SAES-E-004 02-18-2018 Final

Engineering Standard
SAES-E-004 18 February 2018

Design Criteria of Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
Document Responsibility: Heat Transfer Equipment Standards Committee
Contents
1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations................................. 3
3 Normative References.....................................3
4 Definitions....................................................... 6
5 Responsibilities.............................................. 8
6 Basis for Thermal Design............................... 8
7 Basis for Mechanical Design........................ 13
8 Nozzles and Gaskets................................... 21
9 Exchanger Supports..................................... 26
10 Material Selection......................................... 28
11 Clips and Attachments.................................. 31
12 Coating and Painting…………...................... 31
13 Insulation…………………………………..….. 32
14 Refractory Lining………………………….….. 32
15 Fireproofing.................................................. 32
16 Grounding .................................................. 32
17 Cathodic Protection...................................... 32
18 Drawings and Calculations........................... 33
Table 1 – Acceptable Materials for Carbon

and Low - Alloy Steels.......................... 34
Previous Issue: 31 March 2014 Next Planned Update: 29 June 2020

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Contact: Al-Otaibi, Dhawi A. (otiabida) on phone +966-13-8808477
©Saudi Aramco 2017. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Heat Transfer Equipment Standards Committee SAES-E-004
Issue Date: 18 February 2018
Next Planned Update: 29 June 2020 Design Criteria of Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
Heat exchangers shall conform to API STD 660, 9th Edition, March 2015, except as
modified by this standard.
1 Scope
1.1 This standard covers the minimum mandatory requirements for the
design of shell and tube heat exchangers (hereinafter referred to as
exchangers) and new components.
1.2 This standard does not cover the following:

a) “UM” stamped exchangers per ASME SEC VIII D1.
b) In-service exchangers.
c) Exchangers used as part of heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) systems.
d) Exchangers used as integral radiators.
e) Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU) steam drums.
1.3 Exchangers that do not meet either partially or completely the

requirements of API STD 660 or TEMA standards shall be evaluated for
acceptance by Saudi Aramco Engineer based on the following:
a) Full design details, specifying changes from API STD 660 or
TEMA requirements.
b) LSTK and process licensors shall guarantee the thermal
performance and mechanical integrity, supported by detailed
calculations.
1.4 Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU) waste heat boilers and condensers shall be
designed and fabricated in accordance with the design rules of ASME
SEC VIII D 1 in addition to the requirements specified in this standard.
1.5 The design and fabrication of high pressure and special (non-
conventional types such as SRU waste heat boilers, condensers, etc.)
heat exchangers shall be done by licensed manufacturers who have
previous experiences. The details of licensing agreement shall be
reviewed by Saudi Aramco engineer.
1.6 Low alloy steels for exchangers intended for services within the scope
of API RP 934-A, API RP 934-C or API RP 934-E, shall meet all
requirements of the respective document of the aforementioned
documents and this standard.
Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

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1.7 1 Cr- ½ Mo and 1 ¼ Cr- ½ Mo steels used for exchangers that are not in
hydrogen service with design temperature below 441°C (825°F), shall
meet all requirements of API RP 934-C and this standard.
1.8 Where a requirement of a licensor’s or a relevant industry standard/

specification is more stringent than that of this standard, the most
stringent requirement will govern.
1.9 This standard is intended to establish basic guidelines of thermal,

hydraulic and mechanical design to inform Design Engineers of design
requirements.
1.10 This standard shall not be attached to nor made a part of purchase orders.
2 Conflicts and Deviations
2.1 Any conflicts between this standard and other Saudi Aramco Materials
System Specifications (SAMSSs), Industry codes and standards, and
Forms shall be resolved in writing by the Company or Buyer
Representative through the Saudi Aramco Engineer, Consulting Services
Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this standard in writing to the
Company or Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company
procedure SAEP-302 and forward such requests to the Manager,
Consulting Services Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
3 Normative References
Unless otherwise noted in this standard, materials or equipment designed to this

standard shall comply with the applicable edition of the references listed below.
The applicable edition of each reference is that in effective on the project proposal
approval date for Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) and
the purchase order date for industry standards.
3.1 Saudi Aramco References
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory
Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-A-005 Safety Instruction Sheet
SAES-A-112 Meteorological and Seismic Design Data
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SAES-B-006 Fireproofing in Onshore Facilities

SAES-B-017 Fire Water System Design
SAES-H-001 Coating Selection and Application Requirements for
Industrial Plants and Equipment
SAES-L-109 Selection of Flanges, Stud Bolts, and Gaskets
SAES-L-132 Material Selection for Pipelines, Piping, and
Process Equipment
SAES-L-133 Corrosion Protection Requirements for Pipelines,
Piping, and Process Equipment
SAES-N-001 Basic Criteria, Industrial Insulation
SAES-N-100 Refractory Systems
SAES-X-500 Cathodic Protection Vessels and Tank Internals
Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

01-SAMSS-016 Qualification of Pipeline and Pressure Vessel Steels
for Resistance to Hydrogen-Induced Cracking
01-SAMSS-043 Carbon Steel Pipes for On-Plot Piping
01-SAMSS-046 Stainless Steel Pipe
02-SAMSS-005 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings
02-SAMSS-011 Forged Steel and Alloy Flanges
32-SAMSS-007 Manufacture of Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
32-SAMSS-031 Manufacture of Clad Vessels and Heat Exchangers
Saudi Aramco Standard Drawings

AA-036322 Anchor Bolt Details – Inch and Metric Sizes
Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets

Form SA-2714 Shell and Tube Exchanger Data Sheet (herein
referred to as data sheet)
Form SA-7922-1 Non-material Requirements for Shell and Tube and
Double-Pipe Heat Exchangers
3.2 Industry Codes and Standards
American Petroleum Institute

API STD 660 Shell-and-tube Heat Exchangers for General

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Refinery Services
API RP 934A Materials and Fabrication Requirements for
2¼Cr-1 Mo & 3Mo Steel Heavy Wall Pressure
Vessels for High Temperature, High Pressure
Hydrogen Service
API RP 934C Materials and Fabrication of 1¼Cr-½Mo Steel
Heavy Wall Pressure Vessels for High-pressure
Hydrogen Service Operating at or below 825°F
(441°C)
API RP 934E Recommended Practice for Materials and
Fabrication of 1¼CR-½Mo Steel Pressure
Vessels for Service above 825°F (441°C)
API PR 941 Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated
Temperatures and Pressures in Petroleum and
Petrochemical Plants
API RP 945 Avoiding Environmental Cracking in Amine Units
American Society of Civil Engineers

ASCE 7- 2005 Edition Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other
Structures
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes)

ASME SEC II Materials
ASME SEC V Nondestructive Examination
ASME SEC VIII D1 Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels
ASME SEC VIII D2 Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels,
Alternative Rules
ASME B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings
ASME B16.11 Forged Fittings, Socket-Welding and Threaded
ASME B16.20 Metallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges - Ring-Joint,
Spiral-Wound, and Jacketed
ASME B16.21 Metallic and Non-Metallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges
ASME B16.25 Buttwelding Ends
ASME B16.47 Large Diameter Steel Flanges NPS 26 through
NPS 60

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American Society for Nondestructive Testing

ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certification of
Nondestructive Testing Personnel
International Standards Organization

NACE MR0175/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 and Control to Prevent In-Service
Environmental Cracking of Carbon Steel
Weldments in Corrosive Petroleum Refining
Environments
Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association (TEMA)
Process Industry Practices

PIP VEFV1100 Vessel/S&T Heat Exchanger Standard Details
Welding Research Council

WRC 297 Local Stresses in Cylindrical Shells Due to External
Loadings on Nozzles
WRC 537 Local Stresses in Spherical and Cylindrical Shells
Due to External Loadings
4 Definitions
Amine Services: All amine solutions including MEA, DGA & ADIP.
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.
Caustic Services: All sodium hydroxide solutions at all temperatures and concentrations.
Cyclic Services: Services that require fatigue analysis according to screening criteria
per 5.5.2 of ASME SEC VIII D2. This applies to Division 1 and Division 2 of
ASME SEC VIII.
Design Engineer: The Engineering Company responsible for specifying on the data
sheet the thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical design requirements for exchangers.

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Design Thickness: Sum of thickness required to withstand all primary loads and
corrosion allowance.
Exchanger Manufacturer: The Company responsible for the manufacture of

exchangers.
Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) Environment: Process streams that introduce

HIC according to SAES-L-133.
High - Alloy Steels: Steels with a total alloying content more than 5%.
Hydrogen Services: Process streams containing hydrogen with an absolute partial

pressure of 350 kPa (50 psi) and higher.
Lethal Services: Process streams containing a concentration of hydrogen sulfide in

excess of 20% by volume shall be considered as lethal service. Other services as
determined by the project design may also be designated as lethal services.
LODMAT: The lowest one day mean ambient temperature at a site or location.
Low - Alloy Steels: Steels with a total alloying content of less than 5% but more than
the specified for carbon steels.
Maximum PWHT Condition: Specified heat treatment of test specimens used to

simulate all fabrication heat treatments, the final PWHT, and two PWHT cycles to
account for future repairs and/or alterations.
MDMT: Minimum design metal temperature, determined in accordance with this

standard.
Nominal Thickness: Thickness selected as commercially available, and supplied to the

Manufacturer. For plate material, the nominal thickness is the measured thickness of
the plate at the joint or location under consideration after forming.
P&ID: Piping & Instrument Diagram.
PFD: Process Flow Diagram.
Saudi Aramco Engineer: The Chairman of the Heat Transfer Equipment Standards
Committee.
Shock Chilling Effect: The rapid decrease in temperature of an exchanger component

caused by a sudden flow of process stream colder than -20°C and at a temperature lower
than the initial temperature of the component by 40°C, regardless of pressure.
Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC) Environment: Process streams that introduce SSC
according to SAES-L-133.
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Thick Wall Exchanger: An exchanger or part of it with design thickness exceeding

50 mm.
Utility Services: Water, air, and nitrogen services.
5 Responsibilities
5.1 The Design Engineer is responsible for the following:

1) Specifying on the data sheet the thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical design
requirements.
2) Ensuring that the exchanger design is free of any damaging flow induced
tube vibration including the effect of acoustic vibration.
3) Completing the data sheet in accordance with this standard.
4) The Design Engineer may also carry out the thermal design.
5.2 The Exchanger Manufacturer is responsible for the following:

1) The manufacture of exchangers, which includes the complete mechanical
design, Code and structural calculations, supply of all materials,
fabrication, nondestructive examination, inspection, testing, surface
preparation, and preparation for shipment, in accordance with the
completed data sheet and the requirements of 32-SAMSS-007 and, as
applicable, 32-SAMSS-031.
2) The thermal design (rating) and verification of the Design Engineer's
thermal design, if applicable.
6 Basis for Thermal Design
6.1 General
6.1.1 This section covers the basic design considerations which shall be used
when selecting, sizing and specifying exchangers.
6.1.2 The exchanger nomenclature in TEMA shall be used when specifying

exchangers, including sizes and types.
6.1.3 The Design Engineer shall utilize API STD 660, Annex B “Shell and
Tube Heat Exchanger Checklist” when completing the data sheet.
6.2 Thermal Design
6.2.1 The exchanger size shall be based with due consideration for
maintenance requirements. Following are the recommended maximum
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limits for removable bundles.

1) Bundle weight: 10,200 kg (22,400 lb)
2) Bundle diameter: 1,524 mm (60 inch)
3) Straight tube length: 6,096 mm (20 ft)
Larger bundles may be used with prior agreement from the individual
plant.
Commentary Note:
Longer tube lengths and larger bundle diameters can reduce the number
of shells for the same duty. However, this will require availability of lifting
equipment capable of removing heavy tube bundles for maintenance.
6.2.2 Tube-side fluid shall generally be the higher ranking of the following:
1) Cooling water.
2) Fouling, erosive, corrosive or less viscous fluid.
3) The higher pressure fluid.
4) The smaller flow rate.
6.2.3 The log mean temperature difference (LMTD) correction factor shall
not be less than 0.8.
6.2.4 The LMTD calculation for vertical thermosyphon reboilers shall take
into account the suppression of the boiling point along the tube length
due to the effect of static head.
6.2.5 The surface area in the 'U' bends shall be excluded from the heat transfer
calculations except for tubes in kettle reboilers and stab-in type bundles.
6.2.6 The service is considered non-fouling (clean) when fouling resistance of

the stream is not greater than 0.000176 m² °K/W (0.001 hr °F ft²/Btu).
Fouling resistance in excess of this shall be considered as a fouling
service.
6.2.7 Tube pitches shall generally be specified as follows:

1) Triangular pitch (30 degree) for all shell-side non-fouling services.
2) Square pitch (90 degree) for reboilers and all shell-side fouling
services.
3) Rotated square pitch (45 degree) for shell-side laminar flow
regimes, in preference to square pitch.

Page 9 of 35
Triangular pitch shall be limited to services that are clean such that
they do not require mechanical cleaning.
6.2.8 For square and rotated square pitches, a minimum of 6.4 mm (0.25 in)
shall be provided between adjacent tubes. Cleaning lanes shall be
continuous through the bundle.
6.2.9 For strength welded tube to tubesheet joint, a minimum of 6.4 mm

(0.25 in) shall be provided between adjacent tubes.
6.2.10 Fouling resistances shall be in line with the individual plant's operating
experience in similar service and as per process licensor's
recommendations/specifications, where applicable. In the absence of
such information, the fouling resistance shall be selected from the values
recommended by TEMA. The following are the exceptions to this:
1) Fouling resistance for sea water shall be 0.000352 m² °K/W
(0.002 ft² hr °F/Btu).
2) Fouling resistance for untreated well water for water temperature
up to 52°C shall be 0.000528 m² °K/W (0.003 ft² hr °F/Btu) and
0.00088 m² °K/W (0.005 ft² hr °F/Btu) for water above this
temperature.
6.2.11 The Design Engineer shall consider providing spare exchangers for
critical services where severe fouling can be expected and which
would result in un-scheduled shutdowns.
6.2.12 The Design Engineer shall include provisions for blocking and bypassing
streams where required by the process design. For example, the effect of
bypassing heat transfer streams in a crude preheat exchanger train shall be
fully investigated on the downstream exchangers.
6.2.13 Baffle cuts shall generally be specified as follows:

1) Horizontal cut for shell-side single phase services.
2) Vertically cut for shell-side condensing and vaporizing services
and for fluids containing suspended solids.
6.2.14 The value for the calculated pressure drop in the clean condition is to
be specified on the data sheet.
6.2.15 When minimum wall tubes are specified, the tube-side pressure drop
shall be based on 110% of the selected tube wall thickness.

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6.2.16 Design inlet cooling water temperature to be used in the design of heat
exchangers utilizing seawater shall be as follows:
Design Inlet Cooling Water Temperature

Conditions East Coast West Coast
Summer 35°C 33°C

Winter 9°C 9°C
The maximum cooling water outlet temperature shall not exceed 49°C.
6.2.17 Where untreated well water is used as the cooling fluid, the design cooling
water inlet temperature shall be based on actual water reservoir data.
6.2.18 The minimum water velocity for exchangers utilizing sea water,
untreated well water or cooling tower water shall be 1.2 m/s.
6.2.19 The maximum water velocity shall be according to the following table:
Materials m/s
Admiralty Brass (inhibited) 1.5
Carbon Steel (only with fresh water) 1.8
Aluminum Brass or Aluminum Bronze 1.8
70/30 Cupro-nickel 3.0
Nickel - Copper Alloy (Monel) 3.7
AISI 316 Stainless Steel (fresh water only) 4.6
Titanium unlimited
6.2.20 The maximum fluid velocity shall be in accordance with SAES-L-132.
6.2.21 Kettle reboilers shall be sized such that no more than 0.5 weight
percent liquid is entrained in the outlet vapor. A minimum of 450 mm
shall be provided as the height above the highest liquid level.
6.2.22 The Design Engineer shall provide the completed data sheet, and
thermal design calculations (including tube vibration) for review by the
Saudi Aramco Engineer. If the design is done using computer
programs, the relevant input and output data shall be submitted.
The data sheet shall contain fluid physical properties used in the
design, including non-linear condensing and boiling heat release
profiles and weight fraction vapor curves, where applicable.
Page 11 of 35
For vaporizing services, critical pressure of the boiling fluid and the
relevant vapor liquid equilibrium data shall also be provided.
6.2.23 The Design Engineer shall include a sketch on the data sheet, showing
both the shell and the tube side flow arrangements. For stacked
exchangers, it shall also show the stacking arrangement.
6.3 Selection of TEMA Types
6.3.1 Generally, exchangers shall either be a floating head type (TEMA type
AES or AET) or 'U' tube type.
6.3.2 Floating head type is required when both the shell and the tube sides are
considered fouling services such that mechanical cleaning is required.
'T' type (pull through) is preferred due to easier maintenance.
6.3.3 'U' tube bundles shall only be specified for use in clean tube-side
services, or when tube-side can be chemically cleaned or when
specified by the process licensor.
6.3.4 Fixed tubesheet type shall only be specified in shell-side non-fouling

services or when specified by the process licensor. However, fixed
tubesheet type is not acceptable in shell-side wet sour services.
6.3.5 Fixed tubesheet exchangers without the expansion joints are acceptable
up to a maximum differential temperature of 28°C between tube mean
metal temperature and average shell temperature. However, when
shell and tube materials have different thermal expansion coefficients,
the differential stresses shall be analyzed even when the temperature
difference is less than 28°C. Designs with shell expansion joint require
review by Saudi Aramco Engineer.
6.3.6 For fixed tubesheet exchangers, the Design Engineer shall analyze and
specify (on the data sheet) the mean shell and tube wall temperatures
which give the maximum temperature differential. The conditions of
normal operating, start-up, shut-down, process upset, emergency, and
steam-out shall be investigated to determine the maximum differential.
6.3.7 Shells with two passes (TEMA 'F' type) shall be reviewed by the Saudi
Aramco Engineer during the design stage and before Request for
Quotation (RFQ).

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For shells with two passes, the shell-side fouling resistance shall not
exceed:
0.000176 m² °K/W (0.001 hr °F ft²/Btu)
'F' type shells shall be limited to a maximum shell-side pressure drop

of 70 kPa (10 psi).
6.3.8 Packed floating heads are not permitted.
6.3.9 Preferred channel covers are TEMA type 'A' (removable flat cover).
6.3.10 Type 'B' (integral bonnet) covers may be used when tube-side fluid is
non-fouling, and frequent access to the tubesheet is not anticipated.
6.4 Tubes
6.4.1 The minimum tube outside diameter shall be 19.05 mm (0.75 inch).
Note: Preferred tube diameters are 19.05 mm (0.75 inch) and 25.4 mm
(1 inch).
6.4.2 The tube wall thickness shall be specified on the data sheet in
accordance with the requirements of API STD 660.
6.4.3 Preferred tube lengths are the commonly used standard Imperial
lengths as given in TEMA. Standard metric lengths such as 5 meters
and 6 meters shall not be used as these give decimal values of Imperial
lengths.
6.4.4 Low fin tubes may be used for shell-side non-fouling and low surface
tension fluids where their use is justified. Using low fin tubes requires
prior approval by the Saudi Aramco Engineer.
7 Basis for Mechanical Design
7.1 General
7.1.1 Exchangers shall be mechanically designed in accordance with

ASME SEC VIII D1 or ASME SEC VIII D2 (hereinafter referred to as
the Codes), API STD 660, TEMA and the requirements of
32-SAMSS-007 and, as applicable, 32-SAMSS-031.
7.1.2 The applicable Division and edition of the Codes to be used for the
design of exchangers shall be specified on the data sheet.

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7.1.3 ASME SEC VIII D2 shall be specified when economically justified.

The following guidelines shall be used to determine when D2 should
be considered:
1) When the Design Thickness of the exchanger shell or channel
exceeds 50 mm, irrespective of design pressure, materials, or
service.
2) When the erected weight of the exchanger exceeds 90 Tonnes
(100 Tons).
3) For exchangers with design pressures 6.9 MPa (1,000 psi) and
greater, irrespective of service and materials of construction.
7.1.4 Certification of the User’s Design Specification

1) It is the responsibility of the Design Engineer, as defined in this
standard, to prepare a detailed User’s Design Specification
(UDS) for ASME SEC VIII D2 exchangers in accordance with
paragraph 2.2.2 of Division 2.
2) The Exchanger Manufacturer shall neither prepare nor certify a
UDS.
3) UDS shall be certified according to paragraph 2-A.2.1 (a) of
Division 2.
4) The engineer that signs and certifies a UDS shall meet
requirements of paragraphs 2-A.2.2 (a), 2-A.2.3, and 2-A.2.4 of
Division 2.
7.1.5 Stress analysis requirements according to this standard shall be

specified on the data sheet.
7.1.6 The application of ASME Code Cases to the design of exchangers

requires the prior approval of the Saudi Aramco Engineer.
7.1.7 Layered constructions are prohibited for all exchangers.
7.2 Design Pressure
7.2.1 Exchangers shall be designed to withstand the maximum internal

and/or external pressure conditions, which can occur during normal
operation, including startup, shutdown or any unusual operation as
shown on the PFD.
7.2.2 The values of normal operating pressure, maximum operating pressure,

and design pressure shall be specified on the data sheet.

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7.2.3 The internal design pressure shall be according to the following table
Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP) Design Pressure
{MOP 15 psi}
Up to 1,000 psi Greater of
{1.1 x MOP}
{1100 psi}
1,000 psi and above Greater of
{1.05 x MOP}
Notes:
(1) Maximum operating internal pressure values shall be as shown on the PFD.
(2) Higher design margin shall be used if the process designer anticipates higher
pressure surges because of the characteristics of the process.
7.2.4 Exchangers in vacuum service, including those in which a vacuum may

be created inadvertently, shall be designed for a maximum external
pressure of 100 kPa (15 psi).
7.2.5 Exchangers that are not in vacuum service, but are subject to steam-out
conditions, shall be designed for an external pressure of 100 kPa (15 psi)
at 149°C (300°F).
7.2.6 Exchangers in steam services shall be designed, on the steam side, for
an external pressure of 100 kPa (15 psi) at design temperature.
7.2.7 Tube bundles are designed for a minimum differential pressure of

2.1 MPa (300 psi) when the design pressure of either heat exchanger
sides (shell or tubes) is above 4.1 MPa (600 psi) and service conditions
make it impossible to pressurize one side of the exchanger without
simultaneously pressurizing the other side. The system process design
shall determine the correct minimum differential design pressure,
which may be higher than 2.1 MPa (300 psi).
7.2.8 In exchangers with tube side as the high-pressure side, design pressure
of the shell side should be at least two-thirds of the tube side design
pressure if the shell side is not protected with a relief system. Other
options shall be reviewed by Saudi Aramco Engineer.
Commentary Note:
This is to prevent any unexpected catastrophic failure in case of tube

leak in exchangers.

Page 15 of 35
7.3 Design Temperature
The design temperature shall not be less than the maximum operating temperature
as shown in the PFD plus 28°C (50°F).
7.4 Minimum Design Metal Temperature (MDMT)
The MDMT shall be specified on the data sheet and shall be equal to the lowest
of the following applicable conditions:
1) The LODMAT at the site location, unless a higher start-up temperature is
specified and approved by operations, and a suitable warm-up start-up
procedure has been developed.
2) The temperature of a process stream causing shock chilling condition as
defined in Section 4 of this standard.
3) Auto-refrigeration condition as defined in Section 4 of this standard.
4) The minimum operating temperature at an operating pressure greater than
25% of the design pressure.
7.5 TEMA Class

Heat Exchanger construction shall conform to TEMA Class R.
7.6 Service Type and Description
7.6.1 The service of an exchanger (e.g., lethal, hydrocarbon, hydrogen,

caustic, amine, utility, cyclic, etc.) as defined in Section 4 of this
standard shall be specified on the data sheet.
7.6.2 The process description of an exchanger (for examples: Amine

Reboiler, Crude Oil Heater, etc.) shall be as specified on the data sheet.
7.7 Joint Efficiency
A joint efficiency of 85% or higher shall be specified for the design of all pressure
containing components of ASME SEC VIII D1 heat exchangers.
7.8 Corrosion Allowance
7.8.1 Corrosion allowance shall be based on achieving a minimum service

life of twenty years.
7.8.2 The maximum corrosion allowance shall be 6.4 mm (0.25 inch).

Should a higher corrosion allowance be required in order to obtain a
twenty year service life, the exchanger shall be integrally clad or weld
overlayed with a corrosion resistant metallic lining or as an alternative
Page 16 of 35
solid corrosion resistant material shall be specified for the exchanger.

Selection of any of the alternatives shall be based on cost effectiveness
and a proven history of satisfactory service in similar service
environments.
7.8.3 The minimum corrosion allowances of pressure components shall be

specified on the data sheet in accordance with TEMA requirements and
the following:
1) For all carbon and low-alloy steels, in all services, except
environments containing wet H2S, the minimum corrosion
allowance shall be specified as 3.2 mm (0.125 inch) for TEMA
Class “R”.
2) For all carbon and low-alloy steels in environments containing
wet H2S, the minimum corrosion allowance shall be specified as
3.2 mm (0.125 inch) irrespective of TEMA Class.
3) Corrosion allowance for integrally clad and/or weld overlayed
surfaces shall be nil.
7.8.4 No reductions to corrosion allowances specified in paragraph 7.8.3

shall be given for exchangers that are internally coated.
7.9 Cladding
7.9.1 For all integrally-bonded clad exchangers, in all services, the minimum
thickness of cladding shall be 3.2 mm.
7.9.2 For all weld overlayed exchangers, in all services, the minimum
thickness of undiluted weld overlay shall be 3.2 mm.
7.9.3 Corrosion resistant coating shall be applied to the inside surface of

exchangers with refractory lining, if corrosion caused by flue gas
condensation is expected.
7.9.4 For completely clad exchangers in HIC services, it is not mandatory to

specify HIC resistant base material.
7.10 Heads
7.10.1 The types of heads shall be specified on the data sheet.
7.10.2 The type of heads for exchangers shall be specified as ASME 2:1-
ellipsoidal or ASME hemispherical. ASME dished heads (with a
knuckle) and ASME torispherical heads may only be used for utility
services up to a design pressure of 690 kPa (100 psi).
Page 17 of 35
7.10.3 For exchangers with design thickness exceeding 50 mm, heads shall be
specified as hemispherical unless 2:1 ellipsoidal heads are deemed
economical.
7.11 Loads
7.11.1 Wind and Earthquake Loads

1) The Design Engineer shall specify on the data sheet the design
data related to wind and earthquake loads corresponding to the
Saudi Aramco site location per SAES-A-112.
2) Wind and earthquake loads shall be determined by the Exchanger
Manufacturer in accordance with the procedures detailed in
ASCE 7 (2005 Edition). Occupancy Category IV shall be used
and the corresponding Importance Factor shall be IWIND=1.15 and
ISEISMIC=1.5.
7.11.2 Weight of Liquid Contents
Design Engineer shall specify the following on the data sheet:

1) Maximum operating liquid level
2) Density of operating liquid
3) Test water static head in the erected position
7.11.3 Piping and Equipment Loads

1) Nozzles shall be designed for external piping loads (other than
the dead load), such as may be produced from thermal
expansion/contraction and weight. The nozzles' loads shall not
exceed the allowable values specified in API STD 660.
2) Where such conditions exist, the Design Engineer shall specify
these loads on the data sheet.
3) For exchangers supporting equipment (e.g., stab-in type heat
exchanger, reboilers, etc.), the equipment loads imposed on the
exchanger are to be determined by the Design Engineer and
7.11.4 Thermal Load
Thermal loads caused by thermal transients and restraining thermal

expansion/ interaction of the exchanger and/ or its support(s) shall be

Page 18 of 35
7.11.5 Lifting Devices
Lifting devices (lifting lugs, trunnions, tailing Lugs) shall be designed

for an impact factor of 1.5 minimum. For vertical exchangers, the
worst load during lifting shall be determined considering change in
exchanger position from the horizontal to the final erected position.
7.11.6 Refractory Lining
For exchangers which are refractory lined, the extent and design
density of the refractory lining shall be specified on the data sheet.
7.11.7 Insulation
For exchangers which are insulated, the extent and design density, of the
insulation system shall be specified on the data sheet.
7.12 Stress Analysis
7.12.1 Where applicable, the requirements for thermal stress and fatigue stress
analyses are to be specified on the data sheet by the Design Engineer in
accordance with this standard. Analysis methods and stress combination
limits presented in Division 2, section 5, shall be used for exchangers
under scope of Division 1 and Division 2. However, allowable stress
shall be taken from the respective tables of ASME SEC II for each
division for the corresponding material and temperature.
7.12.2 The Design Engineer is responsible for specifying on the data sheet the
heat transfer coefficients to be used for all thermal stress analysis.
7.12.3 Thermal Analysis

1) A thermal stress analysis is required for an exchanger, if a
thermal gradient (calculated under steady state operating
conditions and, if applicable, transient operating conditions)
across any exchanger section exceeds 65°C (150°F), in a distance
equal to the square root of R times T, where:
- R is the radius of the exchanger component under
consideration and,
- T is the thickness of the component under consideration
- R and T have the same units
2) As a minimum, the scope of the stress analysis shall include the
following junctures, as applicable:

Page 19 of 35
- Head-to-shell
- Support-to-shell
- Nozzle-to-shell, considering external piping loads
3) Thermal analysis shall be based on gradients under steady state
design conditions and also, if applicable, transient design
conditions.
4) Thermal gradients may be reduced to within allowable limits
with the addition of thermal sleeves.
7.12.4 Fatigue Analysis

1) Scope of the required stress analysis shall be specified by the
Design Engineer in accordance with the rules of Division 2.
2) As a minimum, the scope of the stress analysis shall include the
following junctures, as applicable:
- Head-to-shell
- Support-to-shell
- Nozzle-to-shell, considering external piping loads
3) Analysis shall be based on the calculated number of cycles for a
minimum 20 year service life, as determined in accordance with
the rules of Division 2, paragraph 5.5.2.
4) The number of cycles shall include the number of start-ups,
shutdowns, emergency shut-downs and upset conditions.
7.12.5 Local Stress Analysis
Stress analysis due to piping, equipment, lifting, supports and other

external loads shall be completed in accordance with the procedures as
detailed in WRC 537, WRC 297 or a finite element analysis.
7.13 Tube to Tubesheet Connection
In addition to API STD 660 requirements, the following shall be met.
7.13.1 Tubes are normally expanded into the tubesheet. However, for the
following services, the tubes shall be strength welded to the tubesheet.
1) When the difference in the shell and tube side design pressures is
greater than 10.3 MPa (1,500 psi).

Page 20 of 35
2) When steam at 540°C or above is one of the fluids.
7.13.2 Tubes shall be seal welded to the tubesheet for exchangers in sea water
service and when inter-mixing of the streams must be avoided (in the
event of a tube leak).
7.14 Nominal Thickness
7.14.1 Nominal thickness of shells and heads shall not be less than the following:
a) Carbon steels, 6 mm.
b) Low chrome alloy steels, 5 mm.
7.14.2 Maximum thickness for plates used for construction of exchangers

under the scope of API RP 934-A shall be limited to 150 mm
(6 inches). For exchangers requiring thickness higher than
150 mm (6 inches), forged ring construction shall be used.
8 Nozzles and Gaskets
8.1 General
8.1.1 The quantity, types, sizes facing and pressure classes of all nozzles
shall be specified on the data sheet.
8.1.2 The Design Engineer is responsible for ensuring that the facings, bolt
centers, number of bolts and size of bolts of exchanger nozzles match
the mating piping flanges.
8.1.3 Design of bolted connections with stud bolts of diameter 1-½ inch and
above shall be such as to provide clearance to permit use of a stud and
bolt tensioner device.
8.1.4 The locations and sizes of nozzles shall be in accordance with the
P&IDs and this standard.
8.1.5 Nozzles with NPS 2½, 3½, and 5 shall not be used.
8.1.6 Only flanged nozzles and manways shall be used.
8.1.7 Nozzles smaller than NPS 2 are not permissible.
8.1.8 Exchangers in services other than air and water shall be provided with
a minimum 2-inch NPS flanged steam-out connection.
8.1.9 1½ NPS and smaller drains, vents and instrument connections can be

Page 21 of 35
used and shall be attached to a blind flange on a flanged nozzle or

manway in other than the following design conditions and services:
a) Lethal service
b) Hydrogen service
c) Caustic service
d) Cyclic service
e) Pressure-retaining parts thicker than 50 mm
f) Unfired steam boilers with design pressure exceeding 50 psi.
Attachment welds of such connections to the blind flange shall be

treated as category-D weld joint. Accordingly, attachment details and
NDE requirements shall be similar to those required for the exchanger
per paragraph 8.5 of this standard.
8.1.10 Permissible types of flanges for nozzles are according to the following:
a) Forged steel long welding neck.
b) Forged steel welding neck flange. Such type of flange is welded
to seamless pipe, rolled plate with 100% radiography or an
integrally reinforced contour shaped forged nozzle or manway.
The bore of flange shall match the bore of nozzle and manway.
c) Studded nozzles and proprietary designs may be offered as
alternatives provided their design is in accordance with the
applicable Code and approved by the Saudi Aramco Engineer.
d) Slip-on type flange with seamless pipe nozzle necks or rolled
plate with 100% radiography is permissible for Exchangers in
only non-cyclic air and water services with design temperature
and design pressure not exceeding 400C (750F) and 2.1 MPA
(300 psi), respectively. Slip-on flange shall be welded on the
front or face and at the back of the hub per ASME SEC VIII D1,
Figure UW-21, detail (1), (2) or (3).
8.1.11 The girth flange shall be manufactured of a single-piece forging.
8.1.12 For exchangers in total condensing services, a minimum of NPS 1½

connection shall be provided as a vent. The vent shall be located near
the condensate outlet.
8.1.13 The use of distributor belts on the shell-side shall be considered in lieu
of normal nozzle arrangement when the shell nozzles are large.
Page 22 of 35
Commentary Note:
Large shell side nozzles result in long unsupported tube span in the
shell inlet and outlet areas. The use of distributor belts will help in
better utilization of the heat transfer surface and reduce the tendency
for tube vibration in these critical areas.
8.2 Ratings (ASME Pressure Classes) and Facings
8.2.1 The ASME pressure classes shall be specified on the data sheet.
8.2.2 ASME Pressure Class 400 shall not be used.
8.2.3 Pressure ratings shall be in accordance with the following:

1) ASME B16.5 for flanges, NPS 24 and smaller.
2) ASME B16.47 - Series A for flanges larger than NPS 24.
8.2.4 The facings of flanges in bolted joints shall be identical and specified
as raised face or ring-type joint. Associated gaskets shall be per
ASME B16.20 requirements.
8.2.5 Flat face flanges are permissible for only water and air services.
See paragraph 8.1.10 (d).
8.2.6 Specifying different types of flange facing in an exchanger is not

permitted.
8.2.7 Ring joint type shall be used for flanges in Class 900 and higher
ratings, unless lower rating is specified by the licensor. For exchangers
in services, where there is a potential of introducing Polythionic Acid
Stress Corrosion Cracking (PASCC), including hydrotreating and
catalytic reforming processes, the ring groove shall be weld overlaid
with Alloy 625.
8.2.8 Raised face type flanges, unless otherwise specified in paragraph 8.2.7
of this standard, shall be used.
8.2.9 Bolted joints specified with non-ASME flanges shall be designed to meet
all anticipated loading conditions of the exchanger.
8.3 Chemical Cleaning and Instrument Connections
8.3.1 Chemical cleaning connections, if required, shall be located on

exchanger nozzles.
8.3.2 Connections for the measurement of temperature, pressure, and flow

Page 23 of 35
shall be located on the adjoining piping, except when required in

intermediate nozzles of stacked exchangers.
8.4 Gaskets
8.4.1 The type of gasket shall be specified on the data sheet.
8.4.2 All gaskets shall be in accordance with API STD 660 and ASME B16.20.
8.4.3 The materials of construction for spiral wound gaskets shall be as

follows with flexible graphite filler suitable for the intended service.
Service Winding Filler Guiding Ring(s)

Type 304 or 316
Design Temperature Solid outer; Type
Stainless Steel Graphite
from -100°C to 0°C 304 or 316 (SS)
(SS)
Design Temperature Solid outer;
Type 304 or 316
above 0°C to Graphite Carbon Steel
SS
425°C (CS)
Solid inner and
Design Temperature Type 321 or 347
Vermiculite outer; Type 304
above 425°C SS
or 316 SS
Per Temperature Per Temperature Solid inner; Type
Vacuum
Range Range 304 or 316 SS
8.4.4 Materials for ring joint gaskets must be chemically resistant and
mechanically suitable for the intended service conditions.
8.4.5 Gaskets for water and air services shall be specified as non-asbestos
conforming to ASME B16.21, and must be chemically resistant and
mechanically suitable for the service conditions.
8.5 Attachment Details for Nozzles and their Connections
8.5.1 All nozzles shall be attached by welding completely through the total
thickness of the exchanger shell, head or nozzle wall, including any
reinforcement. Backing rings used in attaching nozzles to exchangers
shall be removed after welding.
8.5.2 Permissible types of nozzles and their connections shall be according

to the table below.

Page 24 of 35
Figure Reference from indicated

Design Conditions / ASME Code Section VIII
Attachment
Services Group Division 1 Division 2
Exchangers Exchangers
Group I
a. Pressure-retaining exchanger’s component
(shell, head, nozzle or manway) with design
thickness greater than 50 mm  All nozzle sizes
and manway
b. Unfired steam boilers with design pressure
necks
exceeding 50 psi Figure UW-16.1,
Table 4.2.13,
details:
c. Lethal, hydrogen and cyclic services details: (1), (2),
(f-1), (f-2), (f-3) or
 Connections (3), (4), (5) or (6)
d. Openings larger than 900 mm (Note 1) (f-4)
attached to
nozzles and
e. Design temperature greater than 400°C (Note 1)
manways
f. Low alloy steel exchangers with design
thickness greater than 25 mm (Note 1)
g. Exchangers that will undergo PWHT (Note 1)
- Table 4.2.10,
details: (1), (2),
(3), (4), (6), (7) or
Figure UW-16.1, (8)
details: (a), (a-1),
NPS 4 and smaller
(b), (c), (d), (e), (f- - Table 4.2.11,
nozzles
1), (f-2), (f-3), (f-4) detail (2)
or (g).
- Table 4.2.13,
details: (1), (2),
(3), (4), (5) or (6)
- Table 4.2.10,
Figure UW-16.1, details: (1), (2),
Group II details: (a), (b), (3), (4), (6), (7) or
Connections to
(c), (d), (e), (f-1), (8)
Design conditions and services other than those in NPS 4 and smaller
(f-2), (f-3), (f-4) or
group I of this table nozzles
(g). - Table 4.2.13,
(Note 2) details: (1), (2),
(3), (4), (5) or (6)
Figure UW-16.1, - Table 4.2.10,
Nozzles larger than
details: (c), (d), details: (3), (4),
NPS 4 and
(e), (f-1), (f-2), (f- (6), (7) or (8)
manway necks
3), (f-4) or (g)
Figure UW-16.1, - Table 4.2.11,
Connections details: (c), (d), detail (2)
attached to nozzles (e), (f-1), (f-2), (f-
larger than NPS 4 3), (f-4) or (g) - Table 4.2.13,
and manways details: (1), (2),
(Note 3) (3), (4), (5) or (6)
Note 1: Alternatively, detail per Figure UW-16.1(g) may be used for Division 1 exchangers provided that design
conditions/ services per a, b and/ or c of group I are not applicable.
Note 2: Figure UW-16.1, details: (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) shall be without reinforcement pad.
Note 3: Figure UW-16.1, details: (c), (d) and (e) shall be without reinforcement pad.

Page 25 of 35
8.5.3 Integrally reinforced contour shaped attachments made partially or

completely of weld build up are prohibited.
9 Exchanger Supports
9.1 General
9.1.1 The type of support required shall be specified by the Design Engineer
on the data sheet.
9.1.2 Exchanger shall be designed as a self-supporting unit in accordance

with the requirements of the applicable Code and AISC.
9.1.3 Anchor bolts shall meet all the requirements of SASD AA-036322.
9.1.4 The material of anchor bolts shall be in accordance with this standard.
9.1.5 Base plates shall be designed by the Exchanger Manufacturer for all
loading conditions in accordance with this standard.
9.1.6 The allowable concrete bearing stress to be used for the design of base
plates shall be 10,340 kPa (1,400 psi).
9.2 Supports for Vertical Exchangers
9.2.1 Vertical exchangers shall be supported by lugs.
9.2.2 A minimum number of four lugs shall be specified for exchangers

above 24 inches in diameter.
9.2.3 The locations and orientations of lugs shall be specified on the data
sheet.
9.3 Supports for Horizontal Exchangers
9.3.1 Horizontal exchanger shall be supported by at least two saddles with

anchor bolts. The exchanger shall be fixed at one saddle and free to
move in the longitudinal direction, due to thermal and pressure
differentials, at the other saddle.
9.3.2 The Design Engineer shall specify on the data sheet the locations of the
fixed and sliding saddles and dimension from exchanger's centerline to
underside of saddle base plate.
9.4 Anchor Bolts
9.4.1 Design of anchor bolts shall be based on the following allowable stresses:
Page 26 of 35
a) 0.264 of Ultimate Tensile Strength (tension).

b) 0.176 of Ultimate Tensile Strength (shear).
9.4.2 Exchangers supported on lugs shall be provided with minimum four lugs
and minimum one anchor bolt per support.
9.4.3 Exchangers supported on saddles shall be provided with an even number

of anchor bolts with a minimum of two anchor bolts per saddle.
9.5 Support Design for Pressure Test
Support, including foundation, of an exchanger shall be designed to withstand

the intended test pressure (full hydrostatic, pneumatic or hydrostatic-pneumatic)
in the erected position. Hydrostatic and hydrostatic-pneumatic test loads shall
include the higher value of the following:
a) Maximum operating liquid static head, including flooded condition.
b) Test water static head in the erected position.
10 Material Selection
10.1 General
10.1.1 Design Engineer shall specify materials of construction on the data

sheet, according to the Saudi Aramco approved materials selection
diagram and this standard.
10.1.2 Unless approved by the Saudi Aramco Engineer as defined in standard,

materials of construction for carbon and low alloy steels exchangers
designed for different temperature ranges shall be in accordance with
Table 1. Selected materials, including alternative materials, must
comply with all the requirements of the applicable Code and this
standard.
10.1.3 Materials for hydrogen service shall be selected in accordance with

API PR 941 using the following:
1. A value for the hydrogen partial pressure not less than the
maximum operating hydrogen partial pressure plus 350 kPa-
Absolute (50 psia).
2. A value for temperature not less than 28°C (50°F) above the
maximum operating temperature.
10.1.4 1 Cr- ½ Mo and 1 ¼ Cr- ½ Mo steels can be used for shell and heads of
exchangers with thickness not exceeding 100 mm (4 inches).
Page 27 of 35
These alloys can also be used for forged components (e.g., integrally
reinforced nozzles, flanges, etc.) of exchangers with a thickness
exceeding 100 mm (4 inches) within the scope of API RP 934-C,
API RP 934-E and paragraph 1.7 of this standard, provided that
fracture toughness requirements specified in these documents and this
standard are met.
10.1.5 Use of different low alloy steels for pressure- retaining components of
exchangers is not permitted. For example, an exchanger requiring
1 Cr-½ Mo materials shall have all components manufactured from 1
Cr-½ Mo.
10.1.6 Use of solid high alloy steels is not permitted as follows:

1. Types 304 and 304L, where there is a potential of external chloride
stress corrosion cracking.
2. In process streams containing more than 50 ppm chloride at
temperatures above 50°C.
3. Duplex stainless steel in sour service applications.
4. Ferritic or martensitic stainless steels containing 12% chromium for
pressure retaining components.
10.1.7 Use of solid high alloy steels, including austenitic stainless steels, in
services and design conditions other than those in paragraph 10.1.6
shall be on a case-by-case basis, with prior approval of the Saudi
Aramco Engineer as defined in this standard. Material selection shall
be based on the design temperature, minimum design metal
temperature and intended service.
10.1.8 Use of C-½ Mo steels in hydrogen services is prohibited.
10.2 Impact Testing
10.2.1 Impact test temperature for a pressure-retaining component of an

exchanger shall not be warmer than the MDMT, determined in
accordance with paragraph 7.4 of this standard. Colder test
temperature shall be used, based on the lowest of the following
applicable values:
a) As specified for exchangers within scope of API RP 934A,
API RP 934C and API RP 934E.
b) As specified by the licensor specification.
c) As specified by API RP 934C for exchangers constructed of
1 Cr- ½ Mo and 1¼ Cr- ½ Mo steels and used in services other
Page 28 of 35
than hydrogen services with design temperature below 440°C.
10.2.2 Minimum acceptable Charpy impact energy values for all materials of
construction (base and weld metals) shall not be less than the highest
of the following applicable values:
1) 40/32 Joules for carbon steels thicker than 50 mm
2) As specified by ASME SEC VIII D2, but not less than 34/27 Joules
3) As specified by the licensor’s specification, but not less than
34/27 Joules
4) 55/48 Joules for 1 Cr- ½ Mo, 1¼Cr- ½Mo, 2¼Cr- 1 Mo, 2¼Cr-
1Mo- ¼V, 3Cr- 1Mo and 3 Cr- 1Mo- ¼V steels.
Commentary Notes:
a) The first number of required energy values is the minimum average

energy of three specimens and the second number is the minimum for
one specimen of the impact test results.
b) Minimum acceptable Charpy impact energy values are applicable to

Div. 1 and Div.2 exchangers.
10.2.3 The Design Engineer is responsible, through coordination with the

Exchanger Manufacturer, of determining the required Charpy impact
value(s) based on the test temperature specified on the datasheet and
the purchased exchanger component thickness.
10.2.4 Impact test requirements, i.e., test temperature and Charpy impact
energy values shall be specified on the data sheet by the Design
Engineer.
10.2.5 Impact testing is required, with no exception, for exchangers made of

low alloy steels.
10.2.6 Impact test of materials and welding procedures are required when
impact test temperature is lower than -28°C.
10.3 Elevated temperature tensile test is required at the design temperature for
equipment made of steels within scope of API RP 934-A, API RP 934-C and
API RP 934-E. Test specimens should be in the maximum PWHT condition as
defined in this standard. Acceptance value is 90 % of values listed in
ASME SEC II-D, Table U for the test temperature.
10.4 Postweld Heat Treatment (PWHT)
10.4.1 Apart from Code requirements of PWHT for carbon and low alloy

Page 29 of 35
steels, the following process services require PWHT. Other process

conditions may also require PWHT, as determined during the project
design or as specified by the Saudi Aramco Engineer as defined in this
standard.
1) All caustic soda (NaOH) solutions, including conditions where
caustic carryover may occur (all temperatures).
2) All amine solutions, at all temperatures excepting the following:
a. Diglycol amine (DGA) solutions below 138°C design
temperature
b. Rich amino di-isopropanol (ADIP) solutions below 90°C
design temperature
c. Lean ADIP solutions below 60°C design temperature.
3) Exchangers in hydrogen service at all temperatures manufactured
from P-No.3, 4 and 5A/B/C base materials.
4) Exchangers in HIC and SSC environments as defined in
SAES-L-133.
5) Exchangers in carbonate cracking environments.
6) Boiler Feed Water above 80°C design temperature.
10.4.2 Code exemptions for PWHT are not permitted if PWHT is specified
for process conditions in accordance with this standard.
11 Clips and Attachments
11.1 General
The Design Engineer shall specify the orientations, elevations, and details of
clips and attachments required for pipe supports, ladders, and platforms.
11.2 Equipment Davit
11.2.1 A davit for the lifting of equipment shall be specified for exchangers
containing removable internals such as in high pressure applications.
11.2.2 The davit shall be designed and manufactured in accordance with

VEFV1100.
11.3 Lifting Devices
11.3.1 Lifting devices (lifting lugs, trunnions, tailing lugs) or other

Page 30 of 35
attachments shall be specified for exchangers to facilitate shipping and

handling purposes.
11.3.2 The davit shall be designed and manufactured in accordance with

VEFV1100.
11.4 Grounding Lugs
All exchangers shall be provided with a grounding lug connection welded to the
fixed exchanger support in accordance with PIP VEFV1100.
12 Coating and Painting
12.1 The selection of the type of coating and painting required shall be in accordance
with SAES-H-001.
12.2 The Saudi Aramco Approved Protective Coating Systems (APCS) shall be
selected from SAES-H-001 and specified on the data sheet together with the
applicable Class 09 specification for the surface preparation and painting
systems.
13 Insulation
13.1 For exchangers which are insulated, the Design Engineer is responsible for the
design of insulation system according to SAES-N-001 and PIP VEFV1100.
13.2 Material type, thickness, extent, design density, and method of support of the
insulation system shall be specified on the datasheet.
14 Refractory Lining
14.1 For exchangers which are refractory lined, the Design Engineer is responsible for
the design of refractory lining according to SAES-N-100.
14.2 Material type, thickness, extent, design density, and maximum design surface
temperature of the refractory lining shall be specified on the datasheet.
14.3 Design of refractory lining shall be such that temperature of exchanger wall is at
least 28C warmer than the calculated dew point of the process stream to
prevent condensation corrosion.
15 Fireproofing
15.1 Design Engineer is responsible for the design of fireproofing.

Page 31 of 35
15.2 The extent of fireproofing required on exchanger supports shall be determined in

accordance with the requirements of SAES-B-006 and specified on the data sheet.
15.3 Exchanger supports shall not be covered by fire proofing in the immediate vicinity
of anchor bolts and associated nuts to allow free accessibility for their inspection.
15.4 Fireproofing extent in insulated vertical exchangers shall be according to

PIP VEFV1100, drawing VEFV1123.
15.5 The requirements of fire protection shall be in accordance of SAES-B-017.
16 Grounding
The Design Engineer shall specify the grounding requirements in accordance with
SAES-P-111.
17 Cathodic Protection
Exchangers shall be cathodically protected when required by SAES-X-500.
18 Drawings and Calculations
18.1 The data sheet shall include all information necessary for the Exchanger
Manufacturer to carry out the detailed thermal and mechanical design.
18.2 The Design Engineer is responsible for the completion of the Safety Instruction
Sheet (Form SA-2713) for the exchanger in accordance with SAES-A-005 and
the data on the Exchanger Manufacturer's drawings.
18.3 The as built thickness of all pressure components and supports shall be specified
by the Design Engineer on the Safety Instruction Sheet (SIS) after the completion
of fabrication.
18.4 All approved data sheets, drawings and forms are to be submitted to
EK&RD/Drawing Management Unit (DMU) for inclusion into Corporate
Drawings Management System.
Revision Summary
29 June 2017 This major revision to the standard is to:
1. Overlay and align with API STD 660.
2. Re-affirm its contents against company needs.
3. Clarify some requirements in the document.

Page 32 of 35
Table 1 – Acceptable Materials for Carbon and Low - Alloy Steels

[Note: The numbers in ( ) refer to the specific notes at the end of the table]
Design Temperature (°C)

Exchanger
> - 100 and ≤ - 45 > - 45 and ≤ 0 > 0 and ≤ 400 > 400 and ≤ 645
Component
SA-516
Shells, channels, SA-516 Grade 70 N(1)
SA-387 Grade 11
heads, tubesheets, SA-203 Grade D Grade 70N, SA-537 Class 1
SA-387 Grade 12
rolled nozzle necks, SA-203 Grade E SA-537 Class 1 SA-537 Class 2
SA-387 Grade 22
covers, special SA-350 Grade LF3 SA-537 Class 2 SA-266 Grade 2(7)
SA-336 Grade F11
forgings(9) and SA-765 Grade III SA-350 LF2 SA-266 Grade 4 (7)
SA-336 Grade F22
reinforcing pads SA-765 Grade II SA-350 LF1 or LF2
SA-765 Grade II
SA-335 Grade P11
Pipe, nozzle necks SA-106 Grade B
(11) SA-333 Grade 3 SA-333 Grade 6 SA-335 Grade P12
SA-335 Grade 22
SA-213 Grade T11
SA-334 Grade 6 SA-179
Tubes (10) SA-334 Grade 3 SA-213 Grade T12
SA-213 Grade T22
Standard flanges(8)
(12) & flanged SA-105(6) SA-182 Grade F11
SA-350 Grade LF3 SA-350 Grade LF2
SA-350 LF1 or LF2 SA-182 Grade F22
fittings(13)
SA-234 Grade WP11
SA-420 Grade SA-420 Grade SA-234 Grade WPB
Wrought fittings (13) SA-234 Grade WP12
WPL3 WPL6
SA-234 Grade WP22
Studs/nuts for SA-320 Grade L43 SA-320 Grade L7 SA-193 Grade B7 SA-193 Grade B5
pressure SA-194 Grade 4 SA-194 Grade 2H SA-194 Grade H2 SA-193 Grade B16
connections SA-194 Grade 7 SA-194 Grade 4
SA-516 SA-387 Grade 11
SA-203 Grade D SA-516 Grade 70N
Internal attachment Grade 70N SA-387 Grade 12
(3) (4) SA-203 Grade E SA-537 Class 1 or
SA-537 Class 1 or SA-387 Grade 22
SA-537 Class 2
SA-537 Class 2
SA-516
SA-203 Grade D SA-516 Grade 70N SA-387 Grade 11
External Grade 70N
SA-203 Grade E SA-537 Class 1 SA-387 Grade 12
attachment (3) (4) SA-537 Class 1
SA-537 Class 2 SA-387 Grade 22
SA-537 Class 2
Supports: Saddles, SA-516
SA-516 Grade 70N SA-387 Grade 11
lugs and base SA-203 Grade D Grade 70N
rings(2) SA-203 Grade E SA-537 Class 1
SA-537 Class 2
ASTM A193/A193M ASTM A193/A193M ASTM A193/A193M
ASTM A193/A193M
Grade B7 Grade B7 Grade B7
Grade B7
ASTM F1554 ASTM F1554 ASTM F1554
Anchor bolts(5) ASTM F1554
Grade 36 or Grade 36 or Grade 36 or
Grade 36 or ASTM
ASTM F1554 ASTM F1554 ASTM F1554
F1554 Grade 105
Grade 105 Grade 105 Grade 105
Table 1 – Acceptable Materials for Carbon and Low - Alloy Steels (cont'd)

Page 33 of 35
General Notes:
A) Materials for exchangers in amine service shall be selected in accordance with Table 1 and API RP 945.
B) Materials for exchangers exposed to HIC environments with normal operating temperature up to and including
150° C (300° F) shall be in accordance with Table 1, with the following revisions:
1) Pressure retaining components (Shells, channels and heads, etc.) formed from plate shall be
manufactured form HIC resistant steels that meet the testing requirements of 01-SAMSS-016.
2) Piping components (such as nozzle/manway necks, elbow, etc.) made from rolled and welded plate
used in the manufacture of an exchanger within the scope of this standard 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.
C) Materials for exchangers exposed to SSC environments shall be according to Table 1, with the following
revisions:
i) Standard flanges and flanged fittings are restricted to: SA-350 (Grade LF1 or Grade LF2).
ii) Special forgings are restricted to: SA-266 (Grades 2 or 4), SA-350 (Grade LF1 or Grade LF2) and SA-765
Grade II.
iii) Studs are restricted to: SA-193 B7M or SA-320 L7M.
iv) Nuts are restricted to: SA-194 Grade 2HM.
v) It shall satisfy the requirements of NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 and NACE SP0472.
D) Materials for pressure components in sea water service shall be in accordance with Table 1 with the following
revisions:
1) Carbon steel pressure components in contact with seawater shall be clad or weld overlayed with Monel
in accordance with 32-SAMSS-031.
2) Tube material shall be either Cu/Ni SB-111 (Alloy Number C71500) or Titanium SB-338 Grade 2.
E) Low alloy steels shall be specified in the normalized-and-tempered or quenched-and-tempered heat-treated
condition.
F) Mechanical properties of all materials shall be verified considering all heat treatment cycles that will be
required for the fabrication of the exchanger and additional two PWHT cycles to account for future repairs
and/or alterations.
G) Material for nameplate mounting bracket shall be of the same type and material grade as the exchanger
retaining components to which it is attached.
(H) Baffles, tube supports, tie rods, spacers and impingement protection shall be of the same basic material as
the tubes except for high alloy steel tubes when these components may be of carbon steel provided shell side
fluid does not require more corrosion resistant material. For titanium tubes, the materials for these
components shall be subject to approval from Saudi Aramco Engineer.
Specific Notes:
(1) SA-36and SA-285 Grade C materials may be used only for pressure retaining components of exchangers in
water and air services with plate thickness not exceeding 19 mm.
(2) The material of supports shall be a follows:
A) Saddles: same material as the exchanger wall base material.
B) Lugs: same material as the exchanger wall base material.
(3) External attachments, other than those in Note 2, and internal attachments welded to the exchanger shall be
of the same material as the exchanger wall base material.
(4) Internal attachments to clad exchangers shall be of the same material as that of the cladding. SS 321 and
SS 347 can be used interchangeably.
(5) Corresponding material of construction for nuts according to SASD AA-036322 shall be used with material of
construction for bolts shown in the table.
(6) SA-105 shall not be used for applications requiring impact testing.

Page 34 of 35
(7) SA-266 (Grade 2 or 4) may be used for applications requiring impact testing, provided the energy values at
the impact test temperature per this standard are satisfied.
(8) “Standard flanges and flanged fittings” are flanges and flanged fittings under the scope of ASME B16.5 and
large diameter flanges under the scope of ASME B16.47.
(9) “Special forgings” include long weld neck flanges, non-standard forged flanges, integrally reinforced nozzles
and manways, forged Y-rings, complex forgings that are contour shaped or machined to essentially the
finished product configuration prior to heat treatment, forged butt-welded fittings, etc.
(10) Tubes in hydrogen, wet sour, amine, and caustic services shall be seamless.
(11) Shall be in accordance with 01-SAMSS-043 and 01-SAMSS-046.
(12) Shall be in accordance with 02-SAMSS-011.
(13) Shall be in accordance with 02-SAMSS-005.

Page 35 of 35

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Engineering Standard

SAES-E-004 18 February 2018

Table 1 – Acceptable Materials for Carbon

Previous Issue: 31 March 2014 Next Planned Update: 29 June 2020

©Saudi Aramco 2017. All rights reserved.

1.2 This standard does not cover the following:

1.3 Exchangers that do not meet either partially or completely the

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

1.8 Where a requirement of a licensor’s or a relevant industry standard/

1.9 This standard is intended to establish basic guidelines of thermal,

2 Conflicts and Deviations

Unless otherwise noted in this standard, materials or equipment designed to this

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-B-006 Fireproofing in Onshore Facilities

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

Saudi Aramco Standard Drawings

Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

American Society of Civil Engineers

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes)

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

American Society for Nondestructive Testing

International Standards Organization

Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association (TEMA)

Process Industry Practices

Welding Research Council

Auto-Refrigeration Temperature: Auto-refrigeration temperature is the adiabatic

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Exchanger Manufacturer: The Company responsible for the manufacture of

Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) Environment: Process streams that introduce

Hydrogen Services: Process streams containing hydrogen with an absolute partial

Lethal Services: Process streams containing a concentration of hydrogen sulfide in

Maximum PWHT Condition: Specified heat treatment of test specimens used to

MDMT: Minimum design metal temperature, determined in accordance with this

Nominal Thickness: Thickness selected as commercially available, and supplied to the

P&ID: Piping & Instrument Diagram.

PFD: Process Flow Diagram.

Shock Chilling Effect: The rapid decrease in temperature of an exchanger component

Thick Wall Exchanger: An exchanger or part of it with design thickness exceeding

Utility Services: Water, air, and nitrogen services.

5.1 The Design Engineer is responsible for the following:

5.2 The Exchanger Manufacturer is responsible for the following:

6 Basis for Thermal Design

6.1.2 The exchanger nomenclature in TEMA shall be used when specifying

6.2 Thermal Design

limits for removable bundles.

6.2.6 The service is considered non-fouling (clean) when fouling resistance of

6.2.7 Tube pitches shall generally be specified as follows:

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

6.2.9 For strength welded tube to tubesheet joint, a minimum of 6.4 mm

6.2.13 Baffle cuts shall generally be specified as follows:

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Design Inlet Cooling Water Temperature

Summer 35°C 33°C

6.2.20 The maximum fluid velocity shall be in accordance with SAES-L-132.

6.3 Selection of TEMA Types

6.3.4 Fixed tubesheet type shall only be specified in shell-side non-fouling

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

0.000176 m² °K/W (0.001 hr °F ft²/Btu)

'F' type shells shall be limited to a maximum shell-side pressure drop