Material Selection PDF

Engineering Encyclopedia
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards
MATERIAL SELECTION
Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramco’s employees.
Any material contained in this document which is not already in the public
domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given, or disclosed to third
parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part, without the written permission
of the Vice President, Engineering Services, Saudi Aramco.
Chapter : Mechanical For additional information on this subject, contact

File Reference: MEX-101.02 PEDD Coordinator on 874-6556
Engineering Encyclopedia Piping, Pipelines & Valves
Material Selection
Section Page(s)
INFORMATION................................................................................................................5
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................5
FACTORS THAT AFFECT MATERIAL SELECTION ......................................................6
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ...............................................................................................8
Yield and Tensile Strength ....................................................................................8

Creep Strength....................................................................................................11
Material Toughness.............................................................................................13
Charpy V Notch Testing ......................................................................................14
Effect of Temperature on Toughness..................................................................16
Effect of Carbon on Toughness...........................................................................18
Effect of Heat Treatment and Grain Size ............................................................19
Effect of Chemical Composition or Alloying Elements.........................................19
Fatigue Strength .......................................................................................................20
Effects of Hardness ..................................................................................................21
Fabrication................................................................................................................21
CORROSION RESISTANCE .........................................................................................23
Suitability for Wet, Sour Service ...............................................................................26

Hydrogen Blistering.............................................................................................27
Hydrogen-Induced Cracking (Stepwise Cracking)...............................................29
Sulfide Stress Cracking .......................................................................................31
Stress Corrosion Cracking ..................................................................................32
AVAILABILITY AND COST............................................................................................34
PRIMARY PIPE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES......................................................35
Seamless Pipe..........................................................................................................36
Electric Resistance-Welded Pipe..............................................................................39
Submerged Arc-Welded Pipe ...................................................................................43
Spiral-Welded Pipe...................................................................................................44
Furnace-Welded Pipe...............................................................................................44
Joint Quality Factor...................................................................................................44
SAUDI ARAMCO LIMITATIONS ON METALLIC PIPE..................................................45
SAES and SAMSS General Limitation ................................................................45

Pipe Grade Specified Minimum (SMYS) .............................................................46
Pipe Size .............................................................................................................46
Manufacturing Process of Line Pipe....................................................................47
Low Temperature Limitation on Line Pipe & Components ..................................47
MATERIAL SELECTION PROCESS .............................................................................49
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards i

Material Selection
Basic Material for Pipe Systems, SAES-L-032....................................................50

Nelson Chart for Hydrogen Service.....................................................................50
Sample Problem1: SAES-L-032 - Crude Pipeline....................................................53
Sample Problem 2: Steam Line ...............................................................................54
Sample Problem 3: Nelson Chart ............................................................................55
Basic Material for Valves, SAES-L-008 ............................................................56
Sample Problem 4: Valve Selection.........................................................................57
Determining Applicable SAES and SAMSS for Pipe and Piping Components ....58
Industry Standards for Pipe and Piping Components..........................................58
Material Designation by Industry Standard .........................................................59
Material Selection for Low-Temperature Service ................................................61
Material Designation for Components .................................................................62
Material Selection for Lined, Coated, and Nonmetallic Piping.............................62
SAES-L-005 Piping Specification ........................................................................63
SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................65
ADDENDUM ..................................................................................................................66
ADDENDUM A: APPLICABLE SAUDI ARAMCO MATERIAL

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PIPE AND PIPING COMPONENTS .......................................69
ADDENDUM B...............................................................................................................74
INDUSTRY STANDARDS APPLICABLE FOR PIPE AND PIPING COMPONENTS.....74
ADDENDUM C...............................................................................................................82
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards ii

Material Selection
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Typical Stress-Strain Diagram for Steel ...........................................................9

Figure 2. Yield Strength (0.2% Offset Proof).................................................................10
Figure 3. Typical Curve Showing Three Stages of Creep .............................................12
Figure 4. Typical Rupture Strength of Incoloy Alloy 800HT, Also Effect of Temperature
on Tensile and Yield Strength is Clear....................................................................13
Figure 5. Line pipe rupture, crack propagated at the speed of sound ..........................15
Figure 6. Charpy V Notch Testing Machine ..................................................................16
Figure 7. Absorbed Energy Versus Temperature..........................................................17
Figure 8. Effects of Carbon Content on the Transition Curves for Steel ......................18
Figure 9. Design Fatigue Curve .....................................................................................20
Figure 10. Hydrogen Atom Diffusion Through the Steel Wall........................................27
Figure 11. Typical Hydrogen Blistering and HIC in the Wall of a Tank........................28
Figure 12. Stepwise Cracking of a Low-Strength Pipeline Steel Exposed to H2S .......30
Figure 13. Stepwise Cracking of a Low-Strength Pipeline Steel Exposed to H2S .......30
Figure 14. Mechanism of Sulfide Stress Cracking ........................................................32
Figure 15. External Stress Corrosion Cracking in a Line Pipe ......................................33
Figure 16A. Typical Seamless Pipe Manufacturing Process........................................37
Figure 16B. Typical Seamless Pipe Manufacturing Process.........................................38
Figure 17. Electric Resistance-Welding Process of the Pipe .........................................40
Figure 18A. Typical Electric Resistance-Welding Process............................................41
Figure 18B. Electric Resistance-Welding Process of the Pipe ......................................42
Figure 19. Typical Submerged Arc-Welding Process....................................................43
Figure 20. Nelson Chart For Selecting Carbon Steel And Low Alloy Steel per API
Publication 941. ......................................................................................................51
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards iii

Material Selection
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Corrosion That May Occur in All Piping Systems............................................24

Table 2. Common Corrosion Types In Plant Piping ......................................................25
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards iv

Material Selection
INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
The previous module discussed the primary types of piping
systems and the ASME/ANSI B31 codes that apply to them.
This module reviews another early step in the design of a piping
system, which is material selection. Selection of the appropriate
material sets parameters for the other facets of piping design
and is required to determine the allowable stresses for the
design. In many cases, the material engineer will select the
basic material chemistry, and material type that will be on the
process diagram. However, if there are any modifications, the
engineer will need to know how to select materials. This
module discusses the factors that influence material selection,
the methods of pipe manufacturing and their influence on
material selection, and how to use SAES and SAMSS
requirements to select material for components in a particular
service.
Achieving the objectives of this module requires the engineer to

know the purpose and organization of SAES's and SAMSS's.
The purpose of these standards was discussed in MEX 101.01.
In selecting materials, the engineer must also have knowledge

of the following:
• The basic principles of material science.
• The type of piping system and applicable codes (covered in

MEX 101.01).
• The fluid characteristics (temperature, corrosivity, H2S

content, etc.) obtained from the process engineer.
Several topics are not covered in detail. These topics are either
infrequently used and the participant should already possess
sufficient knowledge of the subject, or the topics beyond the
scope of this introductory course. Should the participant wish to
pursue these topics further; there are many resources that can
be consulted. These include textbooks and other Saudi Aramco
courses such as COE-101 “Corrosion Basics”, and COE-110
“Material Selection & Failure Analysis”. Because of the short
time available for this course, this module will cover the
applications and topics participants use most frequently.
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 5

Material Selection
FACTORS THAT AFFECT MATERIAL SELECTION

The Saudi Aramco engineer must recognize the factors that
determine the applicable SAMSS's, and the concerns
associated with particular services and the use of certain
materials. Identifying factors that affect material selection helps
the engineer make an optimal choice if more than one material
is suitable. It also helps the engineer to specify appropriate
SAMSS requirements based on fluid characteristics and
additional information that is required in material selection (i.e.,
chemistry, product form).
Several factors influence the selection of material for a particular

piping service. The most important factors include the following:
• Mechanical Strength.
• Corrosion resistance.
• Suitability for wet, sour and hydrogen services.
• Fabrication
• Availability.
• Cost.
A discussion of the first four of these factors appears below.

The remaining two factors, availability and cost, are outside the
scope of this course. The assessment of these factors will
prepare the Saudi Aramco engineer for the materials selection
process. Service environment and design conditions govern
this process.
However, Saudi Aramco Standards (SAES) and Material

Specifications (SAMSS) govern selecting material for any Saudi
Aramco facilities through the following steps:
1) Picking a basic material chemistry
a) For piping refer to SAES-L-032, “Materials Selection for

Piping Systems” and SAES-L-033.
b) For fittings refer to SAES-L-007, “Selection of Metallic

Pipe Fittings.”

Material Selection
c) For valves refer to SAES-L-008, “Selection of Valves.”
d) For flanges, gaskets and bolts refer to SAES-L-009,

“Metallic Flanges, Gaskets and Bolts for Low and
Intermediate Temperatures.”
2) Identify limitations on pipe and piping components from and

SAES-L-006,” Metallic Pipe selection.”
3) Specifying the applicable of SAMSS's.
4) Use industry standards to determine material designations
for piping components.
This process has been already completed and put together as

to make material selection easy and accurate in the standard
SAES-L-005’” Piping Material Specification”. This process will
be discussed in detail later in other sections of this module.
In order to set the basic engineering understanding and the

importance of the factors mentioned above, the following
sections will provide more details on these factors.

Material Selection
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
The mechanical strength of a material can be identified by the
following mechanical properties:
• Yield strength.
• Tensile strength.
• Creep strength.
• Toughness strength.
• Hardness.
• Fatigue strength.
Yield and Tensile

Strength
Engineering materials are selected for various applications on
the basis of the physical properties of the materials. In
construction, two of the most important properties that
determine whether a material is appropriate for an application
include tensile strength and yield strength. Design engineers
compare the rated tensile strength and yield strength of
candidate materials to the expected loads on the structural
members of the projects they design. The material ratings must
exceed the calculated loads with sufficient safety margins
before they can be selected.
Some information, such as Modulus of Elasticity, Yield Strength,

Tensile Strength, Percent Elongation, Percent Reduction in
Area, can be determined from a Stress-Strain Diagram
produced by the standard tensile test. Using a sample
machined to certain dimensions, a unidirectional load is applied
to elongate or lengthen the sample at a constant rate. The load
is usually applied until the sample fractures. The force or load
to elongate the sample to failure is continuously measured
during the test. A stress-strain diagram is produced from this
standard tensile test, which is covered by ASTM A-370.
A typical stress-strain diagram for steel is illustrated in Figure 1.

It shows that as the stress in a material increases, its
deformation also increases. Eventually a value known as the
yield strength, Point A in Figure 1, is reached. This value is the
stress that is required to produce permanent deformation in the
material. If the stress is further increased, the permanent

Material Selection
deformation continues to increase until the material fails. The

maximum stress the material attains is known as the tensile
strength and is shown by Point B in Figure 1.
If a large amount of strain occurs in going from Point A to Point

C, the rupture point, the material is called a ductile material.
Steel is an example of a ductile material. If the strain in going
from Point A to Point C is small, the material is classified as
brittle. Gray cast iron is an ideal example of a brittle material.
The Yield strength is defined as the stress required to cause

permanent deformation in a metal or alloy. Since the stress-
strain curves for many materials are smooth, there is no precise
point at which elastic behavior ends and plastic behavior begins.
By convention, the yield stress (often called the “proof stress”) is
chosen as the stress corresponding to 0.2 percent offset strain
on the engineering stress-strain curve, as shown in Figure 2. In
design work, the yield strength of metals and alloys is of critical
importance.
Figure 1. Typical Stress-Strain Diagram for Steel

Material Selection
The ultimate Tensile strength of a metal or alloy is obtained by

drawing a horizontal line from the maximum point on the stress-
strain curve to the vertical stress values on the left. The value
obtained is called the ultimate tensile strength, or just tensile
strength. During a tensile test the material may fracture at this
point or upon further loading the specimen may begin to neck
down resulting in a reduction of tensile load prior to failure.
Note how the stress values on the curve in Figure 2 begin to

decrease after reaching the ultimate tensile strength. If the
specimen necks down with a reduction in tensile load, the
material is ductile. If little or no necking occurs prior to failure,
the material is brittle and will fracture when the ultimate tensile
strength is reached.
Ductility of the material is an important mechanical property that

must be considered during the selection of material. It is
measured by Percent Elongation and Percent Reduction in
Area.
80
0.2% offset yield
70 500
strength
Engineering stress, 1000 psi
60
Engineering stress, MPa
400
50
300
40
30 0.2% offset
construction line 200
20
0.002 in. x 100% = 0.2% 100

10 in.
offset
0 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.010 0
Engineering strain, in./in.
Figure 2. Yield Strength (0.2% Offset Proof)

Material Selection
Creep Strength
Both the yield and tensile strengths decrease as temperature

increases and these strengths control the allowable stress that
is used for piping component design at temperatures below the
creep range. For a given stress, the strain in most materials
remains constant with time at about or below 400°C (750°F).
Above this temperature, even with constant stress, the strain in
the material will increase with time. This behavior is known as
creep. The temperatures above 400°C (750°F) are known as
the creep range.
Metals and alloys under continuous stress at elevated
temperatures may deform by creep. Figure 3, Typical Creep
Curve, shows the relationship between strain versus time for a
tensile specimen under constant load at a constant elevated
temperature.
As shown in Figure 3, the three stages of creep are:
• Primary (decreasing strain rate)
• Secondary (constant strain rate)
• Tertiary (strain accelerates to failure).
From Figure 3it can be seen that the creep rate will vary during
primary creep, will reduce to a smaller but relatively constant
rate during secondary creep, and then will increase during
tertiary creep until material rupture occurs. Allowable stresses
for piping materials that operate at temperatures that are in the
creep range are typically based on the material strength in the
secondary creep stage where the creep rate is constant, and
also on the stress at rupture.

Material Selection
Figure 3. Typical Curve Showing Three Stages of Creep
The creep strength, like the yield and tensile strengths, varies
with temperature. For a particular temperature, the creep
strength of a material is the minimum stress that will rupture the
material during a specified period of time. For a specific stress
level and temperature, the time-to-rupture is determined in a
stress-rupture test. It is important to recognize that the time-to-
rupture is strongly dependent upon the temperature and stress
level of the material. The time-to-rupture increases as either
stress or temperature or both are lowered. Conversely, if the
temperature or stress level is increased, the time-to-rupture
decreases. Stress-rupture data can be presented in either
tabular or graphical form as shown in Figure 4. The data is
generated by subjecting a series of material specimens to
stresses at elevated temperature and measuring the time-to-
rupture. The stress and temperature are held constant
throughout the duration of the test. To allow extrapolation of
rupture data out to 100,000 hours, tests are usually performed
for at least 10,000 hours. Stress-Rupture curves are generated
by plotting stress versus rupture time for each test temperature.
The completed graph consists of a series of approximately

Material Selection
parallel stress versus rupture time curves, with each curve

representing a different test temperature.
100 600
1200 F (6
00C)
1300 F (7
05C)
1400 F (7 100
10 60C)
1500 F (8
15C)
Stress, MPa
1600 F (8
Stress, 1000 psi
70C )
1700 F
(925C
)
1800 F
(980C
)
1900 F (1 10
038C)
2000 F
1 (1095C
)
01
1 10 1001.00 10.00 100.00
Rupture Life. h
Figure 4. Typical Rupture Strength of Incoloy Alloy 800HT, Also Effect of

Temperature on Tensile and Yield Strength is Clear.
Material
Toughness
Although a metal may be hard and have high tensile strength, it

may not be able to withstand sudden impact loads. It is
important to recognize that some materials are very susceptible
to brittle fracture under conditions of impact loading. A good
example of this is cast iron. Consequently, a very important
property of a metal is toughness, which is a measure of its
ability to absorb energy and deform plastically prior to fracture.
Fracture of common carbon and low-alloy steels occurs in either
shear or cleavage, which depends on the state of stress, the
temperature, and the strain rate. The primary characteristics of
these fracture types are as follows:

Material Selection
Shear fracture, or ductile fracture, exhibits yielding and

deformation and will occur at some point well beyond the
Yield Point, refer to Figure 1.
Cleavage fracture, or brittle fracture, lacks the yielding and
deformation that is found in a shear fracture. A cleavage
fracture often occurs soon after first yielding of the material.
Because brittle fracture occurs with little or no prior
deformation, there is little warning before it occurs. Brittle
fracture of materials must be avoided.
Charpy V Notch Testing
Regular carbon steel pipe if it does not have enough capacity to
absorb impact energy, cracks that may develop in a line pipe
could propagate at the speed of sound until the crack is arrested
or the energy driving the crack dissipate. Extensive studies
were made to correlate Charpy V Notch value to the capacity of
the line to arrest cracks. Figure 5shows a line pipe that was
wide opened when the crack propagated. One way to
characterize the fracture behavior of a material is the amount of
energy that is necessary to initiate and propagate a crack in the
material at a given temperature. This is known as the material's
toughness. Tough materials require a relatively large amount of
energy to initiate and propagate a crack. Brittle materials
require less energy to initiate and propagate a crack.

Material Selection
Figure 5. Line pipe rupture, crack

propagated at the speed of sound
Even though the area under the stress-strain curve gives an

indication of toughness, the speed at which the force or load is
applied and notch sensitivity must also be considered. Although
there are a number of methods to measure toughness, the
Charpy V Notch (CVN) test is one of the most commonly used.
This test is illustrated in Figure 6. Using this machine, the
toughness of the metal can be determined by measuring the
energy required to fracture the sample. The amount of energy
is usually specified in joules or ft-lbs.

Material Selection
Figure 6. Charpy V Notch Testing Machine
Effect of
Temperature on
Toughness
Toughness as determined by impact tests is a very useful

property in evaluating whether a metal will fail in a brittle or
ductile mode. The toughness of BCC (body centered cubic)
metals, which includes the ferritic steels, is adversely affected
by low temperature. As the temperature is reduced, the
toughness of the steel decreases. Further reductions in
temperature will cause a change in fracture characteristics, from
ductile to brittle. The temperature at which this change occurs is
known as the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature. To avoid
potential brittle fracture problems in equipment, plots of impact
energy vs. temperature are generated for the steels used in
fabrication. These “Transition Curves” are used to verify that the
steels have adequate toughness at the minimum design metal
temperature.

Material Selection
As Figure 7shows, a material's temperature affects the amount

of energy that is required to initiate and propagate a crack. The
lower the temperature, the easier it is to have a brittle fracture in
a material. The energy versus temperature curve that is shown
in Figure 7has three zones: a brittle fracture zone, a transition
zone, and a ductile fracture zone. The transition zone defines
the temperature at which the material behavior changes from
brittle to ductile. The beginning of the transition zone is
normally taken at about 20 joules (15 ft-lb.) of absorbed energy.
Brittle Transition Ductile

Fracture Zone Fracture
Zone Zone
Mixed Mode Upper Shelf

Behavior
Clevage Shear
Easy Crack Difficult Crack

Initiation Initiation and
Propagation
20 joules
(15 ft.-lbs)
Lower Shelf
TEMPERATURE
Figure 7. Absorbed Energy Versus Temperature

Material Selection
Effect of Carbon on Toughness

Carbon has an adverse effect on the toughness property of
carbon steel, the higher the carbon content in the steel the lower
impact resistance (toughness) the steel will have. High carbon
content has two detrimental effects on toughness. It raises the
transition temperature, and lowers the maximum absorbed
energy. This can be seen in Figure 8, Transition Curves for
Steels. This figure shows the relationship between impact
strength (energy) versus temperature for various carbon steels.
Figure 8. Effects of Carbon Content on the Transition

Curves for Steel

Material Selection
Effect of Heat Treatment and Grain Size

Heat treatment affects both strength and toughness. Heat
treatment will improve the toughness properties of steel.
However, as the yield strength increases, the effectiveness of
heat treatment on toughness decreases. Steels with a small
grain size (fine-grained) must be used for low-temperature pipe,
as required by 01-SAMSS-036.
Effect of Chemical
Composition or
Alloying Elements
The major chemical elements that affect a material's toughness

and their effect are as follows:
• Manganese.
This element improves the material's toughness when used in
concentrations of up to 1.4%. 01-SAMSS-036 contains
requirements for carbon-manganese steel pipe in low-
temperature service.
• Nickel.
This element significantly increases the toughness of a material.
Up to 3% nickel is allowed by 01-SAMSS-036 for pipe.
However, for sound service, the nickel content must be less
than 1% per NACE MR-01-175.
• Oxygen, Sulfur, Molybdenum.

These elements have a detrimental effect on a material's
toughness. The amount of each of these elements is controlled
in steels that require good toughness qualities. Fully deoxidized
steel is required for pipe based on 01-SAMSS-036.

Material Selection
Fatigue Strength
The fatigue strength is an important strength factor that
influences material selection. The fatigue strength is important
for piping systems that experience either mechanical or thermal
cyclic loading. A piping system that contains a reciprocating
pump or reciprocating compressor is an example of a piping
system that experiences cyclic loading.
Figure 9 shows the allowable fatigue stress (Sa) versus the
number of loading cycles for materials that would include ASTM
A106, Gr. B carbon steel seamless pipe. The allowable fatigue
stress decreases as the number of cycles increase. Piping
systems must be designed such that a fatigue failure will not
occur during their design life.
Figure 9. Design Fatigue Curve

Material Selection
Effects of Hardness
Engineering materials used in many construction applications
are subjected to indenting stresses, which could potentially
result in structural failures. For these applications, designers
evaluate the hardness of candidate materials to determine
whether the materials are suitable for use. The hardness
property of a material is a measure of its ability to resist
deformation by an indenter. Hardness data are often used to
assess a material’s ductility. In general, for a given material the
lower the hardness the greater the ductility.
To perform a hardness test, a known load is applied to an
indenter (spherical, pyramidal, or conical) in direct contact with
the metal surface. The dimensions of the resulting indentation
are measured and the data converted to provide an indication of
hardness. The most commonly used hardness measurement
methods include Brinell, Vickers, Rockwell, Knoop, and Shore.
Fabrication
For a material to be useful in the construction of a piping
system, it must be available in the shapes or forms that are
required. In piping systems, some common shapes and forms
include the following:
• Seamless pipe.
• Plate that is used for welded pipe.
• Wrought elbows, tees, reducers, and crosses.
• Forged flanges, couplings, and valves.
• Cast valves.
For welded pipe, the used plate must be ductile enough to
permit rolling. For cross-country pipelines, the material must be
ductile to allow bending during construction to conform to
moderate changes in elevation or lateral end points.

Material Selection
The weldability of materials includes consideration of the effect

of welding on the following material properties:
• Reduction in strength.
• Reduction in toughness or ductility.
• Increase in hardness of the weld and the heat-affected zone

(HAZ).
• Inducement of residual stresses.
• Risk of stress-corrosion cracking.

Material Selection
CORROSION RESISTANCE
Corrosion of materials involves the destruction of the metal by
chemical or electrochemical attack. Corrosion of materials
takes many forms. Table-1 briefly describes some of the most
common forms of corrosion that may affect all piping systems.
Table-2 describes the forms of corrosion that are present mainly
in plant piping systems, which are usually associated with the
higher temperatures and greater concentrations of corrosive
substances that occur in plant piping. The methods that are
used to protect piping systems from the effects of corrosion
depend on the type of piping system.
Buried liquid and gas transportation piping systems are usually
coated and have cathodic protection systems installed to
prevent external corrosion. Also, coatings are sometimes used
to protect against internal corrosion, or corrosion inhibitors may
also be used to protect against internal corrosion. During the
design, transportation piping should not be designed to be
corroded due to the high initial investment cost in the material
and installation and due to complexity and high cost for
replacement and repair.
For plant piping systems that are in corrosive service, the
protection against corrosion usually comes by using alloys that
resist corrosion. The most common alloys that are used for this
purpose are chromium and nickel. Low-alloy steels, with
chromium content of 1-1/4% to 9%, and stainless steels,
increase corrosion resistance for a large number of
environments. A notable exception is austenitic stainless steel
in an environment that contains chlorides or polythionic acid
where stress-corrosion cracking may occur. Selecting a
resistant alloy, modifying the corrosive environment, and
lowering or removing chlorides overcome cracking problems.

Material Selection
Table 1. Corrosion That May Occur in All Piping Systems
Characterized by a uniform metal loss over the entire surface of

General or the material. Uniform corrosion could be accelerated if
Uniform Corrosion combined with erosion which continuously removing the
protecting oxidized layers.
Erosion is another kind of metal loss due to high-velocity fluids,
Erosion or moving fluids that contain abrasive materials such as sand.
Most of the time erosion happens at preferred directions and
locations such as elbows, turns and obstructions.
Pitting A form of localized metal loss randomly located on the material
Corrosion surface. Occurs most often in stagnant areas or areas of low-
flow velocity, particularly under deposits.
Occurs when two dissimilar metals contact each other in a
Galvanic corrosive electrolytic environment. One of the two metals,
Corrosion known as the anodic metal corrodes whilst the other “cathodic”
material does not corrode. Electrons flow from the anode to
the cathode through the material
A localized corrosion that is similar to pitting. Crevice corrosion
Crevice Corrosion occurs at places such as gaskets, lap joints, and bolts, where a
crevice can exist. This type of corrosion affects materials that
are generally noted for resistance to uniform corrosion.
Occurs when the material experiences high cyclic stresses in
Corrosion Fatigue the presence of a corrosive environment. The cyclic stresses
initiate small cracks in the metal surface. Corrosion occurs
rapidly at the crack tip, which is anodic, because the anodic
area is much smaller than the crack sides and the outer
surface, which are cathodic.
Occurs in cast iron that is exposed to salt water or weak acids.
Graphitic The iron in the cast iron corrodes away, and leaves the
Corrosion graphite in place. The result is a material that is extremely soft
but shows no apparent metal loss.
Hydrogen Occurs when atomic hydrogen at a high temperature and
Blistering and pressure diffuses into steel and collects at discontinuities. The
Hydrogen Induced atomic hydrogen then forms molecular hydrogen. Since
Cracking molecular hydrogen will not diffuse through steel, pressure
builds up inside the voided area and causes rupture of the
metal in a local area. The ruptured area appears as a blister
on the surface of the metal.

Material Selection
Occurs when the material contains high applied or residual

Stress Corrosion tensile stresses in the presence of a corrosive environment.
Stress corrosion results in small-localized cracks that have
little, if any, ductility.
Table 2. Common Corrosion Types In Plant Piping
A high-temperature reaction that occurs between certain

material alloys in an environment that contains compounds
Carburization such as carbon dioxide or methane. The carbon is
absorbed on the surface of the metal and diffuses inward.
This results in loss in ductility, weld ability, and creep
strength.
Occurs in an oxidizing or reducing environment in the
absence of carbon in the atmosphere. In decarburization,
Decarburization carbon in the steel combines with oxygen or hydrogen to
form carbon monoxide or hydrocarbons. The diffusion of
the carbon out of the steel leaves the steel softer and
weaker.
A metallurgical behavior that occurs in carbon and low-
Graphitization alloy steels at temperatures above 450°C (800°F). When
this occurs, the carbon that is normally present in steel as
Fe3C is gradually converted to graphite.
Occurs when hydrogen diffuses into steel and reacts with
High Temperature iron carbides to form methane. The methane then collects
Hydrogen at grain boundaries, and causes high intergranular
Embrittlement stresses, which ultimately leads to fissuring of the metal at
the grain boundary.
Occurs when the material contains high applied or residual
tensile stresses in the presence of a corrosive
Stress Corrosion environment. Stress corrosion results in small-localized
cracks that have little, if any, ductility.
A reduction in the toughness of low-chrome alloys (below
Temper 3% chrome) that are exposed to temperatures above
Embrittlement 400°C (750°F). Generally attributed to a weakening effect
caused by segregation at grain boundaries of elements
that are present in trace quantities.

Material Selection
Suitability for Wet, Sour Service

In the hydrocarbon industries, the material selected should be
suitable for wet sour service because the damage that could
occur in such service is sometimes catastrophic. In order to
identify whether the service is wet sour or not, SAES-L-033
provide the criteria in this matter. SAES-L-033 contains general
corrosion protection requirements for pipelines and plant piping
systems and provides the specific requirements for welded line
pipe in wet, sour service. Examples of wet sour services are the
following:
• Wet-sour gas.
• Wet, sour, multiphase service.
• Wet-sour crude or condensate.
• Sour water.
• Dry-sour gas, where a process upset could result in water

entering into or forming in the pipe.
The form of damage to the material due to hydrogen could
occur in one or more of the following forms listed below. Figure
11 shows typical failure due to HIC.
• Hydrogen Blistering
• Hydrogen-Induced Cracking (Stepwise Cracking) (HIC)
• Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC)

Saudi Aramco Standard 01-SAMSS-016 sets the requirements
to insure that carbon steel line pipe purchased is HIC resistant.
These requirements provide acceptance criteria for the
following: Material Composition, Hydrogen Induced Cracking
(HIC) Sensitivity Tests, and Nondestructive Testing.

Material Selection
Hydrogen
Blistering
Hydrogen blistering is localized deformation of a metal. Some

metal structures contain voids, inclusions, and other defects.
When hydrogen atoms diffuse through metal, some of them
collect at these defects. Hydrogen blistering occurs most often
in low-strength steels that have high sulfur content.
Hydrogen blistering occurs when hydrogen atoms combine to
form hydrogen gas inside voids or at defects in a metal. Figure
10 show hydrogen blistering occurs in the wall of a tank. The
exterior of the tank is exposed to the atmosphere. The interior of
the tank contains an acid electrolyte. Hydrogen atoms are
present on the interior surface. They are produced by corrosion
reactions between the acid electrolyte and the metal. Diffusion
of hydrogen atoms into the steel tank wall is promoted by
sulfides in the acidic water. Within the metal, the hydrogen
atoms combine to form hydrogen gas at a void or other defect.
The hydrogen gas molecules are too large to diffuse through the
metal. Therefore, hydrogen gas becomes permanently trapped
at the defect.
Figure 10. Hydrogen Atom Diffusion Through the Steel Wall

Material Selection
Tremendous pressure builds up as hydrogen gas gathers within

a void. This causes large blisters to form; however, hydrogen
blisters seldom lead to rupture of metal walls and they rarely
cause brittle failure. Low-strength steels of poor quality are
susceptible to hydrogen blistering. Figure 11 shows typical
Hydrogen blistering developed in a line pipe.
Figure 11. Typical Hydrogen Blistering and

HIC in the Wall of a Tank.

Material Selection
Hydrogen-Induced
Cracking
(Stepwise
Cracking)
Hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) occurs when microscopic

blisters form at inclusions and other discontinuities, i.e., grain
boundaries. It occurs in low-strength steels in wet sour service.
Low strength steels (tensile strength < 90,000 psi) are used to
make piping, vessels, and tanks. Wet sour service includes
hydrocarbon streams that have a separate water phase, which
contains at least 50 ppm H2S. Saudi Aramco has also
experienced HIC in pipelines in wet sour gas service.
Hydrogen is produced by the corrosion of steel in wet sour
environments. The steel absorbs some of the hydrogen atoms.
Atomic hydrogen accumulates at non-metallic inclusions and
other discontinuities. At these defects, hydrogen atoms combine
to form molecular hydrogen. Molecular hydrogen is too large to
pass through the steel. It becomes trapped and forms small
blisters. As the concentration of hydrogen increases, the
pressure inside the blisters builds up. Stepwise cracking occurs
when short blisters at varying depths within the steel link together to
form a series of steps. The cracks may reach the surface and cause
the metal to fail. Figure 12 and Figure 13 shows a typical failure in a
line pipe due to HIC.
Manufacturing practices greatly influence the sensitivity of steels

to HIC. Hydrogen cracking sensitivity tests by Saudi Aramco
show that HIC susceptibility is a function of composition and
deoxidization practice. The most important factor that affects
HIC sensitivity of steels is the structure of any manganese
sulfide (MnS) inclusions. Steels with elongated MnS inclusions
are the most susceptible to HIC. HIC is more likely in steels that
are deoxidized with silicon (Si) or aluminum (Al) because Si and
Al deoxidizers change the shape of the sulfide inclusions and
determine the temperature at which the sulfur comes out of
solution. Si and Al deoxidizers are used in fully killed steels.
Semi-killed steels, in which MnS remains in globular form,
appear to be less susceptible to HIC. The shape of MnS is now
being controlled with calcium. The rolling process and the
addition of steel alloy elements also influences the structure of
MnS inclusions.

Material Selection
Figure 12. Stepwise Cracking of a Low-Strength Pipeline

Steel Exposed to H2S
Figure 13. Stepwise Cracking of a Low-Strength Pipeline

Steel Exposed to H2S

Material Selection
Sulfide Stress
Cracking
Hydrogen diffusion into a metal can cause the metal to loose

ductility and tensile strength. This can result in sudden failure
with only a little loss of metal. Sulfide stress cracking (SSC)
affects high-strength carbon steels with hardness above 22
Rockwell C in sour oil field environments. Other alloys have
different hardness limits in sour environments. SSC is a special
case of hydrogen stress cracking, which may also be referred to
as hydrogen embrittlement.
Sulfide stress cracks may begin at surface notches or pits on
the metal surface as shown in Figure 14. Cracks can also begin
within the metal at discontinuities or defects such as inclusions,
carbides, or grain boundaries. Both tensile stresses and
hydrogen entry into the steel are required for SSC to occur.
Hydrogen enters the steel when the metal corrodes in sour oil
field waters. Hydrogen entry may be increased by cathodic
protection in sour environments.
We do not know the exact interaction between hydrogen atoms
and the metal structure that causes SSC. We know that SSC is
related to stresses in the metal. SSC does not occur below a
certain threshold stress for a particular metal structure.
Increasing the hydrogen pressure within the metal increases the
chances for SSC. Also, SSC is most likely to occur at
temperatures of about 20°C (70°F). Failures due to SSC do not
always occur rapidly.

Material Selection
Figure 14. Mechanism of Sulfide Stress Cracking
Stress Corrosion
Cracking
Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is caused by a combination of
localized corrosion and metal tensile stress. Nearly all metals
are susceptible to SCC in certain environments. For example,
stainless steels may crack in chloride solutions. Ordinary steels
are susceptible to SCC in hot solutions that contain high
hydroxide concentrations or carbonates and bicarbonates.
Figure 15 shows a case of line pipe failure due to SSC, which
starts externally.

Material Selection
Corrosion
product
film
M 2+
M 2+
Tensile Tensile
Forces Forces
advancing
Metal crack
Cracks developing in
the parent metal due
to external SCC
Cracked pipe due to SCC
Figure 15. External Stress Corrosion Cracking in a Line Pipe

Material Selection
AVAILABILITY AND COST
After discussing the basic engineering aspects that would direct

the selection of a specific material, now we consider two
interrelated items, which are availability and cost. When a
material is selected, the engineer should plan ahead if that
particular material is not readily available. As an example
regular Carbon steel pipe grade B are most of the time are
readily available. In the other hand, high alloy steel may not be
readily available. Therefore, lead-time for material procurement
must be considered.
Cost is one of the most important factors, after safety that must
be considered. There are exotic materials, which will perform
perfect in the environment, but their cost may not be justified for
the life cycle of the piping system. Also, a material could be
cheap as initial cost, but its maintenance cost and downtime
associated wit the extended maintenance could counteract the
initial cost savings.

Material Selection
PRIMARY PIPE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
A description of pipe should include the manufacturing process.

When the engineer is selecting material, the pipe manufacturing
process will help him determine the potential overall quality of
the pipe.
Because of the hazards with some fluids, certain manufacturing
processes are prohibited. The Saudi Aramco engineer needs to
determine the most suitable pipe manufacturing process for a
piping system. Prohibited manufacturing processes are
specified in SAES-L-006.
Metallic line pipes are usually manufactured using one of the
following five processes:
• Seamless pipe.
• Electric resistance-welded pipe (HFW).
• Submerged arc-welded pipe.
• Spiral-welded pipe.
• Furnace-welded pipe.
The quality of the manufacturing processes varies, with
seamless pipe having the probability of fewest defects and
furnace-welded pipe the worst. A brief description of each
process follows.

Material Selection
Seamless Pipe
Seamless pipe is one of the oldest methods for manufacturing
line pipe. A schematic diagram of the process is shown in
Figure 16. The hot, rotary piercing process is usually used to
produce seamless pipe as follows:
1. The pipe starts as a round billet of high quality, killed steel.
2. The billet is heated to a forging temperature of 1,200-
1,315°C (2,200-2,400°F), and forced over the rounded nose
of a hardened piercing mandrel. This gives a thick-walled
tube.
3. A plug or ball is inserted in the pierced hole.
4. The tube then passes through a series of rollers that shape
the billet to the final outside diameter of the pipe and reduce
its wall thickness to the desired value.
5. Finally the pipe goes through beveling machine and hydro
testing.

Material Selection
Figure 16A. Typical Seamless Pipe Manufacturing Process

Material Selection
Figure 16B. Typical Seamless Pipe Manufacturing Process

Material Selection
Electric Resistance-Welded Pipe
Electric resistance-welded pipe typically is another

manufacturing process to produce line pipes. The welded pipe
usually begins as a plate and goes through several steps until
finally become an acceptable pipe.
Figure 18 shows a schematic diagram of the manufacturing
process for pipe of 24” and smaller. The flat plate becomes a
pipe through several steps that may include rolling or forming,
tack welding, final welding, cold expanding, end beveling, and
external and/or internal coating. A typical operation for a large-
diameter pipe would include the following steps:
1. A plate of the proper thickness is sheared to the desired
width and shot-blasted or pickled.
2. A set of dies is used to first form the plate into a "U" shape.
The U-shaped plate is then formed into a circular shape with
a second set of dies.
3. Alternatively, the plate is rolled into the circular shape.
4. The circular shape is then welded into a pipe. The welding
machine has adjustable rollers that force the open edges of
the formed plate together. It also has two circular electrodes
to place a current across the gap between the open edges of
the plate. The current across the edges heats the metal
while the rolls force the edges together to complete the weld
under pressure. Figure 17shows conceptually what happens
in the welding machine
5. While the weld is still hot, the pipe passes between rollers
and over a mandrel to smooth the weld area and remove the
extra weld metals.
6. The pipe is sized, as it is cold-contracted to its final outside
diameter and wall thickness.
7. The ends of the pipe are beveled as required. Then it
passes through beveling the hydro testing stand.
8. Finally the pipe is externally coated or internally lined, as
required.

Material Selection
9. Inspection of the product usually occurs at various steps

throughout the process of changing a plate into a pipe.
Generally ERW pipe are cheaper and faster to produce than the
seamless pipes because the production process requires less
energy and the forming machinery’s last longer. The dimension
control of ERW could be close to perfect. However,
manufacturing quality controls and inspection procedures to
identify defects are very critical to insure high quality pipes. The
nature of manufacturing of ERW pipe could lead to gross
defects in the weld seam where lack of fusion is always possible
as shown in Figure 18. Saudi Aramco standard SAES-L-006
allows using ERW line pipe for pipelines but it prohibits the use
of ERW pipe for hazardous service for plant piping.
Figure 17. Electric Resistance-Welding Process of the Pipe

Material Selection
Figure 18A. Typical Electric Resistance-Welding Process

Material Selection
Figure 18B. Electric Resistance-Welding Process of the Pipe

Material Selection
Submerged Arc-Welded Pipe
The submerged arc-welding process is the most common for

manufacturing carbon steel pipe. Pipe that is made through the
use of the submerged arc welding (SAW) process also goes
through a welding machine. Figure 19 illustrates the process.
With this process, the open ends of the formed plate have either
a single (single-submerged arc, SSAW) or double (double-
submerged arc, DSAW) bevel. While rollers force the beveled
edges together, a consumable electrode adds metal to the weld.
A blanket of granulated flux covers the arc and the molten
metal. The flux creates a protective atmosphere and a slag that
shields the weld metal until it solidifies. If required, the internal
bead is ground flush with the inside surface of the pipe.
Electric resistance-welded pipe and submerged arc-welded pipe
are high-quality pipes that are suitable for most services. Most
cross-country pipelines consist of one of these two types of
pipe. Since they contain a longitudinal seam, however, they
may not be as high a quality as seamless pipe. The joint quality
factor for these two processes is usually taken between 0.8 and
1.0, depending on the piping design code, the material
specification, and the degree of inspection.
Figure 19. Typical Submerged Arc-Welding Process

Material Selection
Spiral-Welded Pipe
Spiral-welded pipes are made by winding narrow coils of steel
into cylinders with the edges forming a helix. Then, the edges
are welded together using either double-submerged arc-welds,
which is more common, or using High Frequency/ Electric
resistance. Spiral-welded pipe is used primarily for cross-
country pipeline services, where the specifications and weld
details that are used result in a joint quality factor of 1.0. SAES-
L-006 prohibits the use of spiral-welded pipe for hazardous
services, unless it is manufactured and tested in accordance
with an applicable SAMSS.
Furnace-Welded Pipe
Furnace-welded pipe is generally the lowest cost (and lowest
quality) pipe that few oil industries permit using in their facilities.
The process that is used to make furnace-welded pipe is similar
to that used for ERW pipe. The free edges of formed plate are
forced together and heated in a furnace. The heat causes the
free edges to fuse together. The quality of the welded joint is
not as high as in the ERW or SAW processes. SAES-L-006
prohibits the use of furnace-welded pipe for hazardous services.
Joint Quality Factor

Different pipe manufacturing type would produce different
quality of pipe. Therefore, piping Codes assign a factor that
represent a safety factor in relation to the type of manufacturing
and the risk involved with the particular piping system. This
factor is called Joint Quality Factor. This joint quality factor is
assigned to the pipe during the design stage to calculate the
required wall thickness. This factor is a measure of the quality of
the manufactured pipe. It is dependent on the piping
manufacturing process and the level of inspection conducted
over the pipe joint. Also, this factor is code dependent. The
highest possible value for this factor is 1.0 and it could be as low
0.6 for furnace welded pipes. Because there is no seam in the
seamless pipe the joint quality factor is 1.0. Spiral-welded has a
joint quality factor of between 0.75 and 1.0, which depends on
the material specification and welded joint detail as well as the
applicable code. The usage of this factor is addressed more in
MEX-101.03.

Material Selection
SAUDI ARAMCO LIMITATIONS ON METALLIC PIPE
Material selection process is a result of many years of collective

experiences accumulated by Saudi Aramco as well all other
petrochemical industries and pipeline operators. Also, research
for new development of new products and new manufacturing
processes is a continuous activity. Various companies would
have relatively different approach to using material for a specific
service. In general, Saudi Aramco approach lean to the
conservative side when it comes to material selection. This
conservative approach is found in the extra specifications
imposed on common industry practice.
SAES and SAMSS

General Limitation
Saudi Aramco engineer must be familiar with requirements of

SAES L series and the SAMSS 01, 02 and 04 classes, because
these standards are the starting point for selecting material to
be used in Saudi Aramco facilities. The industry Codes allow
broader range of materials and sometimes less tight
requirements, therefore, in addition to the minimum
requirements of the industry Codes and Specification, SAES
and SAMSS have added more stringent requirements. The
limitation will be related to one or more of the following topics:
• Limitation on specific grades and materials, either for

inventory purposes or to avoid technical problems with some
grades or due to lack of confidence and experience in a
specific grade.
• Limitations on usage of specific manufacturing processes

into specific service or a facility.
• Extra limitation on the chemistry of the carbon steel line pipe,

in particular the carbon content equivalent and other alloying
elements.
• Limitation on the operating range of some materials, that

otherwise will be used for different range per industry
practices.
• Limitation with the objective to be in the more conservative

side in order to avoid potential risks that its consequences

Material Selection
far exceed the initial savings. These risks could involve

people life, environmental impact and huge capital damages.
• Historic limitations that have been introduced into the

standards and specification based on a single incident.
Maybe, the reasons for the specification are not applicable
any more, but revision to this requirement has not been
made, because people tend to accept thing as they are
without and try to avoid the effort to change them.
We should note that, the material industry is improving and the
standards keeps changing, therefore, the engineers should
always refer to the latest editions of the standards and consult
with the material and piping engineers for the latest. In the
following sections important issues will be highlighted for their
importance in relation to material limitations imposed by Saudi
Aramco.
SAES-L-006 is the standard in L series that impose limitations
on the usage of metallic piping. Some of the limitations are also
imposed in SAES-L-005. Following sections provide guidelines
about some of the major limitations that should be emphasized
and understood by those involved in piping material selection.
Pipe Grade
Specified
Minimum (SMYS)
The Saudi Aramco line pipe is standardized on two grades

ASTM A106 or API 5L Grade B and API 5L Grade X60. This
limitation applies to stocked line pipe in the Saudi Aramco
Material System (SAMS). The main purpose for this is to limit
the inventory and avoid mixing up grades. Also, higher-grade
pipe would require more stringent requirement for field welding,
which would add more cost during construction. However, if
there are enough economical justifications to use higher grade
such as X65, the Standards do not completely prohibit doing so.
Pipe Size
In order to reduce the inventory and to insure availability, SAES-

L-006 requires that pipe outside diameters must be in
accordance with API Specification 5L. Intermediate sizes and
the sizes 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1-1/4, 2-1/2, 3-1/2, and 5 inches shall not
be used except when necessary to match vendor equipment
connections. Pipe sizes smaller than 3/4 in. shall not be used

Material Selection
for hazardous services (including vents and drains) except for

instrument connections and on vendor-supplied, skid-mounted
equipment or other applications when in the pipe is protected
against mechanical damage.
Manufacturing
Process of Line
Pipe
SAES-L-006 also states the following limitations.
• Iron pipe specifications shall not be used for hazardous

services and only steel pipe specifications shall be used to
handle flammable fluids.
• HF/ERW line pipe shall not be used in on-plot piping, due to

the high risk and consequences if a catastrophic failure
occurs. Also, there are no economic incentives for using
ERW pipe inside plant area.
• Furnace butt-welded pipe shall not be used for hazardous

service.
Low Temperature
Limitation on Line
Pipe &
Components
As discussed in earlier section, carbon steel pipe behave

differently at low temperature condition, therefore more control
over the material has been specified when the line pipe will be
considered operating at low temperature. The main points to be
understood in this matter are the following:
• For transportation pipelines in gas, liquefied gas, and

multiphase services, the requirements of 01-SAMSS-022
shall be applied for fracture control.
• For in plant piping, temperature below –18°C is considered

low temperature even though ASME B31.3 specifies below -
20° as low temperature.
• Therefore, pipe in accordance with 01-SAMSS-036 shall be

used when the design minimum temperature is between -
45°C and -18°C (-50°F and 0°F). 01-SAMSS-033 imposes
additional requirements that are aimed at improving the
toughness properties of pipe in low-temperature services.

Material Selection
• Pipe in accordance with specifications listed in ASME/ANSI

B31.3, with a minimum temperature of -45°C (-50°F), maybe
used when the design minimum temperature is between -
29°C and -18°C (-20°F and 0°F). This requirement forces
the pipe material to have better toughness properties than
would otherwise be needed at temperatures between -29°C
and -18°C (-20°F and 0°F).
• Pipe in accordance with 01-SAMSS -035 can be used when
the design minimum temperature (as defined in SAES-L-
002) is at -18°C (0°F) and above.
• Also, there other exceptions to the impact testing listed in

SAES-L-006. However, these are always subject to change
and review. An example is that impact testing is not required
when the design minimum temperature is below -18°C (0°F)
but at or above -29°C (-20°F), and if:
- The maximum operating pressure of the pipe will not

exceed 25% of the maximum design pressure allowed by
ASME/ANSI B31.3 at ambient temperature, and,
- The combined longitudinal stress due to pressure, dead

weight, and displacement strain does not exceed 41.4 MPa
(6,000 psi) for any temperature within this range.
Industry experience has found that brittle fracture is not a
concern unless the stress levels in the pipe are above these
values. Therefore, impact testing is not necessary. The
mechanical design of the piping system would have to be very
conservative in order to meet these requirements.

Material Selection
MATERIAL SELECTION PROCESS
The material selection process for Saudi Aramco piping system

is already defined and almost completed to be directly used for
specifying the adequate material for the service and application.
The final product of an accumulative experience by Saudi
Aramco and other Industries in the area of selecting material is
summarized in the standard SAES-L-005, Piping Material
Specification. This standard provides all piping material
required for a specific piping system to a specific service. More
details will be discussed on this standard later in this section.
However, for completeness and better understanding of the
basis of the SAES-L-005, the general engineering practices
followed in the material selection process must be explained.
The material selection process requires the following steps:
1. Identify the piping system whether it is transportation,
process plants or utilities. Accordingly the applicable piping
Code, ASME B31.1, B3.3, B31.4 or B31.8 will be defined.
This has been covered in MEX 101.01.
2. Identify the service in terms of fluid type, temperature and
presence of air. These will be given by process engineers.
3. Select a basic material chemistry from the applicable as
follows:
a) Line pipe: SAES-L-032, Material Selection of Piping
Systems
b) Valves: SAES-L008, Selection of Valves
c) Fittings: SAES-L-009, Metallic Flanges, Gaskets and
Bolts for Low and Intermediate Temperature service.
4. Identify the applicable Saudi Aramco standards, SAES’s and
SAMSS's, and the applicable industry standards and
specification.
5. Designate a material specification using industry and Saudi
Aramco standards.

Material Selection
Basic Material for

Pipe Systems,
SAES-L-032
The starting point as far as knowing the basic material
composition is SAES-L-032. As stated earlier, the service
environment and the design conditions govern the selection of
the basic material chemistry. These are detailed in Table 1of
SAES-L-032 as shown in Addendum C. This table contains a
list of service environments, design conditions, and basic
material chemistry.
The required service environment and design conditions will be
known information that is based on the specified process design
requirements. This information will consist of the primary
service fluid and its concentration, design temperature, whether
air is present or not, and the fluid flow velocity. Table 1 of
SAES-L-032 is then entered with this information, and the basic
material that is required for the pipe and piping components
other than valves is selected. An equivalent or better material
may also be used, subject to the approval of the assigned
engineering specialist in the Consulting Services Department.
For service conditions, which differ from those, that are listed,
the assigned engineering specialist must be consulted. Sample
problems 1 and 2 will show are examples of how to use this
table.
There are some specific design conditions and service type that
has no material specified in the Table-1 of SAES-L-032, but
referral to Nelson Chart id dictated. The following section
provides some guidelines on how to use this chart.
Nelson Chart for
Hydrogen Service
For high temperature hydrogen service, the Nelson Chart from
API 941 is used. Hydrogen attacks the metal differently from
other corrosive substances as explained earlier in this module.
API 941 Publication Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated
Temperature and Pressure in Petroleum Refineries and
Petrochemical Plants provides guideline on steel selection for
such service. The Nelson Chart provides the means for
selection the material based on the temperature and the
Hydrogen partial pressure. The Nelson Chart, shown in Figure
20, contains curves for various material chemistries. These
curves show the maximum combination of temperature and

Material Selection
hydrogen partial- pressure permissible. Use of a material at

conditions that are above its curve could result in hydrogen
embrittlement and eventual failure.
To use the Nelson Chart, the design temperature and hydrogen

partial pressure must both be known. After plotting the two
values on the Nelson Chart, the basic material to use is the one
associated with the curve above the plotted point. For example,
the point for an environment that contains hydrogen at a
temperature of 371°C (700°F) and a hydrogen partial pressure
of 10.34 MPa (absolute) (1,500 psia) is shown plotted as Point
A in Figure 20. The line above Point A is the one for 2.25 Cr -
1.0 Mo Steel. Thus, this would be the basic material chemistry
needed to prevent material damage due to hydrogen attack.
Sample Problem-3 will illustrate how to use it.
Figure 20. Nelson Chart For Selecting Carbon Steel And Low Alloy Steel per API
Publication 941.
Several items should be noted with respect to the material

chemistries that are shown on the Nelson Chart.
• Material chemistries C-0.25 Mo, C-0.5 Mo, and 1.0 Cr-0.5

Mo are shown. Neither C-0.25 Mo nor C-0.5 Mo materials
would be used in a hydrogen environment since there is
concern about their long-term reliability even at conditions

Material Selection
that are within their Nelson Chart limits. The 1.0 Cr-0.5 Mo
material is often not readily available. Therefore, from a
practical standpoint, if carbon steel is not acceptable for the
specified conditions, the first higher alloy material that would
be considered is 1.25 Cr-0.5 Mo.
• A 2.0 Cr-0.5 Mo material is shown above the 1.25 Cr-0.5 Mo

curve. This material would not be specified for the same
reason that the 1.0 Cr-0.5 Mo material is not used.
Therefore, if 1.25 Cr-0.5 Mo material is not adequate for the
specified design conditions, the 2.25 Cr-1.0 Mo material
would be the next alloy considered.
• The material cost on a per pound basis increases as the

alloy content increases. Therefore, the lowest alloy material
that is acceptable for the specified design conditions should
be used.

Material Selection
Sample Problem1: SAES-L-032 - Crude Pipeline
A pipeline will transport crude oil cross-country at a temperature

of 80°C (176°F). No air will be present in the crude oil.
To select the basic chemistry of the piping material:
1. Go to SAES-L-032,
2. Table 1 (Addendum C). Then look for "Crude Oil or
Products" under the first column, heading "ENVIRONMENT”.
You will be directed to go to “Hydrocarbon”.
3. Next, move to the right to the column headed "TEMP
DEGREES C" and check that the fluid temperature is below
the maximum permitted. Because this is the case, move to
the right to the column heading "BASIC MATERIAL".
4. The basic material is carbon steel.
5. The "REMARKS" column references paragraph 4.4.
Paragraph 4.4 of SAES-L-032 provides the requirement for
all material in wet, sour service. For example, the material
must meet the requirements of NACE Standard MR-01-75.
This is to insure that the material will be resistant to
Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) and Stress Sulfide
Cracking (SSC).

Material Selection
Sample Problem 2: Steam Line
Piping in a refinery will contain process steam at a temperature

of 450°C (842°F). No air will be present with the steam.
1. Go to the line "Steam" under the first column of SAES-L-032,
Table 1 (Addendum C-1). Move to the right. There are
three temperature ranges listed. The steam in this case is in
the third temperature range, 400-500°C (752-932°F).
2. Move across to the right on the line that contains this
temperature range. Under the heading "BASIC MATERIAL,"
the basic piping material is 1-1/4 Cr – 1/2 Mo alloy steel.
3. There are no additional considerations in the "REMARKS"
column in this case.

Material Selection
Sample Problem 3: Nelson Chart
Piping in a refinery will contain hydrocarbon with hydrogen at a

temperature of 371°C (700°F). No air will be present with the
steam. The Hydrogen partial pressure is 2200 psig. Select the
proper material for the service.
1. Go to SAES-L-032, Table 1 (Addendum C). Then look for
"Hydrocarbon gas with hydrogen" under the first column,
heading "ENVIRONMENT”.
DEGREES C”. There is no temperature limits specified.
3. Under the Basic Material Column, the note states “ Per
Nelson Chart’.
4. The "REMARKS" column references API Publication 941.
5. Using Nelson Chart, Figure 20, the basic material is low alloy
carbon steel, 2.0 Cr 0.5 Mo Steel.
6. However, due to the fact the above material is not available,
the next higher low alloy carbon steel shall be used which is
2.25 Cr 1.0 Mo.

Material Selection
Basic Material
for Valves, SAES-
L-008
Similar to the procedure for selecting material for pipe and
fittings, the starting point for selecting the basic material
composition for valve body and components is SAES-L-008,
Valves Selection. This Standard contains tables similar to those
in SAES-L-032. An extract of the table is shown Addendum C.
The valves types, selection and testing will be discussed in
more details in MEX-101.06.

Material Selection
Sample Problem 4: Valve Selection
A valve is required to be installed on a piping system at a gas

plant. The service is ADIP (Amino Diisoppropanol), with 25%
concentration and design temperature of 100 °C (212).
To select the basic chemistry of the valve body and trim
material:
1. Go to SAES-L-008 Table 1 (Addendum C). Then look for "
Amino Diisoppropanol " under the first column, heading
"ENVIRONMENT”.
DEGREES C”. The 100 °C is within the range.
3. Under the Valve Material Column:
4. The valve body material is carbon steel
5. The valve trim material is 316 SS
6. The "REMARKS" column states that no copper alloys
allowed.

Material Selection
Determining
Applicable SAES
and SAMSS for
Pipe and Piping
Components
Saudi Aramco and industry standards specify material
requirements for pipe and piping components. A complete
material specification needs to include the applicable industry
standard. The Saudi Aramco engineer must determine the
standard that governs the design and fabrication of the
particular component. This determination will allow him to
designate the industry standard that is applicable to a
component for a particular service, and specify the SAES's and
SAMSS's that give additional requirements.
Saudi Aramco specifies materials requirements in the Saudi
Aramco Engineering Standards (SAES's), the Saudi Aramco
Materials System Specifications (SAMSS's), and in Mandatory
Saudi Aramco Standard Drawings. These standards serve two
purposes, first they set the acceptable Industry Standards for
Saudi Aramco pipe and pipe fittings, also, and they provide
additional requirement to those Industry Codes and
specifications.
Addendum A gives listing of the Saudi Aramco SAES's and
SAMSS's that apply to pipe, valves and piping components.
The scope of each standard is shown in the table.
Industry
Standards for Pipe
and Piping
Components
The ASME/ANSI B31 piping codes each provide a list of

acceptable industry standards that cover the materials and
design for piping and piping components. Some of the common
organizations that issue industry standards are as follows:
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
• American Petroleum Institute (API).
• American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Material Selection
• American Welding Society (AWS).
• American Water Works Association (AWWA).
• Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and

Fittings Industry (MSS).
• National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE).

The ASME/ANSI B31 piping codes contain tables that list
acceptable industry standards for pipe components as follows:
• ASME/ANSI B31.3 - Table 326.1, Component Standards (for

metallic components). Table A326.1, Component Standards
(for nonmetallic components).
• ASME/ANSI B31.4 - Table 423.1, Material Standards and

Table 426.1, Dimensional Standards.
• ASME/ANSI B31.8 - Appendix B.

To assist in identifying applicable Industry Standards, lists of
these are provided in Addendum B.
Material
Designation by
Industry Standard
Once the basic material chemistry is selected, the specific

material standards designations for the pipe, fittings, flanges,
valves, and bolting must be determined. The material standard
designation will usually include an ASTM, API, or BS material
designation and a material grade. A list A few useful industry
references that contain materials designations versus chemistry
are as follows:
• Appendix A (Allowable Stress Tables) in ASME/ANSI B31.3.
• Table 1A, "List of Materials Specifications" in ASME/ANSI
B16.5.
• Table 1, "List of Materials Specifications" in ASME/ANSI
B16.34.
Addendum B-2 is a summary table that gives material chemistry
versus product forms for some of the metallic materials that are
used by Saudi Aramco. If the basic material and product form

Material Selection
have both been determined, this table can be used to find the
applicable material specification.
ASTM and API materials standards cover most of the metallic
pipe that is used by Saudi Aramco. The most often used
metallic pipe materials include the following designations:
• API 5L, Gr. B.

• ASTM A333, seamless, Gr. 6 or Gr. 7.
• ASTM A671, Gr. CC65 or Gr. CF65, Class 22, or Gr. S2.
The major material designation for transportation line pipe used
by Saudi Aramco is API 5L. Acceptable grades are Gr. B and
Gr. X-42 or higher. The numerical value in the "X-Grades" of
the API 5L specification indicated the yield strength of the
specific grade. For example, X-42 has a 42,000 psi Specified
Minimum Yield Strength, X-52 has a 52,000 psi Specified
Minimum Yield Strength, etc. The line pipe may be
manufactured through the use of either a seamless or a welded
process.
For some of the more exotic or proprietary materials, it is usually
sufficient to specify the alloy type and the piping component,
such as "Hastelloy C-276 Seamless Pipe." However, it is
important to realize that alloy pipe and non-metallic pipe
systems may not be designed using the customary factors for
carbon steel pipe. Examples of such materials are:
• Hastelloy B-2.
• Hastelloy C-22.
• Hastelloy C-276.
• Monel 400.
• Alloy 20.
• Alloy 600.
• 254 SMO Stainless Steel.
Nonmetallic pipe for utility piping within Saudi Aramco usually
consists of either Poly-Vinyl Chloride (PVC) or Reinforced

Material Selection
Material Selection
for Low-
Temperature
Service
The SAMSS for low-temperature valves, 04-SAMSS-003, allows

the following component materials to be used without additional
impact testing:
• Materials manufactured of austenitic stainless steel or
copper-, nickel-, and aluminum-based alloys.
• Materials that comply with one of the following specifications,
or those with superior impact properties:
- Castings: ASTM A352, Gr. LC2.
- Forging: ASTM A350, Gr. LF3.
- Pipe: ASTM A333, Gr. 3.
- Plate: ASTM A203, Gr. B, D, or E.
- Bolts: ASTM A320, Gr. L7.
-Nuts: ASTM A194, Gr. 4
• •Materials manufactured to fine-grain practice and

normalized for use in services with a minimum design
temperature of -12.2°C (10°F) or higher.
04-SAMSS-003 prohibits the use of NBR and other nitrile
rubbers. The specification also requires that stem packing be
PTFE-lubricated inhibitor-impregnated braided-asbestos
packing, or a specified graphite-type packing system.
Gaskets for flanges in low-temperature service shall be spiral-
wound stainless steel non-asbestos-filled, such as Flexitallic
Type CG. Bolting shall be ASTM A193, Gr. B7 or B7M with
ASTM A194, Gr. 2HM nuts, or A320, Gr. 7 with A194, Gr. 4 or 7
nuts (depending on the specified temperatures). See SAES-L-
009 for details on gasket and bolting requirements.
In addition to giving the material standards designation, the
SAMSS's that cover materials for low-temperature service
presents the detailed impact test requirements and acceptance
criteria for the components.

Material Selection
Material
Designation for
Components
Butt-Welded Fittings — ASTM A234, Gr. WPB. The

requirements of 02-SAMSS-005 must also be met by the fittings
for transportation piping.
Flanges and Other Forged Components Used in
Transportation Piping — Flanges for transportation piping
systems are also selected in accordance with SAES-L-009 and
02-SAMSS-011 requirements. Flange material is selected to be
of comparable strength to that of the higher strength steels that
are typically used in transportation pipeline systems. Refer to
SAES-L-009 and 02-SAMSS-011 for specific requirements.
Bolting for Transportation Piping — ASTM A193, Gr. B7 stud
bolts with ASTM A194, Gr. 2H nuts should be used.
Sour, Wet Service or Services Where the Bolting Will Be
Deprived of Atmospheric Exposure — Gr. B7M stud bolts
and Gr. 2HM nuts should be used.
Gaskets — Type 316 stainless steel, spiral wound, and non-
asbestos-filled gaskets are typically used. Flanges, gaskets,
and bolting materials must meet the requirements of SAES-L-
009.
Material Selection
for Lined, Coated,
and Nonmetallic
Piping
In many instances, it is necessary to use internal linings or

external coatings on metallic pipe. Some Saudi Aramco water
piping systems use internal cement lining for protection from
corrosion. Submarine transportation piping must be coated
externally with cement to provide additional mass to
compensate for buoyancy. Transportation line pipe must be
externally coated with fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) for corrosion
protection.

Material Selection
Piping in some services may be made of nonmetallic materials.

Examples of such nonmetallic piping systems are as follows:
• Reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR) piping for use in

unpressurized sewers.
• RTR piping used for pressure services.
• PVC, CPVC, and RTRP piping for use in acidic or caustic

services.
In most cases, the materials selection for linings and coatings
will be determined in an applicable SAMSS. Nonmetallic pipe
material selection will be determined using SAES-L-060 and
applicable SAMSS's.
SAES-L-005
Piping
Specification
It should be clear from the previous discussions that a piping

system will consist of several different types of components
(such as the pipe, valves, flanges, and fittings). Selection of the
basic material chemistry that is required for these components
are relatively straightforward as previously discussed. However,
the specific material standards and other engineering
requirements that each of these components are to meet must
also be specified in order to correctly design, fabricate, and
erect the system. These additional requirements come from a
variety of industries and Saudi Aramco documents. In many
cases, there will also be more than one technically acceptable
option from which to choose. The final selection will also
include considerations such as cost, availability, and the desire
to standardize. Standardization is desirable in order to simplify
future field maintenance and repair activities, to reduce the
likelihood of incorrect material being used in the field, and to
minimize the number of different types of items that must be
stored in Saudi Aramco warehouses.
It is possible to go directly to each industry and Saudi Aramco
document every time that it is necessary to determine the
detailed requirements for a specific component in a particular
situation, but this approach is neither practical nor economical.
Therefore, standard "piping specifications" are developed for
specific projects or locations. A piping specification will typically

Material Selection
specify the following items for each particular fluid service and
set of design conditions:
• Pipe: Material standard and required wall thickness.
• Fittings: Type, design standard, and material specification.
• Valves: Type, design standard, and material specification.
• Flanges: Type, design standard, type of face, material

specification.
• Gaskets: Type, design standard, and material specification.
• Bolting: Material specification.
• Any special fabrication and testing requirements that are

associated with the particular service application.
The requirements that are specified in a piping specification are
selected to meet all applicable industry and Owner Company
requirements for a specific fluid service and set of design
conditions. The overall piping specification for a project or
location will contain many individual-piping specifications. Each
individual piping specification will be for only one general
material chemistry; and may include more than one service fluid
(as long as each fluid have the same technical requirements);
will encompass an appropriate range of design temperature and
design pressure conditions; and will be valid for one specified
corrosion allowance.
SAES-L-005, Piping Material Specification, is almost a complete
document of all needed piping system to be used for Saudi
Aramco facilities. It covers general piping system, such as
transportation piping, process piping systems and utilities piping
system. Addendum C-3 is an extract from this document
explaining the line designation method followed for Saudi
Aramco piping. Also, extracts of typical line classes are in
Addendum C-4 to C-6.

Material Selection
SUMMARY
MEX 101.02 discussed how to select material for pipe and

piping components. This includes addressing the factors that
influence material selection (such as material strength and
toughness), pipe manufacturing processes and their relative
qualities, and the applicable industry and Saudi Aramco
standards. The selection process requires the engineer to
determine material chemistry for pipe and piping components
for particular services. There are special requirements specified
in Saudi Aramco standards for low-temperature services,
coated, and nonmetallic piping. The module concluded with a
discussion of general piping specifications that include the
specific material requirements for all components in a piping
system. MEX 101.03 discusses how to determine pipe
thickness.

Material Selection
ADDENDUM

Material Selection
Section Page
ADDENDUM ......................................................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PIPE AND PIPING
COMPONENTS.................................................................... 699
ADDENDUM B: INDUSTRY STANDARDS APPLICABLE FOR PIPE AND
PIPING COMPONENTS....................................................... 744
ADDENDUM C: EXTRACTS FROM SAUDI ARAMCO STANDARDS ............ 822
LINE CLASS DESIGNATOR SYSTEM (SAES-L-005) ..................................... 877
8 BRANCH CONNECTION .............................................................................. 922
LIST OF TABLES
Table A- 1. SAES-L Series Applicable to Piping ........................................................... 69

Table A-1. SAES-L Series Applicable to Piping (Continued)....................................... 70
Table A-2. 01- SAMSS Series Applicable to Piping ..................................................... 71
Table A- 3. 02- SAMSS Series Applicable to Piping Fittings ........................................ 72
Table A- 4. 04- SAMSS Series Applicable to Valves.................................................... 73
Table B- 1. Summary of Mechanical Properties for Materials and Information Sources75
Table B- 2. Material Chemistries for Various Product Forms ....................................... 76
Table B- 3. Industry Standards for Pipe ....................................................................... 77
Table B- 4. Industry Standards for Fittings ................................................................... 78
Table B- 5. Industry Standards for Flanges.................................................................. 79
Table B- 6. Industry Standards for Valves.................................................................... 79
Table B- 7. Standards for Gaskets and Bolting ............................................................ 80
Table B- 8. Industry Standards for Non Metallic Pipe and Piping Components............ 81
Table C-1. Piping Materials Selection -SAES-L-032 .................................................... 83
Table C-1. Piping Materials Selection-SAES-L-032 (Continued).................................. 84
Table C-1. Piping Materials Selection -SAES-L-032 (Continued)................................. 85
Table C-2. Materials Appendix Table I - Service & Application Requirements Valve
Body and Trim Materials ........................................................................................ 86

Material Selection
Table C-3. Line Class 3CS1P1 .................................................................................... 93

Table C-3. Line Class 3CS1P1 (Continued)................................................................ 94
Table C-4. Line Class 9CJ9P ....................................................................................... 95
Table C-4. Line Class 9CJ9P (Continued) .................................................................. 96
Table C-5. Line Class 12PU0U .................................................................................... 97

Material Selection

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PIPE AND PIPING
COMPONENTS
Table A- 1. SAES-L Series Applicable to Piping
Standard Title Scope
L-005 Limitations on Covers the selection of compatible pipe material items

Piping that are used together in a specific system or service
Components and that are listed in a Piping Specification under a
code number.
L-006 Metallic Pipe Covers limitations on the selection of metallic pipe and
Selection tubing for pressure services in plant piping and
transportation piping.
L-007 Selection of Covers limitations on the selection of metallic pipe

Metallic Pipe fittings for pressure services in plant piping and
Fittings transportation piping.
L-008 Selection of Covers limitations on the selection of all valves that

Valves are normally classified under Saudi Aramco Materials
System Class 04. This standard contains tables of
applicable materials for valves and valve components.
It also contains a section on materials limitations.
L-009 Metallic Covers limitations on the selection of metallic pipe

Flanges, flanges, gaskets, and bolting for pressure services in
Gaskets, and plant piping and transportation piping. This standard
Bolts references ASTM material standards for specific
applications.
L-010 Limitations on Covers limitations on the selection of piping joints.

Piping Joints

Material Selection
Table A-1. SAES-L Series Applicable to Piping (Continued)
L-030 Material for Covers toughness requirements for carbon steels that
Low- are used in refrigerated fluid service at a minimum
Temperature design temperature that is within the range -18°C to -
Service 45°C (0°F to -50°F). These requirements, which are
more restrictive than the requirements in ASME/ANSI
B31.3, supplement that standard.
L-031 Material for Covers toughness requirements for carbon steels that
Low- are used in refrigerated fluid service at a minimum
Temperature design temperature that is within the range -18°C to -
Service 45°C (0°F to -50°F). These requirements, which are
more restrictive than the requirements in ASME/ANSI
B31.3, supplement that standard.
L-032 Material Specifies, based on the fluid to be transported, the

Selection for basic pipe material chemistry for piping systems.
Piping Contains a table that lists service fluid (environment),
Systems concentration of the fluid transported, service
temperature, and whether air is present.
L-060 Nonmetallic Covers requirements and limitations for the design,

Piping installation, and testing of nonmetallic piping, except
for plumbing.
L-061 Technically Lists specific RTR pipe and fittings, in accordance

Acceptable with 01-SAMSS-029 or 01-SAMSS-034 that have
RTR Piping undergone and passed an evaluation by Saudi
Aramco and are acceptable for use in Saudi Aramco
installations.

Material Selection
Table A-2. 01- SAMSS Series Applicable to Piping
005 Pipe, Cement- Provides references, including material specifications,

Lined, Shop covering the manufacture, inspection, and testing of
Applied cement-lined pipe.
010 Fabricated Covers applicable material standards and the

Carbon Steel minimum requirements for the fabrication of carbon
Piping steel pipe spools.
016 Sour, Wet Defines additional requirements that are necessary to

Service Line obtain welded line pipe that is resistant to Hydrogen
Pipe Induced Cracking (HIC) in wet, sour environments.
017 Auxiliary Defines the minimum requirements that govern the

Piping for design, fabrication, installation, and inspection of
Mechanical auxiliary piping that is associated with compressors,
Equipment pumps, fans, turbines, engines, and gears.
035 API Line Pipe Defines requirements that supplement API

specification 5L for beveled end, seamless, or
submerged arc-welded (straight seam or spiral seam)
carbon steel pipe.
036 Low- Covers the requirements for seamless pipe, 25 mm (1

Temperature in) nominal size or larger, and for straight seam,
Pipe submerged arc-welded pipe, 400 mm (16 in.) nominal
size and larger, for service with minimum design
temperatures between 0°C and -46°C (32°F and -
50°F).

Material Selection
Table A- 3. 02- SAMSS Series Applicable to Piping Fittings
001 Piping Covers the requirements that apply to piping

components components for use in refrigerated natural gas liquid
for Low- (NGL) service with minimum design temperatures
Temperature between 0°C and -46°C (32°F and -50°F). This
Service specification supplements ASME/ANSI B16.11 and
ASME/ANSI B16.14.
005 Butt-Welded Supplements the requirements of ASME/ANSI B16.9

Pipe Fittings and ASTM A234 Gr. WPB for wrought carbon steel
pipe fittings. Also supplements the requirements of
MSS SP-75 for high-strength fittings. In addition, it
covers fittings suitable for wet, sour service. Does not
include cast fittings or corrosion-alloy steel pipe
fittings.
010 Flanged Describes the requirements for insulating joints and

Insulating spools with bolted flanges and any standard pressure
Joints/Spools rating and pipe diameter.
for Cathodic
Protection
011 Forged Steel Covers requirements for forged steel weld-neck

Weld-Neck flanges for low- and intermediate- temperature
Flanges for services. Included are certain lapped joint and swivel
Low- and ring assemblies. Also included are special forging
Intermediate- such as anchor flanges, long weld-neck flanges,
Temperature contour-forged (integrally reinforced) and out-size
Service flanges. High-temperature flanges, such as ASTM
A182 F5 and F11, and extra-low-temperature flanges,
such as ASTM A350 LF3 and LF9, are not covered.
This standard supersedes Saudi Aramco Drawing AB-
036028.

Material Selection
Table A- 4. 04- SAMSS Series Applicable to Valves
011 Additional Contains specific information concerning material

Requirements requirements for valves in low- temperature service.
for Low-
Temperature
Valves
035 General Defines general requirements for valves that are

Requirements normally classified under Saudi Aramco Materials
for Valves System (SAMS) Class 04.
048 Valve Covers the minimum requirements for inspection and

Inspection and testing of metallic and nonmetallic valves that are
Testing normally classified under Saudi Aramco Materials
Requirements System (SAMS) Class 04. Such valves include gate,
globe, angle, check, needle, ball, plug, piston,
butterfly, choke, diaphragm, etc., that are used for
on/off, manual control service or for prevention of
reverse flow, as appropriate. Specifically excluded
from the scope are: control, safety-relief, relief, surge
relief, solenoid, pilot, and other valves that are
classified under SAMS Class 34; and wellhead valves
that are classified under SAMS Class 45.
049 Inspection and Establishes the minimum quality control and testing
Testing requirements for API 6A 10,000 psi valves and
Requirements chokes, 1-13/16 inch and larger, which may be used in
sour, wet services downstream of the wellhead and
tree assembly.
In addition, each of the major valve types used by

Saudi Aramco has an SAMSS that lists the necessary
industry standards for the particular valve type.

Material Selection
ADDENDUM B
INDUSTRY STANDARDS APPLICABLE FOR PIPE AND PIPING

COMPONENTS

Material Selection
Table B- 1. Summary of Mechanical Properties for Materials and

Information Sources
Mechanical Information Use

Property Source
Tensile and Yield ASME B&PV Code Used to calculate allowable stresses in ASME,
Strength Section II, Parts A&B Section VIII, Div 1. These are used to calculate
wall thickness of pressure vessels.
ASTM Specifications
Percent ASME B&PV Code A qualitative measure of ductility. Data are used
Elongation and Section II, Parts A&B to compare the relative ductility of several
Reduction of Area ASTM Specifications materials. This enables the designer to select
Tensile Test Data the most suitable material for the particular
ASM Metals Handbook application.
Creep Strength Material Supplier Used to establish allowance stresses for
And Stress- Mechanical Test Data elevated term pressure service when the
Rapture material is in the creep range. A good example
ASM Metals Handbook is furnace tube designs for high-temperature
ethylene pyrolysis and reformer heaters.
Hardness ASME B&PV Code Used to check the effectiveness of PWHT
Section II, Parts A&B Materials with high hardness usually exhibit
ASTM Specifications good erosion resistance.
Low hardness values generally indicative that
ASM Metals and the material has good ductility.
Handbook Hardness data can be used to estimate a
material’s approximate tensile strength. Refer to
Hardness Test Data ASTM A370.
Used to ensure that materials meet the
requirements of NACE MR-01-75 when in sour
service.
Toughness ASME B&PV Code Materials that exhibit superior toughness, such as
Section II, Parts A&B normalized carbon steel, 2 ½ / 3-1/2 / 9% nickel
ASTM Specifications steels and the 300 series austenitic stainless
steels are used to fabricate equipment for
Material Supplier cryogenic service.
Mechanical Test Data Examples of such services include LNG Plants,
ASM Metals Handbook Gas Liquefaction Units, Ethylene Plants, light
Impact Test Data olefin units, refrigerated LPG (propane), and
liquid nitrogen.
Good toughness is needed to prevent brittle
fractured of materials in extremely cold services.

Material Selection
Table B- 2. Material Chemistries for Various Product Forms
Basic Material Pipe Forged Wrought Castings Flanges

Chemistry Fittings Fittings
Carbon Steel API 5L, Gr. B; A105 A234, Gr. A216, Gr. A350, Gr. LF2;
A106, Gr. B; or A53 WPB WCB A105N; or A266
Gr. B (seamless) Cl 4. See
SAES-L-009 &
02-SAMSS-011
API 5L, Gr. B; A333 A350, Gr. A420, Gr. A352 Gr. A350, Gr. LF2 or
(seamless), Gr. 6 or 7; LF 3 WPL3 or LC2 A266 Cl 4. See
A671, Gr. CC 65 or WPL6 SAES-L-009 &
CF 65 02-SAMSS-011
C1.22, or Gr. S2
API 5L, Gr. X42 A105 MSS SP75. A216 Gr. A707, Gr. L3 Cl..1
(Pipeline See 02- WCB See
applications SAMSS- 02-SAMSS-011.
only) 005.
API 5L, Gr. X52 — MSS SP75. — A350, Gr. LF 6
(Pipeline See 02- Cl.1. See
applications only) SAMSS- 02-SAMSS-011.
005.
API 5L, Gr. X60 — MSS SP75. — A350, Gr. LF 6
(Pipeline See 02- Cl.6. See
applications SAMSS- 02-SAMSS-011.
only) 005.
C-1/2 Mo A335, Gr. P1 A182, Gr. A234, Gr. A217, Gr. A182, Gr. F1
F1 WP1 WC1
1 1/4 Cr-1/2 Mo A335, Gr. P11 A182, Gr. A234, Gr. A217, Gr. A182, Gr. F11
F11 C1.1 WP11b WC6 C1.1
or C1.2 C1.1 or or C1.2
WP11 C1.2
2 1/4 Cr-1 Mo A335, Gr. P22 A182, Gr. A234, Gr. A217, Gr. A182, Gr. F22
F22 C1.2 WP22 C1.1 WC9 C1.2 or C1.3
or C1.3
18 Cr-8 Ni A312, TP304 A182, Gr. A403, Gr. A351, Gr. A403, Gr.
(Stainless Steel) F304 WP304 CF 8 WP304
16 Cr-12 Ni-2 A312, TP316 A182, Gr. A403, Gr. A351, Gr. A403, Gr.
Mo F316 WP316 CF 8M WP316
(Stainless Steel)
Note: In cases where multiple material specifications and/or grades are shown, the final selection will be
made during detailed engineering based on specific design requirements, cost, schedule, and
standardization considerations.

Material Selection
Table B- 3. Industry Standards for Pipe
ASTM A106 Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe

for High-Temperature
Service.
ASTM A53 Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-

Dipped, Zinc Coated,
Welded and Seamless.
API 5L Specification for Line Pipe.
ASTM A333 Seamless and Welded Steel

Pipe for Low-Temperature
Service.
ASTM A335 Seamless Ferritic Alloy Steel

Pipe for High-Temperature
Service.
ASTM A312 Seamless and Welded

Austenitic Stainless Steel
Pipe.
ASTM D2996 Filament-Wound Fiberglass

RTR Pipe.
ASTM D2997 Centrifugally Cast RTR Pipe.
ASTM D3517 Fiberglass RTR Pressure

Pipe.
ASTM D3754 Fiberglass RTR Sewer and

Industrial Pressure Pipe.

Material Selection
Table B- 4. Industry Standards for Fittings
ASME/ANSI B16.9 Factory-Made Wrought

Steel Butt-Welded Fittings.
ASME/ANSI B16.11 Forged Steel Fittings,

Socket-Welded and
Threaded.
ASME/ANSI B16.12 Cast Iron Threaded

Drainage Fittings.
ASTM A74 Cast Iron Soil Pipe and

Fittings.
ASTM D2665 Polyvinyl Chloride Plastic

Drain, Waste, and Vent
(nonmetallic PVC fittings) Pipe Fittings.
ASTM D3311 Drain, Waste, and Vent

(DWV) Plastic Fittings.
(nonmetallic PVC fittings)
ASTM F439 Socket-Type CPVC Plastic

Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80.
(nonmetallic PVC fittings)
DIN 8063

Material Selection
Table B- 5. Industry Standards for Flanges

ASME/ANSI B16.1 Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and
Flanged Fittings, Class 25,
125, 250, and 800.
ASME/ANSI B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged
Fittings.
ASME/ANSI B16.47 Large-Diameter Steel
Flanges, NPS 26 through
NPS 60.
API 605 Large-Diameter Carbon
Steel Flanges.
MSS SP-44 Steel Pipe Line Flanges.
API 6A Wellhead Equipment.
Table B- 6. Industry Standards for Valves

ASME/ANSI B16.34 Valves–Flanged, Threaded,
and Welding End.
API 599 Steel and Ductile Iron Plug
Valves.
API 600 Steel Gate Valves –
Flanged and Butt-Welding
Ends.
API 602 Compact Steel Gate Valves.
API 606 Compact Steel Gate
Valves-Extended Body.
API 608 Metal Ball Valves – Flanged
and Butt-Welding Ends.
API 609 Lug- and Wafer-Type
Butterfly Valves.

Material Selection
Table B- 7. Standards for Gaskets and Bolting
ASME/ANSI B16.20 Ring Joint Gaskets and Soft iron gaskets in this
Grooves for Steel Pipe standard are used by Saudi
Flanges. Aramco for flanged joints
requiring an octagonal ring-
type gasket.
ASME/ANSI B16.21 Nonmetallic Flat Gaskets Gaskets in this standard

Pipe Flanges. are used by Saudi Aramco
for non-hazardous services
where sheet gaskets are
acceptable.
API 601 Metallic Gaskets for Piping, Gaskets in this standard

Double-Jacketed Corrugated are used for flanged joints
and Spiral Wound. in most Saudi Aramco
services.
API 6A Type RX Gaskets for flanges per API

6A.
ASTM D1418 Gasket materials for flanges

in acid and other corrosive
services.
ASTM A193 Stud Bolts with A194 Nuts. Used for most services.
ASTM A320 Stud Bolts. Used for low-temperature

services.
ASTM A307 Machine Bolts. Used for flat-faced cast iron

or nonmetallic flanges in
non-corrosive service.

Material Selection
Table B- 8. Industry Standards for Non Metallic Pipe and Piping Components
ASTM D1785 PVC Plastic Pipe, Sch 40,

80 and 120.
ASTM D2996 Filament-Wound Fiberglass

RTR Pipe
ASTM D2997 Centrifugally Cast RTR

Pipe
ASTM D3517 Fiberglass RTR Pressure

Pipe
ASTM D3754 Fiberglass RTR Sewer and

Industrial Pressure Pipe
ASTM D2665 Polyvinyl Chloride Plastic

Drain, Waste, and Vent
(PVC fittings) Pipe Fittings.
ASTM D3311 Drain, Waste, and Vent

(DWV) Plastic Fittings.
PVC fittings)
ASTM F439 Socket-Type CPVC Plastic

Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80.
(PVC fittings)
DIN 8063

Material Selection
ADDENDUM C
EXTRACTS FROM SAUDI ARAMCO STANDARDS

Material Selection
Table C-1. Piping Materials Selection -SAES-L-032
Temp. Air Velocity Basic

Environment Conc. (Deg. C) Present (M/S) # Material Remarks
%
Freons 100 0 - 70 N/A 0-3 Carbon steel See SAES-L-030
Hydraulic Oil 100 - N/A 0-4 Type 304 or Type 316L S/S or
304L S/S Monel 400 offshore.
316L S/S See 01-SAMSS-017.
Hydrocarbons 100 0 - 280 No Para. 5 Carbon steel See para. 4.4 for
Sweet & Sour erosion resistance
100 - N/A Para. 5 Type 316L S/S
100 280 - 340 No Para. 5 5 Cr-1/2 Mo
Hydrocarbon gas - - No Para. 5 Per Nelson Chart See API Publication

plus hydrogen 941.
Hydrogen 100 - No Para. 5 Per Nelson Chart See API Publication

941
Hydrogen 100 0 - 260 No Para. 5 Carbon steel See para. 4.4

Sulfide, dry
Hydrogen 100 0 - 260 No Para. 5 Carbon steel Use 316L for high
Sulfide, wet Type 316L S/S velocity and erosion
resistance
Hypochlorite, 5 0 - 49 N/A 0 - 2.4 CPVC
(sodium or
calcium) 5 0 - 49 N/A 0 - 2.4 RTRP See SAES-L-060
5 0 - 49 N/A 0-4 Hastelloy C-276
LPG, NGL 100 Above 0 No 0-4 Carbon steel See SAES-L-030
100 - N/A 0-6 Type 304/304L See 01-SAMSS-017

Lube oil and
seal oil 100 - N/A 0-6 Type 316/316L
Sodium 50 15 - 49 N/A 0 - 1.5 Carbon steel

hydroxide
50 50 - 80 N/A 0 - 1.5 Carbon steel Para. 4.3
50 50 - 150 N/A 0-4 Alloy 600
20 0 - 50 N/A 0 - 1.5 Carbon steel
7 0 - 75 N/A 0 - 1.5 Carbon steel
# Maximum (also see para. 5)

Material Selection
Table C-1. Piping Materials Selection-SAES-L-032 (Continued)

Environment Conc. % (Deg. C) Present (M/S) # Material Remarks
Freons 100 0 - 70 N/A 0-3 Carbon steel See SAES-L-030
Hydraulic Oil 100 - N/A 0-4 Type 304 or Type 316L S/S or
304L S/S Monel 400 offshore.
316L S/S See 01-SAMSS-017.
Hydrocarbons 100 0 - 280 No Para. 5 Carbon steel See para. 4.4 for
Sweet & Sour erosion resistance
100 - N/A Para. 5 Type 316L S/S
100 280 - 340 No Para. 5 5 Cr-1/2 Mo
Hydrocarbon gas - - No Para. 5 Per Nelson Chart See API Publication

plus hydrogen 941.
Hydrogen 100 - No Para. 5 Per Nelson Chart See API Publication

941
Hydrogen 100 0 - 260 No Para. 5 Carbon steel See para. 4.4

Sulfide, dry
Hydrogen 100 0 - 260 No Para. 5 Carbon steel Use 316L for high
Sulfide, wet Type 316L S/S velocity and erosion
resistance
Hypochlorite, 5 0 - 49 N/A 0 - 2.4 CPVC
(sodium or
calcium) 5 0 - 49 N/A 0 - 2.4 RTRP See SAES-L-060
5 0 - 49 N/A 0-4 Hastelloy C-276
LPG, NGL 100 Above 0 No 0-4 Carbon steel See SAES-L-030
100 - N/A 0-6 Type 304/304L See 01-SAMSS-017

Lube oil and
seal oil 100 - N/A 0-6 Type 316/316L
Sodium 50 15 - 49 N/A 0 - 1.5 Carbon steel

hydroxide
50 50 - 150 N/A 0-4 Alloy 600
20 0 - 50 N/A 0 - 1.5 Carbon steel
7 0 - 75 N/A 0 - 1.5 Carbon steel

Material Selection
Table C-1. Piping Materials Selection -SAES-L-032 (Continued)

Environment Conc. (Deg. C) Present (M/S) # Material Remarks
%
Steam 100 100 - 400 No Para. 5 Carbon steel
100 400 - 480 No Para. 5 1-1/4 Cr 1/2 Mo

Alloy steel
100 480 - 560 No Para. 5 2-1/4 Cr 1 Mo

Alloy steel
- - No 0 - 2.25 Carbon steel

Steam
condensate
- - N/A 0-4 Type 304L S/S CO2 contaminated
Sulfur, molten 100 MP - 150 N/A 0 - 2.25 Carbon steel Keep dry, moisture
causes corrosion.
MP denotes
melting point
100 MP - 295 N/A 0-4 Type 316L S/S
Water, boiler feed - 1 - 200 No 0 - 2.25 Carbon steel
Water, cooling - 1 - 99 N/A 0 - 2.25 Carbon steel Inhibited against

(inhibited) - 1 - 99 N/A 0 - 2.25 Galvanized steel corrosion of steel
- Above 0 No 0 - 2.25 Steel
Water. chilled - Above 0 No 0 - 2.25 Galvanized steel
- 1 - 49 N/A 0 - 2.4 PVC
Water, - 1 - 49 N/A 0 - 2.4 PVC

demineralized
or distilled - 1 - 71 N/A 0 - 2.4 CPVC
- 1 - 200 N/A 0-4 Type 304 S/S
Water, fire control - Ambient N/A 0-3 Steel, cement or See para. 5.3 and
(sea) FBE lined SAES-H-002,
APCS-103/102
- Ambient N/A 0 - 2.4 RTRP See SAES-L-060
- Ambient N/A Table 2 90-10 Copper Alloy C70600

Nickel
- Ambient N/A 0 - 10 254 SMO S/S Weld with Inconel

625 electrode or
filler wire

Material Selection
Table C-2. Materials Appendix Table I - Service & Application Requirements Valve
Body and Trim Materials
Conditions Valve Materials
Environment Conc.(%) Temp.(C) Body Trim Remarks
Acid, Hydrochloric LT 37 5 - 50 PVC PVC No ferric ions or other

B-2 B-2 oxidants for B-2
Acid, Hydrofluoric 1 - 70 5 - 50 M400 C-276 No glass or glass reinforced

non-oxidizing GT 65 5 - 40 PTFE PTFE plastics; no titanium,
zirconium or tantalum
Acid, Hydrofluoric All conc. to 50 20 20

(aerated or oxidizing)
Acid, Nitric 1 - 70 5 - 50 304L (6) 304L 304L is preferred to 316L for

70 - 99 30 max. 304L 304L nitric acid
Acid, Phosphoric 1 - 85 5 - 50 316 316L Applies to chloride or fluoride

G-3(X) G-3(X) free grades of phosphoric
acid only
Acid, Sulfuric(8) 90 -100+ to 50 316 316L

or Sulfurous 1 -103 to 65 20 20
to 60 to 65 CPVC CPVC
1 - 100 100 C-276 C-276
ADIP (Amino- 20 - 30 5 - 150 CS 316 No copper alloys allowed

Diisopropanol)
Air or Nitrogen gas N/A 0 - 400 CS 410

BR BR
Ammonia, 100 0 - 50 CS 410 No copper alloys allowed

Anhydrous (10)
Carbon Dioxide
dry 100 0 - 150 CS 410
wet LT 100 5 - 90 316 316
Chlorine,
dry (12) 100 0 - 70 CS M400
M400 M400
wet (13) LT 100 0 - 70 PVC PVC
C-276 C-276 For castings, Hastelloy C-4
is preferred to C-276
Chlorine/Water 1-5 to 50 PVC PVC

50 - 80 CPVC CPVC
to 80 C-276 C-276 For castings, Hastelloy C-4
is preferred to C-276
(Refer to General and Specific Notes at the end of Table 1)

Material Selection
LINE CLASS DESIGNATOR SYSTEM (SAES-L-005)
The following system establishes procedures used for identifying new line classes.
Commentary Notes:
1. The system is based on Process Industry Practices (PIP) to provide a uniform standard
consistent with industry practices and specific Saudi Aramco requirements.
2. Line designations used on existing piping in ex-SAMAREC refineries in Jeddah, Riyadh

and Yanbu, and Rabigh Refinery may be in accordance with the original specifications.
7.1 Field Definitions and Examples
The base piping line class designator system consists of four alpha-numeric fields
containing one or two characters each. Each field describes various features of
the piping line class. Exceptions, modification, or additions may be made to the
base specification, by adding a numeric character after the fourth field to indicate
the changes made. Refer to paragraph 7.1.6.
7.1.1 First Field

The first field defines the pressure rating and consists of one or two
numeric characters. Refer to paragraph 7.2.1.
7.1.2 Second Field

The second field defines the pipe material and consists of two alpha
characters. Refer to paragraph 7.2.2.
7.1.3 Third Field

The third field defines the corrosion or erosion allowance and consists of
one numeric character. Refer to paragraph 7.2.3.
7.1.4 Fourth Field

The fourth field defines the service and consists of one alpha character.
Refer to paragraph 7.2.4.

Material Selection
7.1.5 An example of a complete piping line class designator is "3CS1P". This

designator specifies an ASME pressure class 300, carbon steel piping system
with 1.6 mm corrosion allowance designed for general process service with no
changes to the base piping line class material specification.
7.1.6 Modification Suffix
A base individual line class material specification may have
modifications/additions by adding a numeric character to the base line
class designator.
Example: line class 1CS1P1 is based on 1CS9P. The modification in this

case is 1CS1P1 designed to B31.4 and ERW and X65 pipes permitted.
A base individual line class can have more than one modification/addition,
e.g. 6CS1P1, 6CS1P2.
7.2 Field Definition Tables
7.2.1 Pressure Rating

Symbol Nominal Pressure Rating Or Class
(ASME B16.5/B16.47 Flange Class)
1 150
3 300
4 400
6 600
9 900
15 1500
25 2500
(ASME B16.1 Cast Iron Flange Class)
12 125
13 250
(Specific Rating Designations)
80 Non-pressure
85 Pressure Class 75/150 RF
90 Class 3000, API 6A
95 Class 10000, API 6A
7.2.2 Line Material

Symbol Material
CA Impact Tested Carbon Steel
CB Killed Carbon Steel
CC Low Carbon Steel
CS Carbon Steel

Material Selection
CG Galvanized Carbon Steel

CJ 1-1/4 Cr-1/2 Mo Alloy Steel
CK 2-1/4 Cr-1 Mo Alloy Steel
CL 5 Cr-1/2 Mo Alloy Steel
CM 9 Cr-1 Mo Alloy Steel
BC Copper Tubing
BD 90-10 Cu-Ni
DC Cast Iron, Grey
FE Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy
LC Cement-lined Carbon Steel
LE Epoxy-lined Carbon Steel
LP Polypropylene-lined Carbon Steel
NM Monel 400
NR Incoloy 800
NT Carpenter 20 (Alloy 20)
PU CPVC(Chlorinated PVC)
PV PVC(polyvinyl Chloride)
SC 304H Stainless Steel
SD Type 316/316L Stainless Steel
SJ 321 Stainless Steel
SX Duplex Stainless Steel
7.2.3 Corrosion Allowance

Symbol Corrosion Allowance
0 Zero corrosion allowance
1 1.6 mm
2 3.2 mm
3 4.8 mm
4 6.4 mm
9 Corrosion allowance as noted. Refer to SAES-
L-033 for specific corrosion protection requirements.
7.2.4 Service
Symbol Service
A Acid
C Caustic
D Drain/Sewer
H Hydrogen
P Process (General Hydrocarbon)
Q Chlorinating Gas (Owner designator)
T Wellhead Piping (Owner designator)
U Utility
W Water (Owner designator)
Y Chlorine Gas (Owner designator)

Material Selection
7.2.5 Saudi Aramco Service Codes

Saudi Aramco service codes listed below shall be included in conjunction
with the line class designators on P&ID's and other drawings.
Example: 6"-FG-123-1CS9P is a 6-inch fuel gas line number 123 and

material specification 1CS9P.
Code Service Code Service
A Air MO Mist Oil
AH Acid Hydrocarbon N Nitrogen
AS Acid Sewer NG Natural Gas
BBD Boiler Blow down OS Oily Sludge
BD Blow down OW Oily Water
BFW Boiler Feed Water OWS Oily Water Sewer
BS Bio-Sludge P Oil & Oil Products
C Chemical PA Process Air
CA Caustic PE Pond Effluent
CAS Caustic Sewer PG Purge Gas
CAT Catalyst PO Pump Out
CS Chemical Sewer PT Pump Trims
CW Chilled Water PW Process Water
CWR Cooling Water Return R Refrigerants
CWS Cooling Water Supply RL Relief Line
Code Service Code Service
DGA Diglycolamine RLC Cold Relief Line

DFW Deaerator Feed Water RLW Warm Relief Line
DMW Demineralized Water RW Raw Water
DSW Distilled Water S Steam
DT Duct Trims SA Sulfuric Acid
DW Drinking Water SC Steam Condensate
E Exhaust Steam SCA Spent Caustic
EIA Emergency Instrument Air SF Sulfur
FG Fuel Gas SO Seal Oil
FGH High Pressure Fuel Gas SOW Sour Water
FGL Low Pressure Fuel Gas SPO Slop Oil
FLO Flushing Oil SR Sewer (Storm)
FO Fuel Oil SW Salt Water
FW Fire Water SWS Sanitary Sewer
GG Gart Gas TPW Tempered Water
H Hydrogen TW Treated Water
HCL Hydrochloric Acid UA Utility Air
HO Hydraulic Oil UW Utility Water
HSG Hydrogen Sulfide Gas VG Vent Gas

Material Selection
IA Instrument Air VT Vessel Trim

LO Lube Oil W Water
ME Methanol WW Waste Water
600C 600 psig H.P. Condensate
150C 150 psig M.P. Condensate
60C 60 psig L.P. Condensate
15C 15 psig L.P. Condensate
600S 600 psig H.P. Steam
150S 150 psig M.P Steam
60S 60 psig L.P. Steam
15S 15 psig L.P. Stea

Material Selection
8 BRANCH CONNECTION
Branch connections for new construction of metallic piping shall be made in accordance
with the following table. For field modifications, the branch connections as shown on
SASD AB-036719 with proper reinforcement are acceptable.
Branch Connection
60 T
56 E T
48 E E T
B 42 E E E T
R 40 E E E E T
A 36 E E E E E T
N 30 E E E E E E T
C 24 P P P E E E E T
H 20 P P P P P E E E T
18 P P P P P P E E E T
16 P P P P P P E E E E T
S 14 P P P P P P P E E E E T
I 12 W W W W W W W W W W E E T
Z 10 W W W W W W W W W W W E E T
E 8 W W W W W W W W W W W W E E T
6 W W W W W W W W W W W W W W E T
4 W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W E T
3 W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W E T
2 W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W E T
1-1/2 S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S E T
1 S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S E T
3/4 S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S E E T
1/2 S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S E E E
T
60 56 48 42 40 36 30 24 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 3 2 1-1/2 1 3/4 1/2

HEADER SIZE
LEGEND
P Branch weld with reinforcing pad, (pad thickness equals header pipe thickness, pad width equals 1/2 branch pipe
OD)
S Sockolet or Threadolet or Welding boss per SASD's AE-036175 and AE-036643
W Weldolet or branch weld with reinforcing pad
E Reducing tee
T Equal Tee

Material Selection
Table C-3. Line Class 3CS1P1
Line Class: 3CS1P1 Basic Material: Carbon Steel

Service: Refer to Table 1, Part I Code: B31.4
Rating Class: 300 RF B16.5 Stress Relief: Per Code
Temperature Limit: -18 to 121° C (2) Examination: Per Code
Corrosion Allowance: 1.6 mm (1) Buttweld Construction: B16.25
Rating
Item Size Schedule Type Specification Notes
PIPE 2" and under Sch 80 Seamless or A106 Gr. B or (1)

Welded API 5L Gr. B, or X60 (2)
(3)
3" to 6" Sch 40
8" and above Calculate
6.4 mm min.
FITTINGS
El's Tees, 1½" and under Class 3000 Socketweld/ A105N, B16.11 (4)
Reducers, Threaded
Caps,
Couplings etc.
2" and above Buttweld A234 Gr. WPB, B16.9 (5)
Nipples and 2" and under Sch 80 Seamless A106 Gr. B or
Swages API 5L Gr. B
Unions 2" and under Class 3000 A105N, MSS SP83
Sockolets/ 1½" and under Class 3000 Socketweld/ A105N, B16.11 (4)
Threadolets Threaded
Weldolets 2" and above Buttweld A105N, B16.9
FLANGES 1½" and under Class 300 Socketweld A105N, B16.5
RF
2" and above Class 300 Weldneck RF (5)
(8)
BOLTING A193 B7 stud bolts, semi-finished, heavy pattern with A194 Gr. 2H heavy hex nuts.
GASKETS Spiral-wound, 316 SS windings, flexible graphite filled with carbon steel outer ring,
per B16.20.
GATE VALVES 1½" and under Class 800 Socketweld/ A105N body, BB, OS&Y,
Threaded graphite packing,
API 602, Trim No. 8
2" and above Class 300 RF Flanged A216-WCB body
Wedge type: BB, OS&Y,
graphite packing
API 600, Trim No. 8
Thru-cond.: API 6D, (6)
Trim ENP or SS 410 (7)
GLOBE 1½" and under Class 800 Socketweld/ A105N body, BB,
VALVES Threaded OS&Y, graphite packing,
Trim No. 8
2" and above Class 300 RF Flanged A216-WCB body, BB,
OS&Y, graphite packing,
Trim No. 8

Material Selection
Table C-3. Line Class 3CS1P1 (Continued)
Rating
CHECK 1½" and under Class 800 Socketweld/ A105N body, BC,
VALVES Threaded Trim No. 1
2" and above Class 300 RF Flanged A216-WCB body, BC,
Trim 1
BALL VALVES 1½" and under Class 300 Socketweld/ A105N body, floating ball, (6)
Threaded RTFE seats,
Trim No. 10
2" to 4" Class 300 RF Flanged A216-WCB body, floating (6)
ball, RTFE seats, fire
safe, API 6D,
Trim No. 10
6" and above Class 300 RF Flanged A216-WCB body, trunnion (6)
mounted, (7)
fire safe, API 6D,
Trim ENP or SS 410
PLUG VALVES 1½" and under Class 300 Socketweld/ A105N body, lubricated,
Threaded inverted pressure
balanced, BC,
Trim SS 316
2" and above Class 300 RF Flanged A216-WCB body, (7)
lubricated, inverted
pressure balanced,
API 599,
Trim ENP or SS 410
BUTTERFLY 4" and above Class 300 Lugged or RF A216-WCB body, high (7)
VALVES Flanged performance, fire-safe,
API 609 Cat. B,
Trim ENP or SS 316
Notes:
(1) The pipe wall thickness specified are based on a design factor of 0.72 and a corrosion allowance of 1.6 mm is included in the
pipe and fitting wall thickness. For service conditions that require higher corrosion allowances, the wall thickness are to be
increased accordingly. Note, when a small decrease in corrosion allowance would permit the use of the nearest minimum
pipe schedule, approval must be obtained from the Consulting Services Department, Saudi Aramco.
(2) Service temperatures and material grade limits shall be in accordance with B31.3, Table A-1.
(3) Seamless or double-submerged arc welded pipe required.
(4) Refer to SAES-L-010 for seal welding requirement of threaded connections.
(5) Schedule of fittings and weldneck flanges to be same as pipe.
(6) Where non-metallic seats, seals, liners etc. are used, the manufacturer's pressure/temperature ratings shall limit the service
of this class. If seal welding is required, threaded end valves shall have extended bodies to prevent damage due to welding
heat.
(7) Refer to SAES-L-008 and the applicable SAMSS for trim selection.
(8) Refer to SAES-L-009 for flange material selection.

Material Selection
Table C-4. Line Class 9CJ9P
Line Class: 9CJ9P Basic Material: 1¼Cr.-½Mo. (2)

Service: Refer To Table 1, Part II Code: B31.3
Rating Class: 900 RF B16.5 (1) Stress Relief: Per Code
Temperature Limit: 595 Deg C Max.(2) Examination: Per Code
Corrosion Allowance: 1.6 mm (3) Buttweld Construction: B16.25
Rating
PIPE 8" and under Calculate Seamless A335-Gr. P11 (3)

Sch 80 min
10" to 24" Calculate Seamless or A335-Gr. P11 or A-691 (3)
Sch 40 min EFW Gr. 1¼ Cr. Class 32.
FITTINGS
El's, Tees 1½" and under Class 3000 Socketweld/ A182 Gr.F11, B16.11 (4)
Reducers, Threaded
Caps,
Couplings, etc. 2" and above Buttweld A234 Gr. WP11, B16.9 (5)
Nipples and ½"-1½" Sch 80 min Seamless A335-Gr. P11
Swages
Unions - - - - (6)
Sockolets/ 1½" and under Class 6000 Socketweld/ A182-Gr. F11, B16.11 (4)
Threadolets Threaded
Weldolets 2" and above Buttweld A182-Gr. F11, B16.9
FLANGES 1½" and under Class 1500 Socketweld A182-Gr. F11, B16.5
RJ or RF
2" and above Class 900 Weldneck A182-Gr. F11, B16.5 (5)
RJ or RF
BOLTING A193 B7 stud bolts, heavy pattern with A194 2H heavy hex nuts up to 425 deg C.
A193 B16 stud bolts, heavy pattern with A194 4 heavy hex nuts up to 595 deg C.
GASKETS For RF: Spiral-wound, 316 SS windings, flexible graphite filled with carbon steel outer (8)
rings, per B16.20 up to 425 deg C. Spiral-wound, 321 or 347 SS windings, flexible
graphite filled with 316 SS outer rings, per B16.20 up to 595 deg C.
For RJ: 5Cr-½Mo Octagonal Ring.
GATE VALVES 1½" and under Class 1500 Socketweld A182-F11 body, BB, (7)
OS&Y, API 602,
Trim No.8
2" and above Class 900 RF or RJ A217-WC6 body, BB,
Flanged OS&Y, API-600,
Trim No.8
GLOBE 1½" and under Class 1500 Socketweld A182-F11 body, BB,
VALVES OS&Y, Trim No.8
2" and above Class 900 RF or RJ A217-WC6 Body, BB,
Flanged OS&Y, Trim No.8
CHECK 1½" and under Class 1500 Socketweld A182-F11 body, BC,
VALVES Trim No.1
2" and above Class 900 RF or RJ A217-WC6 Body, BC,
Flanged Trim No.1

Material Selection
Table C-4. Line Class 9CJ9P (Continued)

Notes:
(1) Use RJ flanges only when required on equipment.
(2) For hydrogen service, refer to API-941 for temperature limits of material at applicable hydrogen partial pressure.
(3) A corrosion allowance of 1.6 mm is included in the pipe and fitting wall thicknesses. For service conditions that require higher
corrosion allowances, the wall thicknesses are to be increased accordingly. Note. When a small decrease in corrosion
allowance would permit the use of the nearest minimum pipe schedule, approval must be obtained from the Consulting
Services Department, Saudi Aramco.
(4) Threaded connections only allowed downstream of vents, drains, hydrotest connections, and instrument take-offs. Threaded
O'lets only allowed for thermowell and hydrotest connections.
(5) Schedule of fittings and weldneck flanges to be same as pipe.
(6) Use flanges.
(7) Double-block valves required for vent and drain connections.
(8) Spiral-wound gaskets for vacuum and catalyst services also require 316 SS inner rings. Limited to 550 °C in hydrogen
service.

Material Selection
Table C-5. Line Class 12PU0U
Line Class: 12PU0U (Formerly 2E3D) Basic Material: CPVC

Service: Refer to Table 1, Part III Design Code: ASME B31.3, Note (1)
Pressure/Temperature Limit: Notes (5) Examination: ASME B31.3
Corrosion Allowance: 0 mm Joint Construction: Notes (2) (3)
Rating
PIPE ½"- 6" Sch. 80 CPVC ASTM F441 CPVC 4120 (2)
FITTINGS FOR
SOLVENT WELD
JOINTS
Bushings ½"- 6" Sch. 80 CPVC ASTM F439 CPVC 4120,

Couplings Sch. 80, 0 to 72°C
Elbows
Tees
Pipe Union ½"- 3" Sch. 80 CPVC ASTM F439 CPVC female (3)
socket by male IPS adaptor
FLANGES
Socket Type ¾"- 6" Class 150, Flat Face ASTM F439 CPVC, Sch. 80
Sch. 80 Class 150 FF
Threaded type ½"- 2" Class 150, Flat Face ASTM F437 CPVC (2)
Sch. 80 Class 150 FF
GASKETS 3.2 mm 50-60 Shore A Elastomeric Full face elastomeric,
durometer 50-60 Shore A durometer
BOLTING All Sizes ASTM A307 Grade A or B (4)
bolts, ASTM A563 Grade A
heavy hex nuts
SOLVENT ASTM F493 CPVC to PVC or (6)
CEMENT CPVC
VALVES Use 12LC0U and 12BD0U valves
(All Types)
Ball Valves ½" and above 150 psi Threaded CPVC ASTM D1784 CL.
And Socketweld 23447-B body and ball,
Ball Check Valves Flanged FF EPDM seats, double union

Material Selection
Table C-5. Line Class 12PU0U (Continued)

Notes:
(1) See Saudi Aramco Plumbing Code SAES-S-060 for material usage within buildings. For non-process services, see SAES-S
series for applicable design code.
(2) Threaded pipe shall be derated 50% from the applicable pressure rating.
Threaded joints 2 inch and larger shall be seal welded with solvent cement.
(3) Union adaptors between thermoplastic and metallic pipe have a plastic socket for solvent cementing and a red brass female
pipe threaded end.
(4) Use washers on both ends of the bolts. Corrosion protection is required for below ground use. Consideration shall be given
to fluoropolymer coated bolts for buried service.
Coated bolts are not stocked. DURABOLT is available from Saudi Conduit Coating Co., P.O. Box 230, Al Khobar.
(5) Maximum operating pressures appear in the table below. CPVC 4120, formerly Type IV Grade 1 CPVC, now meets cell
classification CPVC 23447-B.

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Engineering Encyclopedia

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Chapter : Mechanical For additional information on this subject, contact

FACTORS THAT AFFECT MATERIAL SELECTION ......................................................6

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ...............................................................................................8

Yield and Tensile Strength ....................................................................................8

Suitability for Wet, Sour Service ...............................................................................26

PRIMARY PIPE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES......................................................35

SAES and SAMSS General Limitation ................................................................45

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards i

Basic Material for Pipe Systems, SAES-L-032....................................................50

ADDENDUM A: APPLICABLE SAUDI ARAMCO MATERIAL

INDUSTRY STANDARDS APPLICABLE FOR PIPE AND PIPING COMPONENTS.....74

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards ii

Figure 1. Typical Stress-Strain Diagram for Steel ...........................................................9

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards iii

Table 1. Corrosion That May Occur in All Piping Systems............................................24

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards iv

Achieving the objectives of this module requires the engineer to

In selecting materials, the engineer must also have knowledge

• The basic principles of material science.

• The type of piping system and applicable codes (covered in

• The fluid characteristics (temperature, corrosivity, H2S

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 5

FACTORS THAT AFFECT MATERIAL SELECTION

Several factors influence the selection of material for a particular

• Suitability for wet, sour and hydrogen services.

A discussion of the first four of these factors appears below.

However, Saudi Aramco Standards (SAES) and Material

1) Picking a basic material chemistry

a) For piping refer to SAES-L-032, “Materials Selection for

b) For fittings refer to SAES-L-007, “Selection of Metallic

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 6

c) For valves refer to SAES-L-008, “Selection of Valves.”

d) For flanges, gaskets and bolts refer to SAES-L-009,

2) Identify limitations on pipe and piping components from and

This process has been already completed and put together as

In order to set the basic engineering understanding and the

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 7

Yield and Tensile

Some information, such as Modulus of Elasticity, Yield Strength,

A typical stress-strain diagram for steel is illustrated in Figure 1.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 8

deformation continues to increase until the material fails. The

If a large amount of strain occurs in going from Point A to Point

The Yield strength is defined as the stress required to cause

Figure 1. Typical Stress-Strain Diagram for Steel

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 9

The ultimate Tensile strength of a metal or alloy is obtained by

Note how the stress values on the curve in Figure 2 begin to

Ductility of the material is an important mechanical property that

0.002 in. x 100% = 0.2% 100

0 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.010 0

Engineering strain, in./in.

Figure 2. Yield Strength (0.2% Offset Proof)

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 10

Both the yield and tensile strengths decrease as temperature

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 11

Figure 3. Typical Curve Showing Three Stages of Creep

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 12

parallel stress versus rupture time curves, with each curve

Figure 4. Typical Rupture Strength of Incoloy Alloy 800HT, Also Effect of

Although a metal may be hard and have high tensile strength, it

Shear fracture, or ductile fracture, exhibits yielding and