SAES-L-133 PDF – Corrosion Protection Requirements

This article is about SAES-L-133 which is about Corrosion Protection Requirements for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment and download SAES-L-133 PDF for piping and mechanical engineers, supervisors and project managers. This is saudi aramco standard based on international codes and standards and useful for piping and mechanical engineering knowledge to get job as engineers, QC Supervisors and QC managers, Engineering managers and technicians.

SAES-L-133 PDF Download

SAES-L-133

SAES-L-133 Corrosion Protection Requirements for Pipelines, Piping and Process Equipment

According to the standard, the scope of this standard covers the following:

1. Onshore and offshore pipelines
2. Structures
3. Plant and platform piping
4. Wellhead piping
5. Well casings
6. Other pressure-retaining process and ancillary equipment

The standard specifies minimum mandatory measures to control internal and external corrosion, as well as environmental cracking for these facilities. These measures are to be applied during various stages, including design, construction, operation, maintenance, and repair. The goal is to ensure the integrity and reliability of the facilities by addressing corrosion-related issues and preventing environmental cracking.

Minimum Mandatory Requirements

According to the standard, the following minimum mandatory requirements should be followed:

Corrosion-Control Measures: Use corrosion-control measures mandated by the standard for all piping and pressure-retaining equipment exposed internally or externally to conditions described in Sections 6.1, 6.2, or 6.3 of the standard. In addition to this standard, consult SAES-L-132 for environment-specific materials selection and SAES-L-136 for carbon steel pipe-type selections and restrictions.

Non-Corrosion-Critical Piping Systems: For piping systems that are not corrosion-critical, follow the requirements specified in the relevant standards and codes. However, note that some piping systems not defined as corrosion-critical in this standard may still require the use of corrosion-resistant materials as specified in other standards or codes. Examples include sewer lines, wastewater disposal lines, and potable water lines.

Normal, Foreseeable, and Contingent Conditions:

• Select appropriate corrosion control methods and materials for the following conditions:
  • Maximum normal operating conditions projected over the design life of the system, which is specified as a minimum of 20 years.
  • Process start-up.
  • End of run variations.
  • Foreseeable intermittent or occasional operations such as hydrostatic tests, steam cleaning, or carryover of contaminants from an upstream process (e.g., caustic from a stripper).
• Select corrosion control methods and materials for contingent conditions that may be encountered during construction, start-up, shutdown, process upset operations, or the failure of a single component. Additional measures should be taken to prevent sulfide stress cracking (SSC), stress corrosion cracking (SCC), caustic cracking, SOHIC, and other rapid environmental cracking mechanisms. Contingency failure requirements may not require provisions for general corrosion, localized corrosion, or hydrogen-induced cracking if the time exposure is very limited. However, if the contingent conditions exist for an extended period, additional corrosion control measures shall be implemented. Consult the Corrosion Technology Unit, ME&CCD, CSD for guidance. SAES-L-133 PDF Download Explains in details about Corrosion Protection Requirements.

For situations not adequately addressed by codes and standards, it is recommended to use optimum corrosion and materials engineering practices commonly accepted in the oil and gas and refining industry. The concurrence of the Supervisor, Corrosion Technology Unit, CSD/ME&CCD should be obtained.

Determining Corrosive and Crack-Inducing Environments

According to the standard, the following conditions determine corrosive environments that require specific corrosion control measures:

1. Acidic or near neutral pH water phase with an oxygen concentration exceeding 20 micrograms per liter (20 ppb). Water with pH levels below 5.5 is also considered corrosive.
2. A water-containing multiphase fluid with a carbon dioxide partial pressure greater than 206 kPa (30 psi). Systems with carbon dioxide partial pressures between 20.6 kPa and 206 kPa (3 psi and 30 psi) may require corrosion control measures depending on the expected corrosion rate.
3. Service conditions that would cause a metal penetration rate of 76 μm/yr (3.0 mpy) or more, which can result from uniform corrosion, localized corrosion, or pitting. Determining this condition requires consultation with corrosion engineers from the responsible operating organizations and CSD/ME&CCD.
4. All soils and waters in which piping systems are buried or immersed.
5. A water-containing fluid stream with flowing solids such as scale or sand, which can settle and initiate corrosion damage.
6. A water-containing fluid stream carrying bacteria that can cause microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC).
7. Insulated and fireproofed systems.

If a piping system or process equipment is predicted to be exposed to any of these corrosive environments during its design life, specific corrosion control measures outlined in Section 7 of the standard must be implemented. These measures aim to prevent metal loss corrosion and ensure the integrity and reliability of the facilities.

Crack-Inducing Environments for SAES-L-133 PDF Download

The standard SAES-L-133 specifies the following crack-inducing environments that require control measures if they are predicted to occur during the design life of the system:

Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC) Control: A piping system or process equipment exposed to an environment meeting any of the following conditions requires sulfide stress cracking control measures:

Service meeting the definition of sour environments in ISO 15156, Part II, Paragraph 7.1.2. 6.2.1.2 Service meeting the definition of sour environments in ISO 15156, Part II, Paragraph 7.2.1.4, specifically SSC Regions 1, 2, and 3. 6.2.1.3 Service meeting the definition of sour service in NACE MR0103 (latest revision) where the requirements of NACE MR0103 are more restrictive than ISO 15156 or cover environmental conditions not addressed by ISO 15156, including: (a) Total sulfide content in the aqueous phase exceeding 50 ppmw. (b) Total sulfide content in the aqueous phase of at least 1 ppmw and pH below 4. (c) Total sulfide content in the aqueous phase of at least 1 ppmw, free cyanide content of 20 ppmw, and pH above 7.6.

Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) Control: Piping systems and process equipment exposed to an environment with a total sulfide content in the aqueous phase exceeding 50 ppmw require the use of HIC-resistant steel that meets the specifications 01-SAMSS-035 and 01-SAMSS-043 for pipes and 01-SAMSS-016 for tanks, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels.

Rich diglycolamine (DGA) systems are exempt from this requirement, but certain components such as the amine stripper, its overhead gas piping, cooler, and overhead receiver must be fabricated from HIC-resistant materials. 6.2.2.2 All other rich amine systems must meet this requirement.

It’s important to consult the specific standards (ISO 15156, NACE MR0103, and the mentioned SAMSS specifications) and involve the CSD/ME&CCD for clarification and final decisions in cases of uncertainty or conflicting requirements.

Read Also:

SAES-L-132 PDF Download – Material Selection for Piping Systems

SAES-L-131 PDF Download – Fracture Control of Line Pipe