TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

VALVES IN SPECIAL SERVICE

MESC SPE 77/303

February 2016

MESC SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT

This document is restricted. Neither the whole nor any part of this document may be disclosed to any third party without the prior written consent of Shell Global
Solutions International B.V., The Netherlands. The copyright of this document is vested in this company. All rights reserved. Neither the whole nor any part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical,
mechanical, reprographic,
reprographi recording or otherwise)
without the prior written consent of the copyright owner.
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PREFACE

MESC (Materials and Equipment Standards and Code) SPE documents reflect the views, at the time of publication, of:
Shell Global Solutions International B.V. (Shell GSI)
and/or
Shell International Exploration and Production B.V. (SIEP)
and/or
other Shell Service Companies.
They are based on the experience acquired during their involvement with the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of processing units and facilities, and they are supplemented with the experience of Shell Operating Units.
Where appropriate they are based on, or reference is made to, international, regional, national and industry standards.
The objective is to set the recommended standard for good design and engineering practice applied by Shell companies
operating an oil refinery, gas handling installation, chemical plant, oil and gas production facility, or any other such
facility, and thereby to achieve maximum technical and economic benefit from standardization.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to Shell companies for their consideration and decision to
implement. This is of particular importance where MESC SPEs may not cover every requirement or diversity of condition
at each locality. The system of MESC SPEs is expected to be sufficiently flexible to allow individual Operating Units to
adapt the information set forth in MESC SPEs to their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use MESC SPEs they shall be solely responsible for the quality of work
and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In particular, for those requirements not
specifically covered, the Principal will expect them to follow those practices, which will achieve the same level of
integrity as reflected in the MESC SPEs. If in doubt, the Contractor or Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting
from his own responsibility, consult the Principal or its technical advisor.
The right to use MESC SPEs is granted by Shell GSI, in most cases under Service Agreements primarily with Shell
companies and other companies receiving technical advice and services from Shell GSI or another Shell Service
Company. Consequently, three categories of users of MESC SPEs can be distinguished:
1) Operating Units having a Service Agreement with Shell GSI or other Shell Service Company. The use of MESC
SPEs by these Operating Units is subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the relevant Service
Agreement.
2) Other parties who are authorized to use MESC SPEs subject to appropriate contractual arrangements (whether
as part of a Service Agreement or otherwise).
3) Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with users referred to under 1) or 2)
which requires that tenders for projects, materials supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said
users comply with the relevant standards.
Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with users, Shell GSI
disclaims any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury or death) suffered by any company or
person whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the use, application or implementation of any MESC SPE,
combination of MESC SPEs or any part thereof, even if it is wholly or partly caused by negligence on the part of Shell
GSI or other Shell Service Company. The benefit of this disclaimer shall inure in all respects to Shell GSI and/or any
Shell Service Company, or companies affiliated to these companies, that may issue MESC SPEs or require the use of
MESC SPEs.
Without prejudice to any specific terms in respect of confidentiality under relevant contractual arrangements, MESC
SPEs shall not, without the prior written consent of Shell GSI, be disclosed by users to any company or person
whomsoever and the MESC SPEs shall be used exclusively for the purpose for which they have been provided to the
user. They shall be returned after use, including any copies, which shall only be made by users with the express prior
written consent of Shell GSI. The copyright of MESC SPEs vests in Shell GSI. Users shall arrange for MESC SPEs to
be held in safe custody and Shell GSI may at any time require information satisfactory to them in order to ascertain how
users implement this requirement.
All administrative queries should be directed to the MESC SPE Administrator in Shell GSI.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 4
1.1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS ......... 4
1.3 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................. 4
1.4 ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................................................................... 4
1.5 CHANGES SINCE PREVIOUS EDITION ................................................................... 4
1.6 COMMENTS ON THIS MESC SPE ............................................................................ 5
PART II REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................................... 6
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 6
2. STEAM ........................................................................................................................ 6
3. HYDROGEN ............................................................................................................... 6
4. HYDROFLUORIC ACID (HF) ..................................................................................... 6
5. CHLORINE.................................................................................................................. 7
6. OXYGEN ..................................................................................................................... 8
7. ETHYLENE-OXIDE (EO) .......................................................................................... 11
8. SOUR SERVICE ....................................................................................................... 12
9. SODIUM HYDROXIDE, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (CAUSTIC SODA) OR
AMINE ....................................................................................................................... 12
10. MARKING AND PACKAGING .................................................................................. 12
APPENDIX 1 CLEANILINESS REQUIREMENTS FOR VALVES USED IN OXYGEN
SERVICE .................................................................................................................. 15
APPENDIX 2 LABORATORY TESTING PROTOCOL AND REQUIREMENTS FOR
CONFIRMING OXYGEN CLEANLINESS OF BAM CERTIFIED SOFT PARTS. ..... 17
A.2.1. BAM Certificate requirements ................................................................................... 17
A.2.2. Product identification and traceability requirements ................................................. 17
A.2.3. Document submittal of oxygen cleaning procedures ................................................ 17
A.2.4. Production testing ..................................................................................................... 18
A.2.5. Test procedures ........................................................................................................ 18
PART III REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 20
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PART I INTRODUCTION

1.1 SCOPE
This MESC SPE specifies requirements for valves in special service (see Part II).
This specification shall apply in addition to the applicable MESC Buying Description,
purchase order or requisition sheet.

1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Unless otherwise authorised by Shell GSI, the distribution of this MESC SPE is confined to
Shell companies and, where necessary, to Contractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers
nominated by them.
This MESC SPE is intended for use in oil refineries, chemical plants, gas plants, exploration
and production facilities and, where applicable, supply/distribution installations.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements may be more
stringent than in this MESC SPE the Contractor shall determine by careful scrutiny which of
the requirements are the more stringent and which combination of requirements will be
acceptable with regards to safety, environmental, economic and legal aspects. In all cases
the Contractor shall inform the Principal of any deviation from the requirements of this
MESC SPE which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or
local regulations. The Principal may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned, the
objective being to obtain agreement to follow this MESC SPE as closely as possible.

1.3 DEFINITIONS
The Contractor is the party that carries out all or part of the design, engineering,
procurement, construction, commissioning or management of a project, or operation or
maintenance of a facility. The Principal may undertake all or part of the duties of the
Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party that manufactures or supplies equipment and
services to perform the duties specified by the Contractor.
The Principal is the party that initiates the project and ultimately pays for its design and
construction. The Principal will generally specify the technical requirements. The Principal
may also include an agent or consultant authorised to act for, and on behalf of, the
Principal.
The word shall indicates a requirement.
The word should indicates a recommendation.

1.4 ABBREVIATIONS
EO Ethylene-Oxide
HF Hydrofluoric acid
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer
TGA Thermogravimetric Analyzer

1.5 CHANGES SINCE PREVIOUS EDITION

The previous edition of this MESC SPE was dated February 2015. The change is to
specify cleaning requirements for Ethylene-Oxide (EO) and Chlorine service. Give
clarity about measurement of extension/lagging length. Specify sample weight for
oxidation testing and air quality for clean room. Target cleanliness level for oxygen
service valves has been updated, which does not require a change in the current
cleaning procedure specified. Gaskets for Oxygen service shall not be colour-coded.
Exemptions for oxygen service production testing listed.
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1.6 COMMENTS ON THIS MESC SPE

Comments on this MESC SPE may be sent to the MESC SPE Administrator at
MESC@shell.com. Shell staff may also post comments on this MESC SPE on the Surface
Global Network (SGN) under the Standards folder.
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PART II REQUIREMENTS

1. INTRODUCTION
Where any of the following services is specified, the applicable requirements specified in
this MESC SPE shall apply:
• Steam.
• Hydrogen.
• Hydrofluoric acid (HF).
• Chlorine.
• Oxygen.
• Ethylene-Oxide (EO).
• Sour.
• Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide (caustic soda) or amine.

2. STEAM
The following additional requirements shall apply, if steam service is specified:
• For metal seated rising stem valves in sizes ≥ DN 50 (NPS 2), the body seat(s) and
back seat shall be integral or fully welded-in;
• For metal seated check valves in sizes ≥ DN 50 (NPS 2), the body seat shall be
integral or fully welded-in.

3. HYDROGEN
The following additional requirement shall apply, if hydrogen service is specified:
• For metal seated rising stem valves in sizes ≥ DN 50 (NPS 2), the body seat(s) and
back seat shall be integral or fully welded-in;
• For metal seated check valves in sizes ≥ DN 50 (NPS 2), the body seat shall be
integral or fully welded-in.

4. HYDROFLUORIC ACID (HF)

The following additional requirements shall apply, if hydrofluoric acid (HF) service is
specified:
• Where applicable, valves shall meet the applicable licensor specifications.
• Carbon steel forgings shall comply with supplementary requirement S62 of ASTM
A 961.
• Carbon steel castings shall comply with supplementary requirement S16 of ASTM
A 216.
• Carbon steel plate shall comply with supplementary requirement S54 of ASTM A 516.
• If a carbon steel gate valve is specified, the wedge guides for those valves in sizes ≥
DN 50 (NPS 2) shall be constructed from solid Alloy 400.
• Plug valves with a pressure balance hole and stagnant body cavities may only be used
in carbon steel plug valves, if the body cavity is filled with a grease resistant to
hydrofluoric acid.
• All flanges shall be painted with one coat of HF-detecting paint and shall not be
insulated.
• Stem thread lubrication is prohibited.
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February 2016
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• Valves shall be separately packaged in a clean and hermetically sealed plastic bag. If
the bore of the valve permits, moisture absorbent sachets (e.g. silica gel) shall be
placed inside the valve.

5. CHLORINE
The following additional requirements shall apply, if chlorine service is specified:
• Valves shall be thoroughly cleaned, assembled, tested, inspected and packaged
in accordance with the following:
o Preliminary Cleaning
All component parts shall be cleaned so as to be visibly free of any defects,
dirt, corrosion, scale, weld spatter, oil, grease, or any other particulate or
hydrocarbon contamination.
Oil and grease shall be removed by steam cleaning or hot water wash with a
mild detergent. Defects, scale, corrosion and weld spatter may be removed
by e.g. abrasive blast cleaning, wire brush or grinding cleaning, or swab,
spray, and dip cleaning, so long as there is no permanent damage to the fit,
finish or functionality of the part. Carbon steel brushes and brushes that
have been used on carbon steel parts shall not be used on stainless steel.
Preliminary cleaning of components may be accomplished during the normal
manufacturing process and shall be visually examined for surface
Irregularities in accordance with MSS-SP-55.
o Secondary Cleaning
Benches and trolleys that are used for assembling and transporting products
shall be covered with clean plastic sheets. Clean gloves shall be used for all
parts handling. In addition, plastic covers shall be used to cover all clean
parts during transportation.
Secondary cleaning for all wetted metallic parts that are not subject to
oxidation shall be performed by means of a steam/hot water, in combination
with a mild detergent.
Secondary cleaning for all wetted metallic parts that are subject to oxidation,
e.g. rusting and scale shall be deoxidized and de-scaled in a phosphoric acid
bath. Only metal parts of the same material will be allowed in the bath at the
same time.
All parts, both rusting, non-rusting metallic and non-metallic, will then be
thoroughly rinsed with an alcohol or hydrofluorocarbons, followed by dry,
oil-free air blowing.
o UV Visual Inspection
After all of the component parts have been cleaned and inspected, the
finished product shall be assembled and pressure tested. After assembly and
pressure testing, the final product shall be UV Visual inspected in darkness
or subdued light, using an ultraviolet light radiating at wave lengths between
250 and 370 nm and an intensity of 800m W/cm2 at the surface. If
fluorescence shows up as a blotch, smear, smudge, or film, the entire
component shall be re-cleaned.
o Packaging
Valve openings shall be sealed with caps, plugs, blind flanges, or other
means to prevent contamination. If the bore of the valve permits, moisture
absorbent sachets (e.g. silica gel) shall be placed inside the valve.
• Valves with openings that are sealed by means other than blind flanges shall be
separately packaged in a clean and hermetically sealed plastic bag.
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February 2016
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• Prior start of manufacturing the manufacturer shall supply a quality plan with hold
points and witness inspection points for approval by the Principal.
As a minimum, the manufacturer shall notify the Principal prior to the following
hold/witness points:
• Inspection for chlorine cleanliness:
o a check on the absence of organic substances (e.g. oil, grease, lubricants,
sealant anti seizing paste or preservatives) on valve components
• High pressure gas testing (Nitrogen) after valves are cleaned and re-
assembled (only with proven record of hydostatic pressure testing) and the
risks involved with high pressure gas testing have been mitigated.

6. OXYGEN
The following additional requirements shall apply, if oxygen service is specified:
• Sealing products containing non-metallic materials, used in valves for oxygen service,
shall be compatible with oxygen service, for the full design temperature range specified
in the buying description, at the maximum rated pressure.
Graphite materials shall not contain polymeric lubricants or blockers.
Lubricants used in gearboxes or actuators for valves in oxygen service, shall be
compatible with oxygen service, at 60 °C (140 °F) a nd atmospheric pressure.
These products in their final material composition (including all additives), shall be
tested by the BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (Bundesanstalt
für Materialforschung und -prüfung, short: BAM) to meet all the requirements of all the
applied test methods in BGI Merkblatt M034-1 for oxygen service. The final BAM test
report shall be submitted with the order.

NOTE: The Institution for the raw materials and chemical industry in Germany
(Berufsgenossenschaft Rohstoffe und chemische Industrie, short: BG RCI) publishes a list
of nonmetallic materials compatible with oxygen as tested by BAM Federal Institute for
Materials Research and Testing (Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, short:
BAM), with the title:
BGI Merkblatt M034-1, Supporting document to code of practice M 034e „Oxygen“ (BGI
617e) of the German Social Accident Insurance.
The application of any lubricants in or on the valve, even for assembly purposes, is not
allowed.
• All stainless steel threaded bolts/fasteners shall be silver coated in accordance with
SAE AMS2410K.
• Prior start of manufacturing the manufacturer shall supply a quality plan with hold
points and witness inspection points for approval by the Principal.
As a minimum, the manufacturer shall notify the Principal prior to the following
hold/witness points:
• Inspection of mechanical suitability of all valve parts for oxygen service:
o Check for omission of burrs, sharp edges, rust, dirt or any other foreign
particulates. All surfaces shall be smooth.
Casting surface irregularities such as knobs, bumps, lumps, humps, blobs,
bulges, swellings, beads and raised spots shall be removed by grinding to
ensure a smooth continuous surface.
All threads shall be free of any damage. The lead thread and runout thread -
which are typically incomplete threads - shall be checked and this very thin
portion of the incomplete threads (typically a ¼ turn) shall be removed to
prevent tearing or burring of this thread area.
o Verification of all soft goods against BAM test reports.
o Verification that OEM soft parts meet the requirements of Appendix 2 and this
SPE.
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• Inspection for oxygen cleanliness:

o a check on the absence of organic substances (e.g. oil, grease, lubricants,
sealant anti seizing paste, adhesives or preservatives) on valve components.
o Gearboxes and Actuators shall be fully assembled with all accessories and
instrument tubing fitted. All external surfaces shall be degreased with cleaning
solvent outside the clean room. The cleaned actuator or geabox shall be
protected in such a manner before transferring into the clean room to ensure no
contamination in or on the valve is possible.
o Spare parts or repair kits containing BAM certified packing and gaskets shall be
packaged in undamaged fully intact hermetically sealed bags/packets. Refer to
Appendix 2 for packaging requirements.
o All BAM certified Oxygen-clean and packaged soft parts shall only be opened
inside clean room.
• Pressure testing.
• For metal-seated valves, the body seats and back seat shall be integral or fully welded-
in.
• Sealant connections are prohibited.
• Hard-facing materials shall be either Stellite 6 or Colmonoy 6.
• Where specified Alloy 400 as base material and Stellite/Colmonoy as hard facing, a
buffering layer shall be applied (e.g. Alloy 625 or Alloy 600).
• Valves for oxygen services in temperatures above 200°C (392°F) shall be supplied
with heat dissipation bonnets, meeting the minimum length requirement for heat
dissipation as specified in Table 1. The length of the extension shall be sufficient to
maintain the stem packing at a temperature ≤ 150 °C ( ≤ 302 °F) to minimise the
potential for oxidiziation of graphite which can affect the performance of valve. The
heat dissipation length has two functions:
i. To clear the lagging
ii. To have sufficient length outside the lagging to dissipate the heat, so that the
graphite packing skin temperature remains below ≤ 150°C ( ≤ 302 °F).
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1)
Table 1 – Minimum heat dissipation length and lagging length (bonnet extension)
Design 15 50 100 200 300 450 600 900

Min
Temperature (½) (2) (4) (8) (12) (18) (24) (36)

DN (NPS)
Min Max
40 80 150 250 400 500 750 1200

Max
°C °C
(1½) (3) (6) (10) (16) (20) (30) (48)
(°F) (°F)
Minimum
vapour
>200 <300 200 225 250 300 375 450 525 600
space
(392) (572) length (7.9) (8.9) (9.8) (11.8) (14.8) (17.7) (20.7) (23.6)
mm (in)

Note-1: Minimum heat dissipation/lagging extension length is measured from the flange rim/body
diameter, whichever is the larger to the bottom of the packing chamber.

• Valves shall be disassembled, thoroughly cleaned, inspected, maintained,

reassembled, packed, marked, and supplied in accordance to Appendix-1 and this
SPE.
• OEM soft parts such as graphite packing and gaskets, supplied either as part of the
valve or spare parts shall be manufactured oxygen clean, inspected and tested in
accordance with Appendix-2 and this SPE.
• Gaskets for Oxygen service shall not be colour-coded
• Oxygen cleaning facilities may be permanent or temporary and shall meet the following
requirements:
o An open roof clean room may be situated inside a workshop where no
machining or grinding takes place. In areas where the atmosphere is dust or oil-
mist laden or in outside areas, the clean room shall be roofed over;
o The air quality in clean room has to comply with the requirements of
3
ISO 14644-1 class 8.5 (max. concentration limit of 100,000 particles per m
of air for 5 µm particles). Therefore a tent could be allowed provided the
air quality can be ensured to the seame level of ISO 14644-1 class 8.5. As a
tent or even open roof facility is more vurnarable to ingress of particles
over time, the cleaning and inspection frequencies might have to go up
(ref. ASTM E 2042).
o The dark room may be separate, but shall be connected to, or within the clean
controlled area;
o Available floor space for the clean room assembly area shall be at least 7 m x 7
m (23 ft x 23 ft);
o Lay down area for re-assembled valves before bagging up is situated inside the
clean controlled area and located directly next to the cleanroom exit;
o Only electric trolleys and stacker trucks are allowed in the cleanroom. Diesel or
gas stacker trucks are not permitted in the cleanroom;
o The clean room shall be free of clutter and be fitted with enclosed cabinets for
storage of tools and consumables. Tools shall meet the same cleanliness
requirements as the valves parts;
o The clean room shall be fitted with crane or hoisting facilities, all potential
sources of contamination shall be shielded to prevent accidental contact by
humans, e.g. depending on height and type crane chains shall be protected with
plastic sheath (trubing) for a length of 2 m (6 ft) minimum;
o The clean room shall be fitted with tables and test benches. In the case of
hydraulic ram test benches all exposed hydraulic parts where lubricants can
come in contact shall be guarded (barricaded) to prevent human contact and
contamination.
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o The clean room shall be fitted with electric tools instead of air tools, no
mechanical work that could cause contamination such as metal cutting, filing,
grinding, chiseling, drilling, de-burring etc., shall be carried out in the clean
room;
o The clean room shall be fitted with bottled air for blowing/drying. No tool air is
allowed inside the clean room;
o Only N2 of He bottled gas supply shall be used for valve testing. All test
pressure supply lines and hoses shall be dry clean free from oil/water/dirt;
o The cleaning tanks area shall be roofed over;
o The cleaning tanks shall be fitted with oil separation facilities;
o The cleaning area shall contain a store of clean (white) overalls and plastic or
chamois leader gloves and shoe covers. Overalls shall completely cover all
body parts with only the face exposed. Garments shall be compliant with
ASTM E 1549 (non-hazardous applications) or IEST-RP-CC003.4.
o Entrance to clean room shall be via a dedicated changing room prior to entry
into the main clean room.
o Signage and controls shall be present at entrance of clean rooms to ensure only
designated authorized trained personnel are allowed to enter.
o The exit area of the clean room shall be via a separate transfer area such that
finished packaged products and or tools/equipment can exit the clean room
without the risk of contaminants entering the clean room.

7. ETHYLENE-OXIDE (EO)
The following additional requirements shall apply, if ethylene-oxide (EO) service is
specified:
• Quarter turn valves shall be robust against the effects of polymerization in the bearing
housing with moving parts in the bearing assembly rotationally symmetric.
• Valves shall be thoroughly cleaned, assembled, tested, inspected and packaged
in accordance with the following:
o Preliminary Cleaning
All component parts shall be cleaned so as to be visibly free of any defects,
dirt, corrosion, scale, weld spatter, oil, grease, or any other particulate or
hydrocarbon contamination.
Oil and grease shall be removed by steam cleaning or hot water wash with a
mild detergent. Defects, scale, corrosion and weld spatter may be removed
by e.g. abrasive blast cleaning, wire brush or grinding cleaning, or swab,
spray, and dip cleaning, so long as there is no permanent damage to the fit,
finish or functionality of the part. Carbon steel brushes and brushes that
have been used on carbon steel parts shall not be used on stainless steel.
Preliminary cleaning of components may be accomplished during the normal
manufacturing process and shall be visually examined for surface
Irregularities in accordance with MSS-SP-55.
o Secondary Cleaning
Benches and trolleys that are used for assembling and transporting products
shall be covered with clean plastic sheets. Clean gloves shall be used for all
parts handling. In addition, plastic covers shall be used to cover all clean
parts during transportation.
Secondary cleaning for all wetted metallic parts that are not subject to
oxidation shall be performed by means of a steam/hot water, in combination
with a mild detergent.
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Secondary cleaning for all wetted metallic parts that are subject to oxidation,
e.g. rusting and scale shall be deoxidized and de-scaled in a phosphoric acid
bath. Only metal parts of the same material will be allowed in the bath at the
same time.
All parts, both rusting, non-rusting metallic and non-metallic, will then be
thoroughly rinsed with an alcohol or hydrofluorocarbons, followed by dry,
oil-free air blowing.
o UV Visual Inspection
After all of the component parts have been cleaned and inspected, the
finished product shall be assembled and pressure tested. After assembly and
pressure testing, the final product shall be UV Visual inspected in darkness
or subdued light, using an ultraviolet light radiating at wave lengths between
250 and 370 nm and an intensity of 800m W/cm2 at the surface. If
fluorescence shows up as a blotch, smear, smudge, or film, the entire
component shall be re-cleaned.
o Packaging
Valve openings shall be sealed with caps, plugs, blind flanges, or other
means to prevent contamination. If the bore of the valve permits, moisture
absorbent sachets (e.g. silica gel) shall be placed inside the valve.
• Valves with openings that are sealed by means other than blind flanges shall be
separately packaged in a clean and hermetically sealed plastic bag.
• Prior start of manufacturing the manufacturer shall supply a quality plan with hold
points and witness inspection points for approval by the Principal.
As a minimum, the manufacturer shall notify the Principal prior to the following
hold/witness points:
• Inspection for ethylene-oxyde cleanliness:
o a check on the absence of organic substances (e.g. oil, grease, lubricants,
sealant anti seizing paste or preservatives) on valve components
• High pressure gas testing (Nitrogen) after valves are cleaned and re-
assembled (only with proven record of hydostatic pressure testing) and the
risks involved with high pressure gas testing have been mitigated.

8. SOUR SERVICE
If sour service is specified, valves shall meet the requirements of NACE MR-0175:2002.

9. SODIUM HYDROXIDE, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (CAUSTIC SODA) OR AMINE

The following requirements shall apply, if sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or amine
service is specified:
• PWHT shall be performed after any welding on carbon steel forgings and castings.

10. MARKING AND PACKAGING

Irrespective of the service designation, the following markings shall be included on a metal
tag, securely affixed to the valve:
• The designation of this MESC SPE.
• The applicable service.
Valves specified for sour service shall meet the marking requirements of NACE MR-
0175:2002.
If the valve is packaged in a hermetically sealed bag, the bag shall be provided with the
following text “Keep sealed until required for use”, “Keep free from oil and grease” and
“Remove sachets from valve before installation”.
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Valves specified for Oxygen service shall meet the following:

• Immediately after final Inspection in the clean room, valve openings shall be sealed
with oxygen cleaned plastic protection tube/caps/plates to prevent and protect
against contamination. The design of the plastic protection tube/caps/plates shall
be such that no small plastic can break off when inserting or removing these from
the flow bore of the valve openings. Thereafter the valves shall be packaged in
hermetically sealed plastic bags to prevent recontamination during shipment and
outdoor storage.
• Valve Assemblies; valve plus actuator or gearbox shall be packaged in hermetically
sealed plastic bags which shall ensure that both valve nad actuator/gearbox are
independently sealed to prevent any cross contamination to the valve should the
actuatorgearbox leak lubricants during transportation and storage.
• The hermetically sealed bags shall be robust and strong enough to resist tearing or
breakage during handling, crating and transportation.
• To eliminate the risk of silica gel sachets breaking, or being left in side the valve,
the valve shall be packaged first in a hermetically sealed plastic bag and then
placed in a second hermetically sealed plastic bag together with the silica gel
sachets.
• Each individual valve or spare part packaging shall be provided with the following
additional text: “MANUFACTURED OXYGEN CLEAN”.
• After wrapping, provide an additional tag/label with the same text affixed to
outside of the wrapping (in addition to the original tag/label attached to the
valve/actuator).
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 MESC SPE 77/303
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APPENDIX 1 CLEANILINESS REQUIREMENTS FOR VALVES USED IN OXYGEN SERVICE

Cleanliness for valves used in oxygen service shall be carried out as per ASTM G 93.
Following are the amendments to original clause numbering ASTM G 93-03, and are
identified as ‘Add’, ‘Modify to read’ or ‘Delete’. Any clauses of ASTM G 93-03 that are not
amended or supplemented by this Appendix shall apply as written.
4.0 Delete
5.0 Delete
8.1.2 Modify Cleaning of valves shall be carried out sequentially as per the
following method:
• Mechanical Cleaning (Abrasive blast cleaning) followed by
• Aqueous cleaning (using steam cleaning or caustic cleaning)
followed by
• Mechanical Cleaning (Ultrasonic cleaning), followed by
• Drying of the valve
8.2.2 Delete
8.2.3 Delete
8.2.4 Delete
8.2.5 Delete
8.2.6 Delete
8.2.7 Modify Ultrasonic cleaning shall be carried out in accordance to ASTM G131
8.3.2 Delete
8.3.4.3 Modify The part must be thoroughly rinsed to prevent the cleaning solution
and contaminants from redepositing on the surface. The surface must
not be allowed to dry between the cleaning and rinsing phases.
Potable / demineralised water rinsing shall be done to remove the
cleaning solution and aids in the drying process. A method of
determining when rinsing is complete is to monitor the used rinse
water until a pH of ±0.2 of the starting water pH is achieved. Parts
with complex geometries may be difficult to dry. Clean, dry, oil-free air
or nitrogen, heated if necessary, may be used for drying.
Alternatively, vacuum may be used to achieve desired dryness. Table
3 gives general recommendations for alkaline cleaning. This table
lists the metallic material, type of contaminant to be removed, and the
alkaline solution used.
8.3.5 Delete
8.3.6 Delete
8.3.7 Delete
8.3.8 Delete
8.4 Delete
10.1.2.2 Modify Replace with the following clause:
Valve shall be cleaned to remove the hydrocarbons from the valve
surfaces. Valve shall be typically cleaned to a cleaniliness level of
max. 65 mg/m² (6 mg/ft²).
NOTE: ASTM G93 requires 65 mg/m2 cleanliness instead of 220 mg/m2 (as
was the previous objective in this MESC SPE) in valves subject to adiabatic
compression. The existing cleaning procedure in SPE 77/303 is already
corresponding to this cleanliness class and is not amended.
 MESC SPE 77/303
February 2016
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10.2.1 Delete
10.3.1 Delete
10.3.3 Delete

11.4 Add Following qualitative inspection methods (Type I) shall be used in

sequential manner to verify the cleaniliness.
i) Test 2 – Direct Visual Inspection (Ultraviolet Light) followed
by
ii) Test 1 – Direct Visual Inspection (White Light) followed by
iii) Test 3 – Wipe Test
11.4.1.3 Add The end result of wipe test shall give evidence no traces of oil film,
grease and solids.
11.4.2 Delete
11.4.3.1 Delete
11.4.3.2 Delete
11.4.3.3 Delete
11.4.3.5 Delete
11.4.3.6 Delete
11.4.4 Delete
11.5.1 Delete
11.5.2 Delete
11.5.3 Delete
11.5.4 Add This optional test shall be performed.
11.5.5 Delete
 MESC SPE 77/303
February 2016
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APPENDIX 2 LABORATORY TESTING PROTOCOL AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CONFIRMING

OXYGEN CLEANLINESS OF BAM CERTIFIED SOFT PARTS.

A.2.1. BAM Certificate requirements

Valve manufacturer shall submit BAM certificates for soft parts in their final shape and form
to the Principal for review and approval.
Note:
“Shape” is defined as: “The characteristic surface configuration of a thing; an outline or
contour”.
“Form” is defined as: “The structure of an object” or “The essence of something”.
Should a final-shape-and-form BAM certificate not be available in time to meet the valve’s
delivery schedule, subject to the approval of the Principal, a BAM Certificate for the raw
material may be submitted, demonstrating that the raw material meets Gaseous Oxygen
(GOX) and if applicable Liquid Oxygen (LOX) performance requirements to the full design
pressure and temperature range specified in the buying description.
If on the BAM Certificate ageing is observed, specify result: Duration, Temperature,
Pressure and Weight Loss.

A.2.2. Product identification and traceability requirements

Soft parts OEM product shall be uniquely identified by a dedicated product catalogue
number/code for exclusive use in oxygen service and not be a multi-purpose product also
marketed for general service. Traceability to unique production batch is required. Product
delivered shall have the same final shape and form material properties as the product used
to obtain the BAM certificate.

A.2.3. Document submittal of oxygen cleaning procedures

The soft parts OEM shall submit a procedure to demonstrate parts are made Oxygen
Clean. This procedure shall describe all controls, critical processes and inspections to
confirm parts are manufactured Oxygen Clean – free from grease and oil. If the OEM
cannot demonstrate and provide satisfactory evidence of Oxygen Clean controls to the
Principal’s satisfaction, witnessing of the entire production shall be treated as a HOLD point
for the Principal.
As minimum, the soft parts OEM shall ensure that their Oxygen Clean Production
Procedure covers:
• All production equipment shall be thoroughly cleaned using HCFC-123 non-flammable
solvent to prepare for oxygen clean manufacture. Allow surfaces to dry thoroughly such
that no trace of solvent remains.
• All production personnel shall wear overalls, caps and gloves. Overalls shall completely
cover all body parts with only the face exposed.
• First packing/gasket produced shall be considered contaminated and be discarded.
• Sample inspection on production packing/gaskets using White light and UV Black light.
• Packing and gaskets shall not be solvent-cleaned at any stage.
• Packaging of all soft parts in final shape and form shall be as follows:
o Stem packing sets shall be packaged as a complete set of rings;
o Gaskets shall be packaged individually;
o All packaging materials shall be inspected prior to use to ensure that these are
free of contaminants that would compromise the required cleanliness;
o The packaging method shall ensure that the oxygen-clean produced soft parts are
not contaminated;
o Packaging shall be carried out immediately after final inspection;
 MESC SPE 77/303
February 2016
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o Every lot of soft parts shall be packed in hermetically sealed plastic bag;
o Each sealed plastic bag shall be labelled and marked clearly specifiying; “Oxygen
service – Only Open in Clean Room”, BAM Certificate No., OEM product
catalogue number/code, Product type/grade, size and contents, production
batch number and production date;
o Each seal plastic bag shall be placed in a protective container.

A.2.4. Production testing

A.2.4.1. Exemption from production testing
The following products are exempt from the Solvent Extraction Production Test and
Oxidation Production Test specified in this Appendix:
a. Teadit/James Walker 913-OX Spiral Wound Gaskets for Oxygen Applications
b. Teadit/James Walker 2238-OX Packing for Oxygen Applications
A.2.4.2. Production batch
A production batch is defined as the uninterrupted manufacture of an oxygen service
product, qualified by one final-shape-and-form BAM Certificate number, or, subject to the
approval of the Principal: raw material BAM Certificate number, from an oxygen-cleaned
production line. The batch is terminated, the moment a different final-shape-and-form
oxygen-service product is being manufactured, or a non-oxygen-service product is being
manufactured on the production line.
A.2.4.3. Solvent Extraction Production Test
One random sample from each unique production batch shall be tested in accordance with
the solvent extraction test specified in (A.2.5.1). Residue content shall not exceed is
0.125% mass. The BAM Certificate No. that qualifies the production batch in one final
shape and form shall be submitted with the test results.
A.2.4.4. Oxidation Production Test
• One random sample from each unique production batch shall be tested in accordance
with the oxidation test specified in (A.2.5.2). Weight loss shall not exceed 4%/hr. The
BAM Certificate No. that qualifies the production batch shall be submitted with the test
results.
• An oxydation test is not required for packing in valves with an extended bonnet for
cryogenic and high temperature where the packing is kept at 150°C or less.
• An oxidation test is required for packing in valves without an extended bonnet for
oxygen valves where the design temperature is greater than 150 °C (300 °F).
• An oxidation test is required for SPW Gaskets in valves without an extended bonnet for
oxygen valves where the design temperature is greater than 150 °C (300 °F).

A.2.5. Test procedures

• Solvent Extraction Test

• Solvent requirements: non-toxic, free of heavy residues, capable to resolve the

substances to be extracted, high volatility, beneficial: low flammability

• Applied solvents: cyclo-hexane, HPLC-grade (flammable), 1,1,2-Trichloro-trifluoro-

ethane (non-flammable), IRgrade.

• Procedure

1) If a new solvent is applied: evaporation blank test to determine the residue.

 MESC SPE 77/303
February 2016
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2) Flush the glassware (beaker, funnel) prior to extraction with the solvent (purging).
3) Give the sample an identification number.
4) Determine the weight and size (diameter, height) of the sample to be extracted.
Calculate the extracted sample surface area. In case of testing graphite
samples which are not consolidated pieces but in the shape of flakes (e.g.
taken from Spiral Wound gasket, camprofile, braided packing etc) take an
amount close to an approximate total weight of around 900-1000 mg (14-15
gr).
5) Note the sample appearance: any contamination, attached oil or corrosion shall
be noted. Take a picture of the sample.
6) Extract the sample in a glass beaker by thorough solvent contact (rotating beaker,
carefully shaking) and an ultrasonic bath treatment over 15 minutes. The graphite
packing rings and graphite gaskets have to be fractured into small pieces for a
better access of the solvent.
7) Weigh the small beaker (100 ml) which shall later collect the filtered solution by
means of an accurate balance (initial weight, 4 digits: x.yyyy g).
8) Filtrate the resulting solution by a folded paper filter.
9) Evaporate the solvent in a ventilated fuming hood overnight. The evaporation can
be accelerated by directing a flow of instrument air into the beaker.
10) After the entire evaporation of the solvent, store the beaker in an oven at
70-90·°C (160-190 °F) for 30 minutes for complete s olvent/moisture removal.
11) After cooling down weigh the beaker back (final weight) and determine the weight
of residue: x.yyyy g
12) Calculate the mass % of contaminant relative to the original sample weight.
13) Note the appearance (grease, oil, solid) and colour of the residue. Make a picture
of the observed oil/residue.
14) Identify an oily residue by IR-spectroscopy and SimDist-analysis. An IR-
spectroscopy is possible with oil samples exceeding 20 mg (1 drop). For
identification use reference spectra from libraries.
15) If required: Perform a flammability test by dipping glass wool into the extracted oil
and ignite the oil impregnated wool by a flame in air, use forceps. Make a picture
of the burning glass wool.
Note: A substance burning in air is not oxygen compatible.
16) If a known surface was extracted calculate the extent of contamination in g/m2.

• Oxidation Test
Oxidation testing for graphite materials shall follow the procedures specified in MESC
SPE 85/203 and MESC SPE 85/204 with the exception of the sample dimensions for
oxygen service materials which shall be as follows:
• For covered serrated metal (camprofile) gaskets and spiral wound gaskets;
collect graphite material (flakes) sample of 90-100 mg mass (1.4-1.5 gr).
• For flat foil gaskets; collect graphite material sample size of approximately
25 x 5 x 0.5 mm (1 x 3/16 x 0.02 in).
• For a die formed (ring) and braided packing material collect a graphite material
sample of approximately 5 x 5 x 25 mm (3/16 x 3/16 x 1 in).
 MESC SPE 77/303
February 2016
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PART III REFERENCES

In this MESC SPE, reference is made to the following publications:

NOTES:
1. Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together with any
amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
2. Most of the referenced external standards are available to Shell staff on the SWW (Shell Wide Web) at
http://sww05.europe.shell.com/standards.
3. This standard is available from the publisher’s webshop at http://jv.shop.jedermann.de/shop/

AMERICAN STANDARDS
Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, ASTM A 216
Suitable for Fusion Welding, for High-Temperature
Service
Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, ASTM A 516
Carbon Steel, for Moderate- and Lower-Temperature
Service
Standard Specification for Common Requirements for ASTM A 961
Steel Flanges, Forged Fittings, Valves, and Parts for
Piping Applications
Standard Specification for ESD Controlled Garments ASTM E 1549
Required in Cleanrooms and Controlled
Environments for Spacecraft for Non-Hazardous and
Hazardous Operations
Standard Practice for Cleaning and Maintaining ASTM E 2042
Controlled Areas and Clean Rooms
Standard Practice for Cleaning Methods and Cleanliness ASTM G 93
Levels for Material and Equipment Used in Oxygen-
Enriched Environments
Practice for Cleaning of Materials and Components by ASTM G 131
Ultrasonic Techniques
Issued by:
American Society for Testing and Materials
100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken
PA 19428-2959
USA

Garment System Considerations for Cleanrooms and IEST-RP-CC003.4

Other Controlled Environments
IEST - Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology
2340 South Arlington Heights Rd. Suite 620
Arlington Heights
IL 60005-4516
USA

Sulfide Stress Cracking Resistant Metallic Materials for NACE MR-0175:2002

Oilfield Equipment
Issued by:
NACE International
1440 South Creek Dr.
Houston, TX 77084-4906
USA
 MESC SPE 77/303
February 2016
Page 21

Quality Standard for Steel Castings for Valves, MSS-SP-55

Flanges, Fittings, and Other Piping Components -
Visual Method for Evaluation of Surface Irregularities
Issued by:
MSS - Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings
Industry.
127 Park Street, NE,
Vienna, VA 22180-4602,
USA

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Cleanrooms and associated controlled environments ISO 14644-1
- Part 1: Classification of air cleanliness by particle
concentration
Issued by:
ISO Central Secretariat
1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse
Case postale 56
CH-1211 Genève 20
Switzerland
Copies can also be obtained from national standards
organizations.

GERMAN STANDARDS
List of nonmetallic materials - supporting document to BGI Merkblatt M034-1
code of practice M 034e "Oxygen" (BGI 617e)
ISBN 978-3-86825-037-4
Issued by:
Jedermann Verlag GmbH
Postfach 103140
69021 Heidelberg
Germany