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Saes A 210
Saes A 210
Contents
1 Scope............................................................ 2
2 Background................................................... 2
3 Conflicts and Deviations................................ 2
4 References.................................................... 3
5 Requirements................................................ 4
6 Responsibilities.............................................. 5
7 Acronyms and Definitions............................. 6
1 Scope
1.1 This standard establishes acceptable practices and responsibilities for the
handling and disposal of waste materials containing pyrophoric iron sulfide
scale from process equipment and piping, including pipelines, tanks, and
vessels. This standard applies to all onshore and offshore activities.
1.2 This standard does not address the cleaning of process equipment and piping that
potentially contains pyrophoric iron sulfide. For guidance on cleaning petroleum
storage tanks, refer to ANSI/API Recommended Practice 2016, “Guidelines and
Procedures for Entering and Cleaning Petroleum Storage Tanks.” And SABP-S-
001
2 Background
2.1 Pyrophoric iron sulfide is considered to be hazardous due to its reactive nature.
Pyrophoric materials may react spontaneously with oxidizing materials, such as
air, generating heat. If flammable materials or vapors are present, pyrophoric iron
sulfide can act as a source of ignition, potentially causing a fire or explosion.
2.2 Pyrophoric iron sulfide scale is a product of corrosion and may form in process
equipment or piping by reaction of sulfur-bearing hydrocarbons with iron or
steel in a reducing environment, in other words, in the absence of oxygen or
other oxidants. Process equipment and piping used to handle sour crude, high-
sulfur fuel oil, asphalt, sour gas, or similar products are potential sources of
pyrophoric iron sulfide.
2.3 Iron sulfide scale is typically removed using high-pressure water streams.
Iron sulfide scale is sometimes treated in place with aqueous potassium
permanganate solutions, or other oxidizing agents such as sodium hypochlorite
and hydrogen peroxide. Use of oxidizing solutions can potentially produce
excessive heat of reaction and undesirable byproducts. Treatment with
oxidizing solutions shall be performed only by persons that are knowledgeable
and experienced in these techniques.
2.4 Waste materials that are suspected to contain pyrophoric iron sulfide are
considered hazardous due to their reactive characteristic and shall be managed
as hazardous wastes. Pyrophoric waste materials may have additional hazardous
characteristics such as toxicity. In this case, these materials may still be
hazardous even though the reactive characteristic is eliminated by treatment.
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Document Responsibility: Environmental Protection Standards Committee SAES-A-210
Issue Date: 10 June 2018
Next Planned Update: 23 May 2020 Management of Pyrophoric Wastes
3.1 Any conflicts between this standard and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Engineering Standards (SAESs), Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs),
Standard Drawings (SASDs), or industry standards, codes, and forms shall be
resolved in writing by the Company or Buyer Representative through the
Manager, Environmental Protection Department, Dhahran.
3.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this standard in writing to the Company or
Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Manager, Environmental Protection
Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
4 References
The selection of material and equipment, and the design, construction, maintenance, and
repair of equipment and facilities covered by this standard shall comply with the latest
edition of the references listed below unless otherwise noted.
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Document Responsibility: Environmental Protection Standards Committee SAES-A-210
Issue Date: 10 June 2018
Next Planned Update: 23 May 2020 Management of Pyrophoric Wastes
5 Requirements
5.1.2 Once potentially pyrophoric iron sulfide scale, dust, deposits, or sludge
have been removed from process equipment and/or piping, the waste
material shall be kept from contact with air by wetting with water, or by
inerting, until they have been treated or removed to a safe area. Water
dissipates any heat generated and isolates the materials from contact with
air. Once these materials begin to dry, they may ignite spontaneously in
air.
5.1.5 Refer to U.S. National Fire Protection Code, Chapter 40, “Liquid and
Solid Pyrophoric Materials” for further guidance on storage of
pyrophoric materials.
5.2.1 Prepare a suitable treatment area such as an earthen pit or bermed area.
Access to the treatment area shall be controlled throughout the treatment
period. The area shall be isolated from any oxidizing or combustible
materials. A water supply should be on hand to control any excessive
reaction or heat generation.
Page 4 of 7
Document Responsibility: Environmental Protection Standards Committee SAES-A-210
Issue Date: 10 June 2018
Next Planned Update: 23 May 2020 Management of Pyrophoric Wastes
5.2.2 If the waste materials are potentially toxic, as well as pyrophoric, the
treatment area shall be lined with a suitable non-combustible,
impermeable liner material such as concrete.
5.2.3 Discharge waste materials into the treatment area while keeping the
materials thoroughly wet.
5.2.4 Carefully spread the materials into as thin a layer as practical, using a
non-combustible rake or similar device, or a water hose.
5.2.6 Once the materials have completely dried, allow one day for oxidation to
take place, then rake to ensure that all material surfaces are exposed to
the air. Allow an additional day for oxidation, then repeat as necessary.
Pyrophoric wastes that have been treated to eliminate the reactive characteristic
and that are not otherwise hazardous may be disposed of to a Class II landfill.
Treated materials that are otherwise hazardous, e.g., toxic, must be disposed of
to a Class I landfill once the reactive characteristic has been eliminated If the
treated materials are NORM-contaminated, they must be disposed in accordance
with SAEP-358 once the reactive characteristic has been eliminated.
6 Responsibilities
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Document Responsibility: Environmental Protection Standards Committee SAES-A-210
Issue Date: 10 June 2018
Next Planned Update: 23 May 2020 Management of Pyrophoric Wastes
6.1.2 Ensure that all personnel that handle pyrophoric waste materials are
familiar with this standard and are aware of the hazards.
6.1.3 Prepare online waste manifests for waste shipments in accordance with
GI-0430.001, Waste Management.
6.1.4 Submit design package for new pyrophoric storage areas to EPD/Environmental
Engineering Division General Supervisor for approval. The design package shall
include the following
a. Scope-of-work
b. Design drawings
c. Treatment method
6.2.4 Review new design packages submitted for new pyrophoric waste
storage areas
6.3.1 Design and Construct approperate waste storage facililties for projects
generating pyrophoric waste
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Document Responsibility: Environmental Protection Standards Committee SAES-A-210
Issue Date: 10 June 2018
Next Planned Update: 23 May 2020 Management of Pyrophoric Wastes
Hazardous Waste: Wastes that are hazardous to public health and detrimental
to the environment. These include materials that are flammable, corrosive,
reactive, toxic, radioactive, infectious, or carcinogenic (cancer causing).
Inerting: To displace the vapor space with an inert gas, such as nitrogen, to
prevent the formation of a combustible gas mixture.
Revision Summary
12 April 2011 New Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard.
31 May 2017 Reflect minor updates.
10 June 2018 Editorial revision to change standards committee from Environmental to Environmental Protection
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