, which is a measure of

surface texture.
3.20 Design Engineer: The Engineering Company responsible for specifying

on the data sheet the hydraulic, thermal, and mechanical design
requirements for exchangers.
3.21 Exchanger Manufacturer: The Company responsible for the

manufacture of exchangers.
3.22 High - Alloy Steels: Steels with a total alloying content more than 5%.

Page 5 of 37
3.23 Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) Environment: Process streams

that introduce HIC according to SAES-L-133.
3.24 Lethal Services: Process streams containing a concentration of

hydrogen sulfide in excess of 20% by volume shall be considered as
lethal service. Other services as determined by the project design may
also be designated as lethal services.
3.25 Low-Alloy Steels: Steels with a total alloying content of less than 5%
but more than specified for carbon steels.
3.26 Minimum Thickness: Thickness required for withstanding all primary

loads, excluding allowance for corrosion.
3.27 Nominal Thickness: Thickness selected as commercially available, and

supplied to the Manufacturer. For plate material, the nominal thickness
is the measured thickness of the plate at the joint or location under
consideration after forming.
3.28 Saudi Aramco Buyer: The person or company authorized by Saudi

Aramco to procure heat exchanger to the requirements of this specification.
3.29 Saudi Aramco Engineer: The chairman of the Heat Transfer Equipment
Standards Committee.
3.30 Saudi Aramco Inspector: The person or company authorized by the

Saudi Aramco Inspection Department to inspect exchangers to the
requirements of this specification.
3.31 Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC) Environment: Process streams that

introduce SSC according to SAES-L-133.
3.32 Utility Services: Water, air, and nitrogen services.
4 General
4.1 Exchangers shall be designed in accordance with the rules of the Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Codes, ASME SEC VIII D1 (hereinafter referred to as the
codes), and the requirements of this specification.
4.2 (Exception) The Exchanger Manufacturer shall comply with applicable

local, state, and national codes, and insurance requirements.
4.3 Stress analyses according to the code rules shall be executed by the
Page 6 of 37
manufacturer. A third party under full control and responsibility of the

manufacturer may execute only finite element analysis.
4.4 Proof testing is prohibited.
4.5 No credit shall be given to thickness of integrally-bonded or weld metal

overlay cladding in calculating material thickness, required to sustain all
primary loads.
4.6 Application of ASME Code Cases to the manufacturing of exchangers

requires approval of the Saudi Aramco Engineer.
4.7 The Exchanger Manufacturer is responsible for the thermal/hydraulic design

(rating) and verification of the Design Engineer's thermal/hydraulic design,
if applicable.
4.8 The Exchanger Manufacturer is responsible for the manufacture of exchanger,

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.
4.9 All welded joints shall be complete fusion full penetration welds.
5 Proposal Information Required
5.9 The proposal shall include a detailed description of any exception to the
requirements of this specification.
5.10 The Exchanger Manufacturer may offer an alternative design, but must
quote on the base inquiry documents.
5.11 Performance Guarantees
The following shall be guaranteed for the length of the warranty period
specified in the purchase order or contract documents:
1) Exchangers shall meet thermal/hydraulic performance requirements
under continuous operation at design conditions specified on the data
sheets. Thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical guarantee shall be in
accordance with TEMA Section 3 paragraph G-5 or equivalent code.
2) Exchangers shall be free from damaging vibration.
5.12 The proposal shall include the following information:

Page 7 of 37
1) Method of plate alignment.

2) Total height of the exchanger.
6 Drawings and Other Data Requirements
6.1 Drawings
6.1.5 (Exception) The Exchanger Manufacturer shall prepare and submit for
approval all proposed welding maps, welding procedures, and welding
procedure qualifications prior to start of fabrication.
6.1.6 (Exception) The Exchanger Manufacturer shall prepare drawings,

calculations and data in accordance with SA-7922-4, Nonmaterial
Requirements, in addition to API STD 662 requirements. Calculations shall
include, but not limited to:
a. ASME SEC VIII calculations.
b. Wind and earthquake calculations, as applicable.
c. Support calculations.
d. Calculations associated with lifting and erecting the exchanger.
e. Nozzle load analysis for local and gross effect, when required.
f. Design of internal and external attachments, as applicable.
g. Design loads and load combinations.
h. Thermal calculations and heat released curves.
6.1.7 Drawings and calculations that are approved by the Design Engineer shall
not relieve the Exchanger Manufacturer from the responsibility to comply
with the codes and this specification.
6.1.8 The Exchanger Manufacturer shall prepare drawings, which indicate the
ultrasonic readings thickness of the exchanger covers, plates and nozzles.
An adequate number of readings shall be taken to represent the actual
thickness of the components.
6.1.9 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.
6.2 Final Records

Page 8 of 37
6.2.3 The Exchanger Manufacturer shall prepare and submit final records in
accordance with Form SA-7922-4, Nonmaterial Requirements.
7 Design
7.1 General
7.1.4 The mechanical design of exchangers shall allow for compression assembly
bolts to be tightened from one end using a single wrench.
7.1.5 Exchangers shall be thermally designed by the Exchanger Manufacturer and

be capable of continuous service within the design parameters as specified
on the data sheet.
7.1.6 The Exchanger Manufacturer shall specify the pass arrangement at time of
proposal. Single-pass designs with counter-current flow, such that inlet and
outlet connections are located in the stationary cover, are preferable.
7.1.7 Exchangers shall have an even flow distribution across the heat transfer
surface.
7.1.8 Variations in velocity across heat transfer surfaces shall be minimal.
7.2 Design Temperatures
7.2.3 The value(s) of design temperature(s) shall be in accordance with the data
sheet.
7.2.4 The value of the minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) shall be as
specified on the data sheet.
7.2.5 The MDMT shall be used to determine the requirements for impact testing in
accordance with the code and this specification.
7.2.6 The design temperature of flanges, including bolting and gaskets for inlet
and outlet flanges shall be the higher hot-side design temperature.
7.3 Design Pressure
7.3.1 Exchanger design shall not be based on differential pressure.
7.3.2 The value(s) of design pressure(s) shall be in accordance with the data sheet.
7.3.3 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure

Page 9 of 37
7.3.3.1 The Exchanger Manufacturer shall calculate the maximum allowable

working pressure (MAWP), in the hot and corroded condition in accordance
with the code.
7.3.3.2 The MAWP of an exchanger shall not be limited by components such as

flange, fittings, etc.
7.4 Fouling Margin
In the absence of actual fouling resistances, exchangers shall be designed for

excess fouling margin given below. Higher excess percentages, if deemed
necessary, may be proposed for Saudi Aramco Engineer's consideration.
7.4.1 A minimum of 15% excess fouling margin shall be provided for clean
services such as cooling of process water, light oils, and light process
streams, utilizing tempered water as the cooling medium.
7.4.2 A minimum of 20% excess fouling margin shall be provided for exchangers
using sea water and for fouling services such as cooling of crude oil,
emulsion and heavy process streams, utilizing sea water, or other process
fluids as cooling medium.
7.5 Corrosion Allowance
7.5.3 Exchangers having partial or complete cladding shall conform to

32-SAMSS-031 in addition to the requirements of this specification.
7.6 Components
7.6.1 Plates shall conform to the following:

h) The minimum thickness of heat transfer plates shall be 0.5 mm.
i) Each plate shall be designed to withstand the design pressure on the
high pressure side with atmospheric pressure on the other side.
j) Plates shall have metal-to-metal contact between plates to withstand
the full differential pressure. The nominal plate gap shall be a
minimum of 1.5 mm.
k) Plates shall be aligned by carrying bars and guide bars for proper
sealing of plate gaskets.
l) Plates shall be supported from the top carrying bar only.

Page 10 of 37
m) Plates shall have a channel geometrical design and shall be identical

for both fluids, where practical. The use of mixed channel designs, if
offered, shall be specified by the Exchanger Manufacturer with the
proposal.
7.6.2 Fixed and movable covers shall conform to the following:

a) (Exception) Fixed and movable cover plates shall be designed to meet
the design pressure without the aid of stiffeners.
b) Frame length shall be such as to permit future installation of a
minimum of 20% additional plates.
c) All exchangers shall be equipped with a protective metal shroud.
7.6.6 (Exception) The Exchanger Manufacturer shall provide details of the

reaction at the support points.
7.7 Connections
7.7.10 (Exception) Unless calculated loadings are approved by Saudi Aramco

Engineer, loadings shown in API Table 2 shall be used.
7.7.11 The sizes of inlet and outlet connections, if specified on the data sheet, shall
be verified by the Exchanger Manufacturer at time of proposal.
7.7.12 In no case shall the thickness of nozzle necks be less than ANSI Standard
Weight pipe wall thickness.
7.7.13 Inlet and outlet connections shall be of the following types:

1) Forged steel long welding neck flange.
2) Forged steel welding neck flange with seamless pipe, or rolled plate
with 100% radiography. The bores of flanges shall match the bores of
nozzle.
3) Slip-on type flanges with seamless pipe nozzle necks (or rolled plate
with 100% radiography) up to and including 120°C (248°F) design
metal temperature and 1.7 MPa (200 psig) pressure.
4) Studded nozzles or proprietary designs may be offered as alternatives
provided their design is in accordance with the applicable code.
7.7.14 Threaded nozzle and fitting connections shall not be used.
7.7.15 Flanges shall be in accordance with ASME B16.5 pressure rating.

Page 11 of 37
7.7.16 The ends of butt-welded connections shall be in accordance with

ASME B16.25.
7.7.17 Unless otherwise specified on the data sheet, the minimum projections for
nozzle necks, as measured from the outside surface of the cover 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.
c) For exchangers 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.
7.7.18 The quantities, sizes, ratings, (ASME pressure classes), facings, elevations,
and orientations of nozzles shall be as specified on the data sheet.
7.7.19 Flange bolt holes shall straddle the normal horizontal and vertical centerlines
of the exchanger.
7.7.20 Attachment Details for Nozzles and their Connections
7.7.20.1 All nozzles necks shall be attached by complete fusion full penetration
welds.
7.7.21 Nozzles less than 2-inch NPS are not permissible.
7.7.22 Flange Ratings (ASME Pressure Classes) and Facings
7.7.22.1 The ASME pressure classes and facings shall be as specified on the data sheet.
7.7.22.2 Pressure ratings shall be in accordance with ASME B16.5.
7.7.23 Gasket seating surfaces shall comply with the following:

a) For spiral wound gaskets, 125 to 250 AARH, in all services.
b) The sidewalls of rings joint flanges in all services, 63 AARH.
c) For Nonmetallic gaskets, 250 to 500 AARH.
7.7.24 Machined surfaces other than gasket contact faces shall not exceed
500 AARH.
7.7.25 Flatness of gasket contact surfaces shall be measured after completion of all
welding and any required PWHT.
Page 12 of 37
7.8 Plate Gaskets
7.8.6 The service temperature of the gaskets shall not exceed the values in below
table.

Page 13 of 37
Service Temperature
Maximum Service
Gasket Material Service
Temperature
Natural rubber, styrene, neoprene 70°C Non-Oil Resistant
Nitrile 100°C Oil Resistant
Resin-cured butyl 120°C Non-Oil Resistant
Ethylene/propylene 140°C Oil Resistant
Silicone 140°C Oil Resistant
The use of other gasket materials may be proposed for the consideration of
the Saudi Aramco Engineer.
7.8.7 Heat transfer plate edges and cover plates shall be sealed with elastomeric
gaskets.
7.8.8 Gaskets shall be one-piece dual-type.
7.9 Handling Devices
The exchanger shall be provided with four lifting lugs or eyes arranged to
allow for a single-point of lift capable of supporting the weight of the entire
exchanger.
7.10. Anchor Bolts
7.10.1 The Exchanger Manufacturer shall determine the size and number of anchor
bolts required.
7.10.2 Anchor bolts shall be in compliance with Standard Drawing AA-036322

Sheet 001 (Revision 07 or later).
7.10.3 Anchor bolts shall not be less than ¾” (M20) minimum nominal diameter.
7.10.4 The design of anchor bolts shall be in accordance with the requirements of
Appendix D of ACI 318.
7.10.5 Anchor bolts that are exposed to the weather in coastal areas, subjected to
frequent wash downs, or subjected to firewater deluge testing shall have
their diameters increased by 3 mm as a corrosion allowance.
7.10.6 Anchor bolts shall be designed for load combinations, based on the allowable
stress design method (Service Loads) in accordance with SAES-M-001.

Page 14 of 37
7.10.7 Anchor bolts shall straddle exchanger centerlines on the north-south,

east-west axes.
7.10.8 Design of anchor bolts shall be based on the following allowable stresses:
a) 0.264 of Ultimate Tensile Strength (tension).
b) 0.176 of Ultimate Tensile Strength (shear).
7.11 The allowable concrete bearing stress to be used for the design of baseplates
(mounting feet) shall be 10340 kPa (1400 psi).
7.12 Joint Efficiency
7.12.1 A joint efficiency of 85% or higher shall be specified for the design of all
pressure containing components of ASME SEC VIII D1 exchangers.
7.13 Loads
7.13.1 Wind and Earthquake Loads

a) The Exchanger Manufacturer shall calculate the static effects of loads
due to wind and the effects due to earthquake loads acting on the
exchanger in the operating position in accordance with requirements of
this specification.
b) Wind and earthquake loads shall be calculated for the exchanger in
accordance with ASCE 7 (2005 Edition), using Occupancy Category
IV and based on design data corresponding to the site location per
SAES-A-112.
c) Wind pressures shall be assumed to act on the projected surface area of
the exchanger and shall include due allowances for any platforms,
ladders, piping, insulation, and equipment supported from the
exchanger as specified on the datasheet.
d) Earthquake loads shall include due allowances for platforms, ladders,
piping, insulation, and equipment supported from the exchanger as
7.13.2 Dead Weights of an Exchanger
Design of exchangers shall consider the following dead loads:

a) Weight of exchanger including internals and supports (e.g., lugs, etc.).

Page 15 of 37
b) Weight of exchanger contents under operating and pressure testing

conditions.
c) Weight of attached equipment such as valves and piping.
7.13.3 Piping, Equipment, and External Loads

a) The Exchanger Manufacturer shall ensure that local stresses imposed
on an exchanger due to piping (other than the dead load), equipment,
lifting, supports and other external loads do not exceed the allowable
limits in accordance with the applicable code.
b) Refer to the data sheet for piping and equipment loads imposed on an
exchanger.
7.13.4 Thermal Loads
Thermal Loads are loads caused by thermal transients and restraining

thermal expansion/ interaction of the exchanger and/ or its support(s).
7.14 Load Combinations
7.14.1 All components of an exchanger, including its support(s), shall be designed

to withstand stresses resulting from load combinations in accordance with,
but not be limited to, those shown in Table 4.1.2 of ASME SEC VIII D2.
7.14.2 Anchor bolts shall be designed for load combinations, based on the allowable
stress design method (Service Loads) in accordance with SAES-M-001.
7.14.3 All components of an exchanger shall be designed to withstand the intended

test pressure (full hydrostatic or pneumatic) in the erected position.
Hydrostatic test pressure shall include the higher value of the following:
a) Maximum operating liquid static head, including flooded condition.
b) Test water static head in the erected position
7.14.4 Combined stresses due to test pressure, including static head, and minimum
of 50% of wind load shall be within the following allowable limits, based on
the lowest Specified Minimum Yield Strength (SMYS) of the materials of
construction at test temperature:
1) ASME SEC VIII D2, paragraph 4.1.6.2(a) for full hydrostatic test.
2) ASME SEC VIII D2, paragraph 4.1.6.2(b) for pneumatic test.

Page 16 of 37
7.14.5 The use of a pneumatic test may be considered when it will result in
significant cost savings in the exchanger and/or its supporting structural /
foundation. Such test requires prior approval of the Saudi Aramco Inspector.
7.14.6 Loads (moments or forces) acting on an exchanger due to external piping

that will affect the overall integrity of the exchanger shall be added to
moments and forces due to other external primary loads (weight, wind, or
earthquake loads). Addition of piping loads shall be based on performing
stress analysis.
7.14.7 Stress Analysis
7.14.7.1 Where applicable, the requirements for thermal stress and fatigue stress
analyses shall be as specified on the data sheet. Analysis methods and stress
combination limits presented in Division 2, Section 5, shall be used for
exchangers under scope of Division 1 and Division 2. However, allowable
stresses shall be taken from the respective tables of ASME SEC II for each
division for the corresponding material and temperature.
7.14.7.2 The Design Engineer is responsible for specifying the heat transfer
coefficients to be used for all thermal stress analysis.
7.14.7.3 Local Stress Analysis
Stress analysis due to piping, equipment, lifting, supports and other external
loads shall be completed in accordance with the procedures as detailed in
WRC 537, WRC 297, or a finite element analysis.
7.15 Clips and Non-pressure Retaining Attachments
7.15.1 General
The Exchanger Manufacturer shall supply and install all clips and
attachments as specified on the data sheet.
7.15.2 Shroud Support
7.15.2.1 Support for shroud system shall be according to the data sheet.
7.15.2.2 The Exchanger Manufacturer shall supply and install supports required for
shroud.
7.15.3 Fireproofing Supports
7.15.3.1 Support for fireproofing system shall be according to the data sheet.
Page 17 of 37
7.15.3.2 The Exchanger Manufacturer shall supply and install supports required for
fireproofing materials.
7.15.4 Grounding Lugs
All exchangers shall be provided with two grounding lug connections in

accordance with PIP VEFV1100.
7.15.6 All external attachments, including clips, welded directly to pressure-

retaining parts, shall be fully seal welded.
7.16 Coatings and Painting Systems
7.16.1 Type of coating and painting systems shall be as specified on the data sheet.
7.16.2 Surfaces to be coated shall be cleaned and prepared prior to its coating in
accordance with SAES-H-001.
7.16.3 Gasket contact surfaces shall be properly protected from blasting and shall
not be coated or painted.
7.17 General
7.17.1 Where more than one exchanger of identical design, pressure rating, and
materials is required for the same service, the exchangers shall be inter-
changeable.
7.18 Nominal Thickness
7.18.1 Nominal thickness of covers shall not be less than the following:
a) Carbon steels, 6 mm.
b) Low chrome alloy steels, 5 mm.
8 Materials
8.5 All materials required for pressure and non-pressure components shall be as
8.6 Prior approval by the Saudi Aramco Engineer is required for use of
alternative materials of construction. Alternative materials must comply
with all the requirements of the applicable code and this specification.

Page 18 of 37
8.7 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.
8.8 Material test report is requested to be certified as per 175-323300.
8.9 All materials shall be alloy-verified by the Exchanger Manufacturer in

accordance with SAES-A-206 requirements.
8.10 Materials of construction (pressure-retaining parts of exchanger and non-

pressure retaining attachments) shall be tested to verify that their mechanical
properties (strength, toughness, creep-resistance, etc.) will be retained,
considering all of the following thermal treatments that could affect the
material:
a) All heat treatment cycles that will be required for the fabrication of the
exchanger, including as applicable: normalizing, normalizing and
tempering, quenching and tempering, intermediate stress relief (ISR),
and final postweld heat treatment (PWHT),
b) One PWHT cycles to account for future repairs and/or alterations.
8.11 As an alternative to material qualification requirements per paragraph 8.10

of this specification for carbon steel standard flanges (according to
ASME B16.5) and nozzle pipe that do not require impact testing, materials
of construction shall have minimum 70 MPa (10 ksi) over their specified
minimum yield strength and ultimate tensile strength values.
8.12 Materials for exchangers exposed to SSC environments shall be in

accordance with the following:
a) Standard flanges and flanged fittings (i.e., flanges and flanged fittings
under the scope of ASME B16.5) are restricted to: SA-350 (Grade LF1
or Grade LF2).
b) Special forgings (long weld neck flanges, non-standard forged flanges,
etc.) are restricted to: SA-266 (Grades 2 or 4), SA-350 (Grade LF1 or
Grade LF2), and SA-765 Grade II.
c) Studs are restricted to: SA-193 B7M or SA-320 L7M.
d) Nuts are restricted to: SA-194 Grade 2HM.
e) It shall satisfy the requirements of NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 and
NACE SP0472.

Page 19 of 37
8.13 Material for nameplate mounting brackets shall be of the same type and
material grade as the pressure retaining component to which it is attached.
8.14 External attachments welded to the exchanger shall be of the same material
as the exchanger wall base material.
8.15 Material of construction for anchor bolts shall be ASTM A193 / A193M,
ASTM F1554 Grade 36 or ASTM F1554 Grade 105 with the corresponding
material of construction for nuts according to SASD AA-036322.
8.16 SA-105 shall not be used for applications requiring impact testing.
8.17 SA-266 (Grade 2 or Grade 4) may be used for applications requiring impact
testing, provided the energy values at the impact test temperature per this
specification are satisfied.
8.18 Materials for exchanger exposed to HIC environments with normal

operating temperature up to and including 150°C (300°F) shall be in
accordance with the following:
i) All components (covers, nozzle, etc.) formed from plate shall be
manufactured from HIC resistant steels that meet the testing
requirements of 01-SAMSS-016.
ii) Piping components (such as nozzle necks, elbow, etc.) made from
rolled and welded plate used in the manufacture of a heat exchanger
within the scope of this specification shall be manufactured from HIC
resistant steels that meet the testing requirements of 01-SAMSS-016.
Wrought piping components shall meet the requirements of
02-SAMSS-005. Forged piping components do not require HIC
testing. Welded pipes shall meet the requirements of 01-SAMSS-043.
8.19 All components shall be fabricated and machined by Saudi Aramco

approved heat exchanger manufacturers.
8.20 All raw materials used for exchanger components shall be procured from
approved Saudi Aramco suppliers per applicable commodities included in
SAES-L-101.
8.21 All heat exchanger flanges shall be procured in accordance with

02-SAMSS-011 requirements from approved Saudi Aramco suppliers.
8.22 All heat exchanger nozzles “made from pipes” shall be procured in
accordance with 01-SAMSS-043 and 01-SAMSS-046 requirements from
approved Saudi Aramco suppliers.
Page 20 of 37
8.23 All heat exchanger forged and wrought fittings shall be procured in accordance
with 02-SAMSS-005 requirements from approved Saudi Aramco suppliers.
8.24 HIC Resistant Materials
Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) resistant steel shall be qualified in

accordance with 01-SAMSS-016. HIC resistant steel shall be procured from
Saudi Aramco approved manufacturers.
8.25 Tie-bolts shall be ASTM A193 Grade B7 with ASTM A194 Grade 2H nuts.
Bolts and nuts shall be either ceramic coated, Teflon coated, or nickel plated.
8.26 Inlet and outlet connections for sea water service shall be clad with a
corrosion resistant metallic lining or shall be solid alloy material.
The alloy/lining material shall be the same as for the heat transfer plates.
8.27 Gaskets
The materials of construction for spiral wound gaskets shall be as follows

with flexible filler suitable for the intended service:
Service Winding Filler Guiding Ring(s)

Design Temperature Solid outer;
Type 304 or 316 SS Graphite
above 0°C to 425°C Carbon Steel (CS)
Solid inner and
Design Temperature
Type 321 or 347 SS Vermiculite outer; Type 304 or
above 425°C
316 SS
8.28 Impact Testing
8.28.1 The Exchanger Manufacturer is responsible of determining the required

Charpy impact energy value(s) based on the impact test temperature specified
on the data sheet and the purchased exchanger’s component thickness.
8.28.2 Impact test temperature for a component of an exchanger shall be as

8.28.3 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

Page 21 of 37
3) As specified by the licensor’s specification, but not less than

34/27 Joules
Commentary Notes:
a) The first number of required energy values is the minimum average energy of
three specimens and the second number is the minimum for one specimen of
the impact test results.
b) Minimum acceptable Charpy impact energy values are applicable to
Division 1 and Division 2 exchangers.
8.28.4 For Div. 1 exchangers 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 exchangers 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.
8.28.5 Impact testing of materials and welding procedures are required when test
temperature is lower than -28°C.
9 Fabrication
9.1.1 (Exception) All welding shall be in accordance with the requirements of

SAES-W-010 and SAES-W-016.
9.1 Welding
9.1.2 (Exception) All welded joints shall be complete fusion full penetration welds.
9.1.3 Dissimilar metal welds (DMW) are not permitted in sulfide stress cracking
environment as defined in this specification.
9.1.4 Following maximum allowable carbon equivalent, based on thickness before

forming (t) shall be met for exchangers intended for sulfide stress cracking
environment.
Thickness (mm) Carbon Equivalent (%)

6 < t ≤ 60 0.43
60 < t ≤ 100 (0.00125*t – 0.075) + 0.43
t > 100 0.48
9.1.5 The method of weld overlay shall be such as to produce a minimum of

3.2 mm thickness meeting the specified chemical composition of the
specified weld overlay material.
Page 22 of 37
9.1.6 Welding procedures shall be qualified considering all of the thermal

treatments that could affect the material plus one additional cycles to
account for future repairs and/or alterations (refer to paragraph 8.10 of this
specification).
9.1.7 For services requiring impact test, welding procedures shall be qualified for
at least 80% of the time for any heat treatment after welding required per
paragraphs 8.10 (a) and 8.10 (b) of this specification.
9.1.8 Production Test Coupons, if required as per code, shall be subject after
welding to the production heat treatment time per paragraphs 8.10 (a) and
8.10 (b) of this specification.
9.1.9 Production test coupons are required for hot forming. The coupons shall
simulate all heat treatment cycles expected during and after forming, and any
post weld heat treatment cycles by exchanger manufacturer specified per
paragraph 8.10 of this specification. The tests to be performed shall include,
but not limited to, all of the mechanical tests required by the original
material specification.
9.1.10 In addition to the requirement of paragraph 9.1.7 of this specification,

welding procedures and production test coupons (if required by code) for
exchangers in sour service shall be subject to additional supplementary
impact and hardness tests with one PWHT cycle. Hardness testing shall
comply with NACE MR0175/ISO 15156.
9.1.11 When production test coupons require multiple thermal heat treatment cycles
to be simulated, the multiple cycles shall not be combined into one cycle.
9.5 Heat Treatment
9.5.1 Postweld heat treatment (PWHT) shall be done when required by the
applicable code or when specified on the data sheet.
9.5.2 Code exemptions for postweld heat treatment (PWHT) of ferritic materials
based on the use of austenitic or nickel-based electrodes are not permitted
for exchangers in sulfide stress cracking environments as defined in this
specification.
9.5.3 The maximum post weld heat treating soaking temperature for quenched and
tempered carbon steel materials shall not exceed either the tempering
temperature shown on the Mill Test Reports or the following:
 650°C maximum for carbon steel
Page 23 of 37
9.5.4 Final postweld heat treatment (PWHT) shall follow all welding and repairs
but shall be performed prior to any hydrotest or other load test.
9.5.5 A sign shall be painted on a postweld heat treated exchanger and located
such that it is clearly visible from grade:
"Caution – Exchanger Has Been Postweld Heat Treated – Do Not Weld"
9.5.6 Postweld heat treatment (PWHT) shall be in accordance with the

requirements of SAES-W-010 and this specification.
9.5.7 The holding temperature for post weld heat treatment for carbon steel
exchangers shall be 620°C – 650°C (1,150°F – 1,200°F).
9.5.8 It is the responsibility of the Exchanger Manufacturer to ensure structural

stability of the exchanger that will undergo PWHT, considering but not
limited to the following:
a) Dead weight at intended PWHT soaking temperature.
b) Temperature gradients in equipment wall due to the intended PWHT
procedure.
c) Mechanical restraints that may prevent the equipment from free
movement (expansion/ contraction) during PWHT.
9.6 Dimensional Tolerances
9.6.1 Fabrication tolerances shall be in accordance with the more stringent of the
applicable code and PIP document VEFV1100.
9.6.2 Use of fitness-for-service assessment methodology to qualify the design of

components that do not satisfy the fabrication tolerances according to this
specification is prohibited.
9.7 Forming
9.7.1 Plate edge laminations, revealed by examination method, shall be completely

removed and repaired.
9.7.2 Inlet and outlet connections shall be ground flush to the inside of cover plates.
9.8 Bolt up of flanges, irrespective of bolt diameter shall be according to

ASME PCC-1 requirements.

Page 24 of 37
9.9 It is prohibited to cover butt welds in wall of exchangers that will undergo
PWHT by structural attachments (with or without reinforcing pads).
10 Inspection and Testing
10.1 Quality Control
10.1.4 The responsibility for examination rests with the Exchangers Manufacturer in
accordance with the applicable code and the requirements of this specification.
10.1.5 Exchangers manufactured in accordance with this specification are subject to

verification by the Saudi Aramco Inspector in accordance with Saudi
Aramco Inspection Requirements Form 175-323300.
10.1.6 All required Nondestructive Examination (NDE) shall be performed in

accordance with inspection procedures that are in complete compliance with
ASME SEC V and this specification. This written procedure shall address
each inspection method and technique used including acceptance criteria.
The procedure(s) shall be submitted to Saudi Aramco Inspection Department
for approval.
10.1.7 All Nondestructive Examination, including Magnetic Particle and Liquid

Penetrant examinations, shall be performed by personnel certified in
accordance with ASNT CP-189, or equivalent National Certification
Programs that has been approved by the Saudi Aramco Inspection
Department. Personnel responsible for interpretation of Nondestructive
Examination results shall be certified to a minimum of Level II.
10.1.8 All required NDE for final acceptance of the exchanger shall be performed
after the completion of all welding and repairs and prior to pressure testing.
In exchangers requiring PWHT, all NDE for final acceptance shall be
performed after the final PWHT.
10.1.9 Use of fitness-for-service assessment methodology to qualify exchanger

welding joints that do not satisfy the applicable construction code acceptance
criteria is prohibited.
10.1.10 All pressure and non-pressure welds in exchangers that are not required to
undergo PWHT shall be visually inspected where accessible. All segments of
longitudinal, circumferential weld seams covered or rendered inaccessible by
internals, lifting lugs or other attachments shall be fully radiographed over the
entire affected length plus minimum 50 mm (2 inches) either side prior to
installation of the attachment.

Page 25 of 37
10.1.11 Additional examination of any weld joint at any stage of the fabrication may
be requested by the Saudi Aramco Inspector, including re-examination of
previously examined joints. The Saudi Aramco Inspector also has the right
to request or conduct independent NDE of any joint. If such examination
should disclose nonconformance to the requirements of the applicable code
or this specification, all repair and NDE costs shall be done at the Exchanger
Manufacturer's expense.
10.1.12 All necessary safety precautions shall be taken for each examination method.
10.1.13 Surface irregularities, including weld reinforcement, inhibiting accurate

interpretation of the specified method of nondestructive examination shall be
ground smooth.
10.1.14 Examination of all welds shall include a band of base metal at least one inch
wide on each side of the weld.
10.1.15 The Saudi Aramco Inspector shall have free access to the work at all times.
10.1.16 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.
10.1.17 Saudi Aramco reserves the right to inspect, photograph, and/or videotape all
material, fabrication, coating, and workmanship and any materials, equipment,
or tools used or to be used for any part of the work to be performed.
10.1.18 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 of damage to Saudi Aramco property.
10.1.19 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.
10.1.20 The Exchanger Manufacturer shall provide the Saudi Aramco Inspector all
reasonable facilities to satisfy him that the work is being performed as
specified.
10.1.21 The Exchanger Manufacturer shall furnish, install, and maintain in a safe
operating condition all necessary scaffolding, ladders, walkways, and
lighting for a safe and thorough inspection.

Page 26 of 37
10.1.22 Prior to final inspection and pressure testing, the inside and outside of the
exchanger shall be thoroughly cleaned of all slag, scale, dirt, grit, weld
spatter, paint, oil, etc.
10.1.23 Inspection at the mill, shop, or fabrication yard shall not release the Exchanger
Manufacturer from responsibility for repairing or replacing any defective
material or workmanship that may be subsequently discovered in the field.
10.1.24 Radiographic Examination
10.1.24.1 All radiography shall be performed with intensifying screens. Only lead or
lead foil (fluoro-metallic) screens shall be permitted unless otherwise
approved by the Saudi Aramco Inspection Department.
10.1.24.2 Tungsten inclusions in Gas Tungsten Arc welds shall be evaluated as

individual rounded indications. Clustered or aligned tungsten inclusions
shall be removed and repaired.
10.1.24.3 Radiography examination requirements for weld joints categories A, B, C,

and D shall be according to Table 1 of this specification.
10.1.25 Ultrasonic Examination
10.1.25.1 Ultrasonic examination requirements for weld joints categories A, B, C, and D

shall be according to Table 1 of this specification.
10.1.25.2 All plates with thickness more than and including 50 mm (2.0 inches) shall
be ultrasonically examined by the Exchangers Manufacturer in accordance
with ASTM SA578. Acceptance criteria shall be Level C of SA-578.
10.1.25.3 Plates with thickness more than 12.5 mm (0.5 in) and less than 50 mm (2.0 in)
shall be ultrasonically examined by the Exchangers Manufacturer in
accordance with ASME SA-435. Any area where one or more discontinuities
produce a continuous total loss of back reflection accompanied by continuous
indications on the same plane (within 5% of plate thickness) that cannot be
encompassed within a 25 mm (1 in) diameter circle is unacceptable.
10.1.25.4 100% ultrasonic examination is required for the following weld joints:
a) Butt-welds in exchanger supports.
b) Full-penetration welds in external attachments (supports, brackets,
lugs, etc.) to pressure retaining parts.

Page 27 of 37
10.1.25.5 All forgings shall be 100% ultrasonically examined by the Exchangers

Manufacturer in accordance with ASME SA388. Acceptance criteria shall
be in accordance with ASME SEC VIII D2, paragraph 3.3.4.2. Indications
per ASME SEC VIII D2, paragraphs 3.3.4.3 and 3.3.4.4 are not acceptable.
10.1.25.6 100% conventional ultrasonic examination is required for all full penetration
welds in exchanger supports. Alternatively, 100% radiography examination
shall be used.
10.1.25.7 For UT methods that generate permanent records, the manufacturer shall
provide a calibration block according to requirements of ASME SEC V,
without reference reflectors, solely for Saudi Aramco’s use. Reference
reflectors shall be embedded in the block by Saudi Aramco Inspection
Department to verify capabilities of the manufacturer’s equipment /
technique / personnel for employing such methods. Calibration blocks shall
be submitted for evaluation by the Inspection Department prior to
commencement of any work
10.1.26 Magnetic Particle Examination
10.1.26.1 Permanent magnetic yokes are not permitted.
10.1.26.2 Prods are not permitted for use on air-hardenable materials, materials which
require impact testing, and on the fluid side of pressured components for
exchangers in environments containing wet H2S.
10.1.26.3 Except for non-ferro magnetic materials, magnetic particle examination

using an AC yoke is required for the following welds:
a) Pressure containing weld joints categories A, B, C, and D per Table 1
of this specification.
b) Welds in exchanger support.
c) Attachment welds to the exchanger.
d) Areas where temporary attachments have been removed.
e) Arc strike areas.
Internal welds shall be examined with Wet fluorescent MPI. External welds
shall be examined with wet visible MPI or Wet fluorescent MPI.
Notes: 1. If wet visible MPI is used, a white color contrast coating shall be
applied prior to the examination.

Page 28 of 37
2. Examination shall be performed at the root pass and final weld surface
for items a), b), and c).
10.1.26.4 All edges prepared for welding and all openings in ferromagnetic exchangers
shall be 100% magnetic particle examined in accordance with the applicable
code.
10.1.26.5 Forgings shall be examined on all surfaces, utilizing wet fluorescent

magnetic particle method after final machining. All defects shall be
removed and repaired by welding in accordance with SAES-W-010.
(Exception: Liquid penetrant examination is acceptable as an alternative to
magnetic particle examination for welding edges.)
10.1.27 Liquid Penetrant Examination
10.1.27.1 For non-ferro magnetic materials, liquid penetrant examination shall be used
for the following welds:
a) Pressure containing weld joints categories A, B, C, and D per Table 1

of this specification.
b) Welds in exchanger support.
c) Attachment welds to the exchanger.
d) Areas where temporary attachments have been removed.
e) Arc strike areas.

Note: Examination shall be performed at the root pass and final weld surface for
items a), b), and c).
10.1.27.2 All edges prepared for welding and all openings in non-ferromagnetic
exchangers shall be 100% liquid penetrant examined in accordance with the
applicable code.
10.1.28 Weld hardness testing shall be in accordance with the requirements of

SAES-W-010.
10.2 Hydrostatic Testing
10.2.8 Water used for pressure testing shall be potable. For exchangers
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
exchanger. The hydrostatic test pressure shall be held for a minimum of half
an hour.

Page 29 of 37
10.2.9 After completion of all external and internal welding, nondestructive

examination, repair and heat treatment, as applicable, and prior to painting,
exchangers shall be pressure tested using water as the testing media in
accordance with the applicable code and this specification.
10.2.10 Pneumatic testing for exchangers to be pressure tested at final erection site
within Saudi Aramco facility requires the approval of Saudi Aramco
Inspection Department.
10.2.11 Pressure testing for acceptance of the exchanger shall not be made prior to
the final postweld heat treatment.
10.2.12 The use of shellacs, glues, lead, etc., on gaskets during testing is prohibited.
No paint or primer shall be applied to an exchanger prior to hydrostatic
testing.
10.2.13 The Exchanger Manufacturer shall furnish all test materials and facilities,
including blinds, bolting, and gaskets.
10.2.14 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.
10.2.15 The manufacturer shall supply the following:

a) Minimum two sets of spare gaskets with a blind flange for each
blinded nozzle in the exchanger.
b) Minimum one set of service gasket set and two sets of spare gaskets for
each nozzle with companion flanges in the exchanger.
c) All bolting with minimum 10% spare bolting (3 minimum for each
size) per exchanger.
d) Minimum one set of plate gaskets.
10.2.16 After completion of exchanger testing, the exchanger shall be completely

drained and thoroughly dried including surfaces of internals. For exchangers
made completely of stainless steels and exchangers internally cladded or
weld-overlaid with these materials, pickling and passivation shall be applied
according to ASTM A380.
Notes: After complete draining of water used for hydrostatic test, the exchangers
shall be dried completely to a dew point that will ensure a dew point of
(-1°C) or less at the exit points.

Page 30 of 37
The inspection representative must witness and verify the equipment

complete water draining and moisture draying.
10.2.17 All welded attachments provided with telltale holes shall be pneumatically
tested at minimum 100 kPa (15 psig) prior to heat treatment and exchanger
pressure testing. Telltale holes must not be plugged during the exchanger
pressure test.
10.2.18 Minimum test pressure of the exchanger shall be:
10.2.18.1 Hydrostatic Pressure Test

a) For Division 1 exchangers per paragraph UG-99(b):
PT=1.3 MAWP (ST/S)
b) For Division 2 exchangers per paragraph 8.2.1:
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 exchanger is
constructed.
10.2.18.2 Pneumatic Pressure Test

a) For Division 1 exchangers per paragraph UG-100(b):
PT = 1.1 MAWP (ST/ S)
b) For Division 2 exchangers per paragraph 8.3:
PT = 1.15 MAWP (ST/ S)
10.2.19 Testing Conditions

a) Metal temperature throughout an exchanger shall be maintained at all
times during pressure testing as follows:

Page 31 of 37
1. At least 17°C (30°F) above the warmest MDMT based on the

temperature values on the impact test exemption curves of the
applicable code, considering materials of construction for all of
the exchanger’s components.
2. Not below 15°C (59°F).
3. Not above 50°C (122°F), unless there is information on the brittle
characteristics of the equipment material indicating that a higher
test temperature is needed.
b) The temperature of the test water shall be maintained at least 15°C
(59°F) at all times during hydrostatic testing.
c) For pneumatic testing, medium test temperature shall be maintained at
least 11°C (20°F) above the dew point temperature of the testing
medium at all times during pneumatic testing. When compressed air is
used, testing shall be performed when the dew point of air is between
-20°C to -70°C (-4°F to -94°F).
d) The test pressure shall not be applied until the exchanger and the test
fluid are at about the same temperature.
10.2.20 Exchangers shall be protected from being over pressured, while being
pressure tested, by use of pressure test relief valve(s) meeting the following:
a) Relief valves shall prevent pressure from rising more than 3% or 5 psi,
whichever is greater, above the test pressure, provided that requirements
of paragraph 7.14.4 of this specification are met.
b) Sizing of relief valve(s) shall be according to API RP520, Part I.
c) The relief valve(s) shall be tested, dated, and tagged within one week
prior to the pressure test.
d) The pressure test relief valve shall be accompanied with a calibration
certificate that includes the cold differential test pressure (CDTP), test
date and the spring range. The CDTP shall be within the spring range.
10.3 Nameplates
10.3.2(d) (Addition) The nameplate shall include the code stamping.
10.3.3 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.
Page 32 of 37
10.3.4 Each exchanger shall be identified by a nameplate and marked with the
information required by the applicable code and the requirements of this
specification.
10.3.5 Nameplate and nameplate mounting brackets shall be located such that the
nameplate will not be covered and is easily readable from grade or platform.
Brackets shall extend from the outside of the exchanger 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.
10.3.6 Exchangers shall be code stamped for all services in accordance with the
applicable code.
10.3.7 The mounting bracket shall be continuously seal-welded and positioned such
as not to allow for collection of moisture or rain.
10.3.8 Nameplate for internally coated exchangers shall show: the Saudi Aramco
Painting System Numbers, type of coating, brand name, and date of
application.
10.4 Manufacturing Repairs
10.4.1 The Saudi Aramco Engineer must review and approve crack repair
procedures, required by the applicable code, prior to commencement of the
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.
10.4.2 After completion of repairs required by the applicable code, the following
shall be repeated:
a) Heat treatment of the repaired section if it has been heat-treated prior
to the repairs.
b) All nondestructive examinations (radiography, magnetic particle, dye-
penetrant, etc.) performed on the repaired section prior to the repairs.
c) A weld map of all repairs shall be made a part of the final exchanger
documentation. The weld map shall include the nondestructive
examination procedure and results, the welding procedure
specifications and stress relief charts.

Page 33 of 37
11 Preparation for Shipment
11.5 Prior to shipping, exchangers are to be completely and thoroughly dried and
cleaned from all loose scales, weld slags, dirt, and debris to the satisfaction
of the Saudi Aramco Inspector.
11.6 All threaded connections shall be protected with threaded plugs of

compatible materials and by the use of an appropriate lubricant containing a
vapor phase corrosion inhibitor (VpCI).11.7 The Exchanger
Manufacture shall protect the equipment from mechanical and corrosion
damage in order to assure that the equipment will be serviceable after
shipping, storage, and construction. The duration of these activities is
assumed to be 24 months. If longer period is specified, the required
protection measures shall be determined on a case-by-case basis.
11.8 Flanged connections and all other machined surfaces shall be protected by a
coating suitable for the metallurgy of the exchanger and can be easily
removed in the field. Connections shall be fitted with steel or wood cover,
3 mm thick and neoprene gaskets.
11.9 Covers shall be securely attached by a minimum of four bolts equally

spaced. For ocean shipment, flanged connections shall also be covered with
heavy-duty plastic bags securely taped to the nozzles.
11.10 Flanges with permanent blind flanges or covers shall be secured with the
gaskets and bolting specified for service.
11.11 Tell-tale holes in reinforcing pads shall be protected with wooden plugs or
packed with rust preventative grease.
11.12 Markings shall be done with water-insoluble materials that contain no

harmful substances that would attack or harmfully affect the exchanger base
metal or its coating at both ambient and design temperatures.
11.13 Marking materials shall be free of lead, sulfur, zinc, cadmium, mercury,
chlorine, or any other halogens.
11.14 Export packaging marking and shipping shall be in accordance with the
purchase order.
11.15 The Exchanger Manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that the exchangers
and internals being shipped are adequately braced and shall provide
temporary supports where appropriate to ensure adequate support of the
exchanger during shipment.
Page 34 of 37
11.16 Internal and External Protection
11.16.1 Spray interior surfaces with a vapor phase corrosion inhibitor (VpCI). The
dosage rates shall be as per VpCI manufacturer recommendations. 11.16.2
The external surfaces shall be protected by preparing the surface and
fully coating the external surfaces using the specified Saudi Aramco coating
specification prior to shipment.
11.17
Use of Nitrogen blanketing with temporary rust preventive substance such as

a vapor proof bag with moisture control is an acceptable protection measure
for carbon and low chrome alloy steels without Austenitic Stainless Steels
internally cladded or Austenitic Stainless Steels weld over-layed exchangers.
11.18 Nitrogen blanketing at a pressure of 35 kPa (5 psi) shall be provided for

Austenitic Stainless Steels or internally cladded or Austenitic Stainless
Steels weld over-layed exchangers in the following conditions:
1) During transportation (Ocean and Land).
2) At fabrication shop/site after completion of its fabrication.
3) At construction site from its arrival until its commissioning.
11.19 Nitrogen blanketing at a pressure of 35 kPa (5 psi) shall be provided for

components that cannot be protected properly by the use of vapor phase
inhibitor due to inaccessible difficulties such as internal surface.
11.20 For dry gas and liquefied gas systems, excess powder vapor phase inhibitors
shall be removed from major equipment at a convenient point in
construction operations before start-up if there could be a risk of compressor
fouling, filter plugging, or similar problems.
11.21 Bolt heads shall also be protected with a rust preventative compound to
prevent corrosion during shipment, storage, and construction.
11.22 Spare bolts shall be protected with a rust preventative compound to prevent
corrosion during shipment, storage, and construction.
11.23 Stainless steel exchangers shipped by ocean freight must be protected from
salt water, sea spray, rain, etc.

Page 35 of 37
Revision Summary
7 November 2013 Major revision to be in-line with the latest edition of API STD 662, Part 1, First Edition,
February 2011.
7 November 2017 Major revision to the standard is to: overlay and align with API STD 662, re-affirm its contents
against company needs, and clarify some requirements in the document.
29 April 2019 Editorial revision to confirm the contents

Page 36 of 37
Table 1 – Nondestructive Examination Requirements

Weld Joint Radiography Ultrasonic Liquid Penetrant (LP)
Category (RT) (UT) or Magnetic Particle (MP)
Per Design Code Criteria
A and B See Notes (2) & (3) 100%
(Spot or 100%) (1) & (3)
C 100% (3) See Notes (2) & (3) 100%
D See Note (4) See Note (4) See Note (4)
Notes:
(1) 100% RT is required for exchangers under any of the following services or design conditions:
 Weld joints requiring full radiography per the applicable code.
 Thick wall exchangers.
(2) 100% conventional UT is required.
(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 exchangers 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) 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 at the final weld surface and then 100%
conventional UT. Where PWHT is required, final surfaces of weld joints shall be examined for
acceptance after final PWHT.
b) 100% UT employing methods that generate permanent records shall be used to check the final
condition of the joint connection. Such methods must be approved by the Inspection Department prior
to commencement of any work.
c) 100% conventional UT shall be performed on the weld joints prior to the cut and prior to the
installation of the nozzles.
(5) Inspection requirements for connections attached to nozzles shall be according to note 4 of this table.

Page 37 of 37

32-SAMSS-019 (2)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

32-SAMSS-019 (2)

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

32-SAMSS-019 (2)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Materials System Specification

32-SAMSS-019 29 April 2019

Previous Issue: 18 February 2019 Next Planned Update: 7 November 2020

©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved.

1.2 Where a requirement of a licensor’s or a relevant industry standard/

1.3 Use of fitness-for-service assessment methodology to qualify exchangers’

1.4 Conflicting Requirements

Unless otherwise noted in this specification, materials or equipment supplied to this

2.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

Saudi Aramco Standard Drawing

Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements

Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets

SA-8172 Plate and Frame Type Heat Exchanger

2.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Concrete Institute

American Society of Civil Engineers

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes)

American Society for Nondestructive Testing

American Society for Testing and Materials

American Petroleum Institute

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

International Standards Organization

Process Industry Practices

Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association (TEMA)

Welding Research Council

3 Terms and Definitions

3.7 (Exception) MDMT: Minimum Design Metal Temperature determined

3.15 (Exception) Pressure Design Code: ASME SEC VIII.

3.18 (Exception) Structural Welding Code: As specified in 12-SAMSS-007.

3.19 AARH: Average arithmetic roughness height, which is a measure of

3.20 Design Engineer: The Engineering Company responsible for specifying

3.21 Exchanger Manufacturer: The Company responsible for the

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

3.23 Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) Environment: Process streams

3.24 Lethal Services: Process streams containing a concentration of

3.26 Minimum Thickness: Thickness required for withstanding all primary

3.27 Nominal Thickness: Thickness selected as commercially available, and

3.28 Saudi Aramco Buyer: The person or company authorized by Saudi

3.30 Saudi Aramco Inspector: The person or company authorized by the

3.31 Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC) Environment: Process streams that

3.32 Utility Services: Water, air, and nitrogen services.

4.2 (Exception) The Exchanger Manufacturer shall comply with applicable

manufacturer. A third party under full control and responsibility of the

4.4 Proof testing is prohibited.

4.5 No credit shall be given to thickness of integrally-bonded or weld metal

4.6 Application of ASME Code Cases to the manufacturing of exchangers

4.7 The Exchanger Manufacturer is responsible for the thermal/hydraulic design

4.8 The Exchanger Manufacturer is responsible for the manufacture of exchanger,

5 Proposal Information Required

5.11 Performance Guarantees

5.12 The proposal shall include the following information:

1) Method of plate alignment.

6 Drawings and Other Data Requirements

6.1.6 (Exception) The Exchanger Manufacturer shall prepare drawings,

6.2 Final Records

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

7.1.5 Exchangers shall be thermally designed by the Exchanger Manufacturer and