Materials System Specification 

02-SAMSS-005 3 July 2007

Butt Welding Pipe Fittings
Materials and Corrosion Control Standards Committee Members
Anezi, Mohammed Ali, Chairman
Rumaih, Abdullah Mohammad, Vice Chairman
Abdul Hadi, Abdul Latif Ibrahim
Bannai, Nabeel Saad
Buraiki, Iyad Abdulrazzak
Burgess, Brian Wayne
Cruz, Czar Ivan Tecson
Kermad, Abdelhak
Lobley, Graham Russel
Mehdi, Mauyed Sahib
Moore, Mark Andrew
Mugbel, Wajdi Mohammad
Nasri, Nadhir Ibrahim
Niemeyer, Dennis Charles
Nuaim, Tareq Abdulaziz
Omari, Ahmad Saleh
Rao, Sanyasi
Tems, Robin Douglas

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents 

1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations................................. 2
3 References..................................................... 2
4 Purchase Order Information........................... 4
5 Design............................................................ 4
6 Materials......................................................... 6
7 Welding.......................................................... 8
8 Heat Treatment.............................................. 9
9 Inspection and Testing................................. 10
10 Product Marking, Coating,
Packing and Documentation................. 12

Previous Issue: 5 April 2006 Next Planned Update: 1 December 2009

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Primary contact: Dennis Niemeyer on 966-3-8760237

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2007. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control 02-SAMSS-005
Issue Date: 3 July 2007
Next Planned Update: 1 December 2009 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings

1 Scope

1.1 This Specification supplements the requirements of ASME B16.9, ASTM A234 for
Grade WPB wrought carbon steel pipe fittings, and MSS SP-75 for high strength
fittings. Normally, it only applies to fittings that are purchased "loose." This
Specification does not apply to fittings installed on equipment that is engineered,
manufactured, and tested prior to delivery to Saudi Aramco unless specifically invoked
in the Purchase Order.

1.2 Cast fittings, stainless steel and corrosion-resistant alloy pipe fittings, and pipe bends
with a radius three times the diameter (3D) or greater are excluded from the scope of
this specification.

1.3 Fittings purchased in accordance with the requirements of this Specification are deemed
to be suitable for wet, sour services without additional testing or certification.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

2.1 Any conflicts between this specification and other applicable Saudi Aramco Materials
System Specifications (SAMSSs), Engineering Standards (SAESs), Standard Drawings
(SASDs), or industry standards, codes, and forms shall be resolved in writing by the
Company or Buyer Representative through the Manager, Consulting Services
Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this specification 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 References

The selection of material and equipment, and the design, construction, maintenance, and repair
of equipment and facilities covered by this specification shall comply with the latest edition of
the references listed below, unless otherwise noted.

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 Materials System Specification

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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control 02-SAMSS-005
Issue Date: 3 July 2007
Next Planned Update: 1 December 2009 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings

02-SAMSS-011 Forged Steel Weld Neck Flanges for Low and

Intermediate Temperature Service

Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements

Form 175-026100 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASME B16.9 Factory-made Wrought Steel Butt Welding Fittings
ASME B16.25 Butt Welding Ends
ASME B16.28 Wrought Steel Butt Welding Short Radius Elbows and
Returns
ASME B16.49 Factory-made Wrought Steel Buttwelding Induction
Bends for Transportation and Distribution Systems
ASME B31.3 Process Piping
ASME SEC II Specification for Welding Rods, Electrodes, and Filler
Metals
ASME SEC VIII Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels
ASME SEC IX Qualification Standard for Welding and Brazing
Procedures, Welders, Brazers, and Welding and
Brazing Operators

American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM A234/A234M Standard Specification for Piping Fittings of Wrought
Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel for Moderate and
Eleveated Temperatures
ASTM A370 Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical
Testing of Steel Products
ASTM A860/A860M Standard Specification for High-Strength Butt-Welding
Fittings of Wrought High-Strength, Low-Alloy Steel
ASTM A956 Standard Test Method for Leeb Hardness Testing of
Steel Products
ASTM A960 Standard Specification for Common Requirements for
Wrought Steel Piping Fittings

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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control 02-SAMSS-005
Issue Date: 3 July 2007
Next Planned Update: 1 December 2009 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings

ASTM E165 Standard Test Method for Liquid Penetrant

Examination
ASTM E92 Test Method for Vickers Hardness of Metallic
Materials

American Welding Society

AWS A5.01 Filler Metal Procurement Guidelines
AWS A5.XX Specifications for Welding Filler Metals (Series of
Specifications)

Compressed Gas Association

CGA G6.2 Specification for Carbon Dioxide
CGA G11.1 Specification for Argon

Manufacturers Standardization Society

MSS SP-75 Specification for High Test Wrought Butt-Welding
Fittings

4 Purchase Order Information

The following information shall be included in the Purchase Order:

a) Type of fitting
b) Nominal size of fitting
c) Grade or specified minimum yield strength of fitting material
d) Nominal size, wall thickness or schedule and end details of pipe to be matched
e) Material specification of matching pipe
f) Wall thickness of lap-joint stubs; if applicable
g) Additional material and testing requirements; if applicable
h) Charpy impact testing requirements, if applicable
i) Export packing, marking, and shipping details

5 Design

5.1 Pressure Rating

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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control 02-SAMSS-005
Issue Date: 3 July 2007
Next Planned Update: 1 December 2009 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings

5.1.1 Design and pressure rating of ASTM A234 Grade WPB fittings shall be
established by proof testing per ASME B16.9 Section 9 or by mathematical
stress analysis per ASME B31.3 Para. 304.7.2(d).

5.1.2 Design and pressure rating of MSS SP-75 fittings shall be in accordance with
that specification. In addition, for elbows larger than NPS 16, the wall
thickness shall comply with ASME B31.3 Para. 304.2.1 or ASME B16.49 Para.
2.2. The thickness of the remainder of the fitting may be increased to equal the
required thickness of the intrados (inner radius or "crotch").

5.2 Main Dimensions

The pipe fittings covered by this specification shall have dimensions as specified in
ASME B16.9, ASME B16.28 or MSS SP-75 as applicable.

Any exceptions shall be indicated in the Purchase Order.

5.3 Circumferential Welds

Circumferential welds are not allowed except to attach extensions such as those
mentioned in Para. 5.4 and straight tangent ends that are specified in the purchase order.
Circumferential welds are never allowed in the crotch area of fittings.

5.4 Tees and Reducing Tees

The branch outlet of tees shall be extruded or forged to the run and shall have a
smoothly curved transition between run and branch. Welded-on branch connections
(set-on or stub-in) are prohibited. However, lengthening of an extruded outlet by means
of a circumferential weld in the cylindrical part of the branch will be permitted.

When tees are fabricated from plate, the weld seams shall be parallel to the axes of the
run and the branch.

5.5 Reducers

Concentric and eccentric reducers shall have smoothly curved wrought transitions and
parallel ends (ASME shape) unless a conical shape has been specified in the Purchase
Order.

Reducers shall have a nominal wall thickness which is at least equal to the specified
nominal wall thickness of the matching pipe (of equal specified minimum yield
strength) at the large end.

ASME shape reducers not listed in ASME B16.9 or MSS SP-75 shall be designed in

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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control 02-SAMSS-005
Issue Date: 3 July 2007
Next Planned Update: 1 December 2009 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings

accordance with ASME B31.3, paragraph 304.6 for a design pressure permitted by the
matching pipe.

Conical reducers are only permitted when so specified in the Purchase Order. The
included angle shall not exceed 12 degrees.

Exception:

An included angle of maximum 15 degrees is allowed when the reducer is

concentric, has two cylindrical ends with a minimum length of 50 mm, and
smoothly finished circumferential welds.

5.6 Lap-Joint Flange Stub Ends

The wall thickness of stub ends for lap-joint flanges shall be as specified in the
Purchase Order and the welding end prepared by internal taper boring to match the
specified pipe. Lap-joint flange stub ends (weld ends) for sizes larger than NPS 24 are
covered by 02-SAMSS-011 and related standard drawings.

5.7 Special Designs

Special designs, such as nonstandard shapes and dimensions, will be considered when
the Vendor can prove that similar fittings have been successfully tested by means of an
actual bursting test in accordance with ASME B16.9 or MSS SP-75. The design shall
be approved in writing by the Saudi Aramco Consulting Services Department.

5.8 Butt Welding Ends

Unless otherwise specified in the Purchase Order, the butt welding ends shall be in
accordance with the requirements of ASME B16.25 and match the beveled end of the
pipe specified in the Purchase Order.

6 Materials

6.1 General

Boron content shall be shown in the heat analysis or product analysis and shall not
exceed 0.0005%.

6.2 Grade WPB Fittings

6.2.1 Material shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A234/A234M Grade

WPB, including ASTM A960 Supplementary Requirements S50 "Product
Analysis", S51 "Tension Test" and S57 "Hardness Test".

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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control 02-SAMSS-005
Issue Date: 3 July 2007
Next Planned Update: 1 December 2009 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings

Note:

For Supplementary Requirement S50, a heat analysis may be substituted

for the product analysis except for welding material.

6.2.2 High strength starting stock shall not be used for Grade WPB fittings without
prior, written permission from the CSD. In no case shall the actual yield
strength of the finished fittings exceed 440 MPa (63,817 psi). All other
requirements for WPB fittings shall be met.

6.2.3 The carbon equivalent shall not exceed 0.42% when calculated according to the
formula:

Mn Cr  Mo  V  Ni  Cu
CE (IIW) = C    (1)
6 5 15

6.3 High Strength Fittings (≥ 42,000 psi specified minimum yield strength)

6.3.1 With the exception of the chemical composition requirements in paragraph

6.3.2 below, the high strength material shall conform to the requirements of
MSS SP-75, including Supplementary Requirements SR-4 (hardness and nickel
content limitations, except parent metal nickel shall be limited per paragraph
6.3.2 below), SR-5 (actual yield strength limitation), and SR-10 (more
restrictive chemical requirements and carbon equivalent).

6.3.2 Chemical composition shall be in accordance with the requirements of ASTM

A860/A860M, Paragraph 7.

6.4 The vendor shall provide a certified material test report listing the actual results of the
chemical analysis, mechanical properties, notch toughness properties, heat treatment,
nondestructive examination, and any special tests required by the Purchase Order.

6.5 For Sour service, the following additional requirements are applicable for welded
fittings fabricated from plate or strip:

6.5.1 The steel shall be vacuum degassed.

6.5.2 The maximum sulfur shall be 0.002%. Sulfur content up to and including
0.005% is acceptable if the steel is calcium treated for inclusion shape control.
Typical calcium content is between one and three times the sulfur content.

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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control 02-SAMSS-005
Issue Date: 3 July 2007
Next Planned Update: 1 December 2009 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings

7 Welding

7.1 General

7.1.1 Complete Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS's) and Procedure

Qualification Records (PQR's) shall be made available for review by the Saudi
Aramco inspector.

7.1.2 All Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS's) and Procedure Qualification

Records (PQR's) shall be written in English and conform to the applicable
Code.

7.2 Processes

7.2.1 The following processes are approved for use:

 Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
 Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
 Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) - Short Circuiting transfer shall not be
used.
 Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) - Shall not be used for the root pass on
one sided groove welds.

7.2.2 Automatic welding without the addition of filler material is not permitted.

7.3 Welding Consumables

7.3.1 Electrodes, filler wires, and fluxes shall conform to the requirements of the
BPV, ASME SEC II, Part C, identical to the AWS A5.XX specification series.
Other consumables may be used only with the specific approval of Saudi
Aramco.

7.3.2 Properly conditioned low-hydrogen electrodes shall be used for all fittings
when the wall thickness exceeds 13 mm.

7.3.3 A change in filler metal deposit chemistry from A-No. 1 of BPV, ASME SEC
IX to A-No. 2 and vice-versa is not permitted without requalification.

7.3.4 Active Submerged Arc Welding fluxes shall not be used.

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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control 02-SAMSS-005
Issue Date: 3 July 2007
Next Planned Update: 1 December 2009 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings

7.3.5 Shielding gases shall conform to the appropriate Compressed Gas Association
(CGA) specification(s).

7.4 Welding Procedure Qualifications

7.4.1 General

For any SAW flux, GMAW electrode, or FCAW electrode used for procedures
which require Charpy Impact testing and all FCAW electrodes for fittings shall
be restricted to the specific brand, type and maximum size as used for the PQR.
The brand name and type of flux or electrode shall be specified on both the
WPS and PQR.

7.4.2 Hardness Testing

Hardness traverses conducted in accordance with ASTM E92 shall be made on

a full-thickness, transverse cross-section of the weld that has been mounted,
polished to metallographic quality, and etched. Two traverses shall be made.
One shall be within 1.0 mm from the O.D. surface and one within 1.0 mm from
the I.D. surface. Each traverse shall consist of at least two hardness
indentations in each of the following locations:

a) weld metal
b) heat affected zone on each side of the weld and
c) parent metal on each side of the weld.

Only Vickers 5 kg or 10 kg hardness testers shall be used. Hardness of base

metal, HAZ, and weld metal shall not exceed 207 HV for Grade B fittings and
250 HV for high strength fittings.

7.5 Repairs

7.5.1 Cracks shall be repaired only if approved by the Saudi Aramco inspector.

7.5.2 Unsuccessful weld repairs after the second attempt shall be completely cut out
and replaced.

8 Heat Treatment

Heat treatment after all forming and welding processes are completed is required for all fittings.

8.1 All Grade WPB fittings supplied in accordance with this specification shall be
normalized as defined in ASTM A234. All high strength fittings shall be normalized,

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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control 02-SAMSS-005
Issue Date: 3 July 2007
Next Planned Update: 1 December 2009 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings

normalized and tempered, or quenched and tempered as defined in MSS SP-75. Stress
relief heat treatments are not acceptable, even if permitted in ASTM A234/A234M or in
MSS SP-75.

8.2 Seamless Grade WPB fittings for which the final forming operation is completed at a
temperature above 620°C and below 980°C need not be subsequently heat treated
provided they are cooled in still air.

8.3 Hot formed high strength fittings shall be cooled below the lower critical temperature
prior to heat treatment.

9 Inspection and Testing

9.1 General

The fittings are subject to inspection by the Saudi Aramco Inspection Representative
per Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirement Form 175-026100 attached to the Purchase
Order.

9.2 Visual Examination and Dimensional Check

General appearance, workmanship and fit-up shall be acceptable in accordance with

ASME B31.3 Para. 344.2. Weld surfaces shall show a smooth contour. Dimensions of
the fitting shall be checked against ASME B16.9, MSS SP-75 or approved Vendor's
Drawings.

9.3 Dye Penetrant or Magnetic Particle Testing

All butt weld ends shall be tested using one of the following methods:

 dye penetrant (color contrast penetrant) in accordance with ASTM E165.

Acceptance criteria shall be per "Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code," ASME SEC VIII
D1, Appendix 8.
 magnetic particle tested in accordance with ASME SEC VIII D1, Appendix 6.

9.4 Radiography

All welds in fabricated fittings shall be 100 percent radiographed in accordance with
"Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code," ASME SEC VIII D1, paragraph UW-51.

9.5 Production Hardness Tests

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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control 02-SAMSS-005
Issue Date: 3 July 2007
Next Planned Update: 1 December 2009 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings

9.5.1 Hardness tests shall be conducted on a minimum of 20% of seamless fittings

forged at temperatures above 620°C and 100% of seamless fittings forged at
620°C or lower. Hardness tests shall be conducted on 100% of all welded
construction fittings regardless of forging temperature.

9.5.2 Hardness testing shall be conducted using either a bench-top hardness tester
calibrated to ASTM (or equivalent) standard hardness test blocks or a portable
hardness tester that has been approved in writing by Saudi Aramco. To be
approved, the portable hardness tester must be demonstrated to give repeatable
results within 10% of those obtained with the calibrated bench-top hardness
tester on fittings similar to the production fittings. If the difference in readings
between the portable and bench-top testers exceeds 5%, the hardness
acceptance criterion shall be adjusted (lowered) by the maximum amount of the
difference (for example, lowered by 6%, 8%, or 10%). The calibrations must
be certified by an independent, third-party agency or by the Saudi Aramco
Inspection representative.

9.5.3 A minimum of three hardness indentations shall be made on the parent metal of
each fitting, with the test locations spaced evenly across the piece being tested.
(For fittings 2-inch and smaller, only two indentations are required.) For
welded fittings, an additional three hardness indentations shall be made, evenly
spaced, along the weld. Where accessible, the weld metal hardnesses should be
measured on the I.D. surface of the fittings.

9.5.3.1 If any single indentation exceeds the allowable hardness limit, two
additional hardness indentations shall be taken within 25 mm of it,
and the three hardness values shall be averaged. If the average
exceeds the allowable limit, the fitting shall be rejected, and all the
other fittings from the same heat shall be 100% hardness tested, even
if not otherwise required in paragraph 9.5.1.

9.5.3.2 The difference between the highest and lowest hardness readings in
the parent metal shall not exceed 20 HB. In addition, for welded
fittings, the difference between the highest and lowest hardness
readings in the weld metal shall not exceed 20 HB. If the difference
exceeds 20 HB for either the parent metal or the weld metal hardness
values, the fittings shall be rejected, and all other fittings from the
same heat shall be 100% hardness tested, even if not otherwise
required in paragraph 9.5.1. For the purpose of determining the
spread of HB readings, a set of three indentations at the same
location may be substituted for any single reading and the average of
the three used instead of the single reading.

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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control 02-SAMSS-005
Issue Date: 3 July 2007
Next Planned Update: 1 December 2009 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings

9.5.3.3 At the manufacturer's option, all fittings that have failed the hardness
test requirements in paragraphs 9.5.3.1 and/or 9.5.3.2 can be re-
normalized and hardness tested again. Fittings that pass the hardness
test requirements and the strength requirements after re-normalizing
may be accepted. Fittings that fail a second time shall be
permanently rejected.

9.5.4 If a portable hardness tester of the Leeb (rebound) type is used, its application
shall be in accordance with ASTM A956.

9.6 Charpy Impact Testing

9.6.1 Charpy impact testing requirements for fittings in Grades WPHY-42 and higher
strength are given in MSS SP-75. Grade WPB fittings do not require impact
testing unless specified in the Purchase Order.

9.6.2 For welded fittings, testing shall be performed on the base metal, heat-affected
zone, and the weld metal. The weld metal and heat-affected zone impact test
specimens shall be transverse to the weld axis.

9.6.3 Impact test procedures and apparatus shall conform to the applicable
paragraphs of ASTM A370.

9.6.4 The test temperature and the minimum Charpy energy requirements shall be
specified in the Purchase Order if different from the requirements in Para. 9.6.1.

10 Product Marking, Coating, Packing and Documentation

10.1 Fittings per ASTM A234/A234M WPB shall be marked in accordance with ASME
B16.9, paragraph 4.

10.2 Fittings per MSS SP-75 shall be marked per MSS SP-75, paragraph 17. In addition, the
carbon equivalent shall also be marked on the O.D. of the fitting.

10.3 After inspection by Saudi Aramco's Inspection Representative, unless otherwise

specified in the Purchase Order, fittings shall be supplied with a protective coating that
does not hide markings or surface defects. This temporary coating, combined with
appropriate packing, must protect against corrosion during ocean shipment. The
coating shall be hard and dry. It can be either a clear coating or a thin opaque coating.
Except for clear coatings, the maximum dry film thickness shall be 0.076 mm. The
fitting's normal stamped markings must be readable.

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Document Responsibility: Materials and Corrosion Control 02-SAMSS-005
Issue Date: 3 July 2007
Next Planned Update: 1 December 2009 Butt Welding Pipe Fittings

10.4 The welding ends shall be coated with an aluminum-flake weldable primer
("Deoxaluminite" or "Bloxide" or other brand approved by Saudi Aramco Consulting
Services Department) or a coating that is easily strippable and does not leave a residue
that interferes with welding. The maximum dry film thickness of a weldable coating
shall not exceed 0.050 mm. A welding end strippable coating is allowed to be any
thickness. Examples of strippable coatings include high-build vinyl, urethane, PVC, or
strippable tape applied before a coating.

10.5 All fittings must be protected from mechanical damage. Welding ends must be
protected with suitable wood, plastic, or metal covers. Fittings must be packaged in
steel-banded wooden crates or secured to skids.

Note:

If fittings up through 6-inch size are securely packaged in the wooden crates so
that they cannot shift during shipment and damage the welding bevels, the
separate covers are not required.

10.6 The results of all tests required in this Specification shall be reported. The reporting
documentation shall be in the English language and three copies shall be provided.

Revision Summary
28 February 2005 Editorial revision to affirm the contents, update the referenced paragraphs and committee
list, and changed the "Next Planned Update."
5 April 2006 Minor revision.
3 July 2007 Editorial revision to delete Section 11.

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