Materials System Specification: 32-SAMSS-006 03 June 2020 Manufacture of Low Pressure Tanks

Materials System Specification
32-SAMSS-006 03 June 2020

Manufacture of Low Pressure Tanks
Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee
Previous Revision: 26 June 2017 Next Planned Update: 03 June 2025

Contact: JOSEJX0O Page 1 of 24
©Saudi Aramco 2020. All rights reserved.
Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Document Responsibility: Vessels Standards Committee 32-SAMSS-006
Publish Date: 03 June 2020
Next Revision: 03 June 2025 Manufacture of Low Pressure Tanks
Contents
©Saudi Aramco 2020. All rights reserved. Page 2 of 24

Summary of Changes
Paragraph Number Change Type

Previous Revision Current Revision (Addition, Modification, Technical Change(s)
(26 June 2017) (03 June 2020)
Deletion)
1 1 Modification Second paragraph added.

SAES-A-133 and SAES-P-111
2 2 Addition
added.
2 2 Deletion AB 036387 deleted.
API STD 620 Addendum date
2 2 Modification
revised.
API STD 650 Addendum date
2 2 Modification
revised.
3.5.6 3.5.6 Deletion Saudi Aramco Engineer deleted.
HIC environment deleted, Sour

3.5.10 3.5.10 Modification
Service added
3.5.11 N/A Deletion Whole paragraph deleted.
3.6.2 3.6.2 Modification Paragraph modified.
Reference to Saudi Aramco

4.1.1 4.1.1 Deletion
Engineer deleted.
4.3/4.3.1 N/A Deletion Whole paragraph deleted.
4.3.7/8 4.3.7/8 Modification Sour Service added.
4.4 4.4.a/b/c Modification Paragraph modified.
N/A 4.6/4.6.5 Addition Whole paragraph added.
Paragraph number changed due

4.6 4.7 No change
to addition of 4.6.
5.11.5.2.a) 5.11.5.2.a) Deletion Figures I-2, I-3 deleted.

5.11.5.2.d) 5.11.5.2.d) Deletion
Engineer deleted.
7.18.11.2 7.18.11.2 Deletion
Engineer deleted.
8.1.1.q 8.1.1.q Modification Paragraph modified.

8.3 8.3 Deletion
Engineer deleted.
10.2.2/11.1/11.3/13.2 10.2.2/11.1/11.3/13.2 Modification Paragraph modified.

1 Scope
This specification defines the minimum mandatory requirements governing
material, mechanical design, fabrication, erection, inspection, and testing of
low-pressure storage tanks.
This specification is aligned with API STD 620, Twelfth Edition, October 2013,
Addendum 2, April 2018. The text in each paragraph is an addition or exception
to or deletion of a requirement of API STD 620. Paragraph numbers not
appearing in API STD 620 are new paragraphs inserted in numerical order.
This specification does not cover tanks designed in accordance with Annex Q
Low-Pressure Storage Tanks for Liquefied Gases at -325°F or Warmer and
double wall tanks according to Annex R Low-Pressure Storage Tanks
Operating Between +40°F and -60°F of API STD 620. Additional requirements
for such tanks shall be developed, if necessary, by the design engineer.
This specification may be attached to a purchase order.
Any conflicts between this document and other applicable Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be addressed in writing to
the EK&RD Coordinator
Any deviation from the requirements herein shall follow internal company
procedure SAEP-302.
1.2.5 (Exception) Horizontal cylindrical tanks used for the storage of
hydrocarbon liquids within the scope of API STD 620, with design pressures in
their gas or vapor spaces not more than 103 kPag (15 psig).
2 References
Saudi Aramco Documents

SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirement
SAEP-327 Disposal of Wastewater from Cleaning, Flushing and
Dewatering Pipelines and Vessels
SAEP-1142 Qualification of non-Saudi Aramco NDT Personnel
SAES-A-007 Hydrostatic Testing Fluids and Lay-Up Procedures

SAES-A-112 Meteorological and Seismic Design Data
SAES-A-133 Internal Corrosion Protection Requirements
SAES-A-206 Positive Material Identification
SAES-B-017 Firewater System Design
SAES-B-067 Safety Identification and Safety Colors
SAES-H-001 Coating Selection and Application Requirements for
Industrial Plants and Equipment

SAES-P-111 Grounding
SAES-W-017 Welding Requirements for Tanks
01-SAMSS-016 Qualification of Process Equipment and Storage Tanks
Steels for resistance to Hydrogen-Induced Cracking
01-SAMSS-043 Carbon Steel Pipes for On-Plot Piping
02-SAMSS-005 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings
09-SAMSS-107 Qualification Requirements and Application of Composite
Fluoropolymer/Ceramic Coatings to Fasteners
AA-036355 Impressed Current Tank Bottom - Cathodic Protection
Details
175-324901 Tanks: Low Pressure, Steel within the Scope of
32-SAMSS-006
SA-2696 Appurtenance Schedule and Orientations
SA-9580 API STD 620 Storage Tank Data Sheet
SA-7918-1 Nonmaterial Requirements for Tanks
Industry Codes and Standards
American Petroleum Institute
API STD 620 Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-
Pressure Storage Tanks (Twelfth Edition, October 2013,
Addendum 2, April 2018)
API STD 650 Welded Tanks for Oil Storage (Twelfth Edition, March
2013 Addendum 3, August 2018)
API STD 2000 Venting Atmospheric and Low-Pressure Storage Tanks
API STD 2510 Design and Construction of LPG Installations
American Society for Testing and Materials
ASTM A6 General Requirements for Rolled Steel Plates, Shapes,
Steel Piling, and Bars for Structural Use
ASTM A20 General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure
Vessels
American Society of Civil Engineers
ASCE 7-2005 Ed. Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other
Structures
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME B16.47 Large Diameter Steel Flanges
ASME B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings NPS ½ through NPS
24 Metric/Inch
ASME SEC VIII D1 Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels
American Water Works Association
AWWA C652 Disinfection of Water Storage Facilities

International Standards Organization

ISO 15156 Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries - Materials for Use
in H2S Containing Environments in Oil and Gas
Production
National Association of Corrosion Engineers
NACE SP0472 Methods of Control to Prevent In-Service Cracking of
Carbon Steel Welds in P-1 Materials in Corrosive
Petrochemical Refining Environments
Other References
None
3 Definitions
3.5 Other Terms

3.5.1 (Exception) Manufacturer: The Company responsible for all engineering, shop
fabrication and field-erection activities of tanks under scope of this specification.
3.5.5 Auto refrigeration temperature: Auto-refrigeration temperature is the adiabatic

vaporization temperature of the process fluid coincident with a pressure equal
to 25% of the maximum operating pressure Manufacturer: The company
responsible for all engineering, shop fabrication and field-erection activities of
tanks under scope of this specification.
3.5.6 Design engineer: The engineering company responsible for specifying, on the
tank data sheet, the design requirements for tanks.
3.5.8 Design metal temperature: The lowest of the following temperature values:
1) The lowest one-day mean atmospheric temperature (LODMAT) per SAES-
A-112, or
2) The minimum operating temperature, or
3) The hydrostatic test temperature.
4) Auto-refrigeration temperature for refrigerated storage tanks as defined in
Section 3 of this specification.
3.5.9 Saudi Aramco Buyer: The person or company authorized by Saudi Aramco to
procure pressure vessels to the requirements of this specification.
3.5.10 Sour service: In tanks, process conditions, as defined in SAES-A-133, that can
result in sulfide stress cracking (SSC) and hydrogen induced cracking (HIC).
3.6 Drawings and Calculations
3.6.1 The tank manufacturer shall prepare and submit for review a complete
set of assembly and shop drawings for the tank(s) being manufactured
and in accordance with Form SA-7918-1, Nonmaterial Requirements for
Tanks and Saudi Aramco Form SA-9580 API STD 620 Storage Tanks
Data Sheet.

3.6.2 Approved drawings and calculations shall not relieve the tank
manufacturer of the responsibility to comply with the Code and this
specification.
4 Materials
4.1 General
4.1.1 Material Specifications
The tank manufacturer shall submit a complete material specification
with the proposal.
The tank manufacturer may propose the use of alternative materials to
those that are listed in API STD 620. The alternative materials shall
comply with all the other requirements of API STD 620 and this
specification.
4.1.2 Materials That Cannot Be Completely Identified
(Exception) All materials shall be clearly identified and provided with mill
test certificates. Materials shall be alloy-verified by the tank manufacturer
in accordance with SAES-A-206.
4.1.3 Accessory Pressure Parts
(Exception) Accessory pressure parts shall be clearly identified and
provided with mill certificates.
4.1.4 Small Parts
(Exception) Small parts shall be clearly identified and provided with mill
certificates.
4.2 Plates
4.2.1 General
4.2.1.1 Annular plate material for cylindrical, flat-bottom tanks shall be of the
same material specification, grade, and heat treatment, and meet the
same impact test requirements as the lowest shell course.
4.2.1.2 (Exception) The design metal temperature as defined in this specification
shall be used as the basis for material selection of materials not in
contact with refrigerated liquids.
4.2.1.4 Rimmed or capped steels shall not be used for shell, bottom, and roof
plates.
4.2.2 Low-Stress Design
a. (Exception) The design metal temperature as defined in this
specification shall be used as the basis for material selection of
materials not in contact with refrigerated liquids or their vapors.
b. (Exception) No increase to the design metal temperature as defined
in this specification is permitted.

4.2.6 Plate used for the manufacture of tanks exposed to sour service/HIC
environments shall be manufactured from HIC resistant steels that meet
the testing requirements of 01-SAMSS-016. HIC resistant steel shall be
procured from Saudi Aramco approved manufacturers within a list
available by the Saudi Aramco Buyer, as defined in this specification.
4.3.7 Sour Service/HIC Environments Requirements
Piping components (such as nozzle/manway necks, elbow, etc.) made
from rolled and welded plate used in the manufacture of tanks exposed
to sour service/HIC environments shall be manufactured from HIC
resistant steels that meet the testing requirements of 01-SAMSS-016.
Wrought piping components shall meet the requirements of 02-SAMSS-
005. Forged piping components do not require HIC testing. Welded pipes
shall meet the requirements of 01-SAMSS-043.
4.3.8 Sour Service/SSC Environments Requirements
Forged flanges and forged fittings used in the manufacture of tanks
exposed to sour service/SSC environments are restricted to: SA-350
(Grade LF1 or Grade LF2) or SA-765 Grade II. Materials shall satisfy the
requirements of ISO 15156 and NACE SP0472.
4.4 Bolting Material
(Exceptions)
Flange bolting material shall conform to:
a) ASTM A193 Grade B7 for bolts with A194 Grade 2H for nuts at
design temperatures equal to and above -29°C (-20°F).
b) ASTM A320 Grade L7 for bolts with A194 Grade 7 for nuts at
design temperatures below -29°C (-20°F).
c) Studs exposed to sour service/SSC environments are restricted
to: SA-193 B7M or SA-320 L7M. Nuts exposed to sour
service/SSC environments are restricted to: SA-194 Grade 2HM.
Materials shall satisfy the requirements of ISO 15156 and NACE
SP0472.
4.6 Anchor Bolting Material
4.6.5 Anchor bolts shall meet the following requirements:
 Galvanized.
 Their diameters increased by 3.2 mm (1/16 in.) as a corrosion
allowance.
 Their exposed parts top coated with an approved epoxy coating (e.g.,
APCS-26).
4.7 Gaskets
Gasket materials shall be non-asbestos and compatible with the service
conditions.

5 Design
5.1 General
5.1.6 Design Information
5.1.6.1 Information provided by the Design Engineer on the API STD 620
Storage Tank Data Sheet and a completed Saudi Aramco Form SA-2696
shall be used for the design of cylindrical flat-bottom, spherical, and
spheroidal tanks in accordance with API STD 620 and this specification.
5.1.6.2 Low-pressure, horizontal, cylindrical tanks shall be mechanically
designed using the rules of ASME SEC VIII D1 and shall be fabricated,
inspected and tested in accordance with the requirements of this
specification.
5.4 Loads
e. (Exception) Roof live loads shall not be less than a concentrated load
of 225 kg (500 lb) over 0.4 m² (4.3 ft²).
h. (Exception) Tanks shall be designed for wind and earthquake loads in
accordance with ASCE 7-05 Wind Category Classification to be used
in the calculations of wind loads shall be Category III, and the
Seismic Hazard Exposure Group to be used in calculations of
earthquake loads shall be Group III.
l. Cool-down and cyclic operations, when specified by the Design
Engineer on the tank data sheet.
m. All applicable loads sustained by the tank during its erection, start-up,
or operation shall be considered as acting simultaneously, including
either wind or earthquake, whichever govern.
n. During hydrostatic test, wind pressure may be reduced to 40% of the
design wind pressure and shall be considered acting simultaneously
with the hydrostatic test load.
o. Associated piping systems loads.
Note: Associated piping systems loads shall be specified on the tank data
sheet. Tank manufacturer shall ensure that stresses at nozzle-to-tank
connections, due to piping loads specified on the tank data sheet, are within the
allowable limits.
5.7 Corrosion Allowance
Corrosion allowance shall be provided, as specified on the tank data
sheet.
5.9 Procedure for Designing Tank Walls
5.9.4 Flat Bottoms of Cylindrical Tanks
5.9.4.5 Delete this paragraph.

5.9.4.6 (Exception) Only butt- welded annular bottom plates in accordance with
Paragraph R.3.5, of API STD 620, shall be provided under tank shell.
5.9.4.7 Bearing plates shall be provided under supports of all internal piping and
appurtenances. Bearing plates shall be 13 mm (½ in.) thick and twice the
diameter of tubular support members or twice the longest dimension of
prismatic support members, as applicable, and welded to the tank with
5 mm (3/16 in.) continuous welds.
5.11.5 Special Considerations Applicable to Bottoms that Rest Directly on
Foundations
5.11.5.1 A foundation drip ring shall be provided for flat-bottom tanks to prevent
the ingress of rainwater or condensation between the tank bottom and
foundation. The ring shall meet the following requirements:
1) Material shall be carbon steel, 3.2 mm (⅛ in.) thick.
2) Continuously seal welded to the edge of the tank annular plate.
All radial joints between the drip ring sections shall also be seal
welded.
3) Extend at least 75 mm (3 in.) beyond the outer periphery of the
concrete ring wall.
4) Turn down at its outer diameter at a 45 degree angle.
5) The top of the drip ring and a 75 mm (3 in.) height of the tank shell
shall be painted with a 250-300 micron (10-12 mil) thick epoxy
coating in accordance with SAES-H-001.
5.11.5.2 Under-tank Leak Detection and Sub-grade Protection
a) Flat-bottom tanks placed directly on soil sub-grade in services other
than water shall be provided with under tank leak detection and sub-
grade protection according to API STD 650, Annex I. Acceptable
construction details are Figures I-1, I-6, I-7, I-8, I-9 and I-10.
b) Flexible membrane leak-barrier (liner) of minimum 1000 microns (40
mils) thickness compatible with the stored product shall be specified
under the tank bottom. The liner shall be placed in accordance with
SASD AA-036355, extending to the internal top edge of the ring
foundation.
c) Joints in the liner shall satisfy the leak tightness, permeability, and
chemical resistance requirements for the liner material.
d) Under-tank leak detection and sub-grade protection systems for
construction details other those specified in paragraph 5.11.5.4(a) of
this specification shall not be permitted.
5.12 Design of Roof and Bottom Knuckle Regions and Compression-Ring
Girders
5.12.5 Details of Compression-Ring Regions

5.12.5.3 (Exception) Compression-ring junctures shall be only as shown in

Figure 5-6, Detail e or Detail f. Annular roof plates shall be joined to other
bottom plates by full penetration butt welds.
5.12.5.9 Design of the compression ring and the roof-to-shell junction in insulated
tanks shall prevent infiltration of rainwater into the insulation.
5.14 Shapes, Locations, and Maximum Sizes of Wall Openings
5.14.4 (Exception) All manways shall be circular.
5.14.9 The number, size, and orientations of nozzles and manways shall be as
specified on the tank data sheet and Saudi Aramco Form SA-2696.
5.15 Inspection Openings
A 610 mm (24 in.) minimum manway shall be provided at the top and
bottom of each non-cylindrical tank. For spheroid tanks, the bottom
manway shall be located above the supporting girder stiffeners.
The manway covers shall be hinged or provided with davits.
5.16 Reinforcement of Single Openings
5.16.3 Size and Shape of Area of Reinforcement
5.16.3.5 Thickness of reinforcing pads shall not exceed the thickness of the shell
or the roof plate to which they are attached.
5.19 Nozzle Necks and their Attachments to the Tank
5.19.1 General
5.19.1.1 Nozzle and manway necks shall be seamless or welded pipe, or rolled
plate with 100% radiography of the longitudinal seam.
5.19.1.4 (Exception) All nozzle and manway necks shall be attached to the shell
or roof by full penetration welds through the roof or shell wall. Backing
rings, if used, shall be removed. Tank openings and the associated
opening reinforcements shall only be similar to the details shown in
Figure 5-8, Panel c, h, m, o-1, o-2, o-3 or o-4.
5.19.3 Outer Ends of Nozzles
5.19.3.1 (Exception) All nozzle connections shall be flanged. Threaded and
socket-welded connections are prohibited.
5.19.3.4 Flange bolt holes shall straddle the normal horizontal and vertical
centerlines.
5.20 Bolted Flanged Connections
5.20.1 (Exception) Flanges shall be the welding-neck type conforming to the
following:
1) ASME B16.5 for flanges 610 mm (24 in.) NPS and smaller.
2) ASME B16.47, Series A or B, for flanges larger than 610 mm (24 in.) NPS.
3) The flange bore shall match the nozzle neck bore.

5.22 Permitted Types of Joints

5.22.1 Definitions
5.22.1.2(b) (Exception) Slot welds are not permitted.
5.22.1.4 (Exception) Backing strips for single-welded butt joints, except for joints
in tank's sections placed directly on soil sub-grade, shall be removed
after the weld is completed.
5.22.1.5 (Exception) Lap-joints are permitted only to join bottom plates to each
other and to the annular plates in flat-bottom tanks.
5.22.1.7 Only butt joints shall be used to construct single-curvature shells (cylindrical
tank side walls) and double-curvature shells (spheres, spheroids, heads of
horizontal low-pressure tanks, etc.), roofs and double curvature bottoms.
5.22.1.8 Only bottom annular plates shall be used in cylindrical tanks and shall be
joined by full penetration butt welds.
5.24 Plug Welds and Slot Welds
(Deletion) Plug welds and slot welds are not permitted.
5.26 Radiographic/Ultrasonic Examination
5.26.1 (Exception) Only ultrasonic examination method that generates
permanent records can be used as a substitute to radiography.
5.26.6 (Exception) Exemption for radiography is not permitted for joints shown
in paragraph 7.16.1 of this specification.
5.28 Horizontal Tanks
5.28.1 Minimum thickness of shells and heads shall be 6.4 mm (¼ in.) including
corrosion allowance.
5.28.2 Tanks shall be supported on two saddles. The tank shall be fixed at one
saddle support and free to slide at the other saddle.
5.28.3 Locations of the fixed and sliding saddles, and dimensions from tank
centerline to underside of saddle base plate, and locations of fixed and
sliding saddles shall be according to the tank data sheet.
5.28.4 The shell shall be analyzed in accordance with the L. P. Zick Analysis
Method. Saddle supports and the tank shell shall be analyzed for
operating and hydrotest loads including any piping, wind or other
external loads.
6 Fabrication
6.3 Cutting Plates

6.3.3 Edges of the bottom plates in cylindrical flat-bottom tanks to be lap
welded shall be square and the thickness at the edges shall not be
reduced after cutting.

6.5 Dimensional Tolerances

6.5.5 Fitting Attachments
6.5.5.1 All lugs, brackets, nozzles, manways frames, reinforcement around
openings, and other appurtenances shall fit and conform to the curvature
of the surface to which they are attached.
6.5.5.2 Reinforcing pads and all other external attachment pads shall have
rounded corners with a minimum of 50 mm (2 in.) radius.
6.5.5.3 Nozzles, manways and their reinforcement shall not be located within
50 mm (2 in.) of any weld seam. Where this requirement cannot be met,
100% radiography shall be performed on the encroached weld seam
according to API STD 650, paragraph 5.7.3.4.
6.5.5.4 All attachment welds to the tank shell, bottom, roof, and appurtenances
shall be continuously seal welded.
6.5.5.5 Lugs, clips, or any other components used to assist in erection may be
attached by welding, but all such attachments shall be removed and the
weld areas ground smooth and flush with the base metal and “PT”
tested. The removal of attachments by hammering is prohibited.
6.5.6 Foundation
6.5.6.4 Top fill layer 100-150 mm (4-6 in.) for tanks placed directly on soil sub-
grade shall be a mixture of sweet sand and 3% cement (33:1 ratio, i.e.,
3% cement). The material specifications and mixing requirements shall
be as follows:
1) The maximum permissible salts content is 0.1%. Sand shall be dried
to a free-moisture content of not more than 2.0% by weight of dry soil.
2) The dry sand must be screened through 6.4 mm (¼ in.) mesh
(maximum). Care must be taken in using clean mixing and handling
equipment to ensure mixture remains free from foreign matter.
3) The sand shall then be thoroughly mixed with cement in a 33:1 ratio
by weight in a concrete mixer. After laying the mixture it shall be
rolled a minimum six times by a 2.7 tonne (3 ton) roller. Vibratory
plate tampers may be used in lieu of rollers for areas where a roller
cannot reach and/or cover.
6.7 Qualification of Welding Procedure
6.7.5 All welding procedures, procedure qualifications and stress relieving
procedures shall be in accordance with SAES-W-017 and be submitted
for review/approval by Saudi Aramco.
6.8 Qualification of Welders
6.8.4 Welders and welding operators shall be tested in accordance with SAES-
W-017.
6.10 Cleaning Surfaces to be Welded

6.10.5 The bottom side of the bottom plates shall be cleaned of all foreign
matter and grit-blast cleaned prior to being coated and placed in position
for welding. The topside surface of bottom plates, regardless whether
internal coating of the tank is required or not, shall be grit-blast cleaned
prior to welding. Surface preparation shall be according to APCS-3 or
APCS-113, as applicable.
7 Inspection, Examination and Testing

7.0 General
7.0.1 Inspection shall be in accordance with Saudi Aramco Inspection
Requirements Form 175-324901, SAES-W-017, and the additional
requirements of this specification.
7.0.2 Prior to final inspection and pressure testing, the inside and outside of
the tank shall be thoroughly cleaned of all slag, scale, dirt, grit, weld
spatter, paint, oil, etc.
7.2 Qualifications of Inspectors
7.2.4 All Nondestructive Examination, including Magnetic Particle and Liquid
Penetrant examinations, shall be performed by personnel certified in
accordance with SAEP-1142, or equivalent National Certification
Programs that have been approved by the Saudi Aramco Inspection
Department. Personnel responsible for interpretation of Nondestructive
Examination results shall be certified to a minimum of Level II.
7.3 Access for Inspector
7.3.1 The Saudi Aramco Inspector shall have free access to the work at all
times.
7.3.2 All of the rights of Saudi Aramco and their designated representatives for
access, documentation, inspection, and rejection shall include any work
done by sub-contractors or sub-vendors.
7.4 Facilities for Inspector
The tank manufacturer shall furnish, install, and maintain in a safe
operating condition all necessary scaffolding, ladders, walkways, and
lighting for a safe and thorough inspection.
7.5 Approval of Repairs
7.5.1 Alleviating imperfections that are beyond the limits of ASTM A6 or ASTM
A20, whichever is applicable, in the tank shall be performed by the tank
manufacturer.
7.5.2 All injurious plate imperfections shall be removed by the tank
manufacturer as required by ASTM A6 or ASTM A20, whichever is
applicable. Repair welding requires the approval of the Saudi Aramco
Inspector.

7.5.3 Requirements for weld repairs shall be according to SAES-W-017.

7.6 Inspection of Materials
7.6.1 Saudi Aramco shall have the right to inspect the fabrication at any stage
and to reject the use of any equipment, tools, construction material or
workmanship which does not conform to the specified requirements or
jeopardize safety of personnel, or impose hazard of damage to Saudi
Aramco property.
7.15 Examination Methods and Acceptance Criteria
7.15.1 Radiographic Method
7.15.1.6 Delete this paragraph
7.15.3 Ultrasonic Examination Method
7.15.3.2.4 Delete this paragraph.
7.16 Examination of Welds
7.16.1 Butt-welds
(Exception) Following butt-joints shall be examined as shown in the
below table.
Radiography (RT) or Liquid Penetrant (LP) or
Joint
Ultrasonic (UT) (1) Magnetic Particle (MP) (2)
1. Annular bottom plates to each other
in cylindrical tanks, with flat-bottom 100% 100%
or double-curvature bottom
2. Annular bottom plates to other
bottom plates in cylindrical tanks, 100% 100%
with double-curvature bottom
3. Annular roof plates to each and to
other roof plates in cylindrical tanks,
100% 100%
with flat-bottom or double-curvature
bottom
4. Node juncture plates to each other
and to other roof plates in nodded 100% 100%
spheroids
5. For weld joints attaching nozzle and
N/A 100%
manways to tank.
Notes:
(1) 100% UT, employing methods that generate permanent records may be used as a substitute for 100% RT.
Such UT methods must be approved by Inspection Department prior to commencement of any work.
(2) The whole joint shall be either 100% magnetic particle (MP) or 100% liquid penetrant (LP) examined at the
root pass and as follows:
a. On the final weld surface at the outer tank wall surface, for weld joints without a reinforcing plate.
b. Similar examination as in (a) above at the nozzle and manway with reinforced plate and the final
surface of the fillet welds attaching the reinforcing pad to vessel and nozzle/ manway, for weld joints
without a reinforcing plates.

7.16.6 Examination of Shell-To-Bottom Joint and Shell-To-Roof Joint

1. The initial weld pass inside the shell shall be examined for its
entire length prior to welding the first weld pass outside the
shell both visually and by one of the following methods:
a. Wet-fluorescent magnetic particle.
b. Dye-penetrant.
c. Applying a vacuum test at 35 kPag (5 psig), using a right
angle vacuum box.
d. Applying high flash-point penetrant oil such as light diesel
oil for a minimum 4 hours (preferably overnight).
Note: After completion of penetrating oil test, all residual oil on
the applied surfaces shall be thoroughly cleaned before
commencing subsequent welds to avoid their possible
contamination.
2. The initial weld pass outside the shell shall be examined for its
entire length both visually and by the dye-penetrant method.
3. After completing all welds (inside and outside) and prior to
hydrotest, the inside fillet welds shall be examined for its entire
length both visually and by either dye-penetrant or wet-fluorescent
7.17 Radiographic/Ultrasonic Examination Requirements
Radiographic examination of welded joints shall be in accordance with
SAES-W-017.
7.17.2 Spot Examination of Welded Joints
7.17.2.3 Spot examination of welded joints shall meet the requirements of
SAES-W-017.
7.17.4 Spot-examination Retests
7.17.4.3 Spot-examination retests shall meet the requirements of SAES-W-017.
7.18 Standard Hydrostatic and Pneumatic Tests
7.18.1 General
7.18.1.1 Testing shall be in accordance with Saudi Aramco Inspection
Requirements Form 175-324901 and the additional requirements of this
specification.
7.18.1.2 Tanks shall be hydrostatically tested using water of quality according to
SAES-A-007 and API STD 620. Testing duration shall be minimum
24 hours.
7.18.1.3 The tank manufacturer shall furnish all test materials and facilities,
including blinds, bolting, and gaskets.
7.18.1.4 The tank shall be completely drained and thoroughly dried immediately
after completion of the hydrostatic test.

7.18.1.5 The tank manufacturer's plan for disposal of hydrotest water shall be
evaluated against SAEP-327 by the engineering contractor.
7.18.2 Test Preliminaries
7.18.2.7 Perform oil-penetrate leak test on the entire length of the first weld pass
by applying high flash point penetrant oil such as light diesel oil for a
minimum 4 hours (preferably overnight).
7.18.2.8 Perform oil-penetrate leak test on the entire length of the first completed
weld, before welding the second fillet weld, by applying high flash point
penetrant oil such as light diesel oil for a minimum 4 hours (preferably
overnight). Alternatively, apply a vacuum test at 35 kPag (5 psig), using a
vacuum box fit to the shell-to-bottom junction.
7.18.2.9 The inside fillet welds of the shell-to-bottom joint in a cylindrical flat-
bottom tank shall be examined by either the dye-penetrant or wet-
fluorescent magnetic particle method before hydrotest.
7.18.2.10 Up on completion of welding of the tank bottom, all bottom joints
including bottom-to-shell joint shall be tested, before hydrotest, by using
a vacuum box fit for the joint geometry, with a soap solution, before any
surface coating is applied. Water or gas shall not be pumped underneath
the bottom to detect leaks.
7.18.2.11 Telltale holes in reinforcing plates shall not be plugged during the tank
hydrostatic test.
7.18.3.5 (Exception) Detail f-1 shall not be used.
7.18.4 Complete Hydrostatic Tests
7.18.4.5 Hydrostatic test shall not produce a membrane stress in the bottom
course which will exceed 90% of the specified minimum yield strength.
7.18.7 Rate of Water Filling and Water Temperature
(Exception) The water filling rate for non-refrigerated cylindrical tanks
shall not exceed those shown in the following table.
Table 1: Water Filling Rate Table
Bottom Course Thickness Tank Portion Filling Rate

Top course 300 mm (12 in.)/hour
Less than 22 mm (7/8 in.)
Below top course 450 mm (18 in.)/hour
Top third of tank 225 mm (9 in.)/hour
22 mm (7/8 in.) and more Middle third of tank 300 mm (12 in.)/hour
Bottom third of tank 450 mm (16 in.)/hour
7.18.9 Additional Tests
7.18.9.1 Hardness Testing
Weld hardness testing requirements and acceptance criteria shall be in
accordance with SAES-W-017.

7.18.9.2. After completion of test, thoroughly clean all residual examination

materials from the as yet to be welded surfaces and from the un-welded
gap between the shell and the bottom. Remove defective weld segments
and re-weld as required. Re-examine the repaired welds and a minimum
of 150 mm (6 in.) to either side in the manner described in paragraph
7.18.2.8. Repeat this clean-remove-examine-and-clean process until
there is no evidence of leaking. Complete all welding passes of the joint
both inside and outside of the shell. Visually examine the finished weld
surfaces of the joint both inside and outside the shell for their entire
circumference.
7.18.9.3 Magnetic particle or liquid penetrant examination shall be conducted on
all structural attachment welds to the tank pressure components that are
attached after hydrostatic test.
7.18.11 Cylindrical Flat-Bottom Tank Settlement Measurements
7.18.11.1 The base elevation shall be established and recorded at equidistant
locations of approximately 10 m (33 ft) around the tank circumference
but not less than eight (8) locations. The measurement points shall be at
well-marked locations on the annular plate or on clips welded to the
shell. Elevation readings shall be taken as follows:
1) Before hydrostatic testing has started.
2) At the ½ filled point.
3) At the ¾ water filled point.
4) After 24 hours from filling the tank at the maximum water fill height.
5) After the tank has been emptied of test water.
7.18.11.2 Any differential settlement greater than 13 mm (½ in.) per 9 m (30 ft) of
circumference, or a uniform settlement in excess of 50 mm (2 in.) shall
be reported. Filling shall be stopped until clearance to continue has been
received.
7.18.11.3 Internal bottom elevation measurements shall be made for tanks of 15 m
(49 ft) diameter and larger before and after the hydrostatic test.
Measurements shall be made at 3 m (10 ft) intervals along diametric
lines across the bottom. The diametric lines shall be spaced
approximately 10 m (33 ft) apart at the tank shell.
8 Marking
8.0 General
8.0.1 Marking shall be done with water soluble materials containing no
substances that would attack or harmfully affect the tank at both ambient
and operating temperature.
8.0.2 Marking materials shall be free of lead, sulfur, zinc, cadmium, mercury,
chlorine, or any other halogens.

8.0.3 Tank number and content shall be painted in both Arabic and English at
90 degree intervals around the tank in accordance with SAES-B-067.
8.1 Nameplates
8.1.1.q All tanks with internal coatings shall have the Saudi Aramco's Approved
Protective Coating System (APCS) marked on the nameplate.
8.3 Manufacturer's Report and Certificate
The tank manufacturer shall prepare drawings, calculations, and data in
accordance with Form SA-7918-1, Non-Material Requirements-Tanks.
Approved drawings and calculations shall not relieve the Manufacturer of
the responsibility to comply with the Code and this specification.
9 Pressure and Vacuum-Relieving Devices

9.2 Pressure-relieving Devices
9.2.4 The tank manufacturer shall verify the set pressures and sizes of the
pressure and vacuum relief devices specified on the tank data sheet in
accordance with API STD 620 and API STD 2000.
10 Shell Attachments and Tank Appurtenances
10.1 Platforms, Walkways, and Stairways

10.1.1 Type and location of stairway shall be as specified on the tank data
sheet and Saudi Aramco Form SA-2696.
10.1.2 Stairs and platforms shall be fabricated of hot dipped galvanized open
grating. Checker-plate grating is not permitted.
10.1.3 Walkways shall be fabricated of diamond-pattern (checker-plate) grating
with anti-skid paint.
10.1.4 Stairways shall satisfy the following requirements:
1) Maximum angle with the horizontal shall be 45 degrees.
2) Minimum effective tread width shall be 200 mm (8 in.).
3) Minimum effective stairway width shall be 710 mm (28 in.).
4) Stairway platforms shall be a minimum of 710 mm (28 in.) as
measured in the direction of the stairway.
10.1.5 Stairways on tanks shall be provided with stringers and handrails on
both sides.
10.2 Grounding
10.2.1 Tanks shall be provided with a grounding lug connection welded to the
tank.

10.2.2 Cylindrical flat-bottom tanks shall be provided with grounding lugs in

accordance with SAES-P-111 at a minimum of four points spaced
equidistantly around the base of the tank.
10.3 Firewater Deluge and Spray System
10.3.1 The tank manufacturer shall furnish and install firewater deluge system
piping and components, terminating at laterals at the base of the tank, in
accordance with the requirements of SAES-B-017.
11 Coatings and Painting

11.1 Types of coating and painting systems to be applied shall be as specified
on the Storage Tank data Sheet in accordance with SAES-H-001.
11.2 Surfaces to be coated shall be cleaned and prepared prior to its coating
in accordance with the applicable coating and painting systems.
11.3 The soil side of all tank bottom including annular ring plates shall be
coated with APCS-3, APCS-113A or APCS-2C. APCS-3 shall be
specified for tank with maximum operation temperature of 70C (160°F),
APCS-113A shall be specified for higher operation temperature up to
120C (250°F) and APCS-2C shall be specified for higher operation
temperature up to 150°C (300°F). Soil side of all bottom plates (lap-
welded) and annular ring plates (butt-welded) shall be left uncoated
approximately 50 mm (2 in.) wide. This will typically require masking a
strip along the underside of each end (edge) of each bottom/annular ring
plate approximately 50 mm (2 in.) wide.
11.4 In tanks placed directly on soil sub-grade and where internal coating is
not required, the following surfaces shall be coated according to the
applicable coating specifications.
11.4.1 In tanks where there is a potential of water accumulation, top side of the
bottom and the internal bottom portion of the shell in flat bottom tanks,
starting from the tank bottom up to minimum one foot above water line,
shall be coated according to the applicable coating specifications per
SAES-H-001.
11.4.2 Internal lower portion of the tank’s internal components from the lowest
point in the tank up to minimum one foot above water line.
11.5 Gasket contact surfaces shall not be coated or painted.
11.6 The tank number and content shall be painted in both Arabic and English
at 90 degree intervals around the tank in accordance with SAES-B-067.

12 Shipping Requirements
12.1 Plates and tank material shall be loaded in manner that ensures delivery
without damage. Bolts, nuts, nipples, and other small parts shall be
boxed or put in kegs or bags for shipment.
12.2 All flange faces and other machined surfaces shall be greased and
properly protected for shipping.
13 Disinfection
13.1 All potable water storage tanks shall be disinfected in accordance with
AWWA C652.
13.2 The chlorine and bacteriological tests shall be meet the Environmental
Health requirements of Saudi Aramco.

Annex B – Use of Materials that are not identified with Listed Specifications
B.4 Marking of Identified Material

Marking materials shall be free of lead, sulfur, zinc, cadmium, mercury,
chlorine, or any other halogens.

Annex R – Low Pressure Storage Tanks Operating Between +40F and -60F
R.2 Materials
R.2.1 General
R.2.1.1 Plate materials shall be limited to the following ASTM material
specifications or their approved equivalent:
1) ASTM A516
2) ASTM A131 Grade CS
3) ASTM A537 Class 1 or 2
R.2.1.2 Material for permanent structural attachments welded to the tank shell
shall be of the same nominal composition as the shell material.
R.2.2.2 Impact Test Requirements for Plates
R.2.2.2.5 (Exception) All plate materials shall be normalized.
R.5.6 Radiographic/Ultrasonic Examination of Butt-welds in Plates
R.5.6.8 All annular plate butt joints in cylindrical flat-bottom tanks shall be 100%
magnetic particle examined from the topside after completion of the root
pass and again after completion of the full weld.
R.8.1.1 Design of foundations shall consider thermal movement of the tank, the
insulation required for the bottom, the effects of foundation freezing and
possible frost heaving, and the anchorage required to resist uplift
according to API STD 620 and API STD 2510.

Document History
03 June 2020 Major revision due to revision of “Next Planned Revision”.
26 June 2017 Major revision is made for consistency with the updated industry
standards and for more clarity. In addition;
1) Re-affirm its contents against company needs.
2) Benchmark against requirements of the latest edition of the
pertinent API STD 620 “Design and Construction of Large, Welded,
Low-Pressure Storage Tanks” that was issued on November 2014.
11 March 2014 Major revision.

Materials System Specification: 32-SAMSS-006 03 June 2020 Manufacture of Low Pressure Tanks

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Materials System Specification: 32-SAMSS-006 03 June 2020 Manufacture of Low Pressure Tanks

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Materials System Specification

32-SAMSS-006 03 June 2020

Previous Revision: 26 June 2017 Next Planned Update: 03 June 2025

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

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Paragraph Number Change Type

1 1 Modification Second paragraph added.

3.5.6 3.5.6 Deletion Saudi Aramco Engineer deleted.

HIC environment deleted, Sour

3.5.11 N/A Deletion Whole paragraph deleted.

3.6.2 3.6.2 Modification Paragraph modified.

Reference to Saudi Aramco

4.3/4.3.1 N/A Deletion Whole paragraph deleted.

4.3.7/8 4.3.7/8 Modification Sour Service added.

4.4 4.4.a/b/c Modification Paragraph modified.

N/A 4.6/4.6.5 Addition Whole paragraph added.

Paragraph number changed due

5.11.5.2.a) 5.11.5.2.a) Deletion Figures I-2, I-3 deleted.

Reference to Saudi Aramco

8.1.1.q 8.1.1.q Modification Paragraph modified.

Reference to Saudi Aramco

10.2.2/11.1/11.3/13.2 10.2.2/11.1/11.3/13.2 Modification Paragraph modified.

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Saudi Aramco Documents

SAES-A-007 Hydrostatic Testing Fluids and Lay-Up Procedures

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International Standards Organization

3.5 Other Terms

3.5.5 Auto refrigeration temperature: Auto-refrigeration temperature is the adiabatic

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5.12.5.3 (Exception) Compression-ring junctures shall be only as shown in

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5.22 Permitted Types of Joints

6.3 Cutting Plates

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6.5 Dimensional Tolerances

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7 Inspection, Examination and Testing

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7.5.3 Requirements for weld repairs shall be according to SAES-W-017.

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7.16.6 Examination of Shell-To-Bottom Joint and Shell-To-Roof Joint

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