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DEP 30.10.02.13-Gen.
February 2017
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written permission of the copyright owner or Shell Global Solutions International BV.
PREFACE
DEP (Design and Engineering Practice) publications reflect the views, at the time of publication, of Shell Global Solutions
International B.V. (Shell GSI) and, in some cases, of other Shell Companies.
These views are based on the experience acquired during involvement with the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of processing units and facilities. Where deemed appropriate DEPs are based on, or reference international,
regional, national and industry standards.
The objective is to set the standard for good design and engineering practice to be applied by Shell companies in oil and
gas production, oil refining, gas handling, gasification, chemical processing, or any other such facility, and thereby to help
achieve maximum technical and economic benefit from standardization.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to Shell companies for their consideration and decision to
implement. This is of particular importance where DEPs may not cover every requirement or diversity of condition at each
locality. The system of DEPs is expected to be sufficiently flexible to allow individual Operating Units to adapt the
information set forth in DEPs to their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use DEPs, they shall be solely responsible for such use, including the
quality of their work and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In particular, for those
requirements not specifically covered, the Principal will typically expect them to follow those design and engineering
practices that will achieve at least the same level of integrity as reflected in the DEPs. If in doubt, the Contractor or
Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting from his own responsibility, consult the Principal.
The right to obtain and to use DEPs is restricted, and is typically granted by Shell GSI (and in some cases by other Shell
Companies) under a Service Agreement or a License Agreement. This right is granted primarily to Shell companies and
other companies receiving technical advice and services from Shell GSI or another Shell Company. Consequently, three
categories of users of DEPs can be distinguished:
1) Operating Units having a Service Agreement with Shell GSI or another Shell Company. The use of DEPs by these
Operating Units is subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the relevant Service Agreement.
2) Other parties who are authorised to use DEPs subject to appropriate contractual arrangements (whether as part of
a Service Agreement or otherwise).
3) Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with users referred to under 1) or 2)
which requires that tenders for projects, materials supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said
users comply with the relevant standards.
Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with users, Shell GSI disclaims
any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury or death) suffered by any company or person
whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the use, application or implementation of any DEP, combination of DEPs
or any part thereof, even if it is wholly or partly caused by negligence on the part of Shell GSI or other Shell Company. The
benefit of this disclaimer shall inure in all respects to Shell GSI and/or any Shell Company, or companies affiliated to these
companies, that may issue DEPs or advise or require the use of DEPs.
Without prejudice to any specific terms in respect of confidentiality under relevant contractual arrangements, DEPs shall
not, without the prior written consent of Shell GSI, be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever and the
DEPs shall be used exclusively for the purpose for which they have been provided to the user. They shall be returned
after use, including any copies which shall only be made by users with the express prior written consent of Shell GSI. The
copyright of DEPs vests in Shell Group of companies. Users shall arrange for DEPs to be held in safe custody and Shell
GSI may at any time require information satisfactory to them in order to ascertain how users implement this requirement.
All administrative queries should be directed to the DEP Administrator in Shell GSI.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 4
1.1 SCOPE ....................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS ......... 4
1.3 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................. 4
1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES ............................................................................................. 7
1.5 SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES............................................................................... 7
1.6 COMMENTS ON THIS DEP ....................................................................................... 7
1.7 DUAL UNITS............................................................................................................... 7
1.8 NON NORMATIVE TEXT (COMMENTARY) .............................................................. 7
2. GENERAL .................................................................................................................. 8
2.1 MATERIALS SELECTION PROCESS ....................................................................... 8
3. THERMOPLASTIC MATERIALS ............................................................................... 8
3.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 UNPLASTICISED POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC-U) .............................................. 10
3.3 CHLORINATED POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC-C)................................................. 11
3.4 POLYETHYLENE (PE, PE-HD, PE-X) ..................................................................... 11
3.5 POLYAMIDE (PA) ..................................................................................................... 13
3.6 POLYPROPYLENE (PP) .......................................................................................... 14
3.7 FLUORO POLYMERS (PTFE, ECTFE, PFA, FEP, PVDF)...................................... 15
3.8 POLYPHENYLENE SULPHIDE (PPS) ..................................................................... 16
3.9 POLYETHERETHERKETONE (PEEK) .................................................................... 16
4. THERMOSET MATERIALS AND COMPOSITES ................................................... 16
4.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................. 16
4.2 GENERAL TEMPERATURE LIMITATIONS ............................................................. 16
4.3 CHEMICAL RESISTANCE OF RESINS ................................................................... 17
5. ELASTOMER MATERIALS ..................................................................................... 19
5.1 QUALIFICATION OF ELASTOMERS....................................................................... 19
5.2 ELASTOMER SELECTION – UPSTREAM SERVICES ........................................... 20
5.3 ELASTOMER SELECTION – DOWNSTREAM SERVICES .................................... 22
5.4 ELASTOMER STORAGE ......................................................................................... 23
6. CERAMIC MATERIALS ........................................................................................... 23
6.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................. 23
6.2 NON-OXIDE CERAMICS ......................................................................................... 23
6.3 OXIDE CERAMICS ................................................................................................... 23
7. INSULATION MATERIALS ...................................................................................... 23
8. REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 24
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 SCOPE
This DEP specifies requirements and gives recommendations for the selection and
application of non-metallic materials. The following categories of non-metallic materials are
covered:
• Thermoplastic materials;
• Thermoset materials;
• Fibre reinforced materials;
• Composite materials;
• Elastomeric materials;
• Ceramic materials;
• Insulation materials.
This is a revision of the DEP of the same number dated February 2012; see (1.5) regarding
the changes.
1.3 DEFINITIONS
1.3.1 General definitions
The Contractor is the party that carries out all or part of the design, engineering,
procurement, construction, commissioning or management of a project or operation of a
facility. The Principal may undertake all or part of the duties of the Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party that manufactures or supplies equipment and
services to perform the duties specified by the Contractor.
The Principal is the party that initiates the project and ultimately pays for it. The Principal
may also include an agent or consultant authorised to act for, and on behalf of, the
Principal.
The word shall indicates a requirement.
The word should indicates a recommendation.
Term Definition
Thermoplastic A plastic that repeatedly will soften by heating and harden by cooling
within a temperature range characteristic for the plastic. In the softened
state, it can be shaped by flow into articles, e.g., by moulding/extrusion
(ASTM D883).
1.3.3 Abbreviations
Term Definition
ECTFE Ethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene
Term Definition
MDEA Methyldiethanolamine
PA Polyamide (Nylon)
PB Polybutylene
PEEK Polyetheretherketone
PE Polyethylene
PE-UHMW Polyethylene, ultra high molecular weight; preferred term for UHMWPE
PP Polypropylene
PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene
PVDF Polyvinylidenefluoride
1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES
Where cross-references to other parts of this DEP are made, the referenced section or
clause number is shown in brackets ( ). Other documents referenced by this DEP are listed
in (8).
Section/Clause Change
All Simplified and reduced content, using shall/should/may for
normative statements.
Removed content on insulation that duplicates the insulation
DEP
Build on international standards
Feedback that has been registered in the DEP Feedback System by using one of the above
options will be reviewed by the DEP Custodian for potential improvements to the DEP.
2. GENERAL
3. THERMOPLASTIC MATERIALS
3.1 GENERAL
1. Thermoplastic materials shall be qualified in accordance with the standards indicated
in Table 1.
Table 1 Overview standards thermoplastic materials
Material/Description Standard
Polymer components in conventional ISO 13628-11 (API RP 17B)
flexibles for offshore use: general
Polymer components in conventional ISO 13628-2 (API SPEC 17J)
flexibles for offshore use – Unbonded
systems
Polymer components in conventional ISO 13628-10 (API SPEC 17K)
flexibles for offshore use – Bonded systems
Polymer components in flexible composite DEP 31.40.10.20-Gen.
pipe (onshore and static offshore)
PA-11 sheats in conventional flexible pipe – API TR 17TR2
lifetime design of the PA-11 sheats and
remaining lifetime assessment.
Compatibility with process fluids.
4. For concentrated HCl the maximum design temperature shall be limited to the boiling
point of the HCl minus 10 °C (18 °F) at the design pressure to avoid boiling HCl in the
piping system.
3.2.3 Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) service
PVC-U is used as a liner system in Glass Reinforced Vinyl Ester (GRVE piping for HCl
and NaOCl service. See piping class X7240).
3.2.4 PVC-U Lining for storage tanks
PVC-U can be used as lining material in glass reinforced plastic tanks.
1. Compatibility of PVC-U with industrial fluids shall be assessed in accordance with
EN 13121.
EN 13121-2 specifies the compatibility and temperature limitations for thermoplastic
liners including PVC-U liners.
5. The design lifetime of PE pipeline and piping is creep and thus stress and temperature
dependent, and shall be taken into account in the design of the piping or pipeline.
6. See section 2.3 of DEP 31.40.20.39-Gen.
Table 3 Operating experience PE-HD
4. PA-11 corrosion coupons shall be installed in the production fluids for monitoring of
pH, temperature and chemical treatment (e.g., corrosion inhibitors, hydrate treatment)
for future remaining lifetime assessments.
3.5.2.5 Polyamide in composite flexibles
1. Polyamide as polymer liner component in flexibles shall be specified in accordance
with DEP 31.40.10.20-Gen. Refer to Table 2 in this Specification.
4.1 GENERAL
Thermoset materials covered in this DEP are:
• Epoxy
• Vinyl Ester
• Polyester
These resins are typically used in glass reinforced plastic (GRP) pipe.
1. Selection, design and qualification of GRP pipe and piping shall be according to
DEP 31.40.10.19-Gen.
Glass-fibre/polyester (GRUP)
• Isophthalic 60 (140) 90 (194)
• Bisphenol A 90 (194) 120 (248)
• Chlorinated 80 (176) 110 (230)
5. ELASTOMER MATERIALS
2. For both sweet gas services and sour gas services, with pressure in excess of 40 bar
(580 psi) (Class 300) resistance against ageing and rapid decompression shall be
demonstrated by qualification testing in accordance with ISO 23936-2.
Temperature limits depends on application and elastomer materials (as per
guidelines in ISO 23936 and ISO 13628 series)
5.1.2 Ageing
1. To determine the long-term effect on the material properties when exposed to fluids at
elevated temperatures, ageing tests shall be performed in accordance with
ISO 23936-2.
5.1.3 Rapid gas decompression
1. To determine the resistance of elastomer seal materials against rapid depressurisation
for critical sealing, seat and back-up materials for permanent subsea use, and for
topside valves in critical gas systems, RGD tests shall be performed in accordance
with ISO 23936-2.
2. The rating procedure for RGD damage shall be in accordance with ISO 23936-2 with
the following acceptance criteria:
a. A damage rating less than 4.
b. A damage rating of 0 for critical applications as defined by the Principal (i.e., no
visible damage after RGD testing when performed at the maximum specified
design pressure and temperature).
5.1.4 Swelling
Acceptance criteria for swell depend on the specific design and functional requirements
of the elastomer.
1. Swell is part of the qualification testing and shall be in accordance with ISO 23936-2.
2. The design shall account for swell and associated reduction in mechanical properties
of the elastomer such as strength, stiffness and viscoelastic properties.
3. Vendor shall provide swell data that covers field conditions.
Notes
1 Although nitriles are considered as oil-resistant, they typically swell more than
fluoroelastomers in hydrocarbon liquids, and this needs to be taken into account in the
design for the specific equipment (e.g., seal/groove design, gasket design).
2 Nitriles are not suitable for services in contact with aromatics (e.g., toluene). The level
of swelling of elastomers in hydrocarbon fluid mixtures in general show a strong
relation to the aromatics content. The presence of aromatics typically results in a high
level of swelling. Often low aromatics content (< 1 %) can lead to exceeding the
maximum swell criteria. The exact level of swelling depends on the specific elastomer
compound, the exposure temperature and the overall fluid composition. For
applications containing aromatics, consult a polymer specialist for advice.
3 FEPM swells more in aromatics than other fluoroelastomer types and are not suitable
for services in contact with such liquids.
4 FEPM is suitable for sour service up to 205 °C (401 °F).
5 There are several classes of FKM (according to ASTM D1418) and each has different
monomer mix and property set. The common classes are FKM 1, 2 and 3. Each
fluoroelastomer Manufacturer/Supplier offer these types.
Methane and CO2 gases listed as OK for all materials. Chemically this is correct;
however, if either gas (or mixtures) is at elevated pressure, the threat of RGD damage
is real, particularly at high temperatures. Appropriate advice and testing in accordance
with ISO 23936-2 are required when high pressure (HP) gas is involved.
Concentration is not included as a variable for acids, amines. [In the first instance the
supplier should be given the concentration and the seals performance confirmed.
6 HNBR will be OK at -40 °C (-40 °F) (need a low temperature grade) in contact with
sour fluids; the low temp means that chemical reaction rates will be extremely slow;
useful life decreases as temperature rises. When compounded properly, HNBR can
be suitable for services up to 180 °C (356 F ).
7 FKM types as defined in ASTM D1418: FKM types 1 and 3 are not resistant to neat
methanol; swelling is significant;
FKM type 2 swells very little in neat methanol.
FKM 1 and 3 are OK in methanol, provided a few per cent of water is added.
FKM type 5 (relatively new) is likely to be more resistant to inhibitors than types 1-3.
8 If muds contain inhibitors, these can attacked elastomers. Compatibility of the
elastomer with inhibitors would need to be demonstrated by testing under simulated
field conditions by the Manufacturer/Supplier.
9 There are many grades of FFKM available. Some are designed for high temperature
(HT), others for steam resistance etc.
10 Formate brines can be alkaline, pH > 8, the life of FKM types 1-3 will be limited at
149 °C (300 °F).
6. CERAMIC MATERIALS
6.1 GENERAL
Ceramic materials offer excellent resistance against high temperatures, corrosive and
abrasive environments. This section covers non-oxide ceramics and silicon carbide (SiC)
and silicon nitride.
7. INSULATION MATERIALS
1. Refer to DEP 30.46.00.31-Gen. for selection and specification of thermal insulation
materials.
8. REFERENCES
In this DEP, reference is made to the following publications:
NOTES: 1. Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used,
together with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
2. The DEPs and most referenced external standards are available to Shell staff on the SWW (Shell
Wide Web) at http://sww.shell.com/standards/.
SHELL STANDARDS
AMERICAN STANDARDS
EUROPEAN STANDARDS
GRP tanks and vessels for use above ground - Part 1: Raw materials - EN 13121-1:2003
specification conditions and acceptance conditions
GRP tanks and vessels for use above ground - Part 2: Composite EN 13121-2:2003
materials chemical resistance
GRP tanks and vessels for use above ground - Part 3 : design and EN 13121-3:2010
workmanship
GRP tanks and vessels for use above ground - Part 4: Delivery, EN 13121-4:2005
installation and maintenance
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Grey Iron Pipes, Special Castings and Grey Iron Parts for Pressure ISO 13
Main Lines
Plastics piping systems for water supply and for buried and above- ISO 1452
ground drainage and sewerage under pressure — Unplasticized
poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U)
Part 1: General ISO 1452-1
Part 2: Pipes ISO 1452-2
Part 3: Fittings ISO 1452-3