N-268 REV.

C ENGLISH MAY / 97

PRESSURE VESSEL FABRICATION

Procedure

CONTEC This standard replaces and cancels the previous revision .

Comissão de Normas
Técnicas This Standard is the Revalidation of the previous revision.

The Responsible CONTEC Subcommittee provides guidance on the

interpretation of this Standard when questions arise regarding its contents.
The Department of PETROBRAS that uses this Standard is the responsible
for adopting and applying the clauses thereof.
Mandatory Requirement: a provision established as being the most
adequate and which shall be used strictly in accordance with this Standard.
SC - 02 If a decision is taken not to follow the requirement ("non-conformity" to this
Tanks & Vessels Standard) it shall be based on well-founded economic and management
reasons, and be approved and registered by the Department of PETROBRAS
that uses this Standard. It is characterized by the verb forms "shall", "it is
necessary...", "is required to...", "it is required that...", "is to...", "has to...",
"only ... is permitted", and other equivalent expressions having an
imperative nature.
Recommended Practice (nonmandatory) a provision that may be adopted
under the conditions of this Standard, but which admits (and draws attention
to) the possibility of there being a more adequate alternative (not written in
this Standard) to the particular application. The alternative adopted shall be
approved and registered by the Department of PETROBRAS that uses this
Standard. It is characterized by the verbal form "should" and equivalent
expressions such as "it is recommended that..." and "ought to..." (verbs of a
nonmandatory nature). It is indicated by the expression: [Recommended
Practice].
Copies of the registered "non-conformities" to this Standard that may
contribute to the improvement thereof shall be submitted to the Responsible
CONTEC Subcommittee.
Proposed revisions to this Standard shall be submitted to the Responsible
CONTEC Subcommittee, indicating the alphanumeric identification and
revision of the Standard, the clause(s) to be revised, the proposed text, and
technical/economic justification for revision. The proposals are evaluated
during the work for alteration of this Standard.

Foreword
PETROBRAS technical standards are prepared by Working Groups – GTs
(consisting of PETROBRAS specialists and PETROBRAS Subsidiaries specialists), are commented by Local
Representatives (representatives of the Industrial Units, Engineering Projects, Technical Divisions and
PETROBRAS Subsidiaries), are approved by Responsible Subcommittees SCs (consisting of specialists
belonging to the same speciality, representing the various PETROBRAS Departments and PETROBRAS
Subsidiaries), and approved by CONTEC General Assembly (consisting of representatives of the
Superintendencies of the PETROBRAS Departments and PETROBRAS Subsidiaries that use PETROBRAS
technical standards). A PETROBRAS technical standard is subjected to a revision at any time by the
Responsible Subcommittee and must be reviewed every five years and if not revised, either reapproved or
cancelled. PETROBRAS technical standards are prepared in accordance with standard PETROBRAS N -1.
For complete information about PETROBRAS standards see PETROBRAS Technical Standards Catalog.

PROPERTY OF PETROBRAS 38 pages

N-268 REV. C ENGLISH MAY / 97

BLANK PAGE

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 N-268 REV. C ENGLISH MAY / 97

PREFACE

This Standard PETROBRAS N-268 REV. C MAY/97 is the Revalidation of the Standard
PETROBRAS N-268 REV. B JUL/90, the contents of which were not changed.

1 SCOPE

1.1 This Standard establishes the requirements for the fabrication of pressure vessels used in
petroleum and petrochemical industrial facilities.

1.2 Pressure vessel is understood to mean the equipment defined in standard PETROBRAS
N-253, such as vessels, towers, heat exchangers and storage spheres.

1.3 This Standard is applied to pressure vessels manufactured beginning with its date of
issuance.

1.4 This Standard only contains mandatory requirements.

2 COMPLEMENTARY DOCUMENTS

The following documents are referenced in the text and contain valid rules for this Standard.

Ministério do Trabalho/Secretaria de Segurança e Saúde no Trabalho - NR-13 -

Caldeiras e Vasos de Pressão;
PETROBRAS N-133 - Welding;
PETROBRAS N-250 - Montagem de Isolamento Térmico a Alta Temperatura;
PETROBRAS N-253 - Pressure Vessel Design;
PETROBRAS N-466 - Mechanical Design of Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers;
PETROBRAS N-1592 - Ensaio Não-Destrutivo - Teste Magnético e Teste por
Pontos;
PETROBRAS N-1593 - Nondestructive Testing - Leak Test;
PETROBRAS N-1594 - Nondestructive Testing - Ultrasonic;
PETROBRAS N-1595 - Nondestructive Testing - Radiograph;
PETROBRAS N-1596 - Nondestructive Testing - Liquid Penetrant;
PETROBRAS N-1597 - Ensaio Não-Destrutivo - Visual;
PETROBRAS N-1598 - Ensaio Não-Destrutivo - Partículas Magnéticas;
PETROBRAS N-1617 - Aplicação de Refratários;
PETROBRAS N-1707 - Projeto e Fabricação de Vaso de Pressão e
Revestimento com Aço Inoxidável;
PETROBRAS N-1738 - Descontinuidades em Juntas Soldadas e Laminadas;
PETROBRAS N-1859 - Welding Consumable with Guaranteed Property;
PETROBRAS N-2301 - Drawing up Technical Documentation on Welding;
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code - Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2;
ASME/ANSI PVHO-1 - Safety Standard for Pressure Vessels for Human
Occupancy;

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ASTM E 10 - Test for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials;

TEMA Standards of Tubular Exchanger Manufacturer Association;
API Std 660 - Heat Exchanger for General Refinery Service;
SIS 055900 - Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards for Painting
Steel Surfaces.

Note: For documents for which only the Portuguese version in available, the PETROBRAS
department that uses this Standard should be consulted for any information required for
the specific application.

3 DEFINITIONS

3.1 Manufacturer

For the purposes of this Standard, "manufacturer" is the company, firm or organization
responsible for the complete or partial fabrication of the vessel in those cases in which
fabrication is completed at the job site.

3.2 Drawing of Repaired Defects in Plates

A drawing indicating all welded repairs in plates, which shall allow the precise location of
repaired areas in the equipment.

4 CLASSIFICATION OF VESSELS FOR FABRICATION

The equipment shall be classified in accordance with 4.1. The classification shall then be
checked according to 4.2. The class which presents the largest number of points for the
equipment (4.1 or 4.2) shall be adopted.

Note: The Brazilian standard referred to as “Norma Regulamentadora NR-13” of the

Ministério do Trabalho shall be adhered to in the fabrication of the pressure vessel.

4.1 Classification by Type of Equipment

4.1.1 Class A (45 points maximum)

Class A covers the following equipment:

a) vessel for human occupancy as indicated in standard ASME/ANSI PVHO-1;

b) reactor/converter;
c) vessel for H2S service;
d) FCC converter;

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e) vessel for lethal service;

f) vessel for low temperature;
g) alloy steel vessel;
h) sphere.

4.1.2 Class B (38 points maximum)

Class B covers the following equipment:

a) process tower;
b) LPG cylinder;
c) vessel for caustic service;
d) equipment with heat treatment;
e) vessel designed in accordance with ASME Section VIII - Division 2.

4.1.3 Class C (30 points maximum)

Class C covers the following equipment:

a) atmospheric tower;
b) horizontal or vertical pressure vessel;
c) vessel having an operating pressure below 100 kPa (1.02 kgf/cm²);
d) TEMA type heat exchanger;
e) double-pipe heat exchanger;
f) plate-type heat exchanger;
g) dissalter;
h) pulsation suppressor bottle.

4.1.4 Class D (23 points maximum)

Class D covers equipment operating with non-flammable liquid, either corrosive or

noncorrosive, as well as equipment operating with hydrocarbon having a flash point higher
than 60°C, at ambient temperature and design temperature between atmospheric and 196 kPa
(2 kgf/cm²). Class D includes the following equipment:

a) silo;
b) flare stack;
c) industrial filter;
d) drier.

4.2 Classification by Equipment Parameters

4.2.1 Equipment Classes

4.2.1.1 The same classes of 4.1 are used:

a) class A (39 to 45 points);

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b) class B (31 to 38 points);

c) class C (24 to 30 points);
d) class D (15 to 23 points).

4.2.1.2 The equipment class is determined by the points obtained from the sum of the product
of the weight of each parameter by its respective grade (see 4.2.2).

4.2.2 Equipment Parameters

The parameters are given in 4.2.2.1 to 4.2.2.7 with a weight from 1 (one) to 3 (three)
attributed to each one and the grades from 1 (one) to 3 (three) according to the characteristics
of the equipment.

4.2.2.1 Design Pressure (weight 3)

The grades according to design pressure are as follows:

a) 3 - pressure above 3924 kPa (40 kgf/cm²);

b) 2 - pressure from 1472 kPa (15 kgf/cm²) to 3924 kPa (40 kgf/cm²);
c) 1 - pressure below 1472 kPa (15 kgf/cm²).

4.2.2.2 Design Temperature (weight 3)

The grades according to design temperature are:

a) 3 - temperature below 15°C;

b) 2 - temperature above 315°C;
c) 1 - temperature from 15°C to 315°C.

4.2.2.3 Shell Thickness (weight 1)

The grades according to shell thickness are:

a) 3 - thickness greater than 50 mm;

b) 2 - thickness greater than 31.4 mm up to and including 50 mm;
c) 1 - thickness up to and including 31.4 mm.

4.2.2.4 Material (weight 1)

The grades according to the specified material which represent the difficulties involved in
fabrication are:

a) 3 - low and high alloy steel;

b) 2 - carbon steel with a thickness greater than 31.4 mm and clad carbon steel;
c) 1 - carbon steel with a thickness up to and including 31.4 mm.

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4.2.2.5 Stored Fluid (weight 3)

The grades according to the fluid stored in the vessel are:

a) 3 - fluid resulting in lethal service and/or stress corrosion;

b) 2 - hydrocarbon and fluid for non-lethal service;
c) 1 - non-flammable and non-toxic fluid.

4.2.2.6 Installation Type (weight 2)

The grades according to the type of installation that represent the safety of the installation are:

a) 3 - process unit and offshore platforms;

b) 2 - utilities and auxiliary unit in industrial installation, and terminals in urban
perimeter;
c) 1 - compressor station, pumping station, terminal, oil treatment station and the
like.

4.2.2.7 Importance of Vessel for Unit Operation (weight 2)

The grades according to the importance of the vessel for unit operation are:

a) 3 - causes unit shutdown;

b) 2 - interferes with unit operation;
c) 1 - does not interfere with unit operation.

5 FABRICATION REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO EACH VESSEL

CLASS

Vessel fabrication requirements are shown in sections 6 to 11 and shall be applied according to
TABLE 1 for each vessel fabrication class.

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TABLE 1 (CONTINUE) - SUMMARY OF APPLICABLE SECTIONS

ACCORDING TO EACH VESSEL CLASS

Applicable Sections Vessel Fabrication Classes

(6 to 12)
of this Standard) A B C D
6.1 X X X X

6.2 X X X X

6.3 X X X X

6.4 all paragraphs X

6.4 a) b) c) d) e) g) h)
i) l) m) X

6.4 a) c) d) e) i) X X

6.5 all paragraphs X

6.5 a) b) d) e) f) X

6.5 a) b) X

6.5 a) X

6.6 all paragraphs X

6.6 a) c) d) e) i) j) m)
o) q) r) s) t) u) v) X

6.6 a) c) i) j) m) r) t)
u) v) X

6.6 a) c) t) u) v) X

6.7.1 X X X

6.7.2 X X X

6.7.3 X X X

6.7.4 X

6.7.5 X X X

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TABLE 1 (CONTINUATION) - SUMMARY OF APPLICABLE SECTIONS

ACCORDING TO EACH VESSEL CLASS

Applicable Sections Vessel Fabrication Classes

(6 to 12)
of this Standard) A B C D
6.7.6 X X X

6.7.7 X X

7 X X X X

8.1 to 8.5 X X X X

8.6 X X

8.7 X X X X

8.8 X X

8.9 and 8.10 X X X X

9.1 X X X X

9.2 X X X X

9.3 X X X X

9.4.1 X X X X

9.4.2 X X X X

9.5 X X X X

9.6 X X X X

9.7.1 X X X X

9.7.2 X X X X

9.7.3 X

9.7.4 X X X X

9.7.5 X X X X

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TABLE 1 (CONTINUATION) - SUMMARY OF APPLICABLE SECTIONS

ACCORDING TO EACH VESSEL CLASS

Applicable Sections Vessel Fabrication Classes

(6 to 12)
of this Standard) A B C D
9.7.6 X X X X

9.7.7 X X X X

9.8.1 X X X X

9.8.2 X X X X

9.8.3 X

9.9.1 X X X X

9.9.2 X X X X

9.9.3 X X

9.9.4 X X X X

9.9.4.1 X X

9.9.4.2 X X X X

9.9.5 X X X X

9.9.6 X X X X

9.10 X X X X

9.11.1 X X X

9.11.2 X X X X

9.11.3 X X X X

9.11.4 X X

9.11.5 X X X X

9.11.6 X X X X

9.12 X X X X

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TABLE 1 (CONTINUATION) - SUMMARY OF APPLICABLE SECTIONS

ACCORDING TO EACH VESSEL CLASS

Applicable Sections Vessel Fabrication Classes

(6 to 12)
of this Standard) A B C D
9.13 X X

10.1 X

10.2 X X

10.3 X X X

10.4 X X X X

10.5 X X X X

10.6 X X X X

10.7 X X

10.8 X X

10.9 X X

10.10 X X

10.11 X X X X

10.12 X X X X

10.13 X X X X

10.14 X X X X

10.15 X X X X

10.16 X X X X

10.17 X X X X

10.18 X X X X

11.1 X X X X

11.2 X X X X

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TABLE 1 (CONCLUSION) - SUMMARY OF APPLICABLE SECTIONS

ACCORDING TO EACH VESSEL CLASS

Applicable Sections Vessel Fabrication Classes

(6 to 12)
of this Standard) A B C D
11.3.1 X X X X

11.3.2 X X X X

11.3.3 X X

11.4 X X X X

11.5 X X X X

11.6 X X X X

11.7 X X X X

11.8 X X X X

11.9.1 X X

11.9.2 X X X X

11.9.3 X X

11.9.4 X X X X

11.10 X X X

12 X X X X

6 FABRICATION DOCUMENTS

6.1 Manufacturer's Responsibility

6.1.1 Fabrication shall conform to the requirements in the Material Requisition or in the
contract and shall be done in accordance with the approved fabrication drawings.

6.1.2 Any omissions or mistakes found by the manufacturer in any of the documents provided
by PETROBRAS shall be referred to PETROBRAS for a proper solution, so that the
manufacturer remains full responsible for the fabrication of the equipment.

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6.2 Technical Standards

All pressure vessels shall be manufactured in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Code - Section VIII - Div. 1 or Div. 2, whichever has been adopted in the design.

6.3 Scope of Supply

The manufacturer's scope of supply shall be as specified in the Material Requisition or in the
contract.

6.4 Fabrication Documents

The fabrication of pressure vessels shall conform to the fabrication and/or inspection plans
prepared by the manufacturer, involving at least the following items:

a) type and scope of inspection of welded joints;

b) care taken with temporary welds, including method to be used for their removal;
c) welding plans in accordance with standard PETROBRAS N-2301;
d) non-destructive testing procedures;
e) inspection and test plan;
f) procedure for performance of each test required, including equipment to be used;
g) record of non-destructive test results, of welded joints, indicating welders
involved;
h) heat treatment procedure, including position of thermocouples, type of heating,
insulation attachment details, heating and cooling rates and holding time;
i) hydrostatic test procedure, including water quality and temperature, details of
attachments for filling and draining, location of pressure gages and holding time
at test pressure;
j) clean-up and drying procedures for the vessel after the hydrostatic test;
l) repair procedures, including type of removal of defect and type of repair and types
of examinations to be made after the repairs are done;
m) marking transfer procedures.

Note: Fabrication and/or inspection plans refer to procedures and technical instructions applied
to the fabrication of equipment.

6.5 Presentation of Technical Documents

Procedures and/or plans specified in 6.4 as well as the documents specified below shall be
submitted to the inspector for examination before the beginning of the corresponding activity:

a) certified fabrication drawings;

b) material quality certificates;
c) certificates of consumable quality with guaranteed property, as required (see
standard PETROBRAS N-1859);
d) welding procedure qualification records;
e) welders/welding operators qualification records;

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f) report indicating procedures and inspectors and/or qualified non-destructive

testing operators.

6.6 Technical Fabrication Data Book

The manufacturer shall furnish a technical fabrication data book in the number of samples
required, containing at least the following documents:

a) certified fabrication drawings;

b) technical specifications;
c) data sheets;
d) calculation notes;
e) welding plan;
f) welding procedure qualification records;
g) non-destructive examination procedures report;
h) report indicating inspectors and/or non-destructive examination operators;
i) inspection and test plan;
j) non-destructive test certificates;
l) production test certificates (when required);
m) material quality certificates of pressure parts, internals (except carbon steel) and
equipment supporting parts;
n) quality certificates of consumables with guaranteed property (when required);
o) radiograph location drawing;
p) field assembly specifications (when required);
q) map of repaired defects;
r) list of material of drawing with its respective certificate numbers of the raw
material used;
s) heat treatment charts;
t) hydrostatic test certificate;
u) report of nonconformities, if any;
v) inspection acceptance certificate.

6.7 Files

The manufacturer shall keep in an organized file the information provided below, which is to
made available for the examination of PETROBRAS or its authorized representative at the
time of inspection. This information shall be maintained for a period of 5 years after the
shipping date of the equipment.

6.7.1 Mill certificates for shell components. The certificate shall contain a specification to
which the material conforms, the heat number, the treatment undergone by the material and the
results of the chemical analysis and mechanical tests.

6.7.2 Certificates of compliance for materials obtained from sub-suppliers and for which
mill certificates are unavailable. When it is not possible to prove the material specification, the
manufacturer shall carry out tests and analyses and issue certificates of compliance.

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6.7.3 For piping accessories and flanges manufactured in accordance with an approved
standard, certificates are not required, provided they are marked as required by ASME
Section VIII. Certificates are required when markings are removed.

6.7.4 Records of qualified welding procedures, welders and weld operators.

6.7.5 Radiographic films, when this test is required and non-destructive test certificates.

6.7.6 Charts and/or certificates of hydrostatic and pneumatic tests and other tests.

6.7.7 Temperature recording charts and other heat treatment records.

7 NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING

Non-destructive tests, when required, shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements
of 7.1 to 7.8.

7.1 Liquid Penetrant Test

It shall be performed in accordance with standard PETROBRAS N-1596; the evaluation of

results shall be in accordance with ASME Section VIII.

7.2 Magnetic Particle Test

It shall be performed in accordance with standard PETROBRAS N-1598; the evaluation of

results shall be in accordance with ASME Section VIII.

7.3 Ultrasonic Test

It shall be performed according to standard PETROBRAS N-1594; the evaluation of results

shall be according to ASME Section VIII.

7.4 Radiographic Test

It shall be performed in accordance with PETROBRAS N-1595; the evaluation of results shall
be according to ASME Section VIII.

7.5 Visual Inspection

It shall be performed in accordance with standard PETROBRAS N-1597.

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7.6 Chemical Spot Test

It shall be carried out in accordance with standard PETROBRAS N-1592.

7.7 Tightness Test

Bubble formation test with positive pressure performed in accordance with standard
PETROBRAS N-1593.

7.8 Hardness Test

When hardness testing is required, it shall be performed according to standard ASTM E-10, as
to surface preparation, and using portable equipment suitable for the test.

8 MATERIALS

8.1 Material supply shall be as specified in the Material Requisition.

8.2 In those cases where basic drawings or the mechanical design of the vessel are furnished
by PETROBRAS, the manufacturer shall use the materials indicated on those documents. As a
general rule, any alternative materials shall be indicated at the time of the proposal. The use of
any alternative material presented during or after the proposal shall only be allowed after it has
been approved by PETROBRAS.

8.3 For pressure parts and supporting parts made of plates and pipes (e.g.: skirt and columns),
materials certificates shall be checked to verify compliance with their respective specifications.

8.4 The materials used shall be perfectly identified according to the fabrication drawing of the
equipment and to the material certificate, using the criteria of ASME Sec. VIII.

8.5 A visual inspection shall be performed in all materials, sections and equipment used, which
shall be free of:

a) defects which cause a sudden transition on the surface of the part;

b) defects which reduce the thickness of the part to a value lower than that
mentioned in 8.7;
c) corrosion above grade C of standard SIS 055900 for the following materials:
- carbon steels;
- molybdenum alloy steels;
- chromium molybdenum alloy steels;
- nickel alloy steels;
d) any degree of corrosion for stainless steels and nonferrous metals.

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8.6 A map of the defects repaired on plates shall be prepared.

8.7 The thickness of all manufactured sections shall be checked. Special attention is drawn to
regions of higher strain, such as the toroidal region of torispherical heads. The measured
thickness shall comply with the following requirement:
Measured thickness ≥ Design thickness or nominal thickness minus manufacturing tolerance of
plate.

8.8 The surface of clad plates of corrosion-resistant linings shall be visually checked for any
signs of pitting and other types of corrosion, thickness reduction, cracks, pores and
contamination, and the surface of clad plates and linings shall be free of these defects. The clad
thickness of stainless steels in general shall be measured on the plate edge at four points using a
copper sulfate solution attack. The thickness of the corrosion-resistant lining shall be measured
by sampling. The measured thicknesses of the cladding and lining shall comply with the
provisions in item 8.7.

8.9 Flange faces shall be visually checked, for verification of the condition and type of
grooves, and corrosion or dents shall be unacceptable.

8.10 Welding consumables shall be in accordance with standard PETROBRAS N-133.

9 FABRICATION

9.1 Fabrication Design

Fabrication shall comply with the fabrication design approved by the designer.

9.2 Fabrication Plan

9.2.1 Should the equipment not be delivered in the assembled condition, the sections that are
manufactured at the shop shall be as large as possible for transportation and shall be planned so
as to minimize field fabrication and welding.

9.2.2 The opening for nozzles in shells and heads and the welding of components and
accessories such as supporting lugs, rings, couplings, nozzle reinforcements, stiffening rings,
supports for insulation and internals, both on the internal and external parts, located less than
150 mm from field welds, shall be done in accordance with the following criteria:

a) if the equipment is delivered in the assembled condition, all accessories indicated

are to be welded at the factory;
b) if the equipment is delivered in parts or sections, and if heat treatment is not
foreseen, accessories shall be welded in the field;

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c) if the equipment is delivered in parts or sections and if heat treatment is foreseen,

accessories shall be welded at the factory and be pre-assembled at the factory,
whenever possible.

Note: All parts to be welded in the field shall be furnished after they have been duly prepared,
cut out in the correct dimensions and with bevels duly finished.

9.3 Auxiliary Assembly Devices

9.3.1 Auxiliary assembly devices shall comply with standard PETROBRAS N-133.

9.3.2 Rigid devices spaced less than 500 mm from each other shall not be used.

9.4 Bevels

9.4.1 Bevels shall be dimensionally and visually checked for cleanliness and absence of the
following defects:

a) lamellar decohesion;
b) pores;
c) cutting irregularities;
d) dents;
e) cracks;
f) discontinuities crosswise to the surface;
g) discontinuities parallel to the surface, over 25 mm in length.

9.4.2 The visual test shall be completed by the liquid penetrant or magnetic particle test, in the
following cases:

a) bevel thickness over 38 mm;

b) bevels of openings for nozzles having a nominal diameter equal to or greater than
76 mm (3");
c) bevels recovered by welding;
d) bevels of the following materials:
- carbon steel requiring impact testing;
- chromium molybdenum alloy steels when heat treatment is required after
welding;
- nickel alloy steels;
- stainless steels;
- nonferrous alloys and metals.

Note: The same defects mentioned in item 9.4.1 are deemed to be unacceptable.

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9.5 Repair of Defects Found in Materials

Welding repairs shall be done in accordance with 9.7 and examined in accordance with
section 10.

9.6 Adjustment

9.6.1 Sections or plates of equipment shall be adjusted within the following tolerances:

a) joint opening: ± 1.5 mm in relation to the design dimension;

b) disalignment: ASME Section VIII;
c) out-of-roundness along the sections, on the upper and bottom edges and on the
supporting region of the skirt,
- for spheres: ASME Section VIII, but not over 50 mm;
- for other equipment: See FIGURE A-1 - 19;
d) perimeter on the upper and bottom edges of each section, See ANNEX, FIGURE
A-1 - 20;
e) levelling of upper and bottom edges, measured by the difference between the
maximum and minimum points of each edge,
- 3 mm if the circular arc between the maximum and minimum points is equal to
or smaller than 3000 mm;
- 4 mm if the same arc is greater than 3000 mm;
f) curvature: See ASME Section VIII, being applicable only to,
- equipment subject to external pressure;
- heads;
- calendered plates;
g) total height or of sections or plates: See ANNEX, FIGURE A-1 - 9;
h) verticality (plumb line),
- for sphere columns: according to the tolerances specified in the design;
- for other equipment: See ANNEX, FIGURE A-1 - 1;
i) angular deformation (peaking - See definition in standard PETROBRAS
N-1738): See ANNEX, FIGURE A-1 - 31;
j) separation between longitudinal joints: ± 10 mm in relation to the design
dimensions;
l) distance between tangent line and distance between this line and the skirt ring: See
ANNEX, FIGURE A-1 - 22 and 2;
m) maximum clearance between shell and skirt: See ANNEX, FIGURE A-1 - 21.

9.7 Welding

9.7.1 Welding shall be performed in accordance with this Standard and standard
PETROBRAS N-133.

9.7.2 The only preheating and post-heating methods allowed are gas burners or electric
resistance, and single-flare burners shall not be allowed.

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9.7.3 For low temperature vessels, a production test shall be carried out in accordance with
ASME Section VIII.

9.7.4 Welds of auxiliary assembly devices and other temporary welds including attachment
welds of thermocouples shall be removed after performing their function. In pressure parts, the
surface under these welds shall be ground smooth and examined.

9.7.5 Welded joints having any irregularity that may adversely affect the non-destructive test
shall be ground. This requirement is mandatory for welded joints, to be radiographed, made
with a straight pass.

9.7.6 Before each circumferential joint begins to be welded, the “bracing” used to maintain the
circularity of the unit may be maintained provided that at a minimum distance of 250 mm from
the joint.

9.7.7 The guide hole at the center of formed heads shall be closed with a reinforcing pad butt-
welded, when necessary.

9.8 Final Checks

9.8.1 The reinforcement of welds of the equipment shall be within the limits specified in
TABLE 2.

TABLE 2 - REINFORCEMENT ALLOWED IN WELDS

Nominal Plate Thickness Excess Allowed in Relation to the Plate Thickness on

Each Side of the Butt-Welded Joint
(mm) (mm)
up to 12 1.5
13 to 25 2.5
26 to 50 3.0
over 50 4.0

9.8.2 After the sections and the complete equipment have been welded, the tolerances of item
9.6.1b) to (m), where applicable, shall be verified.

9.8.3 For vessels with cladding or strip lining, any blistering detected in the visual inspection
shall not be permitted. A tightness test shall be performed in the strip lining in accordance with
standard PETROBRAS N-1707.

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9.9 Nozzles and Internals

9.9.1 Nozzles and internals shall be located, adjusted and welded within the tolerances
specified in 9.9.1.1 and 9.9.1.2.

9.9.1.1 For nozzles, see in ANNEX - FIGURE A-1 the corresponding number:

a) elevation: 15 or 16;
b) deviation from nozzle axis measured in the arc: 32;
c) angular deviation from nozzle axis: 29;
d) projection: 11 or 13;
e) perpendicularity of flange face in relation to the manhole or nozzle axis: 12
and 14;
f) orientation of connecting flange holes with piping: 27 and 28
g) clearance between diameters for slip-on flanges: 10;
h) distance from nozzle flange face to tangent line: 23;
i) distance between centerlines of nozzles for level instruments: 30;
j) deviation between centerlines of nozzle and head: 26.

9.9.1.2 For rings and other supports, see in ANNEX - FIGURE A-1 the corresponding
number:

a) supporting ring elevation: 8 and 18;

b) distance between consecutive rings of tray supports: 6;
c) clearance between ring or support and shell: 17;
d) see 10.13.4.

9.9.2 For nozzles having reinforcement plate, a liquid penetrant test shall be carried out after
the completion of the nozzle-to-neck weld, before the installation of the reinforcement plate.

9.9.3 Nozzles having a nominal diameter equal to or larger than 4” and self-reinforced nozzles
with the opening in the shell having a diameter equal to or greater than 100 mm shall undergo
ultrasonic inspection at the following welded joints:

a) full penetration welded joint between nozzle neck and vessel shell;
b) welded joint between nozzle neck and reinforcement plate (if any).

Note: A more restrictive provision shall be adopted if present in the standard of the specific
service.

9.9.4 A tightness test shall be performed in the nozzle reinforcement plates and in clad vessels
with nozzles having internal sleeve so as to ensure complete tightness after the hydrostatic test.

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9.9.4.1 For heat treated equipment, the tightness test shall be carried out before the heat
treatment.

9.9.4.2 Holes used for the tightness test or telltale holes of nozzles with internal sleeve shall
be left open. These holes shall be filled with grease after the hydrostatic test.

9.9.5 Nozzle flange faces and studs and nuts shall be protected against mechanical damage and
corrosion in grooves and threads.

9.9.6 For jacketed equipment, the clearance provided in the design for differential expansion
between the various parts shall be strictly complied with.

9.10 Thermal Insulation and Refractory Supports and Devices

The supports shall be installed in accordance with standards PETROBRAS N-250 and
PETROBRAS N-1617.

9.11 Internals of Vessels and Towers

9.11.1 Tack welding and welding of rings and supports shall be performed in accordance with
the qualified welding procedure.

9.11.2 When tack welding is performed, the level and elevation of tray support rings shall
conform to the tolerances given in ANNEX - FIGURE A-1 - 5, 6 and 8.

9.11.3 After welding, the levelling of rings shall comply with the same tolerance indicated in
9.11.2.

9.11.4 A liquid penetrant test shall be performed at the welded joint between the rings and
supports to clad plates or when specified by the design.

9.11.5 Asbestos gaskets (tray joints) shall be moistened before being installed and
compressed.

9.11.6 After assembly, the dimensions and level for trays and weir plates shall be checked and
registered. The maximum tolerances shall be in accordance with ANNEX - FIGURE A-1 - 3, 4
and 7.

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9.12 Warped Parts

Repairs of warped parts due to welding, among other factors, shall be preferably done in the
cold condition.

9.13 Heat Treatments

9.13.1 Charts and heat treatment reports and certificates shall be furnished.

9.13.2 Plates, heads or other parts subject to cold or hot rolling, forming or forging, shall be
heat treated as required by ASME Section VIII.

9.13.3 Thermocouple attachment weld shall be performed in accordance with 9.7.

9.13.4 Controlling and recording equipment shall be duly gauged and calibrated.

9.13.5 Equipment connections shall be protected against corrosion and warping.

9.13.6 After the heat treatment, hardness readings in the cast zone and in the heat affected
zone of welds shall be taken. At least two complete readings shall be taken per circumferential
joint and per longitudinal joint. In addition, two readings in temporary welds of each material
specification used shall be taken, preferably for greater thicknesses. For spheres, in addition to
the two readings in temporary welds, two full readings of each horizontal joint and a complete
reading of two vertical joints of each section of the sphere shall be taken. The hardness shall
not exceed the following values:

a) for chromium-molybdenum alloy steel with Cr < 2%: 215 Brinell;

b) for chromium-molybdenum alloy steel with Cr > 2%: 240 Brinell;
c) for carbon steel: 220 Brinell.

Note: Hardness values may be obtained through one or more specimens, at the option of the
PETROBRAS inspection.

9.13.7 Attachment welds of thermocouples and insulation supports placed for the heat
treatment shall be removed. A liquid penetrant or magnetic particle test shall be carried out in
the region of these temporary welds after they have been removed.

9.13.8 At least one of the production test plates shall be treated together with the equipment.

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10 FABRICATION INSPECTION

10.1 Welds of any parts, regardless of the material, thickness or service, shall be fully (100%)
radiographed before any severe deformation (thickness to local radius ratio greater than 5%),
by any process, such as spinning, pressing and rolling. After deformation, the welds and the
most deformed areas shall be examined by magnetic particles or liquid penetrant, before any
manufacturer operation is subsequently carried out.

10.2 Welds used for closing guide-holes at the center of formed heads shall be fully
radiographed.

10.3 For spot radiography examination, the weld crossing point shall be preferably inspected,
in order to achieve the greatest number of welders and welding operators and positions not
easily accessible.

10.4 Nondestructive tests for the welded joint shall be redone in the case of repair or
alteration of joints.

10.5 For restoration of the base metal thickness by weld, the nondestructive tests specified in
ASME Section VIII shall be performed.

10.6 When preheating is required, liquid penetrant or magnetic particle tests shall be
performed in the areas where weld points have been removed and areas subject to gouging.

10.7 For carbon-steel vessels requiring impact testing, carbon-molybdenum alloy steels,
chromium-molybdenum alloy steels, nickel alloy steels, stainless steels and nonferrous metals
and alloys, a magnetic particle or liquid penetrant test shall be performed before the hydrostatic
test in the following regions:

a) internally and externally welded joints, covering a 200 mm wide area centered at
the joint;
b) plate repair welds;
c) regions of weld removed from auxiliary assembly device and temporary weld;
d) welds for attachment of accessories.

10.8 In addition to the requirements in 10.7, a liquid penetrant or magnetic particle inspection
shall be performed in the regions indicated in standard PETROBRAS N-133.

10.9 For equipment subject to heat treatment, the requirements in 10.7 shall be met before and
after the heat treatment, for the following materials:

a) carbon steels requiring impact testing;

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b) carbon-molybdenum and chromium-molybdenum alloy steels;

c) nickel alloy steels;
d) martensitic and ferritic stainless steels.

10.10 After fabrication, a full dimensional inspection shall be performed.

10.10.1 All vessels delivered in the disassembled condition shall be fully or partially pre-
mounted at the shop for a dimensional check. Pre-assembly shall be done with an adequate
temporary attachment and shall cover the entire vessel or at least the largest possible part of
the vessel.

10.10.2 Trays, gratings, baffles and other internal parts of the vessel that are dismountable and
delivered in the disassembled condition shall also be fully pre-mounted at its installation
position inside the vessel, at the manufacturer’s shop, when included within the scope of
supply.

10.11 Bevels shall be dimensionally and visually checked in accordance with 9.4.

10.12 For equipment and sections delivered in the assembled condition and sphere columns, a
check shall be made in the skirt or supports to verify compatibility of the arrangement and
dimension of holes and anchor bolts. A check shall be done to verify if the holes allow the
thermal expansion specified for the equipment.

10.13 The equipment and sections delivered in the assembled condition shall be examined as
specified in 10.13.1 and 10.13.2.

10.13.1 The position of nozzles in relation to the requirements specified in 9.9.1.1 shall be
verified.

10.13.2 Supports of internals shall be visually checked to verify if the position and attachment
details of the support are in accordance with the design specification.

10.13.3 Baffle plates shall be visually inspected to check if the position of the plates conforms
to the design specification, allowing a ± 10 mm tolerance , in any direction.

10.13.4 The supports for platforms, ladders and piping systems and for reinforcement rings
and thermal insulation shall be visually inspected. The following requirements for these
supports shall be checked:

a) the location shall not interfere with other vessel elements;

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b) they shall conform to the design, specially as regards their dimensions and fillet
weld dimensions and the clearance specified in the ANNEX, FIGURE A-1 - 17;
c) they shall have holes for water drainage, when necessary (if not, holes shall be
drilled);
d) they shall have the oblong holes called for in the design for differential expansion
between the various parts (if not, oblong holes shall be drilled);
e) if the plates continuously welded to the vessel have the hole functioning as a vent
(this hole shall be left open).

10.14 The condition of all internal parts delivered shall be visually checked for mechanical
damage and corrosion in accordance with 8.5.

10.15 Beams shall be visually examined to check if the initial deflection for compensation
(when specified in the design) has the specified value.

10.16 Beams and their supports shall be checked to verify if the dimensions and holes for
attachment are in accordance with the design.

10.17 All internal parts shall be visually examined to check if the drain holes specified in the
design are present.

11 PRESSURE TEST

11.1 General

All vessels delivered in the assembled condition shall be hydrostatically tested at the
manufacturer’s shop prior to shipment. This test should be preferably performed with the
vessel in the horizontal position and the test pressure values determined by the Designer, for
vessels designed in accordance with ASME VIII-Division 1.

11.2 Testing

The test may only be performed after 48 hours have elapsed from the last welding in pressure
parts and equipment supporting parts.

11.3 Water

11.3.1 If there are any requirements in the design regarding water purity characteristics, these
characteristics shall be controlled.

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11.3.2 The water temperature shall be over 15°C or be compatible with the design
temperature, for equipment operating at a low temperature. If the water temperature is near
the minimum limit, thermometers shall be installed in the lower region of the equipment.

11.3.3 The maximum chloride content permitted in the water shall be as defined in the design,
but not greater than 50 ppm for equipment made of austenitic stainless steel or having a
internal lining consisting of these materials.

11.4 Cases in Which Welding is not Allowed

No weld shall be done on the equipment and on any part in electric contact with the same while
the equipment is holding water.

11.5 Pressure Gages

11.5.1 At least two pressure gages shall be used, and a third one shall be used when the test
takes more than 6 h, observing the requirements of items 11.5.1.1 to 11.5.1.4.

11.5.1.1 At least one of the pressure gages shall be located in an area allowing easy access,
visible to the inspector during the entire testing and pressurization time and one of the pressure
gages shall be located at the top of the equipment.

11.5.1.2 Pressure gages shall be calibrated before the beginning of the test, allowing a validity
of three months for calibration, which shall be done using a standard deadweight gauge or a
calibrated master pressure gauge or a column of mercury.

11.5.1.3 The maximum scale value shall always be within 1.5 and 4 times the test pressure and
be preferably twice the test pressure.

11.5.1.4 The smallest scale division shall not exceed 5% of the maximum scale indication.

11.5.2 Blocks shall be provided between the pressure gages and equipment to allow
substitution, if necessary.

11.6 Equipment Protection for Hydropneumatic Test.

11.6.1 A relief valve or rupture disk, calibrated for a pressure not exceeding the pressure of
the alternative test given by the Designer, shall be installed.

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11.6.2 A vacuum protection device shall be installed.

11.7 Safety and Access

11.7.1 Safety conditions shall be provided before the test is begun.

11.7.2 Access to all parts to be inspected during the test shall be provided.

11.7.3 Connections of auxiliary fill piping of the vessel shall have their ratings compatible with
the test pressure.

11.8 Duration

The minimum holding time of the equipment at the test pressure is 30 minutes before starting
the visual inspection of the equipment.

11.9 Procedures to be Taken After the Test

11.9.1 The equipment shall be fully drained, dried and cleaned.

11.9.2 In nozzles left open, flange faces shall be protected against corrosion and mechanical
damage.

11.9.3 In equipment with cladding or strip lining a visual inspection shall be performed to
check if blistering occurred in the lining; if any, it shall be repaired and reexamined.

11.9.4 A test completion certificate shall be issued, including the test data.

11.10 Heat Exchanger Test

11.10.1 General Considerations

11.10.1.1 Before the beginning of the test, it shall be checked whether the tubesheets and
floating head of the exchanger are designed for differential pressure:

a) if designed for differential pressure, each particular case shall be evaluated and the
drawings presented in this Standard shall not be used;

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b) if not designed for differential pressure, the procedure indicated in item 11.10.2
shall be followed.

11.10.1.2 The hydrostatic test shall be performed in all heat exchangers. If tube re-expanding
is necessary, the new test shall be performed only after the tube has been re-expanded.

11.10.2 Test Procedure

11.10.2.1 The heat exchanger shall be tested with water (see item 11.3) and the test pressure
shall be maintained for at least 30 minutes. If it is not possible to perform the test with water,
11.10.2.3 and 11.10.2.4 shall be considered. The testing sequence shall follow the assembly
sequence of the heat exchanger. See ANNEX - FIGURE A-2 to A-6, where the arrows
indicate the areas where sealing shall be checked.

11.10.2.2 The shell and tube bundle shall be tested so that possible leaks in the tube expanding
be checked at least from one side.

11.10.2.3 When it is not possible to perform the test with water, the pneumatic test shall be
performed with the test pressure indicated in the mechanical design.

11.10.2.4 In the pneumatic test, the pressure shall be gradually raised up to 100 kPA
(1.02 kgf/cm²) and a first inspection shall be then carried out at the points indicated by arrows
in ANNEX, FIGURES A-3 to 6. After the approval of this first phase, the pressure shall be
raised to half the test pressure and, from then on, the pressure shall be raised in degrees of 0.1
times the test pressure. Upon reaching the maximum value, the pressure shall be maintained for
at least 30 minutes. Then, the pressure shall be reduced to 0.8 times the best pressure and a
new inspection shall be done.

12 CONDITIONING, PACKAGING AND SHIPPING

12.1.1 Preparation for Shipment

12.1.1.1 All pieces of equipment and independent parts delivered in the disassembled
condition shall be marked with paint and with letters at least 40mm high on the part itself or on
the package. This marking shall contain at least the following information:

a) equipment identification;
b) manufacturer’s name;
c) number of Autorização de Fornecimento de Material (AFM)(”Material Supply
Authorization”);

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d) indication of parts or pieces of the equipment in the case of delivery in the

disassembled condition (for this indication, the numbering criterion of parts of
fabrication drawings shall be adopted);
e) indication of the top side of the part or of the “North” direction of the design,
whenever there is a possibility that the part is assembled by mistake in the
inverted position (in the case of pieces or parts of disassembled equipment).

Note: For all stress relief heat treated pieces of equipment and independent parts on which no
field weld shall therefore be done, a sign shall be placed in a visible place reading “NÃO
SOLDAR” (“DO NOT WELD”).

12.1.2 The equipment or parts made of thin plates or which can be deformed during
transportation or handling shall be adequately supported or stayed.

12.1.3 All small parts, such as bolts, nuts, studs, gaskets, flanges and bubble caps shall be
properly boxed. A list of the content shall be place in the package and a copy shall be sent in
separate.

12.1.4 Trays shall be protected against damage. Face-to-face piling of trays having installed
valves or bubble caps shall not be allowed so to avoid interlocking.

12.1.5 Plate edges with welding bevel, flange faces and other machined surfaces shall be
coated with special anti-corrosive compounds and protected by means of bars, steel plates or
wooden parts to be firmly secured against mechanical damage. Threads of bolts and other parts
shall be coated with anti-corrosive compounds.

12.1.6 As a common procedure, the manufacturer is not requested to paint the equipment.
However, when painting is requested, it shall be strictly performed as described for each case.

12.2 Shipment

The equipment shall be adequately supported and secured in the transporting vehicle. The
calendered or formed parts shall be supported in such a manner as to not be deformed during
transportation.

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/ANNEX

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1 Verticality (plumb line):

a) maximum deviation allowed from the perpendicular to the reference plane: 1 mm

per meter and not more than 20 mm;
b) maximum deviation allowed between adjacent horizontal welds (per ring):
± 3 mm.

2 Distance between tangent lines: ± 0.5 mm by 300 mm in length and not more than 12 mm.

3 Weir plate height: ± 3 mm.

4 Maximum out-of-levelness of tray and weir plate:

a) Ø < 1200 mm: 3 mm;

b) 1200 < Ø < 2800 mm: 5 mm;
c) Ø > 2800 mm: 7 mm.

Note: At least 6 points per tray shall be measured.

5 Maximum out-of-levelness of top of the tray supporting ring: 1 mm in any 300 mm

measured along the chord.

6 Distance between consecutive tray supporting rings: ± 3 mm.

7 Distance from weir plate to tray: ± 3 mm.

8 Elevation of tray supporting ring above tangent line: ± 6 mm.

9 Total height or of sections or plates: ± 0.5 mm by 300 mm in length to a maximum of

20 mm.

10 Slip-on flanges: maximum space between the internal diameters of the flange and the
external diameter of the nozzle neck:

a) nominal diameter up to 1200 mm: 4 mm;

b) nominal diameter of 1201 mm to 1800 mm: 6 mm;
c) nominal diameter of 1801 mm and over: 8 mm.

11 Nozzle projection in relation to the external side of the shell: ± 3 mm.

12 Perpendicularity of the face of the flanges in relation to the nozzle axis: ± 1/2°.

13 Projection of manholes and handholes in relation to the external side of the shell: ± 6 mm.

14 Perpendicularity of the face of the manhole flanges in relation to the nozzle axis: ± 1°.

15 Centerline locations of:

a) manholes, handholes and nozzles located near trays and weir plates, in relation to
supporting rings: ± 3 mm;
b) nozzles not mentioned in a), in relation to the tangent line: ± 6 mm.

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16 Location of centerlines of manholes and handholes not mentioned in 15 a), in relation to

the tangent line: ± 12 mm.

17 Shell reinforcement rings and insulation rings support shall not have a clearance over 4 mm
between the external surface of the shell and the inside diameter of the ring (or support).

18 Distance from tangent line to lugs: + 6 mm, - 0.

19 Out-of-roundness along sections of the upper and lower edges and in the skirt supporting
area: ASME Section VIII, Division 1, but never to exceed 20 mm.

20 Perimeter of the upper and lower edges of each section:

a) Ø ≤ 1200 mm: ± 9 mm;

b) 1200 < Ø ≤ 2100: ± 12 mm;
c) 2100 < Ø ≤ 5000 mm: ± 18 mm;
d) 5000 < Ø: ± 24 mm.

21 Maximum clearance between shell and skirt before welding: 3 mm.

22 Separation between skirt ring and tangent line: + 0, -6 mm.

23 Distance between nozzle flange face and tangent line: ± 3 mm.

24 Height of anchor bolts: ± 3 mm.

25 Separation of anchor bolts in relation to the coordinate axes of the equipment: ± 3 mm.

26 Deviation between the centerlines of the nozzle and head: ± 3 mm.

27 The vertical line and the main axes shall always pass through the middle of the space
between two adjacent flange bolt holes.

28 Maximum rotation of flange holes in relation to the position indicated in the

design: ± 1.5 mm.

29 Angular deviation from the nozzle axis for radial nozzles or nonradial nozzles: ± 1/2°.

30 Distance from nozzle centerlines to level instruments: ± 2 mm.

31 Peaking: for a 1000 mm template, the maximum separation tolerance shall be 5 mm.

Note: Template shall be applied from the inside and outside. Separation shall be measured
between the two supported template ends.

32 Deviation from nozzle axis: ± 3 mm.

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