Materials System Specification

01-SAMSS-333 1 January 2018

High Frequency Welded Line Pipe
Document Responsibility: Materials Engineering Standards Committee

Contents
I Scope ..................................................................... 2
II Conflicts and Deviations ......................................... 2
III Normative References............................................ 2
IV Modifications to API SPEC 5L ................................ 4
Revision Summary ...................................................... 17

Annex B - Manufacturing Procedure

Qualification for PSL 2 Pipe ................................. 18
Annex E - Non-destructive Inspection for other
than Sour Service or Offshore Service ................. 23
Annex G - PSL 2 Pipe with Resistance
to Ductile Fracture Propagation ............................ 25
Annex H - PSL 2 Pipe Ordered for Sour Service ........ 27
Annex J - PSL 2 Pipe Ordered for Offshore Service ... 33
Annex K - Non-destructive Inspection for Pipe Ordered
for Sour Service and/or Offshore Service ............ 34

Previous Issue: 20 April 2014 Next Planned Update: 20 April 2019

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 34
Contact: Choongmyeong Kim (kimcx) on phone +966-13-8809540

©Saudi Aramco 2018. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Materials Engineering Standards Committee 01-SAMSS-333
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 20 April 2019 High Frequency Welded Line Pipe

I Scope

This Specification only applies to high frequency welded (HFW) pipe, outside diameter
114.3 mm (NPS 4) and larger, for use in Saudi Aramco Requirement Class B and
Class C. Pipes manufactured to this specification must be in accordance with
International Standard API SPEC 5L to product specification level 2 (PSL 2).
Commentary Note:

Class C service consists of offshore, sour gas or corrosion service, as defined by Saudi
Aramco Engineering Standard SAES-L-133. Class B service consists of all services other
than Class C services. Requirements for Class B and Class C services are defined by
SAES-L-136.

Unless stated to the contrary in the purchase requisition and the purchase order, pipe
manufactured to this specification must be suitable for external coating with fusion
bonded epoxy at a later date by the Purchaser. If the pipe will be internally coated, it
shall be so stated in the purchase requisition and the purchase order.

II Conflicts and Deviations

Any conflicts between this document and other applicable Mandatory Saudi Aramco
Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be addressed to the EK&RD Coordinator.

Any deviation from the requirements herein shall follow internal company procedure
SAEP-302.

III Normative References

The manufacture and purchase of material covered by this specification shall comply
with the latest edition (as per the PO date) of the references listed below, as noted.

A. Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAEP-302 Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-L-131 Fracture Control of Line Pipe
SAES-L-133 Corrosion Protection Requirements for Pipelines,
Piping, and Process Equipment
SAES-L-136 Pipe Selection and Restrictions

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Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements

Form 175-010300 Pipe: Plain End Electric Resistance or Electric
Induction Welded Steel Pipe
Form 175-010210 HIC Testing: ANSI/API SPEC 5L Pipe

B. Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute

API SPEC 5L 45th Ed. Specification for Line Pipe

American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM D1141 Standard Practice for the Preparation of Substitute
Ocean Water
ASTM E112 Estimating the Average Grain Size of Metals

American Society for Non-destructive Testing

ASNT SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practices for Personal Qualification
and Certification in Non-destructive Testing
ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certification of
Non-destructive Testing Personnel

International Organization for Standardization

ISO 404 Steel and Steel Products - General Technical
Delivery Requirements
ISO 7438 Metallic Materials - Bend Test
ISO 7870-2 Control Charts - Part 2 Shewhart Control Charts
ISO 10893-8 Non-destructive Testing of Steel Tubes - Automated
Ultrasonic Testing of Seamless and Welded Steel
Tubes for the Detection of Laminar Imperfections
ISO 10893-9 Non-destructive Testing of Steel Tubes - Automated
Ultrasonic Testing for the Detection of Laminar
Imperfections in Strip/Plate used for the
Manufacture of Welded Steel Tubes
ISO 10893-10 Seamless and Welded (Except Submerged Arc-
Welded) Steel Tubes for Pressure Purposes - Full
Peripheral Ultrasonic Testing for the Detection
of Longitudinal Imperfections
ISO 10893-11 Electric Resistance and Induction Welded Steel
Tubes for Pressure Purposes - Ultrasonic Testing
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of the Weld Seam for the Detection of

Longitudinal Imperfections
ISO 10474 Steel and Steel Products - Inspection Documents

European Standard

IV Modifications to API SPEC 5L

The following paragraph numbers refer to API SPEC 5L which is the basis of this
specification. The text in each paragraph below is an addition or modification to
API SPEC 5L as noted. Paragraph numbers not appearing in API SPEC 5L are new
paragraphs to be inserted in numerical order.

1 Scope [modification]

All pipes shall be manufactured to PSL 2, with the additional requirements

contained in this specification.

4 Terms and Definitions

4.23 HFW Pipe [modification]

EW pipe produced with a welding current frequency equal to or greater than

150 kHz

4.62 Test Unit [addition]

A test unit shall not exceed 100 pipes.

4.68 Pseudo-HIC Resistant Steel [addition]

Coil that is not manufactured utilizing the quality control/assurance and

fabrication measure to intentionally produce HIC resistant steel.

4.69 Class IV Service [addition]

This class is for gas, two-phase flow, and liquid lines such as NGL, whose
vapor pressure exceeds 690 kPa (100 psia).

4.70 Continuous Electronic Process Control (CEPC)

CEPC shall be capable of continuous monitoring and recording of heat input

variables (line speed, voltage and current or welding power), squeeze force
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and seam heat treatment variables (heat treatment temperature and line
speed) with alarm and automatic pipe marking for welding and heat
treatment conditions outside of the qualified process limits (See Annex B.6,
Figure 11).

Other variables directly related to variations in distortion angle shall be

monitored and recorded and used for feedback control.

7 Information to be supplied by the Purchaser

7.2 c) Additional Information [modification]

Intended class of service (Class B or Class C services) shall be indicated.

Following information shall be indicated in the Purchase Order only when

required:
1. Suitable for internal coating (see Scope, 9.10.7, 9.11.3.3 c)
2. Suitable for automatic welding (See 9.11.3.5)
3. Suitable for sour service (paragraph 8.3.7, Annex H and K shall apply)
4. Non-sour service (See 11.1.5)
5. If the line pipe is meant for Class IV service (Annex G shall apply), it
shall be so specified (see G.1.3 for definition of Class IV service) and the
impact energy values shall be stated.

8 Manufacturing

8.1 Process of Manufacture

This specification applies to HFW pipe only. [modification]

8.1.1 A manufacturer, not previously qualified to bid on this specification, shall

submit at least one complete Manufacturing Procedure (see Annex B) for
approval. After review of manufacturing procedure, the mill shall be audited.

For approval for Class C Services, candidate manufacturer shall submit

documentation, including quality control and process control records, of
successful production on a total of 200,000 feet of pipe manufactured to this
specification for Class B services, or equivalent production for other major
oil companies of high quality pipe for severe wet, sour service. At least two
different pipe diameters shall be represented in the production records.

Once approved, a manufacturer may qualify additional procedures after

award of the Purchase Order(s), as described below.

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A specific manufacturing procedure shall be qualified for the job

(see Annex B). A procedure must be qualified and approved for each set of
essential variables (see B.0 and B.3.).

Minor exceptions to this specification may be addressed in the

Manufacturing Procedure approval process (Annex B). In these cases,
formal waivers are not required, but intended exceptions and Saudi Aramco
approval must be in writing.

Major deviations from this specification shall be submitted in writing to the

Company or Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company
procedure SAEP-302.

At the conclusion of production, the manufacturer shall submit a

Postproduction Process Control Report to the Saudi Aramco Consulting
Services Department (CSD) / Capital Program Support Division (CPSD).
This report shall be in electronic spreadsheet format (email submittal is
acceptable). The report shall include a summary of pipe quality control tests
and details relevant to any rejects. The report shall also include all of the
results for tests required in 10.2.3.3, 10.2.4.6, 10.2.4.7 and 10.2.5. For Class
C services, each metal distortion angle measurement, the associated metal
flow factor (distortion angle ÷ girth reduction at squeeze roll per Annex
B.6.2.b) and heat input factor shall be reported.

8.3.10 For all pipe produced to this specification, the strip edges shall be milled
before welding. Automatic seam tracking/position control shall be used for
the heat treatment and NDT stages. [addition]

Process Control, Option 1

Verifiable control of process variables is required for all pipe produced.

The welding process shall also be qualified prior to production, in accordance
with this specification. Basic process control requirements for welding are:

1. Qualify the process limits in accordance with Annex B.6.

2. During production, verify maintenance of acceptable welding

conditions and adequate process control. Either of two methods is
acceptable for use:

a. Continuous Electronic Process Control (CEPC) (see 4.70).

For every pipe length, heat input variables ( line speed, voltage
and current or welding power), squeeze force and seam heat
treatment variables (heat treatment temperature and line speed)
shall be continuously monitored and shown to be within the
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qualified process limits (See Figure 11) by electronic data

acquisition. Metal distortion angle shall be verified
metallographically in accordance with 10.2.5.5. If squeeze roll
force or another parameter proven to have direct correlation with
flow angle is measured as part of CEPC, then the metal distortion
angle shall be measured metallographically at least once per shift.
CEPC methods shall not require Statistical Sampling and
Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods for control of voltage,
current, line speed, and metal distortion angle. CEPC shall
immediately identify and segregate individual pipe lengths when
welding and/or heat treatment conditions are outside of the
qualified process limits (Annex B.6).

b. Combination of CEPC and SPC (this option is not acceptable for

Class C services)

If CEPC is used to control heat input process variables, but not

metal distortion angle, SPC can be used to control metal
distortion angle in accordance with the frequency described in
10.2.5.5. The average of the tests required for each test unit shall
represent one sub-group to be charted by SPC in accordance with
ISO 7870-2 using control limits as specified in Annex B.6.5.

3. Qualification of welding conditions shall verify that the primary power

line voltage to the mill, and within the mill, does not fluctuate
significantly. The mill must demonstrate and assure maintenance of
adequate weld power control.

Process Control, Option 2

Verifiable control of process variables is required for all pipe produced.

A manufacturer may submit its own proprietary process control procedures
for review. The information shall be treated as confidential by Saudi
Aramco. The proprietary process control system must meet the intent of this
specification to define relevant process variables, relate these variables to
production of acceptable pipe, and maintain process control during
production. Deviations from Option 1 requirements (above) must be very
well supported with detailed procedure descriptions, a large amount of
production data, and appropriate statistical analysis.

8.3.11 HIC resistant coils intended for the manufacturing of pipes shall be procured
from an approved Saudi Aramco steel mill. [addition]
Commentary:

Manufacturer needs to procure the coils from approved steel mills.

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8.8 Treatment of Weld Seams in EW and LW Pipes

8.8.2 LW pipe and PSL 2 HFW pipe [modification]

The full width and thickness of the weld seam shall be heat treated after
welding so that the weld microstructure and hardness requirements in
paragraph 10.2.5 are met. Full body normalizing is optional. CEPC, PSL 2,
when employed shall be used to assure the ID heat treat width and centering
by monitoring heat treatment temperature and line speed as related to
temperature control. Failure or abnormal operation of the seam heat
treatment equipment shall trigger an alarm and automatic pipe marking.
Failure to control the ID heat treat width, and centering, by SPC shall cause
the test unit in question to be rejected.

9 Acceptance Criteria

9.2 Chemical Composition [modification]

9.2.2 Heat and Product Analysis

Table 1
Element Maximum % (Class B) Maximum % (Class C)
Carbon - 0.08
Silicon 0.35 0.30
1.4 (Table 5/H.1 note b 1.40 (Table 5/H.1 note b
Manganese
applies) applies)
Sulfur (non-sour service) 0.006 0.003
0.12 (modifies note d/g/e
Nb+V+Ti -
of Table 5/H.1 )
Note: Chemistry requirement of Table H.1 applies for all sour service (Class B and C) with
above restrictions.

Table 2
Wall thickness, mm Maximum CEIIW Maximum Pcm
< 11.1 0.42 0.24
11.1 12.6 0.41 0.22
12.7 15.8 0.40 0.22
> 15.8 0.39 0.21

9.6 Flattening Test [modification]

In the first step of the flattening test, no weld opening shall occur when the
pipe is flattened as follows, and continue flattening to report the height when

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a weld opening does occur or until opposite walls of the pipe meet:

Class B Class C
D/t H/D D/t H/D
>50 0.4 >48 0.3
30-50 0.5 35-48 0.4
<30 0.6 <35 0.5

where: D = specified outside diameter

t = specified wall thickness
H = distance between flattening plates

All values in the same unit. If the flattening height required by API SPEC 5L
for a certain diameter and wall thickness is more stringent than the above
requirement, the requirement of API SPEC 5L shall be followed.

9.8 CVN Impact Test for PSL 2 Pipe [modification]

9.8.1 For Class C services, for the weld area impact tests required to qualify the
Manufacturing Procedure (B.5) and the Process Limits (B.6), sets of six
specimens shall be tested instead of the usual sets of three specimens.
For the impact tests during pipe production, sets of three specimens shall be
used. In all cases, the average absorbed energy shall not be less than the
value specified in the purchase order for the pipe body. The lowest
individual reading shall not be lower than 75% of the specified value and
shall not be lower than 40 J.

9.8.3 The energy values for Class IV service shall be as specified in the purchase
order. For all other services, the impact testing of the weld shall be as stated
in this paragraph of API SPEC 5L.

9.9 DWT Test for PSL 2 Welded Pipe [modification]

DWT test results shall be reported in accordance with API RP 5L3.

9.10.7 Other Surface Imperfections [addition]

d) Pipe that is to be externally and/or internally coated shall be free of scabs,
slivers, laps, seams, and other conditions that would impair coating,
including, but not limited to, oil, grease, tape, lacquer, and varnish.

9.11 Dimensions, Mass, and Tolerances [modification]

9.11.3.3 The tolerances for Length shall be as follows:

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Random length in the range 10 to 14 m shall be delivered except as specified

below or otherwise specified in the Purchase Order.
a) No pipe lengths less than 10.0 m (32.8 ft) will be accepted.
b) Pipe lengths less than 11.6 m (38.1 ft) cannot exceed 2% of the total
line item quantity.
c) If the pipe is identified in the Purchase Order as being intended for
subsequent internal coating, the maximum length of any individual
pipe is 12.8 m (42.0 ft).

9.11.3.5 Pipe that is to be joined using pipeline field automatic welding systems
[addition]

a) The difference in outside diameter, at the ends, between any two

lengths of the same Line Item shall not exceed 1.6 mm for 75% of the
pipes produced.
b) Out-of-Roundness at the ends shall not exceed ±0.5% of the specified
(nominal) O.D. For pipe with D/t < 75, the difference between
maximum diameter and minimum diameter shall not exceed 6 mm.

10 Inspection

10.1 Types of Inspection and Inspection Documents

10.1.3.1 Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements Form 175-010300 specifies the

inspection and testing requirements. The certificates/data to be provided are
of the ISO 10474 Type 3.1.B and shall be reported in the English language.
[modification]

10.2 Specific Inspection [modification]

10.2.1 Inspection Frequency

Semi-guided root bend test shall be done for Class C service.

10.2.1.2 DWT test is required only for Class IV service for all grades of line pipe,
having diameters 20 inches and larger (Table 18).

Guided-bend test shall be applied once per test unit of not more than
50 lengths of pipe with the same manufacturing parameter conditions.

10.2.3 Samples and Test Pieces for Mechanical Tests [modification]

10.2.3.1 General

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Three root bend tests per 10.2.4.6 shall be performed. One specimen each
from the start, middle and end of each coil shall be taken. Bend test is
required only for Class C services.

10.2.3.3 Test Pieces for the CVN Impact Test [modification]

Full size specimens (10 mm x 10 mm) shall be used when specified wall
thickness is equal to or greater than 12 mm. Subsize specimens shall only be
allowed when the pipe wall thickness is insufficient to provide full size
specimens. In these cases the largest possible subsize specimens as per
Table 22 of API SPEC 5L, or use of tapered ends, shall be used.

The axis of the notch shall be within ±0.25 mm from the weld line.
Each test piece shall be etched prior to notching in order to ensure proper
placement of the notch.

Consult Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Saudi Aramco Materials

Engineering Standards Committee for sizes not covered by Table 22.

10.2.3.4 Test Pieces for the DWT Test

The type of notch for DWT test shall be as follows:

(a) For pipe order with specified minimum average CVN value less than or
equal to 70 ft-lb, the pressed type notch shall be used for the DWT test.
(b) For pipe order with specified minimum average CVN value greater
than 70 ft-lb, the Chevron type notch shall be used.

10.2.3.6 Test Pieces for the Guided-Bend Test [modification]

The test pieces shall be prepared in accordance with ISO 7438 or

ASTM A370.

10.2.3.7 Test Pieces for the Flattening Test

The length of each test piece shall be greater than or equal to 100 mm.

10.2.4.6 Guided-bend Test [modification]

(a) Guided-bend test shall be applied for the Class C HFW pipe.
(b) The guided-bend test shall be carried out in accordance with ISO 7438
Paragraph 4.1 (bending device with supports and a mandrel) or
ASTM A370 or as directed in API SPEC 5L.
(c) The test may be performed on a full ring of pipe as shown below in
Figure 9 - d). The full wall thickness is to be tested and no machining of
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the O.D. or I.D. face shall be done. The length of full ring type bend test
piece shall be greater than or equal to 100 mm, taken from the pipe.

Full ring test shall be carried out with a mandrel, whose radius (R), or width
(A) shall be calculated for any combination of diameter, wall thickness, and
grade with the following formula:

A = 2 R = [{1.4 (D - t) t} / [e (D-2t) 1.4t}] t

Where, D = outside diameter of pipe (mm)
t = wall thickness of pipe (mm)
1.4 = picking factor
e = strain.

Grade of Steel
Gr. B 0.1425
X-42 0.1375
X-46 0.1325
X-52 0.1250
X60 0.1125
X65 0.1100
X70 0.1075

(d) For the qualification test, fractures or cracks caused by weld defects
shall be cause for rejection of the representative coil and shall not be
discarded and retested.

Figure 9 - d) Full Ring Type

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10.2.4.7 Flattening Test [modification]

Besides the two test pieces taken from both end-of-coil locations, one test
piece shall also be taken from two random, but not identical, locations
through the remaining length of the coil and tested with the weld at the
3 o'clock position.
Commentary Note:

One coil may produce 12-34 pipe lengths depending on size and thickness.
The intent is to get 4 tests evenly spaced throughout the coil length.
Ideally, 4 separate pipes in the coil length are to be sampled. In case one coil
produce below 10 pipe lengths due to heavy wall thickness, middle location
test shall be applied for one location at the coil middle.

10.2.5 Macrographic and Metallographic Examinations

10.2.5.5 Weld Microstructure and Hardness Tests [addition]

Frequency: One test per 100 lengths (50 lengths for Class C services).
If, CEPC is not in place for metal distortion angle control, there shall be four
lengths tested per 100 lengths produced. At least one pipe from each cast
(heat) shall be tested.

In addition, for Class C services, item f), the metal distortion angles shall be
measured metallographically at least three times per shift and correlated with
the distortion angle parameter (i.e., squeeze roll load) that is being monitored
and recorded as part of the CEPC.

Preparation: For each pipe tested, at least one transverse specimen of the
weld area shall be polished to metallographic quality and shall be etched to
provide grain boundary contrast.

Acceptance Criteria: Using a metallurgical microscope or metallograph, the

transverse specimen shall be examined at a magnification sufficient to easily
measure grain size per ASTM E112.
a) The normalized zone shall extend through the wall and completely
overlap the original weld line.
b) The weld seam microstructure shall contain no untempered martensite
and no inclusions at the fusion line.
c) The grain sizes of the weld seam area and the parent metal shall be
determined per ASTM E112. Weld seam grain size shall not exceed
parent metal grain size by more than two ASTM grain-size units.
d) A balanced uniform forged structure shall be present as depicted in
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Figure 10.
e) Fusion line must be perpendicular with the pipe surfaces to within
±5° (A) for any pipe wall greater than 7.9 mm (0.312 in.) and ± 10° for
pipe with wall thickness equal to or less than 7.9 mm (0.312 in.).
f) The distortion angl
pressure must be within the qualified limits (Annex B.6, Figure 11), as
OD ID),
perpendicular to the fusion line. The distortion angle shall be
determined (four locations) near a position equivalent to one-fourth
OD) and three-fourths wall thickness (¾ x wt,
ID) from the O.D. surface on both sides of the weld seam.
During qualification and production of a particular line item (same
grade, O.D., w.t.), the O.D. and I.D. distortion angles shall always be
measured at the same distance (L) from the fusion centerline, as
established during qualification for average O.D. and I.D. metal
distortion angles. The location of L for angle measurement shall be at
the outer region (¼ x wt, LOD) of the welding heat tint zone, with a
tolerance of ±3% of the wall thickness. The distance LOD for the O.D.
OD may be different from the distance LID (¾ x wt) angle for
ID, but each shall be given in the qualification report.

Figure 10 - Metal Flow Angle

OD- Angle of metal flow distortion on O.D. side
ID - Angle of metal flow distortion on I.D. side
A - Angle of fusion line measured from perpendicular to O.D. surface
WT - Pipe wall thickness
Note: Various techniques can be used for revealing and measuring metal flow
distortion. Some methods that have proven successful individually or in
combination include: 1) saturated picric acid etchant in distilled water,
2) take specimens from a small pipe sample in which the seam has not been
heat treated, 3) use of an optical comparator or profile projector.

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Commentary Note:

Figure 1 through Figure 9 - c) are in the base specification, API SPEC 5L.

Hardness Tests

Frequency and sample preparation for hardness tests shall be as described in

10.2.5.5 above. The same samples can be used for both the weld microstructure
tests and the hardness tests. Vickers hardness testers shall be used.

Hardness traverses shall be made 1.5 mm ± 0.5 mm from the I.D. and O.D.
surfaces and at the mid-wall. Each traverse shall consist of at least the
following: one indentation in the center of the weld area, one indentation
located not more than 1.0 mm on each side of the central indentation, and
one indentation in the parent metal outside of the normalized zone on each
side of the weld. (Total of 5 indentations in each traverse) For each
traverse, the middle three measurements should be in the normalized zone
and encompass the weld seam.

The maximum hardness measured shall not exceed 248 HV (Vickers

Hardness using a 10 kg load). The average hardness at 1.0 mm on each side
of the centerline for I.D. measurements of all tested samples shall not exceed
the average hardness of the corresponding O.D. measurements as shown by
a statistical test of data from two samples with unequal variances for a 95%
confidence level.

10.2.6 Hydrostatic Test

The seam shall be positioned in the upper quadrant (approximately 12:00

o'clock) prior to the application of pressure. Any pipe whose seam is not in
the upper quadrant during pressure testing shall be re-tested. Any failing or
leaking pipes shall be rejected and the cause investigated and corrective
actions documented. The lighting in the hydrostatic test area shall provide a
minimum illumination of 500 lux [modification].

Test pressures shall be held for at least 10 seconds.

10.2.6.7 Required test pressure shall be determined using minimum wall thickness
(tmin) and a hoop stress of at least 95% (100% for Class C services) of the
specified minimum yield strength of the pipe [modification].

10.2.7 Visual Inspection

10.2.7.1 The lighting in the visual inspection shall provide a minimum illumination
of 500 lux [modification].

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10.2.11 Sorting and Reprocessing [modification]

Reprocessing per API SPEC 5L or paragraph 9 of ISO 404 is not allowed.

If either of the retest per ISO 404 fails, the entire test unit shall be rejected
or sorted by testing each pipe per paragraph 9 of ISO 404.

10.2.12 Retesting [modification]

Retesting shall be in accordance with ISO 404. Retesting requirements in

API SPEC 5L shall not apply.

The following retest criteria apply to rejects due to welding outside the
qualified process limits (Annex B.6, Figure 11):
a. Single pipes rejected while manufacturing to 8.3.10 2.a shall not be
retested.
b. Production test units rejected while manufacturing to 8.3.10 2.b may be
retested in the following manner for the process variable in question.
1) Test 13 additional pipe lengths from the test unit rejected and
perform all testing required by 10.2.4.7 and 10.2.5.
2) For test units that were rejected for excessive or insufficient heat
input: If all flattening and metallographic results, for the sample
group of 13, are acceptable, accept the test unit with no further
processing. If the results are not acceptable, either reject the test
unit, finally, or test each remaining pipe in the test unit and reject
those lengths that exhibit unacceptable results. Those pipes
exhibiting acceptable results become the remainder of the test
unit which shall be accepted.
3) For test units that were rejected for excessive or inadequate metal
distortion angle (see Annex B.6 3.): If all flattening and
metallographic results are acceptable for the retested pipes,
accept the test unit with no further processing. If metal distortion
angle of the sample is still found unacceptable calculate the
average OD and ID angles (X-bar13) and the associated standard
deviations (S13) for each. If either of the following calculations is
false reject the test unit, finally:

i) X 13 3.606 S13 2.179

ii) 12 S132 2
19.68

11 Marking
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11.1 General [addition]

11.1.4 Marking of pipes shall be in USC units in accordance with Annex O with
the additional requirements listed below. The area of the pipe to be marked
shall be clean and dry. The markings shall be paint stenciled using a
medium and protective varnish that will provide a legible marking for at
least one year of outside storage. The varnish coating shall be hard drying
and the dry film thickness should not exceed 50 micrometers. The size of
the lettering shall be commensurate with the diameter of the pipe, but in no
case less than 0.75 inch (0.59 inch for diameter 6 inches and smaller) and in
height for API markings and 13 mm in height for shipping markings.

11.1.5 Marking of Non-sour Service Pipe

Pipe purchased for non-sour service shall be identified by painting a white

longitudinal stripe, 2 inches wide by 18 inches long, on the inside surface of
both ends. Alternative marking, 50 mm x 50 mm, may be applicable for
small diameter pipe.

11.2 Pipe Markings [addition]

11.2.1 k) Each pipe shall be marked Saudi Aramco, followed by the destination,
Purchase Order number/Item Number, heat number, and the Saudi Aramco
9COM or 9CAT stock number. If there is no assigned 9COM or 9CAT
stock number, the pipe shall be marked 01-SAMSS-333 Class B or C (as
appropriate). Each pipe shall be marked with capital W at pipe end area by
means of low stress stamp to the marking side.

12 Coating and Thread Protectors [modification]

Pipe shall be supplied without mill coating unless specified otherwise in the
Purchase Order. Varnish coating of the markings is acceptable provided that
the varnish is hard drying with a maximum dry film thickness of 0.050 mm.

Revision Summary
20 April 2014 Major revision due to value engineering session review.
1 January 2018 Editorial revision to modify and/or delete paragraphs 8.3.11 (Commentary), and H.7.3.1.8.

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Annex B Manufacturing Procedure Qualification for PSL 2 Pipe

B.0 Introductory Note [addition]

All pipes must be manufactured using a qualified Manufacturing Procedure that

has been approved by Saudi Aramco Consulting Services Department (CSD) /
Capital Program Support Division (CPSD) / Materials Engineering & Corrosion
Project Support Group (ME&CPS). Procedure submittals include B.3 and B.5
requirements. The Manufacturing Procedure shall be qualified prior to start of
main production and submitted no later than five days after start of main
production. Fax or email submittals are acceptable. Final acceptance of pipe is
contingent upon successful qualification of a procedure and approval by Materials
Engineering & Corrosion Project Support Group (ME&CPS), plus evidence that
the pipe was manufactured within the limits of the Manufacturing Procedure.

The manufacturer may use a previously qualified Manufacturing Procedure if

the new product falls within a set of previously qualified essential variable
groups listed below. In this case, the submittal should be in the form of a
Manufacturing Procedure Specification with simplified B.3 information and
without the detailed supporting test data that was previously submitted.
The manufacturing procedure shall be requalified any time there is a change in
the essential variables. If the essential welding variables (Annex B.6) change,
but the essential manufacturing variables are unchanged, then only the welding
conditions (Annex B.6) must be requalified.

Essential manufacturing variables:

a) Pipe grade
b) Outside diameter group
1) Up to and including 323.9 mm (NPS 12)
2) Over 323.9 mm (NPS 12)
c) Wall thickness group
1) 6 mm to 11 mm
2) Over 11 mm

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B.5 Manufacturing Procedure Qualification Tests [modification]

Manufacturing procedure qualification test results to be submitted include:

a) All tests required in Section 10. A complete series of tests shall be
performed on at least one pipe from each coil described in B.6.3.c.
If multiple welding lines will be used for production the same
requirements shall apply to each pipe manufacturing line.
b) HIC and SSC test results as per annex H and DWT test results as per
Annex G, if applicable.
c) Results of SSC test and grooving corrosion test (applicable only for Class
C sour service).
d) Welding qualification as specified in Annex B.6.
e) For the purpose of the first-time qualification only (Paragraph 8.1.1) the
submittal may be based upon Annex B.1, B.3, mill historical production
data, and the mill's own process control procedures. However, the quantity
and quality of the information submitted must be sufficient to confirm
compliance with the intent of this specification. If a purchase order is
awarded on this basis, the specific qualifications required by Annex B.5
and B.6 shall be submitted and approved prior to start of main production.
f) SPC Procedure if CEPC method is used for control of only heat input
process variables. See Paragraph 8.3.10.2.b.
g) Description of CEPC. See paragraph 8.3.10.2.a.
h) Postproduction Process Control Report (see 8.1.1) for a previous order,
either a) the last order, or preferably b) the last order with the same
essential welding variables (see Annex B.6).

B.6 Qualification of Welding Conditions [addition]

1. Essential welding variables:

a) Pipe grade
b) Service Class (MPQ for Class C qualifies Class B but not vice versa)
c) Nominal diameter
d) Specified wall thickness ± 1.0 mm
e) Operation within qualified process limits (Figure 11)
f) Contact tip/roller alloy composition (HFERW only)

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g) Induction coil configuration (HFI only)

h) Impeder configuration (HFI only)

2. Process variables:
a) Heat Input Factor (function of wall thickness, voltage, current, and/or
power, and line speed)
b) Squeeze roll force
c) Coil width after edge milling
d) Girth reduction
e) Distortion angle
f) Seam annealing temperature and power
g) Seam anneal width at I.D. surface

3. Qualification Steps
a) Install chart recorders, or other appropriate devices, for electronic data
acquisition to monitor and control the process heat input and squeeze force
variables (Process variables a and b above).
b) From the nominal settings for voltage, current (and/or power), line
speed, and squeeze roll force identify, or calculate the maximum and
minimum limits for each and construct the preliminary process limits
(see Figure 11).
Note: The boundary limits may be based on experience (such as data from a
previous order), or calculated, or chosen arbitrarily.

c) Produce at least one coil at the nominal welding conditions and one coil at
each of the chosen maximum and minimum limit points, determined in
B.6.3.b) above, and depicted in Figure 11.
i. Sample each coil at the front, middle, and end.
ii. Evaluate each sample for compliance with 10.2.4.6 (guided-bend
test), 10.2.4.7 (flattening test) and 10.2.5 (metallographic
examination).
iii. If any set of specimens fails to meet the requirements above, adjust the
variable settings accordingly and produce another coil. If necessary
continue adjustments until the desired limits of the process have been
identified.
iv. Choose, at random, one additional pipe from the coil at nominal
welding condition of point A in Figure 11 and remove at least

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10 samples, at least one meter apart, for metallographic tests in

accordance with 10.2.5.5.f.

Figure 11 - Manufacturing Process Boundary Limits

4. Figure 11, in terms of 8.3.10.2.a, represent the limits within which CEPC must
control the processes.

5. Perform the following calculations with the measurements made in 10.2.5.5.f for
all five test coils.
a) Determine the average overall metal distortion angle for all O.D. angles
combined. This calculated value is defined as X-barQOD.
b) Determine the standard deviation for all O.D. angles combined.
This calculated value is defined as SQOD. If SQOD > 3.0, the process
must be requalified after process improvements have been made.
c) Determine the average overall metal distortion angle for all I.D. angles
combined. This calculated value is defined as X-barQID.
d) Determine the standard deviation for all I.D. angles combined.
This calculated value is defined as SQID. If SQID > 3.0 the process must
be requalified after process improvements have been made.
e) Determine, for the additional single pipe from coil A, the average O.D. and
I.D. angles with their associated standard deviations. These values (X-
barAOD, X-barAID, SAOD, and SAID) are defined as approximations of
the true process means and standard deviations and shall appear in the
qualification report. If SAOD or SAID are greater than SQOD or SQID,
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respectively, requalification shall be required after significant process

improvement.

6. The final manufacturing process boundary limits (Figure 11) represents the
qualified process limits for the Manufacturing Procedure and combination of
essential welding variables. Any operation shown to be outside of the Qualified
Process Limits will require evaluation by CSD or requalification, and any pipe
produced outside this qualified boundary must be either rejected or held for
further evaluation.
a) For pipe manufactured with full CEPC (see 8.3.10.2.a) the CEPC system
shall control process variables within the area bounded in Figure 11 in
accordance with 8.3.10.2.a.
b) The upper control limit (UCL) and lower control limit (LCL) on the
control chart for X-barQOD and X-barQID calculation shall be reported
and considered as boundary limits to be achieved during production.
c) For pipe manufactured to 8.3.10.2.b. the distortion metal angle tests taken
in accordance with 10.2.5.5 shall be SPC charted in accordance with
ISO 7870-2. A production test unit shall be rejected if the sub-group plot
falls outside of the UCL or LCL.

7. The pipe used for qualification may be included in the production order
provided that each coil is sampled and tested as described in B.5.3 above.
Any coil that does not pass all of the tests shall be rejected.

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Annex E Non-destructive Inspection for other than Sour Service

or Offshore Service

E.1 Qualification of Personnel [modification]

E.1.3 Level 1 personnel may set up the equipment, perform tests, and report the
results. Supervision of Level 1 personnel and interpretation of results shall be
done by Level 2 employees. The primary Level 3 employee such as company
employee, outside consultant, or third party inspector shall be certified in
accordance with ASNT CP-189 or EN 473 or ASNT SNT-TC-1A or by an
independent certifying body acceptable to Saudi Aramco. Working practice
for qualification shall be submitted to Saudi Aramco for approval.

E.3 Methods of Inspection

E.3.1.3 b) Timing of NDT operations [modification]

Ultrasonic examination of the weld seam shall be carried out after

hydrostatic testing. Means shall be provided to mark the pipe when the
ultrasonic inspection equipment indicates an imperfection is present so that
defective areas can be identified.

E.3.2 Pipe end inspection Welded pipe [modification]

E.3.2.1 For manual testing, the scanning speed shall not exceed 150 mm/s.

E3.2.3 Verification shall be carried out in accordance with ASTM A578 and
ASTM A435 or ISO 10893-8.

E.5 Ultrasonic and Electromagnetic Inspection

E.5.1 Equipment [modification]

E.5.1.1 Test method based on electromagnetic principles is not acceptable for

testing of the weld seam

E.5.5 Acceptance limits [modification]

E.5.5.1 The acceptance limit for indications produced reference indicators shall be
N10 notch for liquid service and N5 notch for gas service.

E.8 Laminar imperfections in the pipe body of EW, SAW and COW pipes
[modification]

Verification of compliance shall be carried out.

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E.9 Laminar imperfections along the strip/plate edges or pipe weld seam of
EW, SAW and COW pipes [modification]

Verification of compliance shall be carried out.

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Annex G PSL 2 Pipe with Resistance to Ductile Fracture Propagation

G.1 Introduction [modification]

This annex is invoked when additional fracture toughness is required to

control ductile fracture propagation in gas lines and liquids lines with a high
vapor pressure.

It is applicable to pipe with wall thickness of 0.25 inch to 1.5 inches for use
in cross-country pipelines, offshore pipelines, flowlines, and trunklines at
design temperatures above 0°C.

G.1.3 Definition of Class IV Service [addition]

Class IV Service: This class is for gas, two-phase flow, and liquid lines
such as NGL, whose vapor pressure exceeds 690 kPa (100 psia).
Commentary Note:

Reference to Class I service has been discontinued because PSL 2 pipe

ordered to this specification meets the requirements for Class I service by
default.

G.1.4 This annex is applicable only if the line pipe classification is specified as
class IV in the purchase order [addition].

G.2 Additional Information to be Supplied by the Purchaser [modification]

G.2.1 Paragraph a) shall be applicable for all purchase orders.

G.2.2 a) CVN impact test temperature shall be at 0°C.

b) DWT test temperature shall be at 0°C.

G.3 Acceptance Criteria [modification]

G.3.1 All parent metal Charpy fracture surfaces for all diameters shall exhibit at
least 85% average and 75% minimum shear per each set of test.

G.3.2 Minimum average Charpy impact energy value shall be as specified by the
Buyer in the relevant requisitions, quotation requests, and purchase orders as
per SAES-L-131. CVN test shall include weld and base metal.
Commentary Note:

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard SAES-L-131 is for reference for Saudi

Aramco personnel only. This standard is not applicable to pipe manufactures.

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G.3.4 For DWT test, specimens shall not exhibit less than 85% average and 75%
minimum shear per each set of test.
Commentary Note:

Each specimen must tear completely to give a readable fracture surface as

shown in API RP 5L3 Figure 5 and Appendix A. Specimens that buckle,
collapse, deform or rip are considered invalid and the test must be performed
again. Specimens must be firmly mounted to promote acceptable test
results.

G.4 Test Frequency [addition]

G.4.3 Specimen Orientation

All specimens shall be oriented transverse to the rolling direction.

The orientation specified in Table 20 shall apply.

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Annex H PSL 2 Pipe Ordered for Sour Service

H.4 Acceptance Criteria

H.4.1 Chemical Composition [modification]

Chemistry restrictions outlined in paragraph 9.2.2 shall apply.

For C.E./Pcm values, the more stringent of the values stipulated in Table H.1
and paragraph 9.2.2 of this specification shall apply.

H.4.3 HIC/SWC Test [modification]

b)
c)

The defects listed below shall be disregarded:

a) Features such as inclusions that cannot be definitely identified as cracks.
b) Isolated, definitely identifiable cracks shorter than 0.1 mm in length.
c) Blisters and their associated cracking which at no point extend more
than 1 mm from the inner and outer pipe surfaces of the test specimen.
If any part extends more than 1 mm from the surfaces, the entire
blister/crack system shall be counted.
d) Isolated longitudinal cracks (i.e., cracks having a thickness less than or
equal to 0.1 mm) having no part more than 1.0 mm from the inner and
outer pipe surfaces of the test specimen. If the cracks are located
partly within 1.0 mm from the surface and partly deeper than 1.0 mm
into the specimen, the entire crack shall be counted.

Pseudo-HIC Resistant steel shall not be used to fabricate equipment intended

for sour service application. Steel that passes the HIC test, but has not been
intentionally manufactured to be HIC resistant steel shall not be used.

H.4.4 Hardness Test [modification]

Requirements stated in 10.2.5.5 shall be followed. Maximum acceptable

hardness, including weld cap, is 248 HV using 10 kg load.

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H.4.5 SSC Test [modification]

The results of the tests at 0.90 of actual yield strength (See H.7.3.2) shall be
described and reported pass/fail, but for information only. The following
acceptance criteria shall be applied to the specimens tested at 0.80 of actual
yield strength and all three specimens must pass:

After removal from the solution, the specimen shall be stressed to more
than the actual yield strength. The specimen shall not break and no cracks
shall be visible at 10X magnification.

H.4.6 Special requirements for grooving corrosion resistance [addition]

A test for grooving corrosion resistance shall be performed as part of the

manufacturing procedure qualification (See Annex B) for Class C services
only. This test is required only when steel is being used from a particular
steel mill for the first time for Class C sour service. The test method shall
be that described in Section 2 of the PRCI Final Report for PR-15-9306
Susceptibility of Modern ERW Pipe to Selective Weld Seam Corrosion in
Wet Environments. (See www.prci.com) The test environment shall be
room temperature synthetic seawater (ASTM D1141) in equilibrium with
30 psia CO2. The acceptance criterion is that the grooving factor GF
(weldline corrosion/general corrosion, see Figure 12) shall not exceed 1.5.

o
rig
ina
l su
rfa
ce

d2

a
d1

Figure 12

GF = d1/d2 = 1 + a/d2

H.5 Surface Conditions, Imperfections and Defects [modification]

H.5.2 Hardness exceeding 248 HV, even on the external surface, shall be
considered as an unacceptable.

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H.7 Inspection

H.7.1 Specific Inspection [modification]

The frequency of inspection for HIC test shall be one pipe from each of the
first three heats supplied by each hot rolled coil mill from each purchase order
shall be tested and one pipe out of every five subsequent heats. The pipes for
testing can be selected by the purchaser's representative from the heats
containing the higher sulfur content. One set of three specimens is required
for HIC testing.

H.7.2 Samples and Test Pieces for Mechanical and Technological Tests

H.7.2.4 In addition to testing on the pipe, testing on the raw material (coil) shall be
performed as follows [addition]:
Testing shall be carried out on all heats by Saudi Aramco approved steel
mills.
Three samples shall be cut from one end, across the width of the top end
of coil (outer first wrap). These samples shall be oriented longitudinally,
i.e., along the principal rolling direction (Figure 13).
If several thicknesses are produced from a single heat, then the thinnest
shall be tested.

Figure 13 Sampling Location Diagram

H.7.3 Test Methods [modification]

H.7.3.1.1 The following shall be included in the HIC test report:

a) The CLR results of the control sample
b) Location and dimensions of coupons, and whether taken from pipe or
coil.
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c) pH of H2S saturated solution at the start and end of the test.

d) Chemical composition of material tested, including Al, B, C, Ca, Cr,
Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Nb, N, P, Si, S, Ti and V.
e) Results of cracking evaluation.
f) Photomicrographs of metallographically-polished (1 micron finish)
g) Specimens of typical parent material microstructures on a plane with
the same orientation as that used for cracking evaluation.
h) Parent material microstructure

H.7.3.1.4 The CLR results of the control sample shall also be reported. For each
section containing cracks, a photograph shall be taken of the complete cross-
section.

H.7.3.1.5 HIC control samples, provided by the Manufacturer/Vendor, shall be used

for all tests. These control samples shall have demonstrated HIC-cracking
sensitivity, i.e., Average Crack Length Ratio (CLR) exceeding 20% in
Solution A.

H.7.3.1.6 The purity of the H2S gas shall be 99.5% minimum. H2S gas generated from
chemical reactions, e.g., Kipps apparatus, is not acceptable as a source of
H2S gas.

H.7.3.1.7 Should the Vendor's HIC test results be rejected by Saudi Aramco, re-testing
may be referred to an independent 3rd party laboratory acceptable to Saudi
Aramco for resolution. This laboratory shall use HIC test methods and
control samples in accordance with this specification.

H.7.3.1.8 Testing shall be performed by the Manufacturer/Vendor or 3rd party laboratory

acceptable to Saudi Aramco. The laboratories shall be approved. This report
shall include the mandatory requirements specified below:
a. Verify the Inspection and Testing Requirements specified in Form
175-010210 HIC Testing are completely satisfied. This task shall be
carried out by Saudi Aramco Inspection Representative, e.g., Vendor
Inspection Division.
b. HIC control samples, provided by the Manufacturer/Vendor, shall be
used for all tests. These control samples shall have demonstrated
HIC-cracking sensitivity, i.e., Average Crack Length Ratio (CLR)
exceeding 20% in Solution A.
c. The purity of the H2S gas shall be 99.5% minimum. H2S gas generated
from chemical reactions, e.g., Kipps apparatus, is not acceptable as a
source of H2S gas.
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d. H2S concentration shall be measured by iodometric titration as per the

current NACE TM0284
conducted at start of test, i.e., after 1 hour (saturation) and at the end of
test (96 hours).
e. The HIC testing laboratory shall provide documentation supporting the
adequate training of technicians or engineers undertaking the
evaluation of CLR and CTR measurements.
f. Should the Vendor's HIC test results be rejected by Saudi Aramco,
re-testing may be referred to an independent 3rd party laboratory
acceptable to Saudi Aramco for resolution. This laboratory shall use
HIC test methods and control samples in accordance with this
specification.
g. Documentation for HIC testing facility, including, but not limited to
the following:
Description of the HIC testing setup/apparatus (schematic required)
to be used for qualifying the plates, or pipes.
Purity of the utilized salts and H2S for the test solution.
Detailed procedure describing the testing, metallographic
preparation and evaluation of HIC specimens.
Documentation confirming availability (with
Manufacturer/Vendor) of HIC Control Samples with demonstrated
HIC-sensitivity, i.e., average CLR exceeding 20% in Solution A.
The Manufacturer/Vendor shall qualify his test method using HIC
control samples.
If the Manufacturer/Vendor does not have a HIC testing facility
acceptable to Saudi Aramco or its representative, then he must
provide documentation supporting that testing shall be conducted
by an independent 3rd party laboratory meeting Saudi Aramco's
approval.

H.7.3.1.9 HIC test verification shall be in accordance with Saudi Aramco Inspection
Form 175-010210 Inspection and Testing Requirements HIC Testing.

H.7.3.1.10 Retesting Requirements

A heat that fails the acceptance criteria above may be retested as follows:

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a) The coil from which the failed pipe was taken shall be rejected.
However, two additional lengths of pipe from other coils may be
selected at random from the same heat for further testing. If both of
the retest groups pass, all pipes in the heat are acceptable except the
pipes from the coil which the initial test coupons were taken.
b) If one or both of the retest groups fail to meet the acceptance criteria,
the heat shall be rejected and materials specified in the Purchase Order
shall either be tested heat by heat or rejected entirely at the discretion
of the Vendor.

H.7.3.1.11 Additional testing shall be required if the steel-making and/or pipe-making

procedures are significantly altered from the manufacturing process
boundary limits in Figure 11 during production [addition].

H.7.3.2 SSC Test [modification]

Three samples shall be tested at 0.80 of the actual measured yield strength
and three samples shall be tested at 0.90 of the actual measured yield
strength. See H.4.5 for the acceptance criteria.

H.7.3.3 Hardness Test [modification]

H.7.3.3.1 Only Vickers hardness testers shall be used. The maximum hardness
measured shall not exceed 248 HV using 10 kg load.

H.7.3.3.3 Hardness test locations shall be as per 10.2.5.5 of this specification.

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Annex J PSL 2 Pipe Ordered for Offshore Service

J.4.1 Chemical Composition [modification]

The requirements of paragraph 9.2.2 above shall apply in addition to the

requirements given in Table J.1.

J.4.3 Hardness Test [modification]

The requirements in paragraph10.2.5.3 above shall apply.

J.8.2.3 Samples for hardness tests [modification]

The requirements in paragraph 10.2.5.3 above shall apply.

J.8.3.2 Samples for hardness tests [modification]

The requirements in paragraph 10.2.5.3 above shall apply.

J.8.4 Non-destructive Inspection [modification]

The modifications to Annex K stated below shall apply.

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Annex K Non-destructive Inspection for Pipe Ordered for Sour Service

and/or Offshore Service

K.4 Non-destructive inspection of HFW pipe

K.4.1 Non-destructive inspection of weld seam [modification]

Inspection shall be done as per ISO 10893-11 with acceptance level

U2/U2H or ISO 10893-10 with acceptance level U2.

K.4.2 Laminar imperfections in the pipe body [modification]

This requirement is mandatory. The coverage of lamination detection shall

be at least 25% of the strip/plate or pipe surface.

K.4.3 Laminar imperfections on the strip/plate edges or areas adjacent to the

weld seam [modification]

This requirement is mandatory.

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