Engineering Standard
SAES-L-133 5 October 2005
Corrosion Protection Requirements
for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee Members
Al-Anezi, Mohammed A., Chairman
Al-Rumaih, Abdullah M., Vice Chairman
Abdulhadi, Abdullatif I.
Al-Anizi, Salamah S.
Al-Gahtani, Moraya S.
Al-Ghasham, Tawfiq Y.
Al-Mugbel, Wajdi M.
Al-Nabulsi, Khalid M.
Al-Sannaa, Muhsen S.
Balhareth, Nasser M.
Bash, Fahad M.
Burgess, Brian W.
Choi, Ho J.
Cruz, Ivan C.
Dias, Olavo C.
Kermad, Abdelhak
Lobley, Graham R.
Mehdi, Mauyed S.
Moore, Mark A.
Niemeyer, D.C.
Palmer, Robert E.
Stark, Gregory D.
Tems, Robin D.
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards
Table of Contents
1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations................................. 2
3 References..................................................... 2
4 Definitions....................................................... 4
5 Minimum Mandatory Requirements............... 6
6 Determining Corrosive and
Crack-Inducing Environments...................... 10
7 Corrosion and Cracking Control Measures.. 13
8 Corrosion Control, Water
and Chemical Treatment Subcommittee...... 16
Previous Issue: 30 March 2005 Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010
Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 17
Primary contact: Abdullah M. Al-Rumaih on 873-4398
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
Issue Date: 5 October 2005 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
1 Scope
This standard specifies minimum mandatory measures to control internal and external
corrosion, and environmental cracking for onshore and offshore pipelines, plant and
platform piping, wellhead piping, well casings, and other pressure-retaining process
equipment.
Higher temperature corrosion phenomena, > 300ºC (570ºF), are beyond the scope of this
document. For higher temperatures, contact Consulting Services Department, Materials
Engineering and Corrosion Control Division (CSD/ME&CCD).
The corrosion control measures specified herein are to be applied during design,
construction, maintenance, and repair of such facilities.
2 Conflicts and Deviations
2.1 Any conflicts between this standard and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Engineering Standards (SAESs), Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs),
Standard Drawings (SASDs) or industry standards, codes and forms shall be
resolved in writing by the Company or Buyer Representative through the
Manager, Consulting Services Department, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this standard in writing to the Company or
Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Manager, Consulting Services Department,
Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
3 References
The selection of material and equipment, and the design, construction, maintenance, and
repair of equipment and facilities covered by this standard shall comply with the latest
edition of the references listed below, unless otherwise noted.
3.1 Saudi Aramco References
Saudi Aramco Best Practices
SABP-A-001 Materials Selection and Protection Criteria for
Austenitic Stainless Steels During Refinery
Shutdowns
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures
SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a
Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement
Page 2 of 17
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
Issue Date: 5 October 2005 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
SAEP-303 Engineering Review of Project Proposal and
Detail Design Documentation
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards
SAES-A-007 Hydrostatic Testing Fluids and Lay-Up
Procedures
SAES-A-205 Oilfield Chemicals
SAES-A-208 Water Treatment Chemicals
SAES-A-301 Materials Resistant to Sulfide Stress Corrosion
Cracking
SAES-H-001 Selection Requirements for Industrial Coatings
SAES-H-002 Internal and External Coatings for Steel Pipelines
and Piping
SAES-L-100 Applicable Codes and Standards for Pressure
Piping Systems
SAES-L-132 Materials Selection of Piping Systems
SAES-L-136 Pipe Selection and Restrictions
SAES-L-310 Design of Plant Piping
SAES-L-410 Design of Pipelines
SAES-L-420 Scraper Trap Station Piping and Appurtenances
SAES-L-610 Nonmetallic Piping
SAES-L-810 Design of Piping on Offshore Structures
SAES-L-850 Design of Submarine Pipelines and Risers
SAES-M-005 Design and Construction of Fixed Offshore
Platforms
SAES-W-010 Welding Requirements for Pressure Vessels
SAES-W-011 Welding Requirements for On-Plot Piping
SAES-W-012 Welding Requirements for Pipelines
SAES-X-300 Cathodic Protection of Marine Structures
SAES-X-400 Cathodic Protection of Buried Pipelines
SAES-X-500 Cathodic Protection of Vessel and Tank Internals
SAES-X-600 Cathodic Protection of In-Plant Facilities
SAES-X-700 Cathodic Protection of Onshore Well Casings
Page 3 of 17
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
Issue Date: 5 October 2005 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications
01-SAMSS-016 Qualification of Pipeline, In-Plant Piping and
Pressure Vessel Steels for Resistance to
Hydrogen-Induced Cracking
01-SAMSS-035 API Line Pipe
01-SAMSS-038 Small Direct Charge Purchases of In-Plant Pipe
01-SAMSS-332 High Frequency Welded Line Pipe, Class B
01-SAMSS-333 High Frequency Welded Line Pipe, Class C
02-SAMSS-005 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings
02-SAMSS-011 Forged Steel Weld Neck Flanges
32-SAMSS-004 Manufacture of Pressure Vessels
32-SAMSS-007 Manufacture of Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
32-SAMSS-011 Manufacture of Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers
3.2 Industry Codes and Standards
American Petroleum Institute
API PUBL 932-A A Study of Corrosion in Hydroprocess Reactor
Effluent Air Cooler Systems
API RP 945 Avoiding Environmental Cracking in Amine Units
National Association of Corrosion Engineers
NACE RP0170 Protection of Austenitic Stainless steels and other
Austenitic Alloys from Polythionic Acid Stress
Corrosion Cracking during Shutdown of
Refinery Equipment
NACE RP0198-2004 The Control of Corrosion Under Thermal
Insulation and Fireproofing Materials – A
Systems Approach
4 Definitions
"Baseline ILI survey": performed on scrapable pipelines prior to commissioning for
the purpose of establishing the original condition of the line and to provide a "filter"
enabling subsequent surveys to discriminate damage that has occurred in service.
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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
Issue Date: 5 October 2005 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
"Caustic Cracking": a form of stress corrosion cracking characterized by surface-
initiated cracks that occur in piping and equipment exposed to caustic, primarily
adjacent to non-post weld heat treated welds.
"Corrosion": deterioration of a material, usually a metal, that results from a reaction
with its environment. For the purposes of this document, corrosion includes general
and localized corrosion mechanisms, as well as environmental cracking mechanisms
including, but not limited to, stress corrosion cracking (SCC), sulfide stress cracking
(SSC), hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) and stress-oriented hydrogen induced cracking
(SOHIC).
"Corrosion-critical": piping systems whose failure could present a hazard to humans
or to the environment, or where such failure cannot be repaired without disrupting
operation. Piping systems in hydrocarbon, hydrocarbon processing, flare, and firewater
service are considered corrosion-critical. Piping systems in other services may be
defined as corrosion-critical by the operating organization with the concurrence of
CSD/ME&CCD.
"Environmental Cracking": brittle fracture of a normally ductile material in which
the corrosive effect of the environment is a causative factor.
"Erosion-corrosion": conjoint action of erosion and corrosion in a flowing single or
multiphase corrosive fluid leading to the accelerated loss of material. This phenomenon
encompasses a wide range of processes including solid particle or liquid droplet
impingement, cavitation, and single-phase erosion of protective films.
"Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC)": the mechanism, related to hydrogen blistering,
that produces subsurface cracks parallel to the surface and, sometimes, stepwise cracks
in the through-thickness direction.
"In-Line Inspection (ILI)": internal inspection of a pipeline using an in-line inspection
tool. Also called Intelligent or Instrument Scraping.
"In-Line Inspection Tool": device or vehicle that is designed to travel through a
pipeline and survey the condition of the pipeline wall using nondestructive examination
(NDE) techniques. Also known as Intelligent or Instrument Scraper.
"Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC)": refers to corrosion mechanisms
attributed to microorganisms and their by-products.
"Pipelines": include cross-country and offshore transportation lines, flowlines,
trunklines, tie-lines, water supply and injection lines and pipeline branches such as
jump-overs. SAES-L-100 defines some of these types of pipelines.
"Piping": includes pipelines, plant piping, and wellhead piping.
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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
Issue Date: 5 October 2005 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
"Plant piping": includes above and below-ground piping inside a plant area, as
defined in SAES-L-100.
"Plant": includes, but is not limited to, gas oil separation plants (GOSPs), water
injection plants (WIPs), water treatment plants, gas processing plants, fractionation
plants, refinery, marine or aviation terminals, bulk plants, power plants, tank farms, and
pipeline pump stations.
"Polythionic Acid Stress Corrosion Cracking (PASCC)": a form of stress corrosion
cracking normally occurring due to sulfur acids forming from sulfide scale, air and
moisture acting on sensitized austenitic stainless steels.
"Sensitization": refers to the composition-time-temperature dependent formation of
chromium carbide in the grain boundaries of austenitic stainless steels and some Ni
alloys; occurs in the 750°F to 1500°F (400°C to 815°C) temperature range.
"Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC)": cracking of a metal produced by the combined
action of corrosion and tensile stress (residual or applied).
"Stress-Oriented Hydrogen Induced Cracking (SOHIC)": is a rare through-thickness
type of environmental cracking where a staggered array of small cracks forms, with the
array approximately perpendicular to the principal stress. SOHIC occurs in severe wet,
sour service and can occur in carbon steel pipe and plate that is resistant to HIC and
SSC.
"Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC): brittle failure by cracking under the combined action
of susceptible microstructure, tensile stress and corrosion in the presence of water and
hydrogen sulfide.
"Wellhead Piping": is the piping between the wellhead wing valve and the plot limit
valve of a single or multiple well drilling site or offshore production platform. See
SAES-L-410.
5 Minimum Mandatory Requirements
5.1 Use the corrosion-control measures mandated by this standard for all piping and
pressure-retaining equipment exposed either internally or externally to one or
more of the conditions described in Sections 6.1 or 6.2 of this standard. Use
SAES-L-132 for environment-specific materials selection and SAES-L-136 for
carbon steel pipe-type selections and restrictions.
5.2 For piping systems that are not corrosion-critical, follow the requirements in the
pertinent standards and codes.
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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
Issue Date: 5 October 2005 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
Commentary Note:
Some piping systems, not defined as corrosion-critical in this standard, must still
be built with corrosion-resistant materials as specified in other standards or
codes. Examples are sewer lines, wastewater disposal lines, and potable water
lines.
5.3 Normal, Foreseeable and Contingent Conditions
5.3.1 Select appropriate corrosion control methods and materials (see Section
7) for all of the following conditions:
• normal operating conditions, projected over the design life of the
system,
• process start up,
• end of run variations and
• foreseeable intermittent or occasional operations, such as hydrostatic
test, steam cleaning or carryover of contaminants from an upstream
process (e.g., caustic from a stripper).
Commentary Note:
Detailed analysis of the situation may or may not require measures to
control general thinning. However, always take measures to prevent
sulfide stress cracking, caustic cracking, and other rapid environmental
cracking mechanisms.
5.3.2 Select corrosion control and materials for contingent conditions, such as
those that may be encountered during construction, start-up, shutdown or
process upset operations. Always take measures, as described in Section
7.2, to prevent sulfide stress cracking (SSC), stress corrosion cracking
(SCC) such as caustic cracking, SOHIC, and other rapid environmental
cracking mechanisms.
Commentary Notes:
(1) Contingency failure requirements will not normally require any special
provision for general corrosion, localized corrosion, or hydrogen induced
cracking, due to the limited time exposure.
(2) Consideration must be given to potential corrosion of valve trim/seats
during hydrotest. The type of hydrotest medium must be considered
together with likely exposure time and ambient temperature. Company
experience has shown that certain materials (such as 304 SS) used in
valve internals suffer from pitting (and in some cases severe pitting) prior
to pipelines entering service. Consequently, consideration of hydrotest
medium, exposure time and temperature may require an upgrade in valve
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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
Issue Date: 5 October 2005 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
trim and seat materials. See SAES-A-007 for specific recommendations
for hydrotest fluids and treatment of hydrotest fluids.
5.4 For situations not adequately addressed by codes and standards, use the
optimum corrosion and materials engineering practices commonly accepted in
the oil and gas industry, with the concurrence of CSD/ME&CCD.
5.5 Each new project or major facility revision shall include a Corrosion Control
Plan as part of the detailed design package in accordance with SAEP-303
Attachment 1. Major elements of the Corrosion Control Plan need to be
developed early in the project, such as project proposal, to ensure adequate
funding. A corrosion control plan should include:
• A materials selection diagram (MSD) in the form of a map, diagram, or
table. Deviations from the MSD included in the detailed engineering
drawings may only be made with the approval of the Project Management
Team Manager, the proponent organization superintendent and the
Supervisor, Materials Engineering Unit, CSD.
• The Corrosion Control Plan shall document all design features and operating
requirements regarding coatings, cathodic protection, inhibitors and
chemical treatment, calculation of corrosion allowances, corrosion
monitoring, postweld heat treatment if required, scraping, MIC control, and
other relevant corrosion control techniques necessary to comply with this
standard.
5.6 Design and provide corrosion-monitoring capabilities for all new corrosion-
critical piping systems.
Commentary Note:
For non-corrosive systems, the corrosion monitoring capabilities may be as
simple as providing access for ultrasonic surveys. The objective here is to
develop a philosophy early in a project so that the philosophy is reviewed and
approved and corrosion monitoring equipment may be installed along with any
required access platforms.
5.6.1 Provide details of the corrosion monitoring philosophy and design in the
Corrosion Control Plan in a separate submittal specifically addressing
this topic. The scope shall be submitted as part of the Project Proposal to
ensure adequate funding. A detailed submission is required during the
detailed design review.
5.6.2 The corrosion monitoring plan shall include the number and approximate
location of corrosion monitoring fittings, the provision of safe permanent
adequately sized access to each test location, the measurement technique
to be employed, the provision of data management software, data
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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
Issue Date: 5 October 2005 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
transmission, networking, racks, and marshalling cabinets. In cases
where multiple engineering contractors are working on various units in a
major project, the engineering contractors shall interface to develop one
integrated system that maximizes use of existing facilities (computer,
etcetera) and avoids unnecessary duplication.
5.6.3 Corrosion monitoring systems may be commissioned subsequently to the
signature of the Mechanical Completion Certificate. However, if this
occurs, the Project Management Team shall provide sufficient funding
for completion and start-up of the corrosion monitoring system.
5.6.4 Corrosion monitoring access fittings used must be approved by the
Supervisor, Corrosion Technology Unit, CSD and the facility corrosion
engineer. Generally, fittings used in upstream operations will employ
Cosasco 2-inch high pressure fittings. Generally, fittings used in refinery
operations will be retractable fittings. In selecting fittings, consideration
must be given to compatibility with the design of any pre-existing
fittings in the plant. On-line retrievable fittings shall not be used on any
line where a serious personnel safety risk could result from use of the
fittings. On-line retrievable fittings shall not be used in any hydrogen
service.
5.6.5 Permanent safe access is required for any location where corrosion
probes need to be monitored, serviced, or replaced on-line. The platform
size provided for access to 2-inch high pressure fittings shall allow the
use of the high pressure access tool and valve within the confines of the
platform area. Provision shall be made on elevated platforms to assist in
moving the retriever equipment in place.
5.7 In-Line Inspection (ILI) – requirement for pipelines only
In-Line Inspection is a measure to monitor and evaluate the extent of corrosion
damage in pipelines. The requirements to install permanent scraping facilities
that are capable of accepting ILI tools shall be in accordance with SAES-L-410.
5.8 SAES-A-007 mandates corrosion protection requirements for hydrostatic test
water composition and post-hydrotest lay-up procedures
5.9 Follow the requirements for oilfield chemicals in Materials Service Group
(MSG) 147000 as defined in SAES-A-205 for first-fill where oilfield chemicals
such as corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, anti-foams, demulsifiers, biocides,
or neutralizers, are to be used.
Follow the requirements of SAES-A-208 for water treatment chemicals in
Materials Service Group (MSG) 147000 provided at first-fill.
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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
Issue Date: 5 October 2005 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
In either case (oilfield chemicals or water treatment chemicals), it is highly
recommended to check with the Proponent organization to ensure that first-fill
chemicals are compatible with existing treatments and that there are no
Chemical Alliance agreements in force which may supersede this standard.
5.10 Corrosion allowances
Use corrosion allowance as indicated by design calculations or if it is mandated
by industry codes or other Saudi Aramco Standards. If corrosion allowance is
used, it shall be a minimum of 1.6 mm. If the calculated required corrosion
allowance exceeds 6.35 mm, evaluate alternative measures.
Commentary Note:
Corrosion allowance will not reduce the corrosion rate of the piping material.
However, the extra wall thickness of the pipe may provide a longer service life if
the mode of attack is uniform general corrosion. Corrosion allowances are not
effective against localized corrosion, such as pitting. If pitting rates are well
defined from historical data, adequate corrosion allowance can be viable.
6 Determining Corrosive and Crack-Inducing Environments
6.1 Corrosive Environments
For design purposes, an environment that meets any one of the conditions listed
below is corrosive enough to require specific corrosion control measures (see
Section 7). A piping system or process equipment predicted to be exposed to
such an environment during its design life requires measures to control metal-
loss corrosion:
6.1.1 Acidic or near neutral pH water phase with an oxygen concentration in
excess of 20 micrograms per liter (20 ppb).
Commentary Note:
Acidic or near-neutral pH water that has access to atmosphere will
contain up to 8 mg/L dissolved oxygen and is corrosive. Water with a pH
of 10 to 12 is considered non-corrosive to steel in many environments.
6.1.2 A water phase with a pH below 5.5 calculated from available data or
measured either in situ or at atmospheric pressure immediately after the
sample is collected in the field.
6.1.3 A water-containing multiphase fluid with a carbon dioxide partial
pressure > 206 kPa (30 psia).
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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
Issue Date: 5 October 2005 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
Commentary Notes:
(1) Systems with CO2 partial pressures between 20.6 kPa to 206 kPa (3 psia
and 30 psia) will require corrosion control measures if the expected
corrosion rate is high (see 6.4). Systems with partial pressures below
20.6 kPa (3 psia) are usually non-corrosive.
(2) Mixed corrosive systems containing both carbon dioxide and hydrogen
sulfide shall be considered to be dominated by the carbon dioxide
corrosion mechanism when the ratio H2S/ CO2 < 0.6. Such corrosion
systems are generally called "sweet" when considering general thinning,
pitting, and erosion-corrosion. However, note that the systems may
contain sufficient hydrogen sulfide to also meet the requirements of sour
systems presented in Paragraphs 6.2.1 and 6.2.2.
6.1.4 A service condition that would cause a metal penetration rate of 76 μm/yr
(3.0 mpy) or more. The penetration rate may be from uniform corrosion,
localized corrosion, or pitting. Determine this service condition jointly by
consulting corrosion engineers from the responsible operating
organizations and CSD/ME&CCD.
6.1.5 All soils and waters in which piping systems are buried or immersed.
6.1.6 A water-containing fluid stream with flowing solids such as scale or
sand, which may settle and initiate corrosion damage.
6.1.7 A water-containing fluid stream carrying bacteria that can cause MIC.
6.2 Crack-Inducing Environments
The environments listed below require control measures if the condition is
predicted to occur during the design life of the system.
6.2.1 A piping system or process equipment exposed to an environment
meeting any one of the following conditions requires sulfide stress
cracking (SSC) control measures:
6.2.1.1 Sour water service with an H2S concentration above 2 mg/L
and a total pressure of 400 kPa (65 psia) or greater.
6.2.1.2 Hydrocarbon service meeting the definition of sour
environments in SAES-A-301. Consider an H2S concentration
of 2 mg/L or more in the water phase as equivalent to meeting
the NACE criteria. Sour crude systems upstream of a
stabilization facility and sour gas upstream of a sweetening or
dehydration plant are included as SSC environments.
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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
Issue Date: 5 October 2005 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
Commentary Note:
Process engineering calculations based on Henry's Law have
shown that environments containing more than 2 mg/L H2S in
the water phase will usually contain more than 0.3 kPa (0.05
psia) partial pressure of H2S in the gas phase, which is one of
the NACE criteria.
6.2.2 A piping system or process equipment exposed to an environment with
an H2S concentration above 50 mg/L in the water phase requires HIC
control measures, except that lean and rich DGA systems, other lean
amine systems, and caustic systems are not required to meet this
requirement.
Commentary Note:
The 50 mg/L criterion and the exceptions for DGA, lean amine, and
caustic service are based on Saudi Aramco and industry experience from
service and testing.
Amine stripper, its overhead (exit) gas piping, cooler, and overhead
receiver shall be fabricated from HIC-resistant materials. Internal
cladding with corrosion resistant material releases the requirement of
having HIC-resistant material for the cladded part or component.
6.2.3 Environments recognized by other standards or by good engineering
practice as potential environments for stress corrosion cracking (SCC)
require control measures. CSD/ME&CCD shall be the final arbiter in
the resolution of such design questions.
Commentary Note:
Some SCC environments are listed in SAES-W-010 Paragraph 13.3 and
SAES-W-011 Paragraph 13.3. The conditions cited in the above
standards include, but are not limited to, those listed below:
All caustic soda (NaOH) solutions, including conditions where caustic
carryover may occur (e.g., downstream of caustic injection points).
All monoethanolamine (MEA) solutions (all temperatures).
All diglycol amine (DGA) solutions above 138°C design temperature.
All rich amino diisopropanol (ADIP) solutions above 90°C design
temperature.
All lean ADIP solutions above 60°C design temperature.
Boiler deaerator service (i.e., ambient temperature vacuum
deaerators are exempt).
Hydrogen service for P-No. 3, 4, and 5A/B/C base materials.
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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
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Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
All diethanolamine (DEA) solutions.
7 Corrosion and Cracking Control Measures
7.1 Corrosion Control Requirements
For internal corrosion control to mitigate conditions described in Section 6.1,
design corrosion-critical piping systems or equipment with at least one
acceptable measure of internal corrosion control. A combination of two or more
acceptable corrosion control measures for any given environment is preferred
whenever economically and technically feasible.
7.1.2 Select the measure(s) to achieve an average metal penetration rate of less
than 76 μm/yr (3.0 mpy) and/or select adequate corrosion allowance
(e.g., 1.6 mm up to 6.35 mm).
7.1.3 Acceptable corrosion control measures include, but are not limited to, the
following:
• Corrosion-resistant alloys
• Corrosion-resistant nonmetallic materials where permitted by Saudi
Aramco standards. Coordinate with CSD/ME&CCD for applications
not adequately addressed by Saudi Aramco standards such as
SAES-L-132 and SAES-L-610.
• Coatings (internal/external) and linings (internal) meeting
SAES-H-002.
• Galvanic or impressed current cathodic protection
• Chemical treatment and scraping
• Upstream operations must select inhibitors and chemicals using the
methodology of SAES-A-205.
Commentary Note:
Corrosion inhibitor added to the service fluid stream continuously, or
introduced in a concentrated slug intermittently is acceptable provided,
that the corrosion rate is consistent with the corrosion allowance.
Perform periodic pipeline scraping in conjunction with chemical treatment
to provide effective corrosion control. Some pipelines should be cleaned
using surfactants and/or gels to remove solids.
7.1.4 Protect all buried steel piping against soil-side corrosion by both external
coating and cathodic protection. Use coating systems specified in SAES-
H-002. Install cathodic protection systems in accordance with SAES-X-
400 or SAES-X-600.
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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
Issue Date: 5 October 2005 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
7.1.5 For offshore pipelines and platforms, protect all submerged external
surfaces by coating as required by SAES-M-005. Use coating systems
specified in SAES-H-001 and cathodic protection as specified in SAES-
X-300. All casings for offshore wells in non-electrified fields shall be
externally coated to increase the effectiveness of the cathodic protection
system.
Commentary Note:
Coating of submerged structures is governed by SAES-M-005 and
SAES-H-001, however it is mentioned here in SAES-L-133 because
failure to coat the structure can adversely affect the ability of the cathodic
protection system to adequately protect the submerged piping and well
casings under certain circumstances.
7.1.6 Externally protect offshore structures, piping and other static equipment
exposed to marine environment (defined in SAES-H-001 and SAES-H-
002) including splash zones, either by coating or by sheathing with a
corrosion-resistant material. Selection of coating system needs also to
comply with SAES-H-002.
7.1.7 Erosion corrosion is mitigated primarily by adherence to SAES-L-132
for material selection and fluid velocity limitations. Similar principles
can be applied to cases not specifically addressed in SAES-L-132.
7.1.8 Measures for mitigation of MIC include control of bacteria by
application of a biocide chemical, selection of resistant materials, and
selection of coatings.
7.1.9 Protect all pipeline jump-overs in crude oil and wet gas service by
internal coating that meets SAES-H-002.
7.2 Cracking Control Measures
7.2.1 In the environments defined in Paragraph 6.2.1, use materials that
comply with the requirements of SAES-A-301 or meet Saudi Aramco
standards and specifications that ensure equivalent performance.
Metallic plating, metallic coatings, and plastic coatings or linings are not
acceptable for preventing SSC of base metals. Internal coatings may be
used to mitigate corrosion, however, this does not eliminate the
requirement that the base metal be resistant to SSC.
Refer to SAES-W-010, SAES-W-011 and SAES-W-012 welding
standards for welding procedure qualification hardness testing,
production weld hardness testing, and restrictions on dissimilar metal
welds, for sour service applications.
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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
Issue Date: 5 October 2005 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
Commentary Note:
The material requirements in 01-SAMSS-035, 01-SAMSS-038, 01-
SAMSS-332, 01-SAMSS-333, 02-SAMSS-005, 02-SAMSS-011 (except
for low temperature flanges), 32-SAMSS-004, 32-SAMSS-007, and 32-
SAMSS-011 for pipe, fittings, flanges, and process equipment comply
with SAES-A-301 or provide equivalent performance, even though the
NACE standard is not, and should not be, explicitly referenced in the
catalog description or purchase order.
7.2.2 Use seamless pipe, or welded pipe that meets the requirements of
01-SAMSS-016, for all carbon steel piping systems and scraper traps
exposed to environments defined in Paragraph 6.2.2. Process equipment
steel plates shall also meet the requirements of 01-SAMSS-016.
7.2.2.1 For induction pipe bends and quantities of pipe not to exceed
36 meters (120 feet) in length at any location, when HIC-
resistant pipe is not available, use of other pipe with the grade
and wall thickness such that the hoop stress does not exceed
25% of the specified minimum yield strength (SMYS) at the
maximum allowable operating pressure is permissible with
prior written concurrence of CSD/ME&CCD and the operating
department. This provision does not preclude or modify the
requirement in Paragraph 5.7 to build all new pipelines to
allow the passage of ILI tools. Where the internal diameter of
a bend or pipe section would be reduced enough to prevent
passage of ILI tools, Paragraph 5.7 shall take precedence.
7.2.2.2 For conversion of existing, non-HIC-resistant pipe systems to
sour service, the hoop stress must not exceed 25% of the
specified minimum yield strength at the maximum allowable
operating pressure (MAOP).
Commentary Note:
Operating non-HIC-resistant pipe at 25% SMYS does not result
in immunity from hydrogen damage, including blisters, but
reduces the probability of a service leak or rupture.
7.2.3 Design sour gas in-plant piping systems and pipelines for resistance to
SOHIC by observing the restrictions in SAES-L-136. Note that steels
and weldments that are resistant to HIC may be susceptible to SOHIC.
Per SAES-L-136, to prevent the probability of SOHIC, welded pipe, e.g.,
straight or spiral seam, shall not be used in sour gas unless it is stress
relieved (e.g., by heat treatment)
Page 15 of 17
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
Issue Date: 5 October 2005 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
7.2.4 Design all corrosion-critical piping systems and equipment for resistance
to stress-corrosion cracking (SCC). Possible control measures include
material selection, coatings, modification of the environment, post-weld
heat treatment, or significantly reduced design stress.
7.2.4.1 Prevent cracking and corrosion in new or repaired amine
systems by following the recommended practices of API RP
945 and applying the post-weld heat treatment requirements of
SAES-W-010, SAES-W-011 or SAES-W-012.
7.2.4.2 Prevent polythionic acid stress corrosion cracking (PASCC) in
potential cracking environments by selecting stabilized
materials that resist sensitization. Use welding procedures that
minimize sensitization. In systems that have a high potential
for PASCC, avoid air and moisture ingress during shutdowns:
purge the system with nitrogen. In systems that have a high
potential for PASCC but that must be opened to the
atmosphere, neutralize polythionic acids by following NACE
RP0170 and Saudi Aramco Best Practice SABP-A-001.
However, seek input from CSD/ME&CCD on the treatment of
poorly draining equipment such as vertical heater coils.
7.2.4.3 Chloride cracking due to impurities in the soda ash wash can
represent a major hazard in austenitic materials.
7.2.5 Completely coat the outer metal surface of all 300-series stainless steels
that are insulated in order to protect them from pitting and stress
corrosion cracking. Follow recommendations of NACE RP0198-2004,
Section 4, Table 1. Contact the coatings RSA in CSD/ME&CCD for a
list of approved coating products.
8 Corrosion Control, Water and Chemical Treatment Subcommittee
Ivan Cruz Coordinator
Mark Moore Member
Olavo Dias Member
Robin Tems Member
Abdulatif Abdulhadi Member
Abdelhak Kermad Member
Robert Palmer Member
Brian Burgess Member
Tawfiq Al-Ghasham Member
Page 16 of 17
Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control SAES-L-133
Issue Date: 5 October 2005 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment
Revision Summary
5 October 2005 Major revision. Included process equipment to the document scope, clarified and added
references and definitions, added details of corrosion control plan and monitoring
requirements, clarified and added requirements for oil field and water treatment chemicals,
and rearranged sections to follow logic sequence.
Page 17 of 17
