SP 1211

Petroleum Development Oman L.L.C.
Onshore Pipeline Engineering

(SP-1211)
Document ID SP-1211
Document Type Specification
Security Restricted
Discipline Pipeline Engineering
Owner Pipelines Corporate Functional Discipline Head
Issue Date Aug 2022
Revision 6.1
This document is the property of Petroleum Development Oman, LLC. Neither the whole nor any
part of this document may be disclosed to others or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form by any means (electronic, mechanical, reprographic recording or
otherwise) without prior written consent of the owner.
Revision: 6.1
Petroleum Development Oman LLC Effective: Aug22
This page was intentionally left blank
Printed 16/08/2022 SP-1211 Onshore Pipeline Engineering Page 2

Printed copies are UNCONTROLLED.
Revision: 6.1
i Document Authorisation
Authorised For Issue
Document Authorisation
Document Owner Document Custodian Document Author

(CFDH)
Habsi, Badar UEMP Fazari,Asim DEL Fazari,Asim DEL
Date : 16-08-2022 9:55 AM Date : 15-08-2022 3:55 PM Date : 15-08-2022 3:49 PM

Revision: 6.1
ii Revision History
The following is a brief summary of the 4 most recent revisions to this document. Details of all
revisions prior to these are held on file by the issuing department.
Version No. Date Author Scope / Remarks

Version 6.1 Jul2022 UEMP/DEL  Figure 2-B on Metallic – GRE scope break
added
 Pig trap major barrel, bypass & few other sizes
revised
 Requirements on SPE-DPE for ball valve added
 Pig trap isolation philosophy added
Version 6.0 Jan2021 UEMP/ UEMP1  Aligned to International stds
 App 5 changed to List of SOPs
 App 7 for pig traps design guidelines added
 Minor revisions
Version 5.0 Jul 2018 UIPT2 /UIPT2C
 Updated definitions of fluid category
 Updated Table A1.4 - Health and Safety
Consequence Classification
 Updated flowline corridor requirements
 Added acceptable alternative materials for
small orders / stockist supplied items
 Added SHALL [PS] statements related to
PDO incidents
Version 4.2 Mar UEL  Updated based on FRD Engineering Standard
2016 Challenge Recommendations.


iii Related Business Processes

Code Business Process (EPBM 4.0)
iv Related Corporate Management System (CMS) Documents

The related CMS Documents can be retrieved from the Corporate Management Portal (CMS).
SP-1208 Pipeline Construction specification

Revision: 6.1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i Document Authorisation ......................................................................................................... 3
ii Revision History ...................................................................................................................... 4
iii Related Business Processes .................................................................................................. 4
iv Related Corporate Management System (CMS) Documents ................................................ 4
1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 8
1.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................ 8
1.2 Distribution, Intended Use And Regulatory Considerations ............................................. 8
1.3 Definitions ......................................................................................................................... 9
1.3.1 General Definitions .......................................................................................... 9
1.3.2 Specific Definitions .......................................................................................... 9
1.4 Abbreviations .................................................................................................................. 12
1.5 Cross-References ........................................................................................................... 13
2 APPLICATION OF CODES AND GROUP STANDARDS .................................................... 14
2.1 ASME Codes................................................................................................................... 14
2.2 PDO Standards ............................................................................................................... 14
3 PIPELINE RISKS AND MANAGEMENT .............................................................................. 15
3.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 15
3.2 Risk Identification ............................................................................................................ 16
3.3 Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 16
3.4 Pipeline Classification ..................................................................................................... 17
3.5 Risk Control..................................................................................................................... 17
3.6 Recovery from Failures ................................................................................................... 18
4 DESIGN ................................................................................................................................ 18
4.1 General Considerations .................................................................................................. 18
4.1.1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 18
4.1.2 Specification and Design Code Break .......................................................... 18
4.1.3 Reviews ......................................................................................................... 19
4.1.4 Safety Risk Assessment ............................................................................... 19
4.1.5 Environmental Impact Assessment............................................................... 19
4.1.6 Hydraulic Design ........................................................................................... 20
4.1.7 Pipe Material Selection ................................................................................. 20
4.1.8 Operating Philosophy .................................................................................... 21
4.2 Pipeline Routing .............................................................................................................. 21
4.2.1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 21
4.2.2 Surveys ......................................................................................................... 21
4.2.3 Establishment of Location Classes for Onshore Pipelines ........................... 22
4.2.4 Proximity to Occupied Buildings ................................................................... 22

Revision: 6.1
4.2.5 Proximity to Other Facilities ........................................................................... 22

4.2.6 Special Routing Considerations .................................................................... 22
4.3 Pipeline Strength Considerations .................................................................................... 23
4.3.1 Design Factors (for hoop stress limitation of metallic pipelines) ................... 23
4.3.2 Design Factors for Hoop Stress Limitation of GRP/FCPPipelines ................ 25
4.3.3 Steel Quality .................................................................................................. 25
4.3.4 Minimum Wall Thickness ............................................................................... 25
4.3.5 Equivalent Stresses (for restrained pipelines) .............................................. 26
4.3.6 Stress Analysis .............................................................................................. 27
4.3.7 Strain Based Design ...................................................................................... 27
4.3.8 Field bends .................................................................................................... 28
4.4 Crossings ........................................................................................................................ 29
4.5 Burial Philosophy / Pipeline Protection ........................................................................... 29
4.6 Stability ............................................................................................................................ 30
4.7 Corrosion Protection And Monitoring .............................................................................. 30
4.7.1 External Corrosion ......................................................................................... 30
4.7.2 Internal Corrosion .......................................................................................... 31
4.7.3 Baseline Inspection requirements ................................................................. 32
4.7.4 Corrosion Monitoring ..................................................................................... 32
4.8 Internal Flow Coatings .................................................................................................... 33
4.9 Provision For Pigging ...................................................................................................... 33
4.9.1 General .......................................................................................................... 33
4.9.2 Isolation philosophy ....................................................................................... 34
4.9.3 Isolation methods on live pipelines ............................................................... 34
4.9.4 Intelligent Pigs ............................................................................................... 34
4.10 Line Sectionalising And Emergency Shut Down Valves ............................... 35
4.10.1 General .......................................................................................................... 35
4.10.2 Sectionalising Block Valves........................................................................... 35
4.10.3 Emergency Shutdown Valves ....................................................................... 35
4.10.4 Valve Actuation.............................................................................................. 35
4.10.5 Leak Detection............................................................................................... 35
4.10.6 Blowdown ...................................................................................................... 36
4.11 Overpressure Protection ............................................................................... 36
4.11.1 Maximum Allowable Pipeline Pressures ....................................................... 36
4.11.2 Overpressurisation by the Upstream Facility ................................................ 36
4.11.3 Surge Pressures ............................................................................................ 37
4.11.4 Thermal Effects ............................................................................................. 37
4.12 Branch Connections And Fittings .................................................................. 37
4.13 Telecommunications ..................................................................................... 38
Revision: 6.1
4.14 Records ......................................................................................................... 38

5 MATERIAL PROCUREMENT .............................................................................................. 39
5.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 39
5.2 Re-Use Of Materials ....................................................................................................... 39
5.3 Spare Materials ............................................................................................................... 39
5.3.1 Metallic Pipeline ............................................................................................ 39
5.3.2 GRE Pipeline ................................................................................................. 39
5.4 Linepipe Material ............................................................................................................. 39
5.4.1 Sourcing small pipe order quantity................................................................ 40
5.4.2 Sourcing pipes for casing purpose................................................................ 40
5.4.3 Requirement of weldability test. .................................................................... 40
5.5 Pipeline Components ...................................................................................................... 41
5.6 External Coatings ............................................................................................................ 41
5.7 Internal COATINGS / Liners ........................................................................................... 42
5.8 Concrete Coating ............................................................................................................ 42
5.9 Records ........................................................................................................................... 42
6 CONSTRUCTION ................................................................................................................. 42
6.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 42
6.2 Construction Hydrotesting............................................................................................... 42
7 PRE-COMMISSIONING ....................................................................................................... 42
8 HAND-OVER DOCUMENTATION ....................................................................................... 43
9 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................... 44
APPENDIX 1: Criticality Classification Of Pipelines And Flowlines ......................................... 47
A.1.1. General.......................................................................................................... 47
A.1.2. Susceptibility to Failure Classification ........................................................... 48
A.1.3. Failure Consequence Classification.............................................................. 51
APPENDIX 2: Building Proximity Distances ............................................................................ 54
APPENDIX 3: Pipeline Stresses .............................................................................................. 55
APPENDIX 4: Flowline Design ................................................................................................. 56
APPENDIX 5: List of SOPs for pipeline discipline ................................................................... 62
APPENDIX 6: SHALL [PS] statement basis ............................................................................ 63
APPENDIX 7 – DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR PIPELINE PIG TRAPS ..................................... 66
Figure 1 Diagrammatic Representation of Pipeline Scope Boundaries ................................... 83
Figure 2-A: Diagrammatic Representation of Design Code Break for metallic lines ............... 84
Figure 2-B: Diagrammatic Representation of Pipeline-Piping scope break for GRE lines ...... 85
Figure 3: PDO Pipeline Standards Hierarchy .......................................................................... 86
Figure 4: User Comments Form ............................................................................................... 86

Revision: 6.1
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Scope
This Specification (SP) gives minimum technical requirements and recommended

practices for the design, material procurement, construction and pre-commissioning of
onshore pipelines used for the transport of hydrocarbons and other fluids commonly
transported in PDO operations. For some fluids, in particular those of an unstable or toxic
nature, additional requirements not covered in this SP may be appropriate.
Technical requirements and recommended practices for operation and maintenance of
the pipelines are covered under a separate specification SP–1210 “Pipeline Integrity
Management”.
In this SP, a pipeline is defined as a system of pipes for the transportation of fluids in the
liquid or gaseous phase, or a combination of both phases, between (but excluding)
wellhead facilities, manifold stations, production plants, pressure boosting stations,
processing plants or storage facilities. A pipeline extends from pig trap to pig trap
(including the pig traps and associated pipework and valves), or, if no pig trap is fitted, to
the first on plot isolation valve within the onshore plant as applicable.This SP shall be
read in conjunction with ASME B31.4 and ASME B31.8 (as applicable).
Figure 1 provides a diagrammatic representation of pipeline scope boundaries.
This specification shall not be changed without approval from the Custodian, (CFDH
Pipelines), who owns this specification. If you think any part of this specification is not
correct, write your comments on a copy of the User Comments Form. The form is
included as the last page of this specification. Send the copy with your comments and
personal details to (CFDH Pipelines)
1.2 Distribution, Intended Use And Regulatory Considerations
Unless otherwise authorised by PDO, the distribution of this SP is confined to PDO

operations and to Contractors nominated by them.
The SP is intended for use by all Functions in the Company that are involved in the
design, material procurement and construction of pipelines.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements may be more
stringent than in this SP, the Contractor shall determine by careful scrutiny which of the
requirements are the more stringent and which combination of requirements will be
acceptable as regards safety, environmental, economic and legal aspects. In all cases,
the Contractor shall inform the Company of any deviation from the requirements of this
SP which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or local
regulations. The Company may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned with the
object of obtaining agreement to follow this SP as closely as possible.
No liability shall be incurred by PDO for any cause arising from the authorised or
unauthorised use of this SP.

Revision: 6.1
1.3 Definitions
1.3.1 General Definitions
The Contractor is the party, which carries out all or part of the design, procurement,
construction, commissioning or management of a project or operation of a facility. The
Company may undertake all or part of the duties of the Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party, which manufactures or supplies equipment or
services to perform the duties performed by the Contractor.
The Company is Petroleum Development Oman LLC. The Company will generally
specify the technical requirements and may nominate an agent or consultant authorised
to act for and on behalf of the Company.
shall identifies a requirement.
should identifies a recommendation.
SHALL [PS] identifies a process safety requirement (refer Appendix 6)
1.3.2 Specific Definitions
Assembly An arrangement of pipes and components such as a pig trap, a block

valve station.
Barred tee Tee-piece provided with bars across the internal bore of the branch
pipe to prevent entry of a pig.
Block valve Valve for interrupting the flow or to shut-in a section of a pipeline. A
block valve is normally either fully opened or fully closed.
Branch pipe Pipe connected to a pipeline of equal or larger diameter, using a tee-
piece.
Cold bend A bend made from linepipe at ambient temperature, normally on the
construction site, using a mechanical bending machine.
Commissioning An activity where the fluid to be transported is initially introduced into
a pipeline.
Consequence The result of an event in terms of human safety, damage to the
environment and economic impact.
Design Class Classification of facility as per SP-2199.

Design factor Ratio of the hoop stress created by the design pressure and the
SMYS of the pipeline material.
Design pressure As defined in SP-2357.
Design temperature As defined in SP-2357.
Emergency shutdown Valve for isolating a pipeline from a source or destination in case of
valve emergency situations.
FEED Engineering and design activities, following the conceptual design,
where a project is given further technical definition and where a job
specification can be drawn for the preparation of the tender
documents.
Refers to any liquid, gas or vapour, that is easily ignited as defined in

Flammable fluid Energy Institute (formerly Institute of Petroleum) Model Code of Safe
Practice Part 15
Flowline A pipeline transporting fluid hydrocarbons and/or other reservoir
fluids between a wellhead and a gathering (RMS or MSV) or
treatment facility or vice versa.

Revision: 6.1
Fluid A substance, which is transported through a pipeline in liquid or

gaseous phase, or a combination of these.
Header A section of pipe or pipeline collecting or distributing fluids from
several sources or destinations.
Hot bend A bend made under factory conditions by hot working billets, plates
or pipes.
Incidental pressure Pressure occurring in a pipeline with limited frequency and duration.
Pressures due to surges or heating of blocked-in static fluid are
considered incidental pressures, provided they are not regular
operating occurrences.
Injection line A pipeline transporting gas, water or other fluids for injection into a
well or a group of wells.
Inter-field Pipeline A pipeline between two processing facilities, transporting processed
hydrocarbon or other reservoir fluids.
Isolation valve Valve used to interrupt the flow or to isolate one section of a pipeline
from an adjacent section or a facility connected to the pipeline. An
Isolation valve is normally either opened or fully closed. Isolation
valve is also referred to as a block valve.
Line pack In a gas transmission system, the line pack is the volume of gas in a
pipeline above the minimum volume of gas necessary to provide the
pressure to facilitate the flow of gas through a pipeline to achieve the
required delivery rate and pressure. The line pack is used to continue
deliveries for some period following interruption of supply upstream.
Liquid hold-up Quantity of liquids present in a two-phase pipeline.
Loading line A pipeline between a storage facility and a sales facility, e.g. a single
point mooring or product truck loading.
Maximum allowable The maximum pressure that is allowed to occur in a pipeline with a
incidental pressure limited frequency and duration, determined in accordance with
applicable design standard.
Maximum allowable The maximum pressure at which a pipeline is allowed to be operated
operating pressure under steady state process conditions, in accordance with ASME
B31.4/ B31.8.
Maximum operating As defined in SP-2357.
temperature (MOT)
Off-plot A location outside designated plant boundaries.

Off-take line A pipeline transporting fluid from a larger pipeline.
On-plot A location inside designated plant boundaries.
Operating envelope A defined set of key parameters or parameter ranges which shouldt
be adhered to during operation of the pipeline in order to prevent loss
of technical integrity.
Overpressure Valve intended to protect the pipeline against overpressure by
protection valve preventing pressure from a source building up in the pipeline.
Pig A device which can be propelled through a pipeline by fluid flow and
normally used for cleaning, batching, inspection or other activities.
Pig trap system An ancillary item of pipeline equipment, with associated pipework
and valves, for introducing a pig into a pipeline or removing a pig from
a pipeline.
Pipeline A system of pipes and other components used for the transportation
of fluids, between (but excluding) plants/facilities. A pipeline extends
from pig trap to pig trap (including the pig traps), or, if no pig trap is

Revision: 6.1
fitted, to the first off take isolation valve within the plant boundaries
or a more inward valve if so nominated.
Pipeline code An industry or national code written for the purpose of designing,
constructing and operating pipelines.
Pipeline leak An uncontrolled fluid release from a pipeline.
Plant An installation, such as well-head, processing facility, pressure
boosting station, storage tank, offshore platform, refinery, etc., with
defined boundaries and which is not normally accessible to the
public.
Pre-commissioning A series of activities, including cleaning and possibly drying,
executed to prepare the pipeline for commissioning.
Pressure equalisation Small bore bypass pipe with valves to allow equalisation of pressure
line across a larger valve, avoiding damage to the seats of the larger
valve or equipment on the depressurised side.
Pressure relief safety Valve for protecting a pipeline against overpressure by releasing fluid
valve from the pipeline.
Remote vent line A pipeline used for discharging light gaseous fluids to atmosphere at
a safe location.
Risk The product of the probability of an event occurring and the
consequences of the event when it has occurred.
Sour Service Exposure to oilfield environments that contain sufficient H2S to cause
cracking of materials by the mechanisms addressed by NACE
MR0175/ISO 15156; Also refer SP-1190
Sectionalising block Main valve for sectionalising a pipeline, in order to limit the release
valve of line contents in case of pipeline leak or rupture.
Slug Catcher A device located at the downstream end of a two-phase pipeline, for
the primary separation of the liquid and gas phases, and the
temporary storage of liquids generated by pigging and transient flow
conditions. There are two types of slug catchers: the vessel type and
the finger type.
Specified minimum The level of stress which produces 0.5 percent total strain (API
yield stress (SMYS) definition). This stress is specified by the Company and guaranteed
by the Manufacturer/Supplier.
Sphere A spherical shape pig, used for batching, wax control, meter proving
and liquid hold-up removal in two-phase pipelines.
Sphere tee A jacketed tee-piece with a perforated inner pipe to prevent entry of
a sphere into the branch pipe.
Spurline A pipeline transporting fluid into a larger pipeline.
Stable fluid A stable fluid has an NFPA reactivity grade number of zero.
Surface safety valve Valve, part of the well-head assembly, applied as isolation valve
between flowline and wellhead.
Surge pressure Pressure due to mass flow velocity changes, caused by operational
activities, e.g. valve closures, pump shut-down or start-up.
Technical integrity Technical integrity of a facility is achieved when, under specified
operating conditions, there is no foreseeable risk of failure
endangering safety of personnel, environment or asset value.
Test pressure The pressure at which the pipeline will be or has been tested for
strength.
Thermal pressure Pressure due to thermal effects on the fluid in the blocked-in pipeline
or blocked-in pipeline sections.

Revision: 6.1
Trunkline A main transmission pipeline connecting processing facilities and/or

pump stations to which spur lines and off take lines may be
connected.
Two-phase pipeline Pipeline transporting fluids where the liquid phases and the gas
phase are present at pipeline pressure and temperature conditions.
Two speed actuator An actuator that enables to reduce the valve closure speed over the
last 10% to 20% of the valve travel movement.
1.4 Abbreviations
ALARP As Low As Reasonably Practicable

AVME Approved Vendors of Materials and Equipment
BVS Block Valve Station
CCMS Certification and Completion Management System
CFDH Corporate Functional Discipline Head
CO2 Carbon Dioxide
CP Cathodic Protection
CS Carbon Steel
DCAF Discipline Controls and Assurance Framework
DPE Double piston effect
DN Diameter nominal
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EP Exploration and Production
ERW Electric Resistance Welding
ESD Emergency Shutdown
FBE Fusion Bonded Epoxy
FCP Flexible Composite pipe
FEED Front End Engineering Design
FRD Focussed Results Delivery
GOR Gas to Oil Ratio
GRE Glass Reinforced Epoxy
GRP Glass Reinforced Plastics
H2S Hydrogen Sulphide
HAZID Hazard Identification
HAZOP Hazard and Operability
HDPE High Density Polyethylene
HFW High Frequency Welded
HIC Hydrogen Induced Cracking
HIPPS High Integrity Pipeline Protection System (against overpressure)
ISO International Organization for Standardization
LCC Life Cycle Cost
LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas
M&C Material and corrosion
MAIP Maximum Allowable Incidental Pressure
MAOP Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure
MFL Magnetic Flux Leakage
MOL Main Oil Line
MOT Maximum Operating temperature
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
NGL Natural Gas Liquids
NPS Nominal Pipe Size
NPV Net Present Value
OD Outside Diameter
PE Polyethylene
PLEM Pipeline End Manifold
PQR Procedure Qualification Record
PSE Shell Product Safety and Environmental Conservation Committee
QRA Quantitative Risk Assessment
Revision: 6.1
RBA Risk Based Analysis

RTP Reinforced Thermoplastic
SAP-PM System Application and Product – Plant Maintenance
SAW Submerged Arc Welding
SMYS Specified Minimum Yield Stress
SCC Stress Corrosion Cracking
SPE Single piston effect
SOGL South Oman Gas line
SOHIC Stress-Oriented Hydrogen Induced Cracking
SSC Sulphide Stress Cracking
TA Technical Authority
TGLR Total Gas to Liquids Ratio
UT Ultrasonic Testing
WPS Welding Procedure specification
1.5 Cross-References
Where cross-references to other parts of this SP are made, the referenced section
number is shown in brackets. Other documents referenced by this SP are listed in Section
9 - References.

Revision: 6.1
2 APPLICATION OF CODES AND GROUP STANDARDS

2.1 ASME Codes
The fluid transported in the pipeline should be categorised in one of the following five
groups, depending on its hazard potential:
 Category A: Instrument air and Non-flammable water-based fluids.
Example: water, (as in water injection / disposal / supply
lines).
 Category B: Flammable fluids that are liquids at ambient temperature
and at atmospheric pressure conditions. Example:
stabilised crude, oil (such as MOL).
 Category C: Flammable multiphase liquids. Example: unstabilised
crude (as in interfield headers / pipelines) and crude (as in
flowlines).
 Category D: Flammable multiphase fluid which are gases at ambient
temperature and atmospheric pressure conditions (such
as gas flowlines / pipelines, Gas lift network lines, export
natural gas lines, etc).
 Category E: Critical sour fluids as defined by SP-1190-1
Flammability and stability are defined in section 1.3.2.

Pipelines carrying category A and B fluids shall be designed and constructed in
accordance with ASME B31.4 and the additional requirements of this SP.
Pipelines carrying category C, D and E fluids shall be designed and constructed in
accordance with ASME B31.8 and the additional requirements of this SP.
NOTE: 1) Liquid petroleum gas and anhydrous ammonia, which are covered by ASME
B31.4, fall under category D. Pipelines transporting these products shall
therefore be designed to ASME B31.8 and additional requirements of this SP.
2) Offplot pipelines beyond temperature limits of B31.8 / B31.4 (e.g. Steam lines)
shall be designed to ASME B31.3 code
2.2 PDO Standards
The PDO standards related to the design, material procurement, construction, and pre-
commissioning of pipeline systems are referenced in Section 9 - References.
The document hierarchy specified in this SP therein in Figure 3 shall be considered during
the concept to detailed design phase of any pipeline or flowline system. In particular, the
Project Engineer shall ensure that any technical, operational and maintenance
requirements for the pipeline specified in SP-1210, ‘Pipeline Integrity Management’ are
considered during the detailed design phase.
A detailed listing of currently applicable and compulsory pipeline engineering standards
can be found on PDO’s CMS System. For topics, which are not specifically covered in
the PDO standards, the Contractor may utilise the external standards referenced in
ASME B31.4 and B31.8, after consultation with, and approval by, the Company.

Revision: 6.1
3 PIPELINE RISKS AND MANAGEMENT

3.1 General
The risks associated with the pipeline, in terms of the safety of people, damage to the
environment, and loss of income, depends on the expected failure frequency and the
associated consequence, which is directly related to the type of fluids transported and
the sensitivity of locations of the pipeline. In this context, pipeline failures are defined as
loss of containment.
Risk is defined in Section 3.2. Failure causes within PDO are mainly internal corrosion,
external corrosion and third party damage. Failure consequences can be categorised in
terms of health and safety of personnel, environment, loss of asset and loss of revenue.
Integrity actions should reduce the failure risks by either reducing the failure frequency or
the failure consequences or both. Therefore a direct comparison of costs versus benefits
should be possible. Integrity management plans (and priority allocation) should ideally be
based on a quantitative risk ranking.
The methodology used in this document for the purposes of design of pipelines is based
on a classification of pipelines and flowlines in terms of pipeline’s susceptibility to failure
and consequences. This approach facilitates integrity assessments and appropriate
management focus throughout the life of the asset, starting with HAZID review, design
reviews, HAZOP review, IPF reviews, design quality audits etc, through construction
records, commissioning and the operations phase where different levels of corrosion
management and inspection requirements achieve the required level of integrity.
The risk management process described in the following sections shall be applied as
specified throughout the asset life cycle, i.e. to design, construction, operation and
abandonment.
The overall risk management process involves the following four steps, as per Hazard
Effect Management Process (HEMP):
1. Identify systematically the hazards and effects, which may affect and arise from
activities performed on pipelines or by pipeline systems on other facilities or the
environment. Hazards and effects shall be identified by using appropriate HEMP
Tools , such as, HAZID or EIA and/or by review & analysis of failure statistics.
2. Assess the probability of occurrence and the severity of the consequences.
3. Control the risk through preventative or protective measures, which will reduce
the frequency and/or the consequences of failure.
4. Recover from residual risks through effective emergency response and pipeline
repair procedures and emergency management systems.
Notwithstanding the requirements of design codes and this SP, the factors, which are
critical to public safety and the protection of the environment should be analysed over the
entire life of the pipeline, including the abandonment phase. The risk shall be reduced to
As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) through a detail review of Hazard
Management Hierarchy, which is used to manage HSSE risks to ALARP , with the definite
objective of preventing leaks. The level of risk may change with time, and it is likely to
increase to some extent as the pipeline ages.
The methods by which these steps are to be completed are outlined in the following
sections of this specification.

Revision: 6.1
3.2 Risk Identification
The potential pipeline failures, causes and their consequences, should be inventoried
and taken into account in the design and the operating philosophy. The most common
pipeline threats, which may lead to the loss of technical integrity, are given below.
 Internal corrosion, Sulphide Stress Cracking (SSC), hydrogen induced cracking
(HIC), Microbially Induced Corrosion (MIC).
 External corrosion and bi-carbonate stress corrosion cracking.
 Abrasion.
 Construction threat (e.g. pipe girth weld, fabrication weld, wrinkle bend or buckle,
stripped threads/broken pipe/ coupling)
 Third-party damage (e.g. third-party inflicted damage, vandalism).
 Incorrect Operations (e.g. Fatigue, Over-pressurization, Thermal expansion
forces)
 Geo-technical forces.
 Manufacturing defects (e.g. pipe seam and growth of material defects such as
inclusions, cracks)
 Equipment threat (e.g. gaskets and o-rings, control/relief, seal/pump packing)
Risks shall be identified and analysed through a systematic application of procedures

from conceptual through design and construction to operational and abandonment
phases as outlined in following sections.
3.3 Risk Assessment
The risk depends firstly on the expected frequency of failure, due to internal and external
corrosion, external loading (e.g. impacts, settlement differences, free spans), material or
construction defects, and operational mishaps. The frequency of failure is difficult to
assess and could be misleading because of lack of detailed and reliable failure statistics
and analysis for different kinds of pipelines in PDO. Alternatively, susceptibility of a
pipeline to failure can be assessed and related to risks, based on material, service,
operating conditions like pressure and temperature. The method to assess pipeline
susceptibility to failure is detailed in Appendix– 1 of this document.
Secondly, it depends on the consequences of the failure, based on the nature of the fluid
in terms of flammability, stability, toxicity and polluting effect, the location of the pipeline
in terms of ignition sources, population densities and proximity to occupied buildings, and
the prevailing climatic conditions. Failure consequences can be further categorised in
terms of health and safety of personnel, environment and economic value (loss of asset
and revenue). The method to assess consequence of failure is detailed in Appendix – 1
of this document.
The economic risk associated with deferment of income, cost of repair, and other costs
such as liabilities to the public and clean-up costs, including the likely costs from fines
imposed by the authorities may be considered. The economic risk should be evaluated
for each phase of the pipeline operating life, and should be compatible with the overall
objectives of the Company. Past leak statistics of a particular operating area and crude
specification may be used to evaluate the likelihood and cost of failure of a particular
flowline/pipeline.
Risk assessment shall be carried out on all new pipelines at the conceptual design stage
and shall form the basis for material selection, inspection and corrosion control strategy.
The expected frequency of failure and the possible consequences may be time-
dependent and should be analysed over the entire life of the pipeline.
Risks related to pipeline integrity in the operational phase shall be regularly assessed
through a variety of pro-active operational methods (e.g. pigging and sampling) and
inspection methods (e.g. Intelligent pigging, corrosion measurement, visual monitoring)
detailed in SP-1210 ‘Pipeline Integrity Management’.

Revision: 6.1
3.4 Pipeline Classification
Pipeline criticality is related to the risks as detailed above and defined as the combination
of two parameters namely, susceptibility to failure and consequence of failure.
All individual lines (including Pipelines, Headers and groups of Flowlines) shall be
classified into one of three “Pipeline Class” and hereafter referred to as “Class 1”, “Class
2” and “Class 3”, according to perceived susceptibility and consequence of failure based
on the Risk Assessment Matrix below. Detailed guidance and the methodology to classify
pipelines are given in Appendix - 1.
The integrity requirements of the pipeline through design, operation, maintenance and
inspection phase shall be determined based on the criticality class of the pipeline. This
document (SP-1211) stipulates the methods and procedures to be followed in design and
engineering phase of the pipeline. Reference shall be made to SP-1210 that covers
detailed operations and maintenance activities required to assure an acceptable state of
pipelines and flowlines integrity during the operation phase of the pipeline.
Pipeline Criticality Class should not be confused with the location class defined in ASME
B31.8 and design class as defined in SP-2199.
3.5 Risk Control
Risks levels can be reduced by using lower design factors (e.g. higher wall thickness or
stronger steel), right material selection, rerouting, providing additional protection to the
pipeline, application of facilities to minimise any released fluid volumes, and controlled
methods of operation, maintenance and inspection.
Measures to control risk logically follow from the identification and assessment activities
outlined above. Typical risk control measures to be considered are as follows:
Design and Construction Phase:
 Application of detailed design and construction requirements specified in this
specification, SP-1208 and related documents.
 Selection of optimum corrosion control strategy through pipe material selection,
coating application, chemical inhibition and cathodic protection.
 Control of design and construction work through DCAF Framework as well as
PDO’s Technical Authority systems as described in SP-2061.
 Screening, pre-qualification and auditing of material suppliers, pipeline design
and construction contractors.
 Measures to minimise risk during installation and commissioning, e.g. adequate
water treatment, oxygen control and drying to prevent corrosion following
hydrotest.
 Selection of pipeline routing to minimise the probability of physical damage,
corrosion attack etc.
 In above ground sections, provision of adequate supports with wear plates,
including prevention of sand inundation and abrasion where appropriate.
 Development of a pipeline-specific corrosion management manual for all Class
1 Pipelines and flowlines.
 Development of a risk-based maintenance and inspection philosophy that
matches the parameters assumed in the basis for design.
 The risk of pipeline over-pressurisation shall be controlled by the pressure safe
guarding system in accordance to SP-2316 and SP-2283.
 Access barriers shall be installed to prevent third party damage, on aboveground
pipelines and flowlines within safe distance of 5 meter from existing / new roads.
Also reflective pipeline markers shall be installed at these locations.

Revision: 6.1
Operational Phase:
 Control of operating conditions close to design parameters immediately following
handover.
 The risk for internal corrosion shall be controlled by corrosion mitigation
measures such as inhibition, routine pigging or a change in the operating mode.
 Regular condition monitoring and maintenance of the CP system should control
the risk of external corrosion.
 The risk of corrosion and impact damage should be controlled by application of
available technique and careful inspection and measurement against established
acceptance criteria (e.g. Inspection of external coatings against current coating
standards and the regular surveillance of pipeline Windrows and Rights Of Way
against SP-1208 requirements), ensuring appropriate actions are scheduled for
repair.
 The safety risk of pigging operations shall be controlled by regular maintenance
of the pigging facilities and use of a procedure for pigging operations PR-1082.
 The economic risk of pipeline blockage by pigs shall be controlled by a proper
selection of pig types. Pig selection shall be based on the type of cleaning or
other function required.
 A regular pigging programme based on evaluation of corrosion measurements
and the likelihood of pipeline blockage by wax or debris is required to clean
pipelines, which are not routinely pigged. This serves also to verify piggability of
the pipeline.
 The risk presented by unauthorised third party activities can be controlled by
regular Right of Way (ROW) inspections and visual/camera monitoring of fenced
areas.
3.6 Recovery from Failures
Recovery from pipeline failures shall be assured through the implementation of an

emergency response system, including preparation of an Emergency Response Manual,
qualified pipeline repair procedures and emergency material stocks. Requirements and
responsibilities for establishing and maintaining the Emergency Response System are
detailed in SP-1210.
4 DESIGN
4.1 General Considerations
4.1.1 Introduction
The metallic pipelines shall be designed in accordance with the relevant sections of
ASME B31.4/ B31.8, as appropriate, supplemented by this section. For GRP Pipelines,
SP-2092, SP-2375 and ISO-14692, shall apply in addition to the requirements of this
Specification. The control and safeguarding requirements as specified in SP-2316 and
SP-2283 shall also be met as a minimum.
The pipeline SHALL [PS] be designed taking into consideration the operating conditions
and requirements over its entire projected life cycle including final abandonment, i.e. the
maximum planned throughput and turn-down, the characteristics of the fluids to be
transported, the pressure and temperature requirements, the mode of operations, the
geographic location, and the environmental conditions.
4.1.2 Specification and Design Code Break
For the purpose of code break, it is assumed that the piping of the facilities to which the
pipeline/pig trap system is connected is designed in accordance with ASME B31.3. A
pipeline extends from pig trap to pig trap and includes the pig traps and associated pipe
work and valves or, if no pig trap is fitted, up to the first isolation valve / flange within the
plant boundary. The delineation between the pipeline and the facility is the specification
Revision: 6.1
break between pipeline design code ASME B 31.4/B31.8 and the station design code
ASME B 31.3. Where this is not the case e.g. at intermediate pig trap stations or where
the pig trap ties into a slug catcher designed to ASME B31.8, the code break/delineation
is not applicable.
Design code break between ASME B31.8/B31.4 and ASME B31.3 as shown in Figure 2-
A should be used. The Company shall confirm acceptability of the selected code break
location. The entire pig trap system should be designed, constructed and tested
according to the same code as the pipeline.
In the case of GRP pipelines / flowlines, the scope break should be as per Figure 2-B.
Refer to GU-969, section 11.0 for more details related to preferred location of limit stop,
stress analysis design basis…etc
4.1.3 Reviews
For all new Class 1 pipelines, reviews as specified in CP-117 shall be performed and
documented to ensure that technical integrity is guaranteed from a design viewpoint.
These shall cover as a minimum:
 HAZID study during feasibility stage to provide a basis for hazard identification
during conceptual design.
 Conceptual design review concentrating on the hydraulic design, materials
selection, corrosion control strategy, inspection philosophy and pigging facilities.
 HAZOP study during the front-end design stage, often as part of the facilities
HAZOP.
 Detail design review by senior Discipline and Operations members covering
isolating and safeguarding philosophies as well as overpressure protection
requirements.
The future asset holder and the custodian shall be involved in the design review, HAZOP
and policy decisions where deviating from this specification.
When existing pipeline systems are extended, e.g. by adding a new branch line, the whole
pipeline system shall be subject to a design review to ensure that overpressurisation of
the system from the new branch line is not possible.
4.1.4 Safety Risk Assessment
A formal quantitative risk assessment (QRA) shall be carried out on all critical pipelines
(i.e. location class 3 & 4 / fluid category E) and report approved by TA2 from Technical
safety discipline. The assessment should confirm that the selected design factors,
proximity distances to buildings and block valve spacing are adequate.
4.1.5 Environmental Impact Assessment
An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a process for identifying the possible

impact of a project on the environment, for determining the significance of those impacts,
and for designing strategies and means to eliminate or minimise adverse impacts.
An EIA should consider the interaction between the pipeline and the environment during
each stage of the pipeline life cycle. The characteristics of the environment may affect
pipeline design, construction method, reinstatement techniques, and operations
philosophy.
An EIA shall be carried out for all pipelines or groups of pipelines, which have not received
an environment permit issued under Oman Law RD 114-01. PDO’s Environmental
Advisor shall be consulted to establish whether an area is environmentally sensitive or
not.
Environmental Impact Statements shall be prepared for all new and replacement
pipelines in line with CP-117.
Revision: 6.1
4.1.6 Hydraulic Design
In order to determine the possible range of operational parameters of the pipeline, a

hydraulic analysis shall be performed. For a given pipe size; fluid properties and flow rate;
the hydraulic analysis should provide the pressure and temperature profiles along the
pipeline for steady state and transient conditions. Possible changes in flowrates and
operational modes as per selected design class shall be considered for hydraulic design.
The recommended application program for hydraulic sizing is PIPESIM (modified version
with added Shell routines). TLNET for single-phase liquids or TGNET for single-phase
gas may be used to assess the impact of new pipeline designs and tie-ins to the existing
pipeline systems. ‘OLGA’ shall be used for transient analysis of multiphase pipelines.
The hydraulic analysis shall provide data to address: surge pressure during shut-down of
a liquid line, turn-down limitations and inhibition or insulation requirements to prevent wax
or hydrates deposition, effect of flow conditions on the efficiency of corrosion inhibitors,
liquid catching and slug control requirements at the downstream end of two phase lines.
The normal range of flow velocities in bare CS or DSS lines is 1 to 2 m/s in liquid lines,
and 5 to 10 m/s in gas lines. Continuous operations above 4 m/s for liquids and 20 m/s
for gases should be avoided, which may lead to erosion and vibration difficulties; lower
units may apply to fluids containing solid particles, where maximum velocities will be
dictated by the occurrence of erosive conditions. Velocity limitations for other materials
shall be as per SP-2337 and for GRE material refer to ISO 14692-3
NOTES:
1. Unlined carbon steel liquid lines containing a separate water phase, even in small quantity
(e.g. 1% water cut), should not be operated at velocities below 1 m/s. This is to prevent
water dropout, which may lead to a corrosive situation. Dry crude lines at export
specification are excluded from this requirement. At water-cuts higher than 20%, flow
velocity is no longer an issue as water wetting of the pipe wall will always occur, and
alternative means of corrosion mitigation shall be considered. However, a minimum
velocity of around 1 m/s is preferred for intelligent pigging operations.
2. If the minimum velocity cannot be achieved economically (e.g. high pumping station
costs), then a corrosion management strategy shall be developed based on expected
water drop-out in the line.
Hydraulic gradient diagram should be prepared for liquid lines. It is sometimes
advantageous to adjust the design pressure along the route, depending on the patterns
of the hydrostatic pressure and the friction pressure loss. Great care should be applied
in the definition of the various sections and associated design pressures to determine
whether, under any operations scenario, overpressurisation of one section is possible by
the adjacent sections.
When tying in new spurlines to existing pipeline systems, the whole pipeline system shall
be subject to hydraulic analysis for steady state and transient conditions and a design
review to ensure that overpressurisation of the system from spur lines or vice versa is not
possible.
For gas pipelines, sections of decreasing design pressure are not recommended in
general, because the slight cost benefit is unlikely to outweigh the lost advantage of line
packing and thus loss of system availability/flexibility.
Within the above limitations, carbon steel flowlines should be standardised where
possible to the stock sizes detailed in Appendix 4 of this specification.
4.1.7 Pipe Material Selection
The selection of the pipeline material type is a fundamental issue to be decided at the
conceptual design stage of a pipeline project. Material selection and corrosion control for
surface operation shall be done in accordance with SP-2337.
Revision: 6.1
For new developments or major modification projects, the Life Cycle Cost Analysis shall
be conducted using the principle of total development costs of facilities and pipelines
combined. (This is to allow for the alternative of lowering pressure upstream to provide
larger diameter low pressure GRP pipeline at lower life cycle cost than treatment facilities
with a high pressure low diameter carbon steel pipeline.)
If routine pigging is required for new pipeline, evaluation shall be conducted (in
consultation with pipeline maintenance team) to ensure ability of conducting pigging
activities within normal operating envelope. In case it is found that conducting pigging
activity will need a controlled operating parameters, e.g. reduction of flow rate, pressure,
temperature or full shutdown, this controlled operating parameters shall be captured in
pipeline operating philosophy or pigging philosophy. All cost associated with the
controlled pigging activitiy (including deferment) shall be considered in full lifecycle cost
of selected material option at concept stage.
4.1.8 Operating Philosophy
For the predicted life cycle conditions, the design shall take due account of operations,
inspection, maintenance, and start-up/shut-down requirements, as well as established
operating philosophy and practices, agreed in advance with the personnel responsible
for the operation and maintenance of the pipeline. These include manning levels for the
operation, integrity monitoring and maintenance of the pipeline system, the requirements
for telecommunications and remote operations, means of access to the right of way, etc.
4.2 Pipeline Routing
4.2.1 Introduction
The selection of the route shall take full account of the associated risks (3.3), particularly
safety and environmental risks, the accessibility for maintenance and inspection, as well
as normal direct cost considerations.
4.2.2 Surveys
Detailed survey data should be available prior to carrying out detailed design. These data
include:
 Population and building densities for the establishment of location classes
(4.2.3), location of inhabited buildings, taking into account any future land
development plans, as advised by government authorities.
 Topographical data, location and class of wadis, location of sand dunes, and
roads including type and density of traffic.
 Records of any existing special features, which will need reinstatement after
construction is completed.
 Soil investigation for foundation design (burial and/or supports design),

subsidence areas (e.g. due to mining activities).
 Soil resistively for cathodic protection design.
 Environmental data (climatic, floods, earthquakes, landslides, currents at wadi

crossings, vegetation, fauna).
 Existing facilities and CP systems, which may influence pipeline design and
construction.
 Buried pipelines and cables

Revision: 6.1
 Over head high voltage power lines
Pipeline route survey shall be carried out as per technical specification SP-2179
4.2.3 Establishment of Location Classes for Onshore Pipelines
Based on the survey data, appropriate location classes shall be identified along the
pipeline route for pipelines transporting category C, D and E fluids, in accordance with
ASME B31.8 Article 840.2. There is no specific requirement for pipelines transporting
category A and B fluids, apart from access requirements during construction and for
maintenance and emergency services during operations.
ASME B31.8 Article 840.2.2 identifies 4 location classes, ranging from location class 1
(sparsely populated areas) to location class 4 (densely populated areas).
Since location classes are used for the determination the design factor (4.3.1), the route
selection should take due regard for the cost impact on pipeline sections in location
classes of higher category (e.g. class 3 and class 4).
4.2.4 Proximity to Occupied Buildings
In comparison to pipelines transporting category A and B fluids, pipelines transporting

category C, D, E fluids constitute potentially higher hazards to people nearby. There are
no provisions in ASME B31.8 to cover this, apart from the location classes defined in
(4.2.3) which only addresses population densities. For the purpose of initial routing,
Appendix 2 provides guidance for establishing minimum distances of pipelines from
occupied buildings depending on the type of the fluid, the pipeline diameter and its
maximum allowable operating pressure. Final routing should be established following the
pipeline safety assessment (4.1.4).
4.2.5 Proximity to Other Facilities
Separation requirements between the pipeline pig traps and other adjacent facilities
should be at least 15 meters. Pig trap systems should generally be located adjacent to
each other at a minimum distance of 10 meters, for ease of pigging operations.
4.2.6 Special Routing Considerations
Special considerations should be given when selecting a route for pipeline / flowline. The
route shall ensure it is safe for construction activities like trenching, material handling,
.etc.
All pipelines should have a permanent right of way with a width ranging from 4 m for
DN150 and below, to 10 m for DN600 and above (interpolate for in between sizes).
Additionally, all Class 1 pipelines shall have a permanent right of way with a width of 50
meters. The pipeline route should be centred on the right of way. Where two or more
pipelines are laid in parallel in the same corridor, the right of way corridor should be
enlarged by the space between the pipelines. In case the proposed ROW is crossing any
MOL / SOGL or Class 1 pipelines, refer to SP-2387 for details on restrictions on third
party or PDO activities and NOC requirements.
An access road with a minimum width of 5 meters shall be provided along one side of the
full length of all Class 1 pipelines. In the case of pipeline corridors, common access road
that can adequately support all the pipelines is sufficient.
Stress due to elastic radius of curvature shall be considered when evaluating equivalent
stresses. The equivalent stresses (including stress due to elastic radius) shall not exceed
the values given in Table 2. Hot or field cold bends shall be used when equivalent
stresses exceed the allowable limit.
Pipelines may be evaluated for installation in same trench where technically and
economically justified, e.g. in rocky terrain where blasting may be used or in congested
locations. In that case, the clear separation between 2 adjacent pipelines shall be 0.5 m
Revision: 6.1
minimum. The minimum clear distance for pipelines installed in a separate trench or an
aboveground line alongside an existing buried pipeline should range from 4 m for DN150
and below, to 7 m for DN900 and above (interpolate for in between sizes).
The crossing of existing pipelines, cables, power lines, roads, railways and waterways
should be as close as practicable to 90 degrees angle but should not be less than 45
degrees.
The minimum horizontal separation distance and other mitigation measures required to
minimise hazards arising from induced voltage effects, when a proposed pipeline route
runs parallel to an overhead power line, shall be evaluated and reference shall be made
to SP-1128 and SP-1208. The effects of overhead powerline parallelism shall be
considered for all metallic pipelines as per section 4.7.1 of this specification. The
aboveground flowlines / pipelines shall be spaced from overhead line poles at a distance
more than the height of nearby overhead line pole.
In case of GRP pipelines standard angle elbows should be used for routing as per
manufacturer recommendations. Metallic cable OR detectable tape, for future detection
of GRP buried pipe shall be provided in congested areas and near station approaches
for a minimum length from station fence as decided by design consultant during site visit
depending on site conditions. However in case FOC with detectable marker tape, is
installed along the line in the same trench, then this cable need not be installed.
For new pipeline / flowline installations in existing corridors / congested areas, crossing
of lines SHALL [PS] be done in such a way that proper marking is done to provide easy
tracablity of lines by maintenance team. This is to ensure that there will be no incorrect
identification of lines in future, when cutting / demolishing need arises.
4.3 Pipeline Strength Considerations
4.3.1 Design Factors (for hoop stress limitation of metallic pipelines)
The design factor applies to the minimal pipe wall thickness, excluding any corrosion
allowance.
The design factors for the calculation of the minimal wall thickness shall be as in Table 1,
derived from ASME B31.8 Table 841.1.6-2, but expanded to include ASME B31.4
pipelines.
NOTE: Table 1 provides the design factors for designs based on ASME B31.4/ B31.8;
they are not intended to replace the requirements included in National codes,
which may impose different design factors and/or hoop stress calculations based
on the minimum wall thickness (instead of nominal). These tables however
highlight the critical areas, and National requirements should be assessed
against the values provided. In any case, the Company should be satisfied that
the risk level at any point along the pipeline route remains within acceptable limits
(3.3).

Revision: 6.1
TABLE 1 DESIGN FACTORS FOR ONSHORE STEEL PIPELINES

FLUID CATEGORY A and B C, D and E
APPLICABLE CODE B31.4 B31.8
(Note 1)
LOCATION CLASSES 1 Div. 2 2 3 4
Pipelines 0.72 0.72 0.60 0.50 0.40
Crossings (Note 2 , 7)
Temporary crossings over existing 0.72 0.72 0.72 0.72 0.72
pipeline (used < 2 weeks)
Wadi type A, livestock 0.72 0.72 0.60 0.50 0.50
Private roads 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.50 0.40

Unimproved public roads 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.50 0.40
Roads, highways, streets, wadi (Type B 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.50 0.40
and C)
Rivers and beaches 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.50 0.40
Parallel encroachments
(Note 3)
Private roads 0.72 0.72 0.60 0.50 0.40
Unimproved public roads 0.72 0.60 0.60 0.50 0.40
Roads, highways, streets 0.72 0.60 0.60 0.50 0.40
Fabricated assemblies 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.50 0.40
(Note 4)
Pipelines on bridges 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.50 0.40

Near concentration of people 0.60 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.40
(Note 5)
Pipelines, within plant fences, block 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.50 0.40
valve stations and pig trap stations
(Note 6)
Above ground pipelines 0.72 0.72 0.60 0.50 0.40
NOTES
1: ASME B31.4 does not use design factors other than 0.72, which is considered inappropriate at
critical locations (e.g. crossings, within plant fences, near concentration of people), and for
fabricated assemblies. In these situations, modified design factors in line with ASME B31.8
location Class 1 Division 2 shall be used. One design factor of 0.72 may be used at all locations
for CS-PE lined water lines, provided it is demonstrated that the thickness selected is adequate
as per SP-2284 and meeting stress code compliance as per GU-969. For flowlines refer to
Appendix 4.
2: ASME B31.8 differentiates crossings with casings and without casings. Because of the poor
experience of cased crossings (i.e. annular corrosion), the same design factor is
recommended, whether a casing is used or not. Design factors for crossings of rivers, dunes
and beaches as well as temporary controlled crossings, not included in ASME B31.8, are
provided. Temporary crossings shall be monitored on a daily basis and windrow shall be
reinstated within one week of completion of the activity requiring a crossing.
3: Parallel encroachments are defined as those sections of a pipeline running parallel to existing
roads, at distance less than 50 metres.
4: Fabricated assemblies include pig traps, valve stations, headers, finger type slugcatchers, etc.
5: Concentrations of people are defined in ASME B31.8 Article 840.3.

Revision: 6.1
6: This category, not specifically covered in ASME B31.8, is added for increased safety.
7: Reference is also made here to SP-2284 for assessment of vehicle loading over existing lines.
4.3.2 Design Factors for Hoop Stress Limitation of GRP/FCPPipelines

GRP Pipeline design factors shall be determined as described in SP-2092.
Flexible composite pipes (FCP) SHALL [PS] be designed and installed in accordance SP-
1208.
4.3.3 Steel Quality
The linepipe for pipeline construction should be as per section 5.4 of this specification.
Carbon steel Pipelines are commonly constructed with linepipe in steel grades L290/X42
to L450/X65 as defined in ISO 3183/ API 5L.
Lower grades such as L245 and higher grades may be appropriate in some cases.
Experience within PDO is presently limited up to and including L485 and problems have
been encountered in the industry for higher grades (hydrogen embrittlement caused by
cathodic protection, weldability, required tensile to yield ratio). Use of grades L555 and
above should at present be avoided. Appropriate derating factors, in accordance with
Table 841.1.8-1 of ASME B31.8, should be used for pipelines operating at high
temperatures.
NOTE: Table 841.1.8-1 applies to carbon steel materials (derating required above 121
°C).
Attention shall be given to the fracture toughness properties of pipe material for gas
pipelines to prevent the possibility of long running fractures. This is particularly critical
when low temperatures are possible, e.g. downstream of pressure reduction stations and
at exposed above ground locations, such as the throttle bypass valves at Block Valve
Stations.
The pipe body materials for pipelines carrying category C, D, E fluids SHALL [PS] be
capable of arresting running ductile shear failures. Running ductile shear failure
resistance is assessed by parent material Charpy testing.
4.3.4 Minimum Wall Thickness
The nominal pipe wall thickness including corrosion allowance shall not be less than
4.8 mm for all metallic and PE-lined pipelines. For MOL and SOGL pipelines, the
minimum wall thickness shall be 5.6 mm. For all GRP pipelines minimum thickness
(handling and impact resistance requirement) shall be 3.8 mm (including liner and top
coat).
The diameter to wall thickness ratio should not exceed 96 for metallic pipelines (except
for HFW pipes – refer to clause 5.4), unless it can be demonstrated that higher values
are not detrimental to the handling, field bending and other aspects relating to
construction and in-situ integrity of the pipeline. Collapse due to vacuum conditions shall
be accounted for in the design of all pipelines, also when vacuum conditions are not
expected to occur in service.
Design pipe wall thickness may be custom ordered (i,e calculated thickness). However
Linepipe may be procured as per the standard thickness if commercially attractive during
procurement stage in consultation with Company.

Revision: 6.1
4.3.5 Equivalent Stresses (for restrained pipelines)
4.3.5.1 METALLIC PIPELINES

The wall thickness, initially derived from hoop stress considerations based on design
factors (Table 1), should be such that the longitudinal, shear, and equivalent stresses in
the pipe wall under functional and environmental loads do not exceed certain values. This
is covered in ASME B31.4 Article 402 and of ASME B31.8 Article 833. Because, the
requirements in these various articles differ from each other, it is recommended to use a
single approach for all pipelines as detailed below.
 The equivalent stress is defined as follows:
Seq = (Sh2 + SL 2- ShSL+ 3Ss2)1/2 (Von Mises equation)
Seq = equivalent stress
Sh = hoop stress (due to pressure)
SL = longitudinal stress (due to pressure, thermal expansion and bending)
Ss = combined shear stress (due to torque and shear force)
Formulae for Sh, SL and Ss can be found in Appendix 3.
 The equivalent stress shall not exceed the values given in Table 2.
The stress calculations for the operational phase shall be carried out with the nominal
wall thickness excluding the corrosion allowance.
Instead of an equivalent stress criterion as detailed above, a strain-based criterion may
be used if considered more appropriate (see 4.3.7).
TABLE 2 ALLOWABLE EQUIVALENT STRESS (PERCENT OF SPECIFIED
MINIMUM YIELD STRESS)
FUNCTIONAL PLUS ENVIRONMENTAL LOADS
Installation (Note 1) 90%
Road crossings 90%

Hydrostatic test (Note 1) 100%
Operation 90%
NOTE 1: For the installation and hydrostatic test conditions, the environmental loads may be based
on one-year return period.
A detailed stress analysis shall be carried using CAESAR II or Company approved
equivalent software to ensure that the induced stresses are within above allowable limits
during operation phases of the pipeline.
4.3.5.2 Non Metallic pipelines
The requirements given in the preceding paragraphs of this section were primarily
developed for the use of metallic pipe. Where non-metallic pipe such as GRP or FCP is
selected as the material of choice, relevant Company standards should be used. The
detailed design of such pipelines shall include a stress analysis of the complete length of
the pipeline using CAESAR II software and include provisions such as thrust and/or
anchor blocks where necessary to ensure that the pipeline is not overstressed locally. In
general it is preferred to design the pipeline with sufficient wall thickness and large radius
bends such that the use of thrust blocks or anchor blocks is minimised / eliminated. Type
of support / stops to be used shall be based on the outcome of stress analysis which shall
be carried out for complete GRP-metallic piping, by Company approved manufacturers /
consultants only.GRP pipelines shall be designed in accordance with the requirements
of this specification and additional requirements specified in SP-2092 and ISO 14692-3,

Revision: 6.1
and FCP pipeline SHALL [PS] be designed and installed in accordance with the
requirements of SP-1208.
4.3.6 Stress Analysis
Detailed flexibility analysis shall be carried out during detail design for above ground (or
sections of) metallic pipelines, at design pressure and black bulb or design temperature
whichever is higher. For buried (or sections of) metallic pipelines, this analysis shall be
carried out at design pressure and maximum & minimum operating temperature. For non
metallic lines this analysis shall be carried out at design pressure and design temperature.
Hydrotest case shall also be run with test pressures as per SP-1212. GU-969 for pipeline
stress analysis should be followed.
Metric system shall be used.
Installation temperature may be considered as 21° C. However for exotic materials like
DSS, the installation temperature may be higher in case the actual time of installation is
planned in summer, to optimise the thickness of pipeline.
Metallic lines shall comply with B31.4 / 31.8 codes as applicable. Soil modelling for buried
portion of the pipelines shall be done based on American Lifelines Alliance guidelines on
design of buried pipelines and geotechnical survey data should be used during detailed
design. For buried metallic lines, design consultant shall ensure that the combined
stresses in the stress report are based on Von Mises theory of failure. For above ground
/ unrestrained metallic lines the acceptance criteria for allowable stress shall be as per
B31.4 / 31.8 codes. GRP lines shall comply with ISO14692.
Longitudinal stresses shall be computed considering both tensile and compressive values
of bending stresses.
Flange (metallic and non-metallic) leakage calculation shall be carried out based on GU-
969.
For high temperature buried pipelines (> 82° C) the thickness of the line should be
optimised by considering larger radius bends (than indicated in 4.3.8) in offplot areas and
higher cover depth as practical.
Pipeline design basis shall indicate details like load case combinations, soil modelling
input data,.etc, and shall be accepted by Pipeline TA2, prior to stress analysis. Dynamic
analysis in case required (Ref GU-969) shall also be identified in the Pipeline design basis
(including slug loads /surge loads / other dynamic conditions as applicable).
Permanent supports/clamps shall be used to support and restrain the pig traps. These
shall be designed to carry the weight of the pig trap system filled with water (or other
fluids if their density is greater than that of water) together with the weight of intelligent
pigs, if applicable. The supports under the pig trap barrel should normally be of the
sliding/clamp type to compensate for expansion of the unrestrained part of the pipeline.
Other supports may be fixed if design calculations indicate that sufficient flexibility is
incorporated in the pipework to compensate for any possible axial and transverse
movements.
Stress analysis reports shall be approved by Company Pipeline TA2 prior to start of
construction.
4.3.7 Strain Based Design
During pipeline construction, it is sometimes more appropriate to apply limitations to the

maximum allowable strain of the pipe wall rather than to a maximum allowable stress.
Examples during installation are field cold bending of onshore pipelines. When the
pipeline is plastically deformed, it shall be demonstrated that, after straining, the pipeline
material still complies with the required specifications; this is particularly relevant to
toughness, hardness and yield to tensile ratio properties. A maximum permanent bending
Revision: 6.1
strain of 2 percent resulting from installation is acceptable in general. For pipelines in

operation, the equivalent stress requirements (4.3.5) may lead in some situations to very
high wall thicknesses and a strain-based approach may be used instead. This is
particularly relevant to pipelines transporting hot products
4.3.8 Field bends
Pipes may be bent cold in the field to fit pipeline alignment and topographical conditions.
Field bends shall be made on bending machines, which provide sufficient support to the
pipe cross-section to prevent buckling or wrinkling of the pipe wall and to maintain coating
integrity.
In general, the minimum bending radii should not be less than:
- 25 D for pipe NPS of less than 8”
- 30 D for pipe NPS of 8” to 16”
- 40 D for pipe NPS of over 16”
However, cold field bends on the pipeline portion of the pig trap systems (swan neck
portion) should have minimum bending radius of 60D, where D is the pipeline diameter.
Refer also to section 4.9.3 for use hot bends in mainline designed for intelligent pigging.
The strain induced in a pipeline by bending it along a radius R is given by:
D

2R
where:  = Bending strain in outer fibre
D = Pipe outer diameter [m]
R = Bending radius [m]
Bend thinning calculations shall be performed. Recommended formula for calculating

bend thinning is as below.
bend thinning % = 50/(n+1)%
tb = (1-bend thinning) x t
where,
t= nominal thickness.
n= inner bend radius/pipe outer diameter.
tb = pipe wall thickness after bending.
In exceptions where severe space constraints exists, cold field bends may be made to a
shorter radius than shown above provided that, after bending, the permanent bending
strain is within 2%, the pipe ovality is not greater than 2.5%and the wall thickness is not
less than permitted by design. A field test bend shall be made to demonstrate that the
cold field bends with shorter radius than shown above are with smooth surface and free
from buckles, wrinkles, cracks, coating damages and other evidence of mechanical
damage. Ovality check at road crossings - is not applicable for non piggable pipelines/
flowlines and casing pipes.
Elastic bend radius shall be as per approved calculations or 500 x D whichever is more.
This value of elastic bend radius shall be indicated on the alignment sheets.

Revision: 6.1
4.4 Crossings
The design of crossings depends in general on the installation method.

Casings for the crossing of roads shall not be used for metallic pipelines, because of the
difficulty in providing the pipeline with adequate protection against external corrosion. CS
or HDPE casings should be used for non-metallic pipelines. Calculations shall be
approved prior to use of CS or HDPE casings. HDPE casings shall not be used at
crossing locations, where heavy loads such as rig movement is expected.
Trenchless crossings (e.g. horizontal directional drilling, micro-tunnelling) should be used
for blacktop crossings, where it is found more feasible than open trench, with due
consideration to space availability, economics and government permission requirements.
The recommended minimum covers at crossings are given in Table 3.
A minimum vertical separation of 0.5 m shall be kept between the pipeline and any other
buried structures, e.g. existing pipelines, cables, foundations, etc.
Detailed road crossing analyses shall be performed using API RP 1102 for new crossings,
taking into account all potential traffic loads (refer to SP-2284 for traffic loads) or where
unusually heavy traffic loading is foreseen at the road crossings of new pipeline. The
stress levels in pipeline at the crossing shall be within the allowable equivalent stress for
functional plus environmental loading noted in Table 2 of Para 4.3.5. Buried pipe tends
to ovalize under the effects of earth and live loads. This ovality shall be calculated with
deflection lag factor of 1.0, as per section 4.2 of American lifelines Allianz technical paper
on “Guidelines for the design of buried steel pipe” and shall be limited to 2.5%. Ovality
check at road crossings - is not applicable for non piggable pipelines/ flowlines and casing
pipes.
HDPE casing calculations should be done in accordance with “Plastics Pipe Institute
Hand Book” (www.plasticpipe.org)
Allowable loads per road crossing shall be fully documented and shall form part of the
handover documentation.
4.5 Burial Philosophy / Pipeline Protection
Onshore Class 1 pipelines, which are Class 1 by virtue of Health and Safety
considerations as specified in Appendix 1, shall be buried to protect them from
mechanical damage, fires and tampering. The recommended minimum covers are given
in Table 3, based on ASME B31.8 Article 841.1.11, but modified for increased safety
margins and vehicle loading at crossings. Class 1 pipelines (which are not class 1 by
virtue of Health and Safety) may be installed aboveground if this can be shown to reduce
NPV life cycle costs. Class 2 and Class 3 pipelines may be installed above ground. If
the criticality classification of Gas lift lines permits aboveground installation, then ALARP
demonstration shall be performed and all risks shall be mitigated for above ground
installation. Gas flowlines from gas wells SHALL [PS] not be installed aboveground.
In determining depth cover in agricultural areas, the depth of ploughing and of drain
systems shall be considered.
The location of buried pipelines shall be clearly identified by markers and windrows. In
areas where the risk of interference by mechanical excavators is high, a warning tape
should be installed in the trench above the pipeline to further lower the risk.
In areas where lines can be covered under blown sand, the supports of above ground
pipelines shall be of the goal post type to avoid external corrosion. Pipe supports should
be designed in accordance with GU-969, however, wear plates or reinforcement sleeves
shall only be attached to the line if permitted in GU-969, section 12.7.2
All GRP lines shall be buried.

Revision: 6.1
Buried pipelines operating at high temperatures may be susceptible to upheaval buckling

caused by high compressive loads. Upheaval buckling can be prevented either by
expansion offsets regularly spaced along the pipeline, or a sufficient burial cover. The
use of expansion bellows to accommodate thermal movement is not recommended.
Reference is made to OTC 6335/ K Peter’s technical paper. Upheaval buckling
calculations shall be performed for all buried lines with design temperatures above 82
deg C
TABLE 3 RECOMMENDED MINIMUM COVER FOR ONSHORE PIPELINES
MINIMUM COVER (M) (Note 1)

LOCATION CLASS (as defined in IN NORMAL GROUND IN ROCK, REQUIRING
ASME B 31.8) BLASTING OR ROCK
CUTTING (note 4)
Location Class 1 0.6 0.50

Location Class 2 0.90 0.60
Location Class 3, 4 and Flood Plain 1.2 0.90
Public and private roads, Wadi, live 1.50 1.50
stock passage crossings
NOTES
1. The cover refers to the undisturbed ground level. Additional protection by way of minimum
750mm high Windrow shall be provided over the buried pipeline.
2. For pipelines transporting category A and B fluids, the minimum cover to the pipeline shall
meet the requirements of Location Class 1 above.
3. Shallow burial of Class 1 steel and GRP pipelines and flowlines may be considered in areas
of very hard rock. Shallow burial to a minimum depth of cover of 0.3 meter is acceptable
provided that it can be demonstrated by calculations that no risk of upheaval buckling exists
without any additional load protection. If upheaval buckling exists gabions or similar load
protection devices shall be installed along the full length of the pipeline as additional
protection where shallow burial has been accepted. For details on typical dwgs please refer
to SP-1208.. Where shallow burial has been accepted, properly designed vehicle crossings
shall be provided at 2 km intervals.
4. Hard rock excavation is excavation that requires blasting or rock cutting (breaking).
4.6 Stability
All submerged sections of onshore pipelines in floodable areas, high water table areas,
wadi crossings, etc., should be stable under the combined action of hydrostatic and
hydrodynamic forces. The on-bottom stability can be achieved by increasing the pipe wall
thickness, by the application of concrete weight coating, by spaced anchor points, by
trenching, or by burial. Special considerations shall be given to pipelines installed in weak
soils (e.g. peat or soft sand, false fills), at dyke and sand dune crossings, etc. as well as
anchor and thrust block locations where differential settlements may lead to pipeline loss
of integrity.
4.7 Corrosion Protection And Monitoring
4.7.1 External Corrosion
All metallic buried pipelines including duplex material pipelines, shall be coated externally
by a suitable anti-corrosion coating, supplemented by cathodic protection (for duplex

Revision: 6.1
steel pipelines, Company Materials and Corrosion department should be consulted for
specific recommendations and requirements on CP).
To ensure that adequate cathodic protection can be demonstrated at all times, pipelines
should be electrically isolated individually from the plants to which they are connected in
accordance with SP-1236 Figure 1.
The design of cathodic protection systems for onshore pipelines shall be carried out in
accordance with Specification SP-1128.
For 132kV and above over head power line running parallel to the pipeline, if the
separation distance from the pipeline is less than 500m and the length of parallelism is
more than 0.5km, then mitigation study is required and mitigation measures shall be
implemented as per SP-1128.
For 33kV and below over head power line running parallel to the pipeline, if the separation
distance from the pipeline is less than 15m and the length of parallelism is more than
0.5km, then mitigation study is required and mitigation measures shall be implemented
as per SP-1128.
A specialist CP Engineering Consultant shall execute the CP design and mitigation
measures. The PDO CFDHs for Electrical Engineering and Corrosion & Material should
also be consulted.
The sections of the pipeline that are externally insulated (either for thermal requirements
or fire protection) should be designed to prevent ingress of water in the annulus between
the pipeline and the insulation, and should be inspectable for external corrosion.
Cathodic overprotection in terms of differential potential shall be avoided. Duplex
stainless steel and higher grade carbon steels (above L415) are particularly sensitive to
hydrogen embrittlement caused by excessive cathodic protection voltage.
The requirement of isolating joints SHALL [PS] be confirmed by M&C TA2. Where
permitted electrical isolation of pipelines from plants shall be done by isolation joints.
Isolating joints shall comply with requirements of SP-1236.
Short buried sections (e.g. road crossings, wadi crossing) SHALL [PS] be externally
protected by using 3LPE /3LPP as per coating temperature limitations. PCS-4 as per
SP-1246 shall only be used in case 3LPE / 3LPP coated pipes are not available.
Short aboveground sections likely to be covered by blown sand SHALL [PS] be externally
protected by using 3LPE . PCS-4 as per SP-1246 shall only be used in case 3LPE coated
pipes are not available.
In the case that the pipeline is to be buried in highly corrosive soil and the installation of
the permanent cathodic protection system cannot be finalized before the pipeline is buried
(pipelines with long construction periods) or if specified by the Company, a temporary
cathodic protection system shall be installed. Such a system shall be designed in the
same way as a permanent cathodic protection system with the exception that material
quantities and quality shall be adequate to cover a lifetime equal to the time of the pipeline
construction until the expected commissioning of the permanent cathodic protection
system. Anode connections shall be constructed such that they can easily be connected
/ disconnected during and/or after commissioning of the permanent system.
Split tees left over on buried pipeline, subsequent to a hot tap operation shall be applied
with approved putty/paste and wrapped with PCS-4 coating prior to back filling.
4.7.2 Internal Corrosion
Corrosion Barriers and design requirements for internal corrosion shall be as per SP-
2337.
Polyethylene linings are susceptible to attack by aromatics, and to permeation of any
dissolved gas in the transported fluid. To prevent lining collapse when the pipeline is
depressurised, the permeated gas should be relieved from the annulus. PE Lining

Revision: 6.1
systems shall comply with requirements of SP-2094 / SP-2380. Spools and fittings used
in PE lined pipelines shall be rotolined for internal corrosion protection. Break away
flanges shall be provided to facilitate pulling of liners, as per PE liner installation
contractor recommendations, with further optimisation in discussion with pipeline TA3.
Break away flanges for buried lines shall be shall be applied with approved putty/paste
and wrapped with PCS-4 coating prior to back filling.
Internal coatings for preventing corrosion shall only be applied if automatic joint coating
and holiday detection systems can guarantee a holiday-free application. Alternatively,
use of internal joint sleeves (e.g. ‘thrukote sleeves’) may be considered if this does not
affect piggability and inspectability of the line.
Inhibitor injection and sampling points should be considered for corrosion mitigation and
monitoring. The requirement for inhibition shall be clearly stated and recognized during
material selection. This requirement is applicable for both piggable and non piggable
carbon steel pipelines.
Dead legs shall be avoided in the system to avoid corrosion issues both in new and
integrity modification projects.
For piggable pipelines prior to commissioning, cleaning pigs as per PR-2383 shall be
procured. Two year pig spare & pig trap spares required for maintenance activities shall
be procured as per PR-2216 & SP-2348, based on pigging frequency and below
guidelines:
i. Spare parts sufficient for commissioning and 6 months of operation to be ordered
along with original purchase order.
ii. Subsequently, the Maintenance & Integrity (DOI4) team will do SAP coding for
spare parts and provide BOM (bill of materials) for project engineer to order the
spares for remaining 1.5 year operation, ensuring delivery within 6 months from
commissioning date.
iii. All these spares parts (commissioning + 6 months operation + 1.5 year operation)
will be ordered through the project budget.
Internal paint markings for individual pipe identification should not be used when corrosive
conditions will be present in service.
4.7.3 Baseline Inspection requirements
Baseline inspection shall be performed by Project team, as per requirements in SP-1210

4.7.4 Corrosion Monitoring
For buried pipelines, the occurrence of coating damage is normally monitored by cathodic
protection measurements.Requirements for corrosion control for carbon steel pipelines
shall be as per SP-2337. If the pipeline is made of corrosion resistant material (e.g.
duplex, GRP, clad steel), there is normally no need to monitor for internal corrosion.
For carbon steel pipelines, the control of internal corrosion is normally by applying a tight
control on the process parameters (e.g. water dew point in gas transmission systems,
BS&W on crude systems, injection of corrosion inhibitor). The requirement and type of
corrosion monitoring system SHALL [PS] be confirmed by M & C TA2. Where permitted
- for buried lines, concrete pits should be installed to facilitate safe access for inspection.
Installation of corrosion monitoring fittings shall be done as per PR-1642. The location
and number of pits should be determined in consultation with the Company corrosion
control support function. Such pits shall not be installed in wadi locations.
Carbon steel lines laid above ground shall have access for inspection by MFL tools and
by UT. Supports should have a minimum elevation of 300 mm above grade level. When
corrosive conditions, which may lead to significant corrosion damage, are present, either
internally or externally, a complete inspection of the pipeline should be carried out using

Revision: 6.1
intelligent pigging. Intelligent pigging should also be used when the criticality of the
pipeline is such that proof of continued integrity is required.
4.8 Internal Flow Coatings
Internal flow coatings, as per ISO 15741 shall be used for gas applications in order to
limit corrosion during transit, storage and construction, to facilitate precommissioning, to
reduce hydraulic friction losses, pig wear and the formation of pyrophoric dust. It is
highlighted that flow coating is NOT a corrosion protection mechanism.
Pyrophoric dust (FeS) may be produced in pipelines, when the fluid contains H 2S (even
in small quantities), under specific conditions. FeS will form when the fluid is in contact
with bare steel pipe over a sufficient period, and the water vapour content of the gas is in
excess of 60 percent of the content corresponding to the water dew point. FeS creates
operational problems, particularly at pressure reduction stations; it is a hazard when it
comes in contact with air, e.g. when it is recovered at a pig receiver (self ignition). Finally,
the dust can accumulate at isolating flanges and, since it is conductive, render them
ineffective. When pyrophoric dust is expected, internal flow coating of the pipeline is
strongly recommended (coating at the field welds, however, is not required).
The hydraulic studies conducted during the conceptual and FEED stages of a project
shall include an assessment of the economic benefits of use of flow coat. The resulting
reduction in friction pressure loss may suffice to reduce the line size and or allow
considerable savings in required compression power.
4.9 Provision For Pigging
4.9.1 General
All pipelines, except short length spur lines shall be suitable to pass pigs, even if pig traps
are not permanently installed. Pigging should be used for the pre-commissioning,
commissioning and decommissioning of pipelines, cleaning and corrosion control
(removal of wax, debris and stagnant liquids, batch inhibition), the control of liquid hold-
up in gas lines, inspection with intelligent pigs, and pipeline repairs if required.
All Class 1 pipelines shall be designed to allow intelligent pigging, maintenance pigging,
except if they are constructed from non-metallic or corrosion resistant metallic materials
or PE lined pipelines. Guidelines and requirements for intelligent pigging are given in SP-
1210.
Class 1 pipelines made of corrosion resistant materials, non metallic and PE lined shall
have provision for maintenance pigging. This is required to allow pigging, to take place
efficiently, without having to drain large volumes of hydrocarbons. The provision for
pigging may consist of a pig trap or pig valves, or a barred tee and a full-bore valve with
a blind flange to which a pig trap can be connected. These lines may be provided with
removable spools, in lieu of these provisions, only in cases where it is feasible to install
temporary pigging facilities on removal of these spools, when required to facilitate
commissioning / decommissioning pigging. Any maintenance pigging activity in non-
metallic pipelines shall require approval from Material and Corrosion function. Special
attention should be paid to the requirement to maintain a minimum internal diameter and
bending radius for the whole length of the pipeline. Permanent pigging facilities should
be justified based on an analysis of pigging frequency and operational constraints. The
maximum acceptable distance between pigging stations should be decided on the basis
of anticipated pig wear and amount of collected solids, but should normally not exceed
150 km.
The use of spheres should be limited to batch inhibition and to liquids removal in two-
phase lines. Spheres may be considered when automatic launching is envisaged, or for
pigging of branch lines, when the use of conventional pigs is not possible.

Revision: 6.1
Only after consultation with Pipeline Maintenance team, Permanent pig signallers (non-
intrusive strap-on) should be fitted when frequent pigging operations are anticipated. (i.e.
more frequent than once per Quarter).
Ancillary equipment should be flush mounted and barred tees should be used on main
line sections of the pipeline. In the case of spheres, sphere tees should be used with
drainage provision to prevent collection of debris and liquids, which could cause corrosive
conditions in the sphere tee annulus.
The design of permanent pig trap systems shall be in accordance with Appendix 7.
Operational pigging requirements detailed in SP-1210 shall be considered during the
design of pig trap systems. When designing the temporary pigging facilities due
cognisance shall be given for the requirements of SP-1125 for isolations. The end closure
shall be in vertical plane, even when slope is provided on the barrel.
4.9.2 Isolation philosophy
The isolation of the main stream and of the ancillary equipment on pig traps requires
careful choice of valve type and configuration to allow safe operation, maintenance and
repair without depressurising or decommissioning the pipeline. Pig trap isolation shall be
based on below:
 Single block & bleed apply to sweet or sour service (upto 650ppm) and 600# & below
flange rating systems
 Double block & bleed apply to sour service (above 650ppm) and 900# & above flange
rating systems
A double block and bleed system, consisting of two separate isolation valves in series
with a bleed point in between to allow diversion to a safe location (and not blinded) of any
fluid leaking through either valve, should be used as prescribed in SP-1125 “Isolation of
Process equipment”. For critical sour applications the same shall be routed to closed
drain system.
4.9.3 Isolation methods on live pipelines
The line isolation technique to be used on live pipelines, shall be selected based on
feasibility, schedule and costs (including engineering, procurement, installation,
deferment (if any)..etc); If shutdown is not possible, then hot tap / stopple method or with
isolation plugs may be used, based on feasibility and the method used is economically
justified. For Hot tap / stoppling methodology refer to SP-2276 and isolation plugs refer
to SP-2314. Welding of split tees on live lines is permitted only by approved contractors
as per AVME PSG-104.
4.9.4 Intelligent Pigs
The following should be considered in the design of pipelines, based on the requirements
for intelligent pigging:
 The internal diameter variations of main line sections should be limited. This may
require the heavy wall sections of the pipeline (e.g. road or railway crossings) to
be specified based on the internal diameter, instead of the outside diameter
normally used.
 Where sections of different internal diameter are connected together, the
chamfer angle at the transition should not exceed 14 degrees, measured from
the axis of the pipe (i.e. a taper of 1:4).
 The main line valves shall be full bore.
 All main line bends should have a sufficient radius to allow passage of intelligent
pigs. Induction heated hot bends in the pipeline should be of the following
minimum radii.
o Pipeline below DN150: 7D to 10D
Revision: 6.1
o Pipeline DN150 to DN 250: 5D

o Pipeline DN 300 and above: 3D
4.10 Line Sectionalising And Emergency Shut Down Valves

4.10.1 General
Requirements for the design of Block Valve Stations and associated piping including
valve selection requirements are given in Specification SP-1032.
4.10.2 Sectionalising Block Valves
The spacing of sectionalising block valves should consider limiting the pipeline contents
between adjacent valves.
Criteria for spacing and location of block valve stations shall be as per SP-1032 section
2.1 requirements.
Future tie-ins from other fields or tie-in of (partial) looplines should be considered in the
design, and selection of the location of block valve stations. BVS’s should preferably be
located on a local high spot with good access from public roads, and never in a Wadi or
low point.
4.10.3 Emergency Shutdown Valves
ESD valves should be located at each end of the pipeline, and on the incoming and
outgoing sections of any plant en route, such as compressor or pumping stations and
intermediate pig trap stations. The valves should be located close to the plant fences,
and they should preferably be welded into the main pipeline to minimise the number of
potential leak paths. (refer to SP-1125 Isolation of Process Equipment).
ESD valves should not be provided with bypass however if required, the bypass valve
shall meet the ESD valve design requirements as per SP-1243.
4.10.4 Valve Actuation
Three methods of operating block valves may be considered: locally, remotely (preferred)
and automatically (not preferred). The appropriate method shall be determined from a
study of the likely effects of a leak and acceptable release volumes, based on the total
time in which a leak can be detected, located and isolated. The closure time of the valves
shall not create surge pressures in excess of the pressure allowed by this specification,
as applicable. The option of installing a two-speed actuator may be considered to reduce
valve closure speed over the last 10% to 20% of the valve travel movement. However,
the failure rate of these two speed actuators shall be assessed and reliability confirmed
before its use.
Automatic valves can be activated by detection of low pressure, increased flow, rate of
loss of pressure or a combination of these, or a signal from a leak detection system. Low
pressure detection shall not be used if the control system is designed to maintain the
pipeline pressure. Automatic valves shall be fail-safe to close.
Valve actuators & gearboxes should be adequately sized to operate valves without over
gearbox damage and shear pins should be fitted to valve stems to prevent gearbox /
actuator damage in event of high torques due to valve damage / debris in valve seats /
ball.
The process safeguarding system when an emergency shutdown condition occurs at the
plant or facility shall actuate the emergency shutdown valves.
4.10.5 Leak Detection
The requirements for and type of leak detection systems should be derived from an
evaluation of the criticality of the pipeline with regards to the consequence of a leak,
Revision: 6.1
depending on the transported product, the potential amount released, the sensitivity of
the environment, the level of preparedness of emergency response system in place and
the location class, as defined in ASME B31.8.
4.10.6 Blowdown
Facilities for operational and emergency pipeline depressurisation shall be available at

one end of the pipeline and, for pipelines transporting category C and D (but not E ) fluids,
which are gaseous at ambient temperature and pressure, and at each sectionalising valve
location. The capacity of the blowdown system should be such that the pressure in the
pipeline can be reduced as rapidly as practicable without requiring that the material of the
pipeline be exposed to temperatures below the design temperature. The facilities for blow
down shall be examined during the FEED design review.
Cold vents shall be of sufficient height that the flammable envelope has disappeared prior
to reaching ground level. The fenced sterile area surrounding the vent shall be sized such
that the radiation levels from an ignited (accidentally) vent complies with the requirements
of SP-2279
For category C, D & E fluids, the material specified for the blowdown system should be
compatible with the low temperatures encountered during blowdown.
4.11 Overpressure Protection
The risk of pipeline over pressurisation shall be controlled by pressure safe guarding
system in accordance to SP-2316 and SP-2283.
4.11.1 Maximum Allowable Pipeline Pressures
There are two governing levels of pressure in the safeguarding of pipelines against
overpressurisation: the Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP), which shall not
be exceeded at any point along the pipeline during normal continuous operations, and
the Maximum Allowable Incidental Pressure (MAIP), which shall not be exceeded at any
point along the pipeline during upset conditions.
MAIP for metallic pipelines:
The maximum allowable incidental pressure (MAIP) shall be 1.1 times MAOP for
Category A and B fluids. However for Pipelines with category C, D and E fluids, MAIP is
limited to a pressure which results in a hoop stress not exceeding 75 % of SMYS.
MAIP in GRP lines:
The maximum allowable incidental pressure (MAIP) for GRP lines shall not exceed the
design pressure of the pipeline.
4.11.2 Overpressurisation by the Upstream Facility
When the pressure immediately upstream of the pipeline is in excess of the evacuation
requirements, the pipeline may be designed to operate at lower pressures, in which case
a pressure control system shall be installed to limit the pipeline inlet pressure. However,
any type of pressure control system shall not be considered as an overpressure
protection system.
When, following failure of the pressure control system, the maximum pressure which may
be generated by the upstream facility is such that it results in pipeline pressures in excess
of MAIP, an overpressure protection system shall be fitted between the upstream facility
and the pipeline. Four methods can be considered as per SP-2283:
 Fully rated mechanical design
 Combination of Full flow relief and Safety Instrumented function
 Combination of Partial flow relief and Safety Instrumented function.
Revision: 6.1
 Safety Instrumented functions as ultimate protection.

4.11.3 Surge Pressures
Pressure surges in pipelines are created by a change in momentum of the moving stream
(e.g. resulting from valve closure). The occurrence of pressure surges should be
determined by transient pressure analysis, using a specialised simulation computer
program such as TLNet. OLGA should be used to analyse transient hydraulic behaviour
of multiphase pipelines.
Surge pressures are particularly critical for pipelines transporting liquid fluids, because of
the high density and lower compressibility compared to gaseous fluids. Although damping
of the pressure wave initiated at the point of blockage occurs as it travels upstream, surge
may in some cases result in the highest pipeline pressure at a location well upstream of
the point of origin. This may occur in particular for liquid pipelines in hilly terrain.
The pipeline system shall be designed such that surge pressures cannot exceed MAIP
at any point along the pipeline, and will not trigger the system for overpressure protection
from the upstream facility if fitted.
Methods of preventing the generation of unacceptably high surge pressures include valve
closure speed reduction, use of two speed actuators or special fast-response pressure
relief systems installed to close to the point of surge initiation. Surge pressures from
closure of mainline valves at block valve stations can be avoided by installing in-line relief
valves or surge relief valve on the bypass line (refer to SP-1032).
4.11.4 Thermal Effects
If a pipeline, or part of it, can be blocked-in while containing a medium with a low
compressibility (e.g. liquids), the effect of possible thermal expansion of the blocked-in
fluid volume on the internal pressure of the pipe section (e.g. due to solar heating) should
be investigated.
The pipeline system shall be designed such that pressures generated by thermal effects
cannot exceed MAIP at any point along the pipeline, and will not trigger the system for
overpressure protection from the upstream facility if fitted. When those pressures are part
of the routine operation of the pipeline, i.e. they occur a significant portion of the time they
shall not exceed MAOP.
Applying relief valves may affect the protection against overpressure due to thermal
effects. Except on assemblies which can be isolated such as pig trap systems and slug
catchers, an isolation valve may be installed between the pipeline and the relief valve for
maintenance purposes, provided that procedural controls are in place to ensure that the
isolation valve remains normally in the open position, and that the pipeline is not required
to be shut in while the relief valve is out of service.
Thermal relief valves located on above ground pipework between valves (e.g. Block valve
station pipework) may be routed back into the main pipeline (but not across ESD valves).
4.12 Branch Connections And Fittings
Threaded connections (pipe to pipe, fittings), Positive Seal Coupling (PSC), slip-on
flanges and mitred connections shall not be used in any part of the pipeline system ,
except for 150# rated category A fluid Pipeline. The minimum length of pup pieces shall
be the larger of D or 500 mm. An exception to this is the fabrication of GRP components
where the fabrication of mitered bends is allowed, provided that the bends are qualified
as per SP-2092 and fabricated under factory controlled conditions as a single fitting
connected to straight pipe.
All branch connections (except for pressure relief systems, see 4.11) should be provided
with a valve to permit isolation of the branch from the pipeline.

Revision: 6.1
For mechanical strength reasons, there shall be no branch or instrument connection

smaller than DN50 on pipelines except in case of PE liner vents (with ½” valves) which
shall be as below:
Upto and including 6” pipe - ½” size
From 8” to 12” pipe - 1” size
14” pipe and above - 2” size
For pipelines smaller than DN50, the branch connections should have the same diameter
as the pipeline. Weldolets larger than DN 100 shall not be used. Sockolets shall not be
used.
For flanges with a lower yield strength than the mainline pipe to which they are welded,
the pipe to flange transition design shall be confirmed to comply with the transition
requirements specified in ASME B31.4/B31.8.
Piping materials should conform to SP-2342.
Special precautions shall be taken while tightening flanged joints. Methods include use
of conventional wrenches/spanners, hydraulic torquing and hydraulic jack bolt tensioning.
Selection of a particular method for flange tightening shall depend on bolt size, system
pressure rating, service and material of construction. SP-2020 shall be referred to in
consultation with Mech Static – Piping function for use of appropriate method and
procedures.
Branch connections to operating pipeline shall be made by hot tap technique as detailed
in DEP 31.38.60.10.
4.13 Telecommunications
For any pipeline system, telecommunications should be provided to assist in the

operational and maintenance activities (pipeline inspection, end to end communications
for pigging operations, emergency situations, etc.). Pipeline monitoring from a central
location and remote operations involving the use of reliable telecommunications such as
fibre optic cables should be considered for all pipelines transporting toxic fluids (i.e. fluid
E ).
4.14 Records
A comprehensive set of design documents shall be produced and retained for the life of
the pipeline. These documents should include all the design calculations and
assessments, which led to the technical choices during conception and design of the
pipeline. They shall form part of the hand-over documentation (Section 8).

Revision: 6.1
5 MATERIAL PROCUREMENT
5.1 General
All materials shall be procured from Manufacturers/Suppliers approved by the Company,

as specified in the latest AVME (Approved Vendors of Materials and Equipment). The
Company shall specify if, and to what extent, he intends to perform surveillance
inspection. This shall be in accordance with SP-2269.
5.2 Re-Use Of Materials
Materials from an abandoned pipeline may be used for a new project, provided that they
can be certified as as fit for purpose for the new application. Materials shall be inspected
and tested subsequent to a gap analysis carried out with current specifications, i.e. by
visual, destructive and non-destructive means. This shall approved jointly by Pipeline,
Material, and Quality TA2.
5.3 Spare Materials
5.3.1 Metallic Pipeline
Sufficient spare material should be ordered to cover for route deviations and possible
pipeline damage during construction, and the set-up of a material contingency stock for
pipeline emergencies during the operational phase. The quantity of spare materials
depends on the pipeline length, route deviations, test bends, location and the likelihood
of damage during transport, construction and operation. The following quantities are
provided for guidance. Any additional quantity to the below should be approved by
Company.
Route length Spare linepipe
Less than 100 m 12 m
100 m to 1 km 12m (min) < 5% < 50 m (max)
1 km to 10 km 50 m (min) < 3% < 250 m (max)
10 km to 200 km 250 m (min) < 1.5% < 1000 m (max)
above 200 km 0.5 percent of route length
For each pipe size, spare linepipe material for welding procedure/welder qualification
tests shall be ordered in consultation with welding engineers in addition to spares
mentioned above. The contingency stock of linepipe material should consist, for each
pipe size, of 60 m for onshore pipelines if required by Company.
Pipe information such as heat number and manufacturer shall be permanently marked
on the spare pipes for future references and tracking.
5.3.2 GRE Pipeline
Sparing philosophy for GRP linepipe and fittings should be as per the recommendations
of GRP manufacturer and shall be approved by Company
5.4 Linepipe Material
Carbon steel linepipe shall be in accordance with the SP-2347 . DSS linepipes shall be
in accordance with SP-2386.

Revision: 6.1
SMLS, HFW and SAW linepipes can be used for most services. For HFW pipes the
following shall apply:
 HFW pipes not to be used for critical sour application.
 D/t restricted to 75 for steel grade X52 and below.
 D/t restricted to 65 for steel grade higher than X52.
 Restricted to maximum wall thickness of 25mm.
Limitation on TMCP coils and SSC testing requirements shall be as per SP-2161.
GRP linepipe and fittings shall be procured in accordance with SP-2092, and SP-2375
and the datasheet for purchase requisition shall be prepared by approved design
consultant and approved by Company Pipeline TA2
FCP linepipe and fittings shall be procured in accordance with SP-2337
5.4.1 Sourcing small pipe order quantity
Where small quantities of pipe are required (less than a normal pipe mill order, for spools,
induction bend mother pipe, pig trap pipes,…etc) options to be considered are:
1. Verify the surplus material in Company warehouses and carryout reverse engineering
based on the available material.
2. Club multiple projects requirements, into one single enquiry.
3. Float enquiry to the linepipe manufacturers (Linepipes: AVME 6.1.1 to 6.1.7, Critical sour
pipes AVME 6.1.11) and LinePipe stockists (AVME 6.10).
4. Consider pipes in stock with the following conditions:-
i. Pipe stockist shall be selected from the approved vendors
ii. Small pipe orders and those from stock shall be produced from approved raw
materials suppliers, and manufactured by approved pipe manufacturers.
iii. Pipe from stock shall be evaluated and a gap analysis undertaken from MTC (material
test certificates) and the requirements of SP-2347.
iv. Supplemental tests (e.g. NDT, mechanical, sour, dimensional,…etc.) deemed

necessary from the gap analysis shall be performed to ensure compliance to SP-
2347.
5.4.2 Sourcing pipes for casing purpose
In order to utilize the surplus material in PDO warehouses, no pipes shall be ordered, without
approval from Pipeline TA3 for casing purposes (e.g casing for non-metallic lines under roads
or wadi crossings)
5.4.3 Requirement of weldability test.
Pipe weldability test requirements shall be checked by Pipeline engineer with COMPANY
welding engineer TA2. Weldability test should be evaluated based on below criteria:
 For material grade higher than X65 (L450).

Revision: 6.1
 For minimum design temperature below -20°C.

 For maximum design temperature more than 120°C.
 In case of any deviation to hardness requirements.
 Wall thickness more than 25mm.
5.5 Pipeline Components
Linepipes, Fittings, flanges and special components installed in the pipeline shall be
procured in accordance with applicable company standards as indicated below.
COMPONENTS Applicable standard (see notes
below)
Linepipe (CS/DSS) SP-2347 / SP-2386
Pipeline Fittings SP-2322
Pipeline Flanges / SP-2321
Forged branch fittings
Pipeline Split Tees SP – 1199
Induction bends SP-2441
Pipeline Isolating Joints SP – 1236
Pig trap systems SP-2348
Pipeline Ball Valves SP – 1201/ API 6D/ISO 14313 (See
Note below)
HSS SP-2317
GRE system SP-2375
PE liner system SP-2380 & SP-2422
Pipeline Cleaning Pigs SP-2444
Note:
All pipelines with permanent pigging facilities, the mainline valves & the first isolation
valve on branch / bypass line (within design code B31.4 & B31.8) shall be full bore as per
SP-1201. However, pipelines not designed for operational pigging, the mainline valve
shall be full bore valve and the branch / bypass valves could be reduced bore as per SP-
2342 (piping), as per equivalent piping class.Components and fittings shall be compatible
with the linepipe material in terms of weldability and also conform to the bevel geometry
constraints detailed in the pipeline codes.
For projects, with design temperature range of 5 to 82° C, pipes, fittings, flanges for sizes
2” and below, are acceptable as per MESC / applicable equivalent piping class.
5.6 External Coatings
The following specifications shall apply for external corrosion protection:

 SP-2379 - External pipe coatings (3LPE/3LPP coating);
 SP-2389 - External field joint and rehabilitation of coating systems for line pipe
 SP-1246– Specification for Painting and Coating of Oil and Gas Production
Facilities
The external anticorrosion coating is as per material selection report and shall be guided
by the minimum / maximum operating fluid temperature, the terrain and soil conditions

Revision: 6.1
and subsequent coatings (concrete weight coatings) and type of cathodic protection
systems planned.
5.7 Internal COATINGS / Liners
The following specifications apply:

 SP-2094/ SP-2380 for PE liners in carbon steel pipelines and flowlines
 SP-2217 Specification of Internal FBE and Liquid Coating Systems.
5.8 Concrete Coating
The application of concrete coating for pipelines shall be carried out in accordance with
SP-1208.
5.9 Records
The material test certificates and equipment vendors' data (including

operating/maintenance instructions), shall be digitalised and to be included in the hand-
over documentation and shall be kept for the life of the pipeline.
Each individual pipe should be allocated an identification number at the pipe mill, and the
same number should be used for coating and construction records. For large pipeline
projects, a computer-based system for recording and tracking each individual pipe joint
from the pipe mill to the construction location should be considered.
6 CONSTRUCTION
6.1 General
Pipeline construction shall be performed in accordance with specification SP-1208, as

applicable and other relevant sections of the ASME Codes.
Construction activities close to existing facilities should be planned in coordination with
the Pipeline Operations.
Field welding of carbon steel pipelines SHALL [PS] be performed and examined in
accordance with Specification SP-2318
Welding / jointing qualifications, for both the procedure and the welders, should be carried
out under actual field conditions. Jointing of GRP pipelines shall be as per manufacturer’s
recommendation.
6.2 Construction Hydrotesting
All new pipelines shall be tested after construction and burial (if applicable) to prove the
strength and leak tightness, by means of a hydrostatic pressure test.
The hydrostatic pressure testing of metallic pipelines shall be as per SP-1212. Hydrostatic
pressure testing of non-metallic pipelines is covered in SP-1208.
Golden welds, i.e. welds, which are not subject to the hydrostatic pressure test, shall be
subjected to additional non-destructive testing (e.g. ultrasonic inspection) as per SP-
2318.
7 PRE-COMMISSIONING
Pre-commissioning of pipelines shall be as per SP-1208.

Revision: 6.1
8 HAND-OVER DOCUMENTATION
The pipeline documentation should be structured in a manner such that all parties
involved with the operation, maintenance and inspection of the pipeline system have
ready access to all data required to control pipeline integrity.
Hand-over documentation shall comply with the requirements of SP-1131. Handover of
documents shall as a minimum include all required input data into CIMS - Corrosion
Inspection Management System and SAP. Asset registration of pipelines / flowlines
(including FCP flowlines) SHALL [PS] be in accordance with SP-2291.

Revision: 6.1
9 REFERENCES
In this SP, reference is made to the following publications, the hierarchy of which is shown
in Figures 3:
Note: Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall
be used, together with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
Title Number
Code of Practice
Maintenance and Integrity Management CP-114
Project Engineering CP-117
Health Safety and Environment Management System CP-122
Risk and Opportunity Management CP-131
Specification
Specification for the Design of Pipeline Block Valve SP-1032
Stations
Isolation of Process Equipment specification SP-1125
Specification for Cathodic Protection Design SP-1128
Plant Lifecycle Information Plan SP-1131
Design for sour service specification SP-1190
Procurement Specification for Pipeline Split Tees SP-1199
Procurement Specification for Pipeline Ball Valves SP-1201
Pipeline Construction Specification SP-1208
Pipeline Intergrity Management SP-1210
Hydrostatic Pressure Testing of New Pipelines SP-1212
Pipeline Repairs SP-1235
Pipeline Isolating Joints SP-1236
Corporate Philosophy for Control & Automation SP-1243
Specification for painting and coating of oil and gas SP-1246
production facilities
Flange Connections Bolt Torquing and Tensioning SP-2020
Technical Authority System SP-2061
Specification for Polyethylene Liners in Carbon Steel SP-2094
flowlines and pipelines
GRP specification - Part 1 SP-2092
Materials for Use in H₂S Containing Environments in Oil SP-2161

and Gas Production for Surface Facilities
Design Class Selection for Capital Projects SP-2199
Specification of Internal FBE and Liquid Coating Systems SP-2217
Specification for Quality Intervention for Provision of SP-2269
Products
Hot tap management specification SP-2276
Off-Plot Production Facilities Overpressure Safeguarding SP-2283

Revision: 6.1
Title Number
Design of Pipeline Road crossings SP-2284
Pipeline isolation plug management specification SP-2314
SIL Assessments and Implementation Specification SP-2316
Procurement specification for heat shrink sleeves SP-2317
Specification for welding of pipelines SP-2318
Procurement specification for pipeline flanges SP-2321
Procurement specification for pipeline fittings SP-2322
Materials Selection & Corrosion Control for Surface SP-2337
Operating Process Facilities
Specification for Standard Piping Items SP-2342
Procurement spec for CS linepipe SP-2347
Prcourement specification for pipeline pig traps SP-2348
Procurement specification for GRE system SP-2375
External coating specification (3LPE/3LPP) SP-2379
Specification for design and construction of PE lined SP-2380
Carbon steel flowlines, pipelines and piping systems
Procurement specification for DSS linepipe SP-2386
External field joint coating and rehabilitation coating system SP-2389
Procurement Specification of PE liner System for Carbon SP-2422
Steel pipes
Procurement specifications for Pipeline Induction bends SP-2441
Procurement Specification for pipeline Mandrel pigs SP-2444
Procedure
Pipeline Pigging Procedure PR-1082
Commissioning and start up PR-1159
Guideline
Guidelines forPipeline stress analysis GU-969
SHELL STANDARDS
Hot tapping on pipelines, piping and equipment DEP 31.38.60.10-Gen.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Petroleum and natural gas industries — Steel pipe for ISO 3183
pipeline transportation systems
Petroleum and natural gas industries – Glass reinforced ISO 14692
Plastic Piping (1-4 Parts)
Issued by:
International Organisation for Standardisation
1, Rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland

Revision: 6.1
Title Number
AMERICAN STANDARDS
Pipeline transportation systems for liquid and slurries, ASME B31.4
Gas transmission and distribution piping systems, ASME B31.8
Recommended practice for liquid petroleum pipelines API RP 1102

crossing railroads and highways
Specification for Linepipe API Spec 5L
Issued by:
American Petroleum Institute
1220 L Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20005
USA.
Materials for use in H2S-containing environments in oil and NACE MR0175
gas production
Issued by:
National Association of Corrosion Engineers
P.O. Box 218340
Houston, TX 77218
USA
SOFTWARE
CAESAR II
Pipesim
HYSYS
OLGA
FRED
PIPELINESTUDIO
TGNET
TLNET
w-PIMS
CIMS

Revision: 6.1
APPENDIX 1: CRITICALITY CLASSIFICATION OF PIPELINES

AND FLOWLINES
A.1.1. General
To maximise availability of pipeline, to reduce potential risk to safety, environment and to
achieve operational and maintenance excellence, it is necessary to assess criticality of
each pipeline to ensure technical integrity during development, design, construction,
operation and maintenance phase of the pipeline.
Criticality of a pipeline shall be assessed based on the risk matrix developed for safety
management within PDO and detailed in policy documents CP-122: Health Safety and
Environment Management system, CP-131: Risk Opportunity Management,
The Risk Assessment Matrix developed to derive “Pipeline Criticality Classes” is based
on the consideration of susceptibility to failure (mainly related to the perceived corrosion
rate) and the consequences of failure. All individual lines (including Pipelines, Headers
and Flowlines) shall be categorised into one of the three “Pipeline Criticality Classes”;
herein after referred to as “Class 1”, “Class 2” and “Class 3” respectively.
The susceptibility to failure is classified as follows:-
 N Not susceptible
 L Low susceptibility e.g. only under upset conditions
 M Susceptible under normal conditions
 H Very susceptible e.g. corrosion rate > 0.5 mm/yr
Consequence of failure is similarly classified as follows:-

 L Low consequence
 M Medium consequence
 H High consequence
 E Extreme consequence

Revision: 6.1
Table A1.1 outlines the Pipeline Criticality Classes resulting from the combination of
material’s susceptibility to failure and the consequences.
Table A1.1 – Pipeline Classification based on Risk Assessment Matrix
SUSCEPTIBILITY TO PIPELINE CRITICALITY CLASS
FAILURE
H Very susceptible to CLASS 2 CLASS 1 UNACCEPTA UNACCEPT

degradation BLE ABLE
SUSCEPTIBILTY CLASS
M Susceptible to CLASS 2 CLASS 1 CLASS 1 UNACCEPT

degradation under normal ABLE
conditions
L Susceptible to CLASS 3 CLASS 2 CLASS 1 CLASS 1

degradation under upset
conditions
N Not susceptible under any CLASS 3 CLASS 3 CLASS 2 CLASS 1

foreseen conditions
Economic value (USD) <100K 0.1 – 1 M 1 – 10 M > 10 M

CONSEQUENCE CATEGORY
Minor Injury Major Injury Permanent More than

total three
disability fatality
OR upto
three
Health and Safety fatalities
Minor Effect Localised Major Effect Massive

Environment Effect Effect
CONSEQUENCE CLASS L M H E
Notes:
1. Above Pipeline Criticality Class should not be confused with the location class
defined in ASME B31.8 and design class as defined in SP-2199..
2. Guidelines on selection of appropriate Susceptibility Class for different materials used in

pipeline construction and types of service are provided in section A1.2 of this Appendix –
1. The highest severity level among applicable failure modes shall be selected as
Susceptibility Class.
3. Guidelines on selection of appropriate Consequence Class on the grounds of Health &

Safety, Environmental and Economic Value are provided in section A1.3 of this Appendix -
1. Consequence Class shall be determined by the most severe risk among Consequence
Categories.
A.1.2. Susceptibility to Failure Classification
The following predominant failure modes that are relevant to PDO operations are
considered:
 Internal corrosion
 External corrosion
 Corrosion Cracking (SSC, SCC, HIC, SOHIC)
 Third party damage
 Mechanical/construction damage

Revision: 6.1
Susceptibility to these failure modes depends mainly on the pipeline material and the
service conditions namely, fluid type, pressure and temperature in the pipeline. A list of
indicative Susceptibility Classes for various materials and associated failure modes is
given in Tables A1.2 and A1.3.
Table A1.2 - Susceptibility to failure Classification for Various Materials

MATERIAL INTERNAL EXTERNAL CORROSION THIRD PARTY MECHANICAL &
CORROSION CORROSION CRACKING DAMAGE CONSTRUCTION
DAMAGE
C-steel, buried See Table A1.3 Class L for Class N for Class L or N Class L or N
pipelines with normal service.
coatings and Class L for sour
temperatures as: service if
 3LPE = -40/80 designed
deg C accordingly
 3LPP = -20/130
deg C
Class N if
corrosion
allowance
provided.
Class M for
others
C-steel, above See Table A1.3 Class N if put on Class N for Class L or N Class L or N
ground sleepers and kept normal service
sand free.
Normally Class L
C-steel with PE Class N See C-steel above See C-steel above Class L or N Class L
liner or internal
FBE
GRP Class N Class N Class N Class L Class L water
service
Class M for others
FCP Class N Class N Class L Class L Class L for

Need to ensure DT<=65°C
the fittings are
protected.
Duplex SS Class N Class L Class L Class L or N Class L
Note: The above failure classifications are to be further discussed and confirmed with UEC team.

Revision: 6.1
Table A1.3 - Susceptibility Classification for internal Corrosion for C-Steel in Various
Service Conditions
SERVICE TYPE SUSCEPTIBILITY CLASS (1)
Dry gas MOP > 20 bar Class L. Upset condition will be wet operation. Corrosion
mechanism is CO2 corrosion.
Class M under sour or acid conditions. Special corrosion assessment
shall be required.
MOP < 20 bar Class N. Corrosivity in upset conditions is low because of a low CO2
partial pressure. Sour conditions require a special corrosion
assessment.
Dry & Stabilised Flow > 1.5 m/s Class N.
Condensate ( 1% water)
Flow < 1.5 m/s Class L. Corrosion prediction by HYDROCOR may reduce class to
N.
Wet separated gas MOP > 20 bar Class M. Corrosion mechanism is CO2 corrosion. Corrosion
prediction by HYDROCOR may reduce class to L. Continuous
inhibition may be required.
Class H under sour conditions. Special corrosion assessment shall be
required.
MOP < 20 bar Class L. Corrosion prediction by HYDROCOR may reduce class to
N. Sour conditions require a special corrosion assessment.
Wet condensate Class M. Corrosion mechanism is CO2 corrosion. Corrosion
prediction by HYDROCOR may reduce class to L. Continuous
inhibition may be required.
Multi-phase Flowlines & headers Class M. Corrosion prediction by HYDROCOR may reduce class to
gas/condensate L. Inhibition may be required.
Wet separated oil Flow < 1 m/s Class M depending on the corrosion control strategy. Corrosion
mechanisms are CO2, O2 and microbial. Chemical treatment may
reduce to class L. In some cases, class H if corrosion is not
controlled.
Flow > 1 m/s Class L if BS&W low. Otherwise class M. Chemical treatment may
impact on classification.
Multi-phase oil Flowlines & headers Class M. Corrosion mechanisms same as for wet separated oil.
May be reduced to class L for high liquid flow rates (> 1 m/s) and
low BS&W.
Water Class M or H depending on the corrosivity of the water. Consider
alternative material
NOTE (1) Corrosion susceptibility class may be lowered in case of a large corrosion allowance justified by a corrosion
assessment.

Revision: 6.1
A.1.3. Failure Consequence Classification
HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCE

Health and Safety consequence of a failure is categorised based on the risks associated
with toxicity of the fluid and the pressure at which it is transported through the pipeline.
Table A1.4 provides guidelines to select consequence class on the basis of health and
safety consequences.
Table A1.4 - Health and Safety Consequence Classification
System design Pressure Rating (ASME CLASS)
CLASS M CLASS H
1500#
(Increasing Pressure Hazard)
CLASS M
900#
CLASS L
CLASS H
CLASS E
600#
CLASS L
300#
CLASS N CLASS L CLASS M CLASS H

150#
Category A Category B Category C Category D Category E
System Fluid Category as defined in Section 2.1
(Increasing Fluid Hazard)
Table A1.5 - Health and Safety Consequence Classification Definition

CLASS POTENTIAL DESCRIPTION
IMPACT
N No/Slight injury No safety effect or slight injury or health effects (including first aid case and
medical treatment case) - Not affecting work performance or causing disability.
L Minor injury Minor injury or health effects (Lost Time Injury) – Affecting work performance,
such as restriction to activities (Restricted Work Case) or a need to take a few
days to fully recover (Lost Workday Case). Limited health effects, which are
reversible, e.g. skin irritation, food poisoning.
M Major injury Major injury or health effects (including Permanent Partial Disability) – Affecting
work performance in the longer term, such as a prolonged absence from work.
Irreversible health damages without loss of life, e.g. noise induced hearing loss,
chronic back injuries.
H Permanent total From an accident or occupational illness (poisoning, cancer).
disability OR upto
three fatalities
E More than three More than three fatalities - From an accident or occupational illness (poisoning,
fatality cancer).

Revision: 6.1
ENVIRONMENT CONSEQUENCE
Environmental consequence of a failure is categorised based on the risks associated with
possible level of damage that a failure can cause to the environment and associated
consequences. Table A1.6 provides guidelines to select consequence class on the basis
of environmental consequences. Advice of PDO’s head of corporate environmental
affairs MSE/2 should be sought to establish the environmental sensitivity in which the
pipeline is installed.
Table A1.6: Environmental Consequence Classification
IMPACT
N No/Slight effect Local environmental damage, within the fence and within systems. Negligible
financial consequences.
L Minor effect Contamination. Sufficiently large to damage the environment. No permanent

effect on the environment.
M Moderate effect Limited discharges of known toxicity affecting neighbourhood and damaging
the environment.
H Major effect Severe environmental damage. The company is required to take extensive
measures to restore the contaminated environment to its original state.
E Massive effect Persistent severe environmental damage or severe nuisance extending over a
large area. Loss of commercial, recreational use or nature conservancy
resulting in major financial consequences for the company.
ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCE
Economic consequences of a failure shall be loss of revenue (deferment cost), repair cost
and with or without loss of asset value (replacement cost). Deferment cost may be
calculated on the basis of loss of production and duration of a deferment. Refer to SP-
2316 for $ value, to be used for this.
Below are the items to be considered for economic consequence evaluation:
1. Lose of revenue: the value of the leaked HC
2. Deferment cost: deferment cost for the duration the pipeline is not
available to operate at its full capacity.
3. Repair cost: this shall include:
i. Cost to restore the contaminated environment
ii. Installation cost to carry out the repair
iii. Material cost used for the repair and restoration of the
pipeline system
Table A1.7 provides guidelines to select consequence class on the basis of economic
consequences. Relevant PDO policy documents may be referred to arrive loss of
economic value in case of a failure.
Table A1.7: Economic Consequence Classification
IMPACT
N No/Slight effect No disruption to operation, no operational upset or no damage to assets.
(total loss value less than US$ 1,0000)
L Minor effect Brief disruption, minor operational upset or minor damage to assets. (total
loss value between US$ 10000 and US$ 100,000)
M Moderate effect Partial shutdown, moderate operational upset or moderate damage to assets
(total loss value between US$100,000 and US$ 1M)

Revision: 6.1
H Major effect Partial operation loss, major operational upset or major damage to assets (total
loss value between US$ 1M and US$ 10M)
E Massive effect Substantial or total loss of operations, damage causing major loss of
containment or damage to essential assets (total loss value in excess of US$
10M)

Revision: 6.1
APPENDIX 2: BUILDING PROXIMITY DISTANCES
This appendix does not replace the requirement to perform a quantitative risk analysis
(QRA) / Risk assessment. Adopting a QRA approach would typically reduce the building
proximity distance, recognizing the low probability of failure for pipelines. For the purpose
of initial pipeline routing/ guidance only, the following formulae provide the minimum
distances between the pipeline and normally occupied buildings:
Pipelines having a design factor not exceeding 0.72:
Pipelines having a design factor not exceeding 0.4:
d : distance in metres
D : pipeline diameter in mm; if the pipeline diameter is less than 150 mm (6 in), D
should be taken equal to 150 mm (6 in).
t : pipeline wall thickness in mm; if the wall thickness is less than 9.5 mm, t may
be taken equal to 9.5 mm. If the wall thickness is larger than 13.5 mm, t shall
be taken equal to 13.5 mm.
P : pipeline MAOP in bar (ga); for pipelines operating at less than 35 bar(g) (510
psig), P should be taken equal to 35 bar(g) (510 psig) .
Q : fluid factor, as provided in the table below
FLUID CATEGORY FLUID FACTOR
A and B Q = 0, i.e. there is no minimum distance
requirement except for access during construction and operations
C Q = 0.3 for all fluids
D, E Q = 0.5 for methane (Natural Gas)

Q = 0.8 for ethylene
Q = 1.0 for LPG
Q = 1.25 for NGL
Q = 0.45 for hydrogen
Q = 2.5 for ammonia
Fluids not specifically mentioned above should be given the fluid factor most closely
similar in hazard potential to those quoted.

Revision: 6.1
APPENDIX 3: PIPELINE STRESSES
Refer to GU-969 for guidelines on pipeline stress analysis. Below is only a synopsis:
(METALLIC PIPELINES)
There are three types of stresses to be considered in the calculation of the equivalent
stress: the hoop stress, the longitudinal stress and the combined shear stress.
Hoop stress:
Longitudinal stress:
Fully restrained pipeline:
SL =  (Sh) - E (T2 - T1)
Fully unrestrained pipeline:
Combined shear stress:
P = pipeline internal pressure,

D = pipeline diameter,
t = wall thickness,
 = Poisson's ratio,
E = modulus of elasticity,
 = linear coefficient of thermal expansion,
T1 = pipeline installation temperature,
T2 = pipeline design / operating temperature, (refer to section 4.3.6)
Mb = bending moment applied to the pipeline,
Z = pipe section modulus,
T = torque applied to the pipeline,
Fs = shear force applied to the pipeline,
A = pipe wall cross section area,
Note –Refer to GU-969, section 4.3.5 and 4.3.6 for combined stress calculations and
allowable stresses criteria.
(NON-METALLIC PIPELINES)
For GRP pipelines, stress analysis shall be carried out in accordance with ISO 14692.

Revision: 6.1
APPENDIX 4: FLOWLINE DESIGN

A4.1 INTRODUCTION
This Appendix supplements the requirements in the main text of this SP. This Appendix
outlines additional design and material requirements and recommendations relevant to
flowlines carrying untreated hydrocarbons/reservoir fluids, water and gas injection lines.
A4.2 OPERATING ENVELOPE
For carbon steel flowlines, the limiting operating conditions covered by this Appendix are:
 Temperature: 5C to 82C
 Design Pressure: upto 23,800 kPag
 Location Class: 1 (as defined in ASME Code B31.8)
The design pressure for carbon steel flowlines is based on 82C max temperature.
A4.3 CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
The climatic conditions in Oman should be as per SP 2200
A4.4 MECHANICAL STRENGTH
For various flowlines & test headers sizes, wall thickness values have been determined
using the Barlow formula with a design factor of 0.72 as indicated in Table A4.1, at all
locations including road crossings.
The Barlow formula assumes a metallic pipe. Carbon steel flowlines in PDO are typically
installed above ground and this imposes additional bending and thermal (expansion)
stresses not taken account of by the Barlow formula. To ensure that code allowable
stresses are not exceeded due to these additional stresses on flowlines, the
recommendations on support span, expansion loop size & spacing between limit stops
..etc provided in GU-969 shall be followed.
Other strength requirements shall be as specified in Section 4.3 of the main text of this
SP.
A4.5 ROUTING
In line with Company philosophy to minimise land take, designated flowline corridors or
streets should be followed as much as possible when a new flowline is to be laid. In this
context, flowline town maps showing clearly designated flowline routes should be
developed for each field, and flowlines should be planned to follow these routes only.
Opportunities for inspectable bulklines and headers should always be explored.
In planning flowline route, access shall be provided for inspection / maintenance, and
flowline crossovers. Number of road crossings shall be minimised. Space should also be
provided for future flowlines. A minimum clearance of 250 mm is required between
adjacent flowlines to allow external inspection. Marker plate to identify the flowline should
be provided every 200m and at the crossings (before and after the crossing). The Details
of marker plate shall be submitted for Pipeline TA3 approval. Welding is not permitted on
the coated flowlines.
For GRP lines, a detailed route survey is required before detailed design.
For FCP lines, routing shall consider below requirements:.
 Topographical data, location and class of wadis, sand dunes, road
crossings including type and density of traffic
 Environmental impact (if any)
 Proximity to Occupied buildings / other pipeline corridors/ roads …etc

Revision: 6.1
 Bend radius shall be based on manufacturer recommendations.

 Minimise crossings (road / wadi / pipelines…etc); Ensure crossing
design – similar to GRE lines.
 Optimise length
 Feasibility of FCP line Protection installation
 When FCP flowlines are routed in between existing lines of existing
corridors, no protection as per SP-1208 App E is required (except
markers provision), since protection is provided by the adjacent existing
pipelines / above ground flowlines on either side of the FCP line.
A4.6 OVERPRESSURE PROTECTION
The Company requires that flowlines should be fully rated, i.e. their design pressure shall
exceed the maximum pressure that can be produced on shut-in. If fully rating the pipeline
is not found to be ALARP appropriate partial relief system shall be impemented to
safeguard the system. Reference is be made to SP-2316 and SP-2283.
A4.7 MATERIAL PROCUREMENT
Standard linepipe material for flowline is listed in Table A4.1. Any linepipe materials not
listed in this table, shall not be used without approval from Pipeline CFDH.
Table A4.1 - Carbon Steel Flowlines
Field
Design API 5L Corrosion Hydrotest
Wall
Size Pressure Material Allowance pressure Remarks
thickness
(barg) Grade included (barg)
(Note 1)
FBE coated flowlines
6" 48 X52 3 mm 4.8 mm 60
6" 55 X52 3 mm 4.8 mm 69
6" 80 X52 3 mm 5.6 mm 100
6” 95 X52 3 mm 6.1 mm 119
PE lined flowlines
4" 48 X42 0 4.8 mm 60
4" 120 X42 0 4.8 mm 150
4'' 240 X52 0 5.6 mm 278
6" 48 X42 0 4.8 mm 60
6" 100 X42 0 4.8 mm 125
6" 140 X52 0 4.8 mm 162
6" 240 X52 0 7.9 mm 266
Bare CS flowlines
3'' 100 X42 3 mm 5.6 mm 125 Gas lift flowlines;
6'' 80 X52 3 mm 5.6 mm 100 Gas injection flowlines
8'' 95 X52 0 4.8 mm 119 Steam injection
Note 1: Test pressures at high point are calculated based on 1.25xDP or 90% SMYS
(based on SMLS pipe negative tolerance as per SP-2347) whichever is lower
Linepipes should be procured in bulk to meet forecasted requirements for new wells and
for replacement of existing flowlines (or sections thereof) to maintain technical integrity.
Revision: 6.1
For flowlines within design temperature range of 5 to 82° C, pipes, fittings, flanges for
sizes 2” and below, are acceptable as per MESC / applicable equivalent piping class.
The minimum radius for cold bends shall be as prescribed in the main text of this SP. All
bends with a bend radius less than as prescribed should be factory made and procured
in accordance with SP-2441. as an induction heated or forged bends. Minimum bend
radius for factory made bends for different diameters of piggable flowlines should be as
prescribed in the main text of this SP.
Bends for carbon steel flowlines should be manufactured in a material grade and wall
thickness the same as the linepipe. Refer to section 4.3.8 for acceptable bend radii.
Materials other than carbon steels shall be procured in accordance with the relevant
Company and International standards.
A4.8 INSTALLATION
A4.8.1 General
This section expands some of the installation related requirements of the main text of this
SP where special provisions are necessary for flowlines and other surface laid pipelines.
A4.8.2 Crossing of Pipelines, Roads and Service Lines
Flowlines and other above ground pipelines should remain on supports while crossing
existing buried pipelines. The pipeline windrow should be removed at the crossing point.
For flowlines longer than 2 km, provisions shall be made for camel and seismic vehicle
crossings at 2 km intervals.
Buried sections of pipelines crossing existing pipelines and other services should be
arranged with a ramp or standard road crossing so that access is retained at those
services. Where a flowline passes by an electricity pylon, access should be maintained
by the use of a ramp or standard road crossing.
To absorb expansion stresses at road crossings, it is recommended that carbon steel
lines follow the configuration that allows thermal (expansion) stresses to be channelled
into the loops on either side of the crossing rather than into the pipe crossing. By providing
an avenue for stress relief, thermal stresses, which can be a cause of leaks at crossings,
are properly absorbed by the loops.
As an alternative to the loop arrangement described above, carbon steel flowlines may
be sagged into crossings. Sagging flowlines into crossings does not relieve thermal
stresses, hence pipe movement may still occur and nevertheless it allows damaged
sections at crossings to be more easily clamped.
Use of low radius bends at crossings (except when used in a loop configuration) is not
advised as the gooseneck formed interferes with inspection and repair.
In developed / built-up areas (i.e. ASME B31.8 location Class 2 or above) where there is
increased risk to the flowline and to population, burial of flowlines is required as for other
Class 1 pipelines.
Where proper field layouts have been developed with designated flowline corridors, open
culverts serving as conduit for flowline street(s) should be considered at road crossings.
This will ensure that stresses from traffic loads are not transmitted to the flowlines, soil
cover acting as anchor does not restrain expansion, and access is provided for inspection
and maintenance at the crossings. Culverts should be designed taking into account future
service requirements (e.g. heavier traffic and additional flowlines).
Short buried sections (e.g. road crossings, wadi crossing) SHALL [PS] be externally
protected by using 3LPE /3LPP as per coating temperature limitations. PCS-4 as per
SP-1246 shall only be used in case 3LPE / 3LPP coated pipes are not available. .

Revision: 6.1
Short aboveground sections likely to be covered by blown sand SHALL [PS] be externally
protected by using 3LPE PCS-4 as per SP-1246 shall only be used in case 3LPE coated
pipes are not available.
A4.8.3 Crossing of wadis

Flowlines can be laid aboveground for Wadi type A only. In such locations goal post
supports shall be installed with minimum height of 750mm. For other types of wadis,
flowlines shall be buried.
A4.8.4 Flowline corridors

Flowline corridors shall be such that they shall permit maintenance activities. For urban
planning and new installations no more than eight flowlines shall be installed per corridor,
with lines spaced at minimum clearance of 250 mm from each other to allow external
inspection. Adjacent flowline corridors shall be spaced 5 meter apart.
A4.8.5 Supports
Above ground carbon steel flowlines shall be installed on supports, clear of the ground,
to protect the flowline from burial by wind-blown sand. GU-969 shall be referred to for
support spacing, limit stop spacing and the loads for which they shall be designed for.
Standard pipe supports for different sizes and combinations of standard Company
flowlines are contained in GU-629. These supports shall be checked for loads provided
in GU-969 and optimised further if possible. Modifications to these standard drawings are
permitted to suit local conditions but such modifications should be reviewed and approved
by Civil & Structural TA2. It should be ensured that supports do not interfere with the free
expansion of the flowline.
Depth of burial below grade for support foundations should as a minimum be as indicated
in the standard support drawings to prevent washout by rain, and ensure adequate
resistance to overturning moments from thermal (expansion) and pressure (end cap)
stresses.
Standard sleeper-type supports to a minimum of 300 mm elevation above grade should
be used where there is a low risk of wind-blown sand, and at well pads. Goal post type
supports SHALL [PS] be installed from 550 mm to 1200 mm elevation above grade
depending on the risk of wind-blown sand in the area. Local requirements and
experience should guide the selection of support type and height of support.
GRP flowlines shall always be buried. Special attention should be paid to supporting and
anchoring where GRP is installed on supports on on-plot locations. GRP is intolerant of
vibrations and stresses induced (by thermal expansion, pressure surges, etc.) at
connections to fixed steel headers. Properly engineered anchors and supports shall be
designed and installed taking into account all possible operational stresses.
A4.8.6 Expansion Loops and Anchors

Reference is made to GU-969. Expansion or contraction will occur when the temperature
of the flowline material is different from that at time of installation, or due to pressure and
end-cap effects at changes in direction.
Temperature changes may be due to the transported fluid or to changes in ambient
temperature. Due to wide variations in field ambient temperature, considerable thermal
expansion can occur in above ground carbon steel flowlines requiring special
considerations for their anchoring and flexibility.
An expansion loop is not required on the side of a road crossing where a mainline
expansion loop is located within 200 metres of the crossing.

Revision: 6.1
To prevent preferential expansion in one direction, anchors should be provided to ensure

that each expansion loop absorbs only the thrust (caused by thermal expansion or
contraction) for which it has been designed. Anchors should be installed midway between
successive expansion loops, and in such other locations as may be required to prevent
pipe movement.. It is important to locate the anchors in the correct place as tremendous
stresses could be set up in a flowline when its free expansion is completely restrained in
the wrong location. A minimum of one in four supports should be equipped with pipe
guides to prevent large lateral movement of the pipe and to channel expansion into
expansion loops.
A4.8.7 Hook-Up
Hook-up refers to the piping required to tie-in flowline to wellhead and to production
facilities. Hook-up piping is designed to ASME B31.3 and SP-2342. Buried Carbon steel
flowlines should be electrically isolated from the wellhead and station manifold piping by
internally coated insulating spools. Internal coating of the spools shall be in accordance
with SP 1128.
A4.8.8 Hydrostatic Testing
New flowlines shall be subjected to strength and leak tightness test after construction.
The test procedure shall be in accordance with SP-1212 and SP-1208 (for GRP
flowlines). The test pressure indicated in the Table A4.1 is based on pipe wall thickness
limitation only for flat terrain. Design consultant shall re-verify the test pressure based on
the weakest component (e.g. flange) and elevation profile.
A hydrostatic pressure test procedure outlining safety precautions, test equipment,
sources of water, test connection and vent points, filling and pressurising, depressurising
and emptying and other pertinent information (e.g. hydrotest date and timing and
nominated supervisory staff); shall be submitted for Company approval ahead of
hydrotest operations.
A4.9 Internal PE-Lining
Internal PE-lining of carbon steel flowlines may be undertaken:
 To take advantage of carbon steel to contain pressure and PE liner to prevent
internal corrosion in new water injection or production lines with no additional
corrosion allowance
 to arrest further internal corrosion in existing in-service carbon steel lines
 to rehabilitate an abandoned line for new service, where the parent pipe still has
adequate strength (wall thickness) to contain the new service MAOP
 to take advantage of the conduit provided by an abandoned line to install a low

pressure, stand-alone HDPE line.
Advice of the Materials and Corrosion Group should be sought on suitability of PE-lining
for given fluid and service conditions.Installation of PE liners shall be as per SP-2380.
A4.10 Commissioning and Handover
Commissioning commences when the flowline has been successfully hydro-tested,
hooked-up at both ends, and is ready for operational duty. Displacement of hydrotest
water by the well fluid particularly for liquid lines is the most common method of flowline
commissioning. For gas lines, it is usually necessary to develop specific commissioning
procedures taking account of the gas properties, and the producing and / or receiving
facilities.
Refer to SP-1212 Appendix C for chemical treatment, flushing and drying requirements.
Where dewatering of a line is necessary in advance of the line being operational, an
Revision: 6.1
appropriate drying method that ensures that no residual water is left in the line should be
implemented.
Pre-commissioning activities shall include handover of pipeline / flowline drawings and
pertinent technical data to Operations. Asset registration of pipelines / flowlines (including
FCP flowlines) SHALL [PS] be in accordance with SP-2291. Handover documents shall
as a minimum include all required input data into CIMS - Corrosion Inspection
Management System and SAP.

Revision: 6.1
APPENDIX 5: List of SOPs for pipeline discipline
Document Number SOP Title

SOP-1 Pulling force calculation
SOP-2 Road Crossing Calculation
SOP-3 WT calculation for CS
SOP-4 PE liner system design
SOP-5 WT calculation for DSS
SOP-30 Hydrotest pressure calculation for Metallic pipelines
SOP-42 Hydrotest pressure calculation for GRE pipelines
SOP-239 Pipeline Material Take off (MTO)
SOP-241 Technical Bid Evaluation for Pipeline Items
SOP-1019 GRE Wall Thickness Calculation
SOP-1020 Upheaval buckling Calculation
SOP-1021 Pipeline criticality class
SOP-1367 Pipeline Route Survey Request Via SORT
SOP-1418 VDR for pipeline items

Revision: 6.1
APPENDIX 6: SHALL [PS] statement basis
The reasons and risk ratings for SHALL [PS] requirements are summarised below for PDO
incidents.
PROCESS SAFETY TABLE

Risk Ranking: 5B
Case Description:
Numerous significant pipeline incidents have occurred in PDO causing injury, significant damage to the asset
(including production deferment) or environment and the reputation of the Operator. Examples of high profile pipeline
incidents are:
1. FCP (LLRTP) incidents
 http://portal.corp.pdo.om/solutions/LKB/MSE/AIPSM/Lists/Incidents/Display-
Incident.aspx?ID=264 (Thyfut-13 LLRTP Leak (24 Dec 2017)
Incident.aspx?ID=269 (Runib NE 01 5" LLRTP Flow Line Leak (19th Dec 2017))
Incident.aspx?ID=258 (Wadi Umairy LLRTP leak (7 Oct 2017))
Incident.aspx?ID=184 (Sadad LLRTP Fire and MTC (5 Jun 2016))
Incident.aspx?ID=183 (Wadi Umairy LLRTP crude leak (30 Apr 2016))
Incident.aspx?ID=119 (Lekhwair G. Taliah LLRTP external damage (10 Nov 2014))
Incident.aspx?ID=117 (Lekhwair L724 LLRTP external damage (15 Sep 2014))
2. Gas lift lines
Incident.aspx?ID=235 (Lekhwair L-239 Gas Lift Line fire (26 Apr 17))
3. Isolation joint failures
Incident.aspx?ID=241 (Y3DC Isolation Joint leaks (2 Jul 2017)
Incident.aspx?ID=100
Haban Isolation Joint (IJ) leak (17 Oct 2015)
Incident.aspx?ID=99
Saih Nahada Condensate Leak Isolation Joint (20 Jun 2015)
Incident.aspx?ID=81
Saih Nihada-45 Isolation Joint Leak (7 Jan 2013)
4. Corrosion monitoring access fittings / coupons failures
MOL Corrosion Coupon failure & Spill (25 Feb 2016)
Kauther CPP 18" Condensate Line (29 Mar 2014)
5. Cold cutting fatality
Cold Cutting Double Fatality Natih (28 Feb 1993)

Revision: 6.1
Risk RatingSeverity (0
through 5)
Number Section/Clause Process Safety Risk Likelihood (A through E)
P A E R
1 4.3.2, 4.3.5, 7.0, To avoid damage to FCP flowlines causing 4B 3A 3E
8.0 and A4.10 deferment and environmental impact.
2 4.7.1, 7.0, A4.8.2, To avoid sand blowing over the flowline / 3B 2D
A4.8.4 and A4.10 pipeline in sandy areas.
3 4.7.1 To avoid isolation joint failures 4B 3D 3C
4 4.7.3 To avoid corrosion monitoring access 5B 3B 4B 3B

fittings failures
5 4.2.6 / 4.5 To avoid fatalities during cold cutting of 4B
pipelines / flowlines / third party damage

Revision: 6.1
The reasons and risk ratings for SHALL [PS] requirements are summarised below for non-PDO
incidents.
PROCESS SAFETY TABLE

Risk Ranking: 5B
Case Description:
Numerous significant pipeline incidents have occurred causing multiple fatalities, injuries, significant damage to
the asset (including production deferment) or environment and the reputation of the Operator.
Examples of high profile pipeline incidents are:
Ghislenghien, Belgium (2004), gas pipeline ruptured, released gas ignited resulting in a fire causing significant
damage, 24 fatalities and over 120 injured persons.
http://www.iab-atex.nl/publicaties/database/Ghislenghien%20dossier.pdf
San Bruno, California, USA (2010), PG&E, 30” diameter natural gas transmission pipeline ruptured in a
residential area. The released natural gas ignited, resulting in a fire that destroyed 38 homes and damaged 70
resulting in 8 fatalities and many injuries.
http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/summary/PAR1101.html
Marshall, Michigan, USA (2010), Enbridge, 30” diameter pipeline ruptured into a wetland, the total release was
estimated to be 843,444 gallons of crude oil. Cleanup efforts exceeding $767 million.
Bellingham, Washington, USA (1999), Equilon (JV Shell/Texaco), ruptured 16” gasoline pipeline released about
237,000 gallons of gasoline into a creek, 3 fatalities and 8 injuries.
Risk Rating
Severity (0 through 5)
Number Section/Clause Process Safety Risk Likelihood (A through E)
P A E R
1 4.1.1 To mitigate long term lifetime risks associated 5B 5B

with public safety and environmental damage.
See incidents listed in Case Description.
2 4.3.3 To avoid running ductile failures and mitigate 5B 5B 5B 5B
personnel and public safety risks. Small defects
can grow and rupture a (rich gas) pipeline over
significant length, not having specified the
toughness adequately, exposing people to
significant safety risk.
3 6.1 Maximum level of non-destructive testing to 5B 5B 5B 5B
mitigate the loss of containment risks associated
weld failure. Not all weld defects are picked up
performing only a hydrotest (and not inspecting
all welds using NDT). This potentially exposes
people to significant safety risk.

Revision: 6.1
APPENDIX 7 – DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR PIPELINE PIG TRAPS
A7.1 PIG TRAP COMPONENTS AND DESIGN

A. PIG TRAP BATTERY LIMITS
1) Pig trap battery limits (design code breaks) are defined in SP-1211 Figure-2.
2) Normally the pig trap will have flanged nozzles unless welded nozzles are specified
to minimize flanged joints for leak path reduction (in critical sour service applications).
3) Main components of the pig trap are:
a. End closure: A quick opening end closure welded to the major barrel allowing the
insertion and removal of pigs.
b. Major barrel: An enlarged section of the barrel used for loading or retrieving pigs.
c. Reducer: A reducer between major and minor barrel.
d. Minor barrel: A section of the barrel between the pig trap valve and the reducer.
4) PDO uses horizontal pig traps for onshore pipeline application only and therefore this
standard is intended for the same.
5) Minimum required components and configuration of typical pig trap are shown in
Figure- A7-2.
6) This standard covers the requirements for permanent pig traps. In case temporary or
mobile pig trap is required then it can be designed for case to case basis using this
standard.
B. BARREL SIZES AND DIMENSIONS
1) For pipelines with a nominal diameter smaller than DN 500 (NPS 20), the major
barrel’s nominal diameter should be 100 mm (4 in) larger than the pipeline’s nominal
diameter.
2) For pipelines with a nominal diameter of DN 500 (NPS 20) and larger the major barrel’s
nominal diameter should be 100 mm (4 in) larger than the pipeline’s nominal diameter.
3) Barrel lengths specified in this standard are based on intelligent and other standard
pigs normally used in PDO for onshore pipelines.
4) The typical barrel sizes and lengths shall be as specified in Table-A7-1 and Table-A7-
2 and Figure-A7-1.
5) The reducer between the major and minor barrel shall be eccentric with flat side at the
bottom (to enable bottom of the entire barrel at the same level).
6) Transitions in the internal diameter of the barrel due to wall thickness variations shall
be tapered in accordance with ASME B31.8 Appendix-I to allow the smooth pig
passage.
7) Being horizontal pig traps, the barrel should be sloped down towards the end closure
or towards the pipeline to a maximum of 3° to improve draining of liquids from the

Revision: 6.1
barrel. Drain nozzle at either end shall be suitably located to ensure maximum
possible draining of the pig trap barrels.
8) Though the barrel is sloping; the end closure and end flange shall be installed in true
vertical axis with the allowable weld adjustment specified in ASME B31.8 to avoid
miter bend.
C. PIG TRAP PIPEWORK SIZES AND DESIGN
I. General
1) The nominal diameter of all pipework shall be at least DN 50 (NPS 2).

2) DN 25 (NPS 1) may be used with pressure gauges and thermal relief valves.
3) Typical sizes of all pig trap connections shall be as specified in Table-A7-1.
II. Bypass line
1) A bypass line connects the pipeline with related upstream or downstream facilities
such as a manifold station, processing plant etc.
2) Typical sizes for the bypass line are given in Table-A7-1, depending on fluid velocities
for continuous service.
III. Kicker line
1) A kicker line connects the major barrel with the bypass line to enable diversion of the
fluid through the barrel to launch or receive a pig.
2) For a launcher the kicker line shall be connected to the major barrel as close as
possible to the end closure and for a receiver as close as possible to the reducer.
3) For bi-directional pig traps, a single kicker line may be located as close as possible to
the end closure, (twin kicker lines shall be avoided).
4) Typical sizes for the kicker line are given in Table-A7-1, depending on fluid velocities
for intermittent service.
IV. Balance line
1) A balance line connects the front of the pig trap (minor barrel) to the kicker line.
2) A balance line shall be provided on launchers to enable filling and pressurising of the
barrel on both sides of the pig.
3) The balance line, branching off from the kicker line, shall be connected to the minor
barrel as close as possible to the pig trap valve.
4) A balance line shall be provided on receivers to prevent any possible pressure

differential across a received pig.
5) Typical sizes for the balance line are given in Table-A7-1.

V. Pressurising lines
1) A pressurising line should be considered around kicker valves for the following:

Revision: 6.1
a) for control of pig launching and receiving;
b) for control of barrel pressurisation; or
c) to avoid damage to the kicker valve seats or other internals.
2) A pressurising line around bypass valves should be considered for equalising

possible high differential pressures.
3) Where a pressuring line bypasses an ESD valve as per SP-1243, it shall be fitted
with two valves:
a) one ESD valve
b) one valve for graduated flow control.

VI. Thermal relief line
A thermal relief line is only required when a thermal relief valve is installed.
VII. Drain line
1) Drain points shall be provided on both launchers and receivers near the end closure
and near the pig trap main isolation valve to drain any liquid accumulated in the barrel.
2) The first isolation valves on drain lines shall be as close as possible to the drain
nozzle on the trap and is recommended to be in vertical position if possible to avoid
dead legs.
VIII. Vent/flare/blowdown lines
1) A vent line SHALL [PS] be provided to vent/purge and depressurize the barrel.
2) Vent line shall be provided with DBB or SBB valves close to pig trap nozzles
accessible from ground or with a stepped platform. The Restriction Orifice
downstream of these isolation valves can be located at the flare header level. This
ensures that during pigging the crew don’ t have to climb to the high level platforms
or ladders for venting the pig trap barrels.
D. BRANCH CONNECTIONS
I. General
1) The configuration of the branch connections between the various lines and ancillary
items should be as shown in Table-A7-3.
2) Refer to ASME B31.8 or ASME B31.4 for requirements for welded branch
connections which include barred tees, extruded outlets and weldolets as well as
fabricated items.
3) The nominal diameter of branch connections shall be at least 50 mm (2 in).

Revision: 6.1
4) For pressure gauges and thermal relief valves, a DN 25 (NPS 1) branch connection and
valve may be used if the length of the connection/reducer/valve assembly is minimized
to avoid damage from vibration or incidental contact.
5) The distance between branch connections should be checked to ensure that it does not
coincide with pig cup/disc separation as this could halt the pigs.
6) Connections should not be located less than one half the branch diameter (nominal) to
the nearest girth weld or other branch connection. Refer to the applicable design codes
and welding requirements for additional information on the requirements for branch weld
spacing.
7) Barred tees shall be installed on all branches larger than 50% of the pipeline diameter.
SP-2322 provides the suggested design for barred reducing tees.
II. Orientation
1) Pig traps are horizontal and connections shall be oriented as follows:
a) drains - bottom of barrel / pipe;
b) vents, pressure gauges, blowdown, purge, thermal relief, pig signaller - top
(preferred) or top quadrant of barrel / pipe;
c) kicker line, balance line, bypass line - side (preferred) or top of pipe.
III. Pressure indicators and its connections
1) Pressure indicator connections shall be installed at the following locations to be able to

measure the pressure upstream and downstream of pig:
a) on the major barrel near the end closure;
b) on the minor barrel near the pig trap valve;
c) on the bypass line on the pipeline side of the bypass valve.
2) One pressure indicator connection should be permanently installed on minor barrel close
to the pig trap valve.
3) Pressure indicators (normally gauges) not permanently installed shall be fitted before any
pigging operations are commenced. Piping shall include suitable instrument valves that
allow change-out of the pressure gauge without depressurising the pig trap.
4) At least one pressure indicator / gauge should be clearly visible to the operator from the
end closure activation point.
IV. Vent and purge connections
1) Vent connections shall be provided as close as possible to the end closure to allow
venting of the barrel and as close as possible to the pig trap valve.
2) Vent piping shall be equipped with DBB or SBB located accessible from grade level

Revision: 6.1
3) A flanged purge connection with an isolation valve and check valve SHALL [PS] be
provided on systems containing very toxic - acute substances.
4) A flanged purge connection with an isolation valve and check valve should be
provided on all systems.
5) When provided, the flanged purge connection shall be located as close as possible
to the pig trap valve to allow the full length of the barrel to be purged and/or flushed
before the end closure is opened.
V. Chemical injection connection
1) When chemical injection is required, as specified by the Principal, a flanged

connection or proprietary fitting with an isolation valve shall be provided.
2) The connection should be located on the bypass line between the isolation valve and
the kicker line tee.
VI. Thermowell connection
1) If a temperature measuring point is required, it should consist of a standard

thermowell arrangement located in the bypass line on the facility side of the bypass
valve.
E. VALVES
I. General
1) Each pig trap nozzle shall be provided with quarter turn ball valves for isolation
purpose.
2) Valves are normally not supplied by pig trap vendor but they are installed as part of
associated pipework.
3) All the valves shall be of tight shut off design with leakage rate not exceeding ISO
5208 Rate A (no visible leakage).
4) All the valves shall be fully rated for applicable flange rating.
5) Mainline valves & bypass valves shall be of full bore. For the requirements of the
these valves refer to SP-1201.
6) All other valves can be of reduced bore design and can be procured as per standard
piping valves.
7) For very toxic - acute service, valves shall be of the weld-end type.
8) For all other services, valves may be flanged if approved by the Principal.
9) Consider flanged valves if maintainability and replaceability is more important than
minimizing potential leak paths.

Revision: 6.1
10) When weld-end valves are used, maintenance requirements should be considered, i.e.,
the use of top-entry type valves to allow the change out of internals such as valve seats,
seals, ball, etc.
11) If a pressurising line is installed, it shall include an isolating valve and a throttling valve.
a)The isolating valve shall be a ball valve installed on the bypass line side for tight
shutoff of the pressurising line.
b)The throttling valve shall be a pressure balanced plug valve or a globe valve
installed on the balance line side to control the flow in the pressurising line.
12) which implies that at launcher the arrow for these valves would be opposite to the flow
direction)
II. Thermal relief valve
1) A thermal relief valve shall be installed where the shut-in pressure of trapped fluid
could exceed the design pressure as a result of thermal expansion of the static fluid.
Where operating procedures restrict isolation of the pig trap to the period of loading or
retrieving pigs, it may be possible to eliminate the thermal relief valve.
2) Thermal relief valves are not normally required for gas or multiphase pipelines, but
should be considered for liquid pipeline systems.
3) The relief valve capacity and setting shall comply with the pipeline design code. Refer
to process standards for other requirements around relief valves.
III. Facility isolation valve
1) Facility isolation valve shall be a tight shut-off valve (see E3 above) installed to isolate
the pig trap system from the upstream or downstream facilities. The isolation valve is
considered part of the adjoining facility.
2) If there is a tight shut-off valve installed (e.g., an ESD valve within the upstream facility
outlet piping or downstream facility inlet piping) this may serve as the facility isolation
valve and additional valve is not required as part of pipeline system.
F. END CLOSURES
Refer SP-2348 for end closure design and requirements.

G. PIG TRAP SUPPORTS
Refer SP-2348 for pig trap support design and requirements.

Revision: 6.1
A7.2 SERVICE CONDITIONS AND CODE REQUIREMENTS
A. GENERAL
1) The purchaser shall specify whether dual use of pig traps is required. Dual use of pig
traps (launcher/receiver or gas/liquid) may be appropriate for possible future changes
in service requirements.
2) The design shall be based on the type of pigging operation specified by the Principal.
This is based on the most onerous type of pigging operation anticipated, which
typically is for intelligent pigs.
3) Onshore traps should be horizontal and offshore traps may be either horizontal or
vertical, as specified by the purchaser. In PDO most pipelines are onshore and
therefore horizontally installed pig traps are more commonly used.
4) In the design of a pig trap system, consideration should be made for the following
features:
a) safe operations;
b) operational flexibility to facilitate commissioning, regular operational pigging,
pigging requirements in case of emergencies and decommissioning operations;
c) adequate venting, draining and purging facilities;
d) facilities for possible chemical injection.
5) A full design of the pigging facilities should be carried out, regardless of whether the
traps are initially installed.
B. DESIGN CODE
1) The pipeline design code shall be stated on the requisition. Pipeline design codes
include ASME B31.4 or ASME B31.8.
2) The entire pig trap system should be designed, constructed and tested according to
the same code as the pipeline with the design code break between applicable pipeline
code and ASME B31.3 (or applicable plant code).
3) Wall thickness transitions shall meet the welding configuration requirements, such as
specified in ASME B31.8 (Appendix I, Figure I5).
4) The maximum thickness for design pressures, tD, shall not be greater than 1.5 t, where
t is the nominal thickness of the thinner pipe.
5) Pipes with a wall thickness less than 4.8 mm (3/16 in) shall not be used. This is
particularly important if flanges are to be used in thin walled high grade mainline pipe
sections and might have to be made of high grade material.
C. DESIGN FACTOR

Revision: 6.1
1) The design factor stated on the data sheet/requisition shall be applied to all components
of the pig trap system.
2) The design factor shall be based on SP-1211 (or applicable design code).
D. DESIGN PRESSURE
1) The design pressure of the pig trap system shall not be less than that of the pipeline.
2) Pipeline design pressure and fitting class rating shall be as indicated on the data
sheet/requisition.
E. DESIGN TEMPERATURE
1) The maximum design temperature shall not be less than the maximum temperature that
the pig trap system could attain or to which it could be exposed during operation, start-up
or shutdown.
2) The minimum design temperature shall be based on minimum ambient temperature and
on the conditions (e.g., blowdown) that could occur during operations.
3) Minimum and maximum ambient temperatures shall be as indicated on the data
sheet/requisition.
F. DESIGN VELOCITIES
1) Suggested maximum velocities for the purpose of piping diameter selection are:
a) for piping in intermittent service:
i. In liquid: 8 m/s (26 ft/s)
ii. In gas: 40 m/s (130 ft/s)
b) for piping in continuous service:
i. In liquid: 4 m/s (13 ft/s)
ii. In gas: 20 m/s (65 ft/s)
2) Piping diameters are suggested in Table A7-1 based on these velocities and the
assumption that parts of the pig trap are in intermittent service. Depending on the
liquid/gas ratio in multi-phase systems, the suggested maximum velocities range between
the values for liquids and gas.
3) Potential for slugging should be verified by mapping the flow pattern under operating
conditions.
G. TEST PRESSURE
1) The pig trap system shall be hydrostatically tested in line with the requirements of SP-
1212 (or applicable design code).
2) Testing may be executed either together with, or separately from, the pipeline.
3) The test pressure shall not be less than that of the adjacent pipeline section, subject to the
maximum allowable test pressure of valves and fittings installed in the pig trap system.
Where the pipeline has a high corrosion allowance, the test pressure of the adjacent
Revision: 6.1
pipeline section might exceed the maximum allowable test pressure of the valves and
fittings of the pig trap system.
H. CORROSION ALLOWANCE
Corrosion allowance should be considered for the barrel, balance line, drain lines,
pressurising line and kicker line depending on the frequency of pigging and duration of
exposure to moisture. Normally same or higher corrosion allowance would be considered
for pig trap elements as that of pipeline specified in material selection report.
A7.3 LAY-OUT AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES

A. GENERAL
1) Pig traps SHALL [PS] be located so that they are orientated with their end closures
pointing away from personnel areas and items of equipment containing hydrocarbons
and/or very toxic substances or equipment in safety service. Use of adequately
designed barriers (e.g., permanent wall) could be considered as an alternative but
would be subject to approval of the Principal.
2) Space shall be provided beyond the end closure door of the pig trap for pig handling
as shown in Figure-A7-1. The door seals spare quantities shall be discussed with
Maintenance team and procured during trap procurement.
3) Where required by the Principal, provisions shall be made for the future maintenance
or replacement of pig trap or bypass valves by means of isolation plugs, pipe freezing
or hot-tap or stopping techniques.
4) Pig traps should be located at least 15 m (50 ft) from any type of equipment, other
than adjacent pig traps.
5) Pig trap systems should be located adjacent to each other for ease of pigging
operations.
6) Pig trap systems shall be fenced (either separately or as part of adjoining facilities).
7) Access for pig trap systems should be provided for light trucks and lifting cranes,
subject to hazardous area classification constraints.
8) Where buried pipelines are less than 1 m (3 ft) below the surface within the pig trap
system plot, barriers or other protective measures should be used to prevent vehicles
damaging the pipeline.
B. PIG TRAP DRAIN SUMP
1) If a drain system is not available, a sump shall be provided, equipped with pumps for
the disposal of the drained liquids to a designated disposal area.
a)The volume of the sump should be twice that of the trap for liquid systems.
b)Where the sump serves multiple pig traps, the volume should be twice that of the
largest pig trap volume subject to only one of the pipelines will be pigged at a time.

Revision: 6.1
c) The sump should be constructed so that rain or surface run-off water cannot enter
it.
d)For gas systems the volume should be determined on an individual basis.
2) In lieu of pumps, the sump may have a 100 mm (4 in) suction point at a safe distance
from other facilities for connection to vacuum truck suction for disposal elsewhere.
3) A liquid/debris catch pit (often called as sever pit) or tray shall be constructed directly
underneath the end closure, with a volume equal to at least 5% or 25% of that of the
trap for gas or liquid containing pipelines respectively and of sufficient surface area to
prevent any oil or debris contamination of the surrounding ground.
4) This sever pit or tray shall be located so that the lip of the pig trap opening is positioned
centrally and have a grating cover so that it does not pose a trip or fall hazard to the
pigging or end closure maintenance personnel.
5) If this sever pit or tray is not connected to the sump, it should be designed so that it is
easy to empty and protected from the ingress of rain or surface run-off water.
6) The use of a sump instead of a closed drain system may be appropriate if it is known
or suspected that significant volumes of wax, debris, unwanted liquids, etc. will be
removed from the pipeline.
C. PIG TRAP ELEVATION
1) The elevation of the bottom of the end closure on horizontal pig traps should be
approximately 700 mm (28 in) above grade to provide sufficient room to slope the
drain lines and allow easy handling of the end closure and pigs.
2) A platform shall be provided adjacent to any valve (or a pig signaller) where the centre
of the hand wheel (or dial of signaller) is more than 1500 mm (5 ft) above grade.
3) Horizontal pig traps with a nominal diameter of 450 mm (18 in) and larger should be
provided with pig trolley.
4) Provision of a trolley with a push rod and pulling tools should be considered to assist
loading or removal of pigs from the trap.
5) In designing the pulling line, a practical and safe means should be provided of
attaching the hook onto the front of the pig to retrieve it.
6) The requirement of trolley and lifting facility shall be verified with Principal for every
project with pipeline size 18” and above. For pipeline of size up to 16” trolley and lifting
device is not required unless specified otherwise by the purchaser.
A7.4 ORDERING A PIG TRAP

A. General
Refer to SP-2348 for procurement specification of pig trap including all the material,
welding, QAQC and vendor documentation requirements.

Revision: 6.1
B. Pig Traps for new pipelines
1) Company or its authorized Pipeline contractor normally procures all the pipeline items
for the new pipeline project. Therefore, along with pipeline items the Pig Trap items
can be procured and free issued to the Pig Trap vendor.
2) List of free issue materials (including test rings) should be informed to the vendor as
part of enquiry specification.
3) All other parts not free issued shall be suitably sourced by the vendor. This normally
includes quick opening end closure and supports.
4) However, vendor has option to source all the material and supply fabricated Pig Trap
assembly. They can provide the option as part of the offer as an optional quote.
C. Pig Trap replacement on existing pipelines
1) In the case of existing pipelines where pig traps have to be replaced due to integrity
issues, company will not normally procure and free issue any parts of the pig trap
assembly.
2) Vendor has to source all the material and supply fabricated Pig Trap assembly
including the test rings.

Revision: 6.1
Table-A7-1: Typical nominal diameters of major barrel and pipework
Pipeline Bypass line Kicker line Balance Drain line Major barrel
line
[inches] [inches] [in] [in] [in]
[in]
4” 2” to 4” 2” 2” 2” 8”
6” 4” to 6” 2” 2” 2” 10”
8” 6” to 8” 4” to 6” 2” 2” 12”
10” 8” to 10” 6” to 8” 2” 2” 14”
12” 8” to 12” 8” to 10” 2” 4” 16”
14” 10” to 14” 8” to 12” 4” 4” 18”
16” 12” to 16” 10” to 14” 4” 4” 20”
18” 14” to 18” 12” to 16” 4” 4” 24”
20” 16” to 20” 14” to 18” 4” 4” 24”
24” 20” to 24” 16” to 20” 4” 4” 28”
28” 24” to 28” 18” to 24” 4” 4” 32”
30” 24” to 30” 24” to 28” 4” 4” 36”
32” 28” to 32” 24” to 30” 4” 4” 36”
36” 32” to 36” 30” to 34” 4” 4” 40”
38” 32” to 38” 32” to 36” 4” 4” 42”
40” 36” to 40” 34” to 38” 4” 4” 44”
42” 38” to 42” 36” to 40” 4” 4” 46”
48” 42” to 48” 38” to 46” 4” 4” 52”
56” 48” to 56” 48” to 52” 4” 4” 60”

Revision: 6.1
Table-A7-2: Barrel lengths for intelligent pigs
Approx. maximum Approx. minimum barrel length 1, 2

Pipeline tool
diameter [m]
[inches]
length 2 mass 3 Launcher Receiver
[m] [kg] AL BL AR BR
4" 2.8 35 2.8 0.5 2.8 2.8
6" 2.8 60 2.8 1.5 2.8 2.8
8" 5 170 5 1.5 5 5
10" 5 300 5 1.5 5 5
12" 5 365 5 1.5 5 5
14" 5 380 5 1.5 5 5
16" 5 700 5 1.5 5 5
18" 5 810 5 1.5 5 5
20" 5 480 5 1.5 5 5
24" 3 1600 3 1.5 3 3
26" 3 1650 3 1.5 3 3
28" 3 1700 3 1.5 3 3
30" 3 1700 3 1.5 3 3
36" 3 1750 3 1.5 3 3
38" 6.6 3600 6.6 1.5 5.5 6.6
40" 6.6 4090 6.6 1.5 5.5 6.6
42" 6.6 4550 6.6 1.5 6.4 6.6
4
48" 6.6 6.6 1.5 6.6 6.6
4
56" 6.6 6.6 1.5 6.6 6.6
Notes:
1) See figure A7-1 for definitions of dimensions.
2) The lengths in above table are based on available data for magnetic flux (MFL)
and ultrasonic (UT) internal inspection tools and are considered conservative.
3) Mass is only of the pig and doesn’t include handling accessory.
4) The tool length for this size to be verified with IP tool supplier and accordingly
barrel lengths shown in above table to be adjusted if necessary.

Revision: 6.1
Table-A7-3: Branch connection configurations
Branch Nominal diameter Nominal diameter Configurations

connection [mm] [in]
location
Bypass line on DN 75 on DN 100 NPS 3 on NPS 4 Tee
main line
All larger sizes All larger sizes Barred tee or
sphere (radial
flow) tee
Kicker line on DN 50 on DN 100/150 NPS 2 on NPS 4/6 Weldolet
major barrel
All larger sizes All larger sizes Welded branch
connection
Balance line on DN 50 on DN 100 NPS 2 on NPS 4 Tee
minor barrel
Drain on minor and
major barrel
Balance line on DN 50 to DN 100 on NPS 2 to NSP 4 on Welded branch
kicker line DN 150 and larger NPS 6 and larger connection
Kicker line on All sizes All sizes Tee
bypass line
Pressuring line to DN 50 and larger NPS 2 and larger Welded branch
kicker line connection
Small items (e.g., DN 50 NPS 2 Weldolet
vents and gauges)

Revision: 6.1
Figure-A7-1: Recommended pig trap dimensions

Revision: 6.1
Figure-A7-2: Schematic of minimum required pig trap facilities
L = Minimum length equal to maximum length of pig (usually intelligent pig);

Refer Table-A7-2 for pig dimensions.

Revision: 6.1
FIGURES:
Figure 1 Diagrammatic Representation of Pipeline Scope Boundaries
Figure 2-A Diagrammatic Representations of Design Code Breaks
Figure 2-B Diagrammatic Representation of Metallic – GRE scope breaks
Figure 3 PDO Pipeline Standards Hierarchy
Figure 4 User Comments Form

Revision: 6.1
FIGURE 1 DIAGRAMMATIC REPRESENTATION OF PIPELINE

SCOPE BOUNDARIES
Water/Gas Treatment
and Pump/Compressor Station
Water/Gas
Injection Lines
Oil/Gas/Water
Wells
Flowlines
Flowline Header
Pig Trap Facilities
Gathering Station
(Initial Treatment)
Gathering Line
Main Transmission Pipeline /

Treatment/Process
Trunkline
Facilities
Remote Vent Line

Spurline
Pressure Reduction
Station
Off take Line
Pump/Compressor
Station (w/bypass)
Liquid/gas Storage
Facilities (w/bypass)
Block Valve Station
KEY
Facility Plot
Facility not included

in Pipeline Scope
Main Transmission
Pipeline/Trunkline
Metering Facilities
Spur/Offtake
Pipeline
Gathering Line /
Slug Catcher
Flowline / Injection
(Only for 2 Phase
Line
Pipelines)

Revision: 6.1
FIGURE 2-A: DIAGRAMMATIC REPRESENTATION OF DESIGN

CODE BREAK FOR METALLIC LINES
Note:
The first isolation valve on any branch from the mainline shall be as per SP-1201.

Revision: 6.1
FIGURE 2-B: DIAGRAMMATIC REPRESENTATION OF

PIPELINE-PIPING SCOPE BREAK FOR GRE LINES
The scope break between off plot and on plot contractors should comply to following:
1. The metallic section in offplot scope shall be as per adjacent on-plot piping class
(MESC), and the welding qualifications shall be as per ASME B31.3 / SP-1173.
2. The off plot metallic scope including; design , procurement and construction could be
either the responsibility of pipeline construction contractor (off plot contractor) or the on
plot construction contractor depending on the contracting strategy selected for the
project.
3. The engineering consultant for the GRE (Off plot) shall include the metallic section in
the stress analysis along with GRE pipeline and inline with GU-969 recommendations
4. The off plot scope (GRE & Metallic) shall be pressure tested as per SP-1208 App D
clause D.2.15.2
5. The external coating protection for the buried metallic piping shall be as per SP-1246
PCS-4 or 3LPE / 3LPP
6. Integrity management of all metallic sections in on-plot scope shall be managed by
UEC5 and offplot scope shall be managed by UEC4, as per applicable codes.
Note:
The location of GRE-Metallic interface flange should be preferably inside the station fence, unless
there is congestion in which case it can be outside the station fence. The length of metallic section
shall be kept a minimum as practically possible.

Revision: 6.1
FIGURE 3: PDO PIPELINE STANDARDS HIERARCHY
HSE Protection Product Flow Asset Integrity Business Control Abandonment
CP-122 CP-117 CP-114 CP-115 CP-131
Onshore Pipeline Engineering Pipeline Operations & Maintenance P/L & F/L Abandonment
SP-1211 SP-1210
PL Design Procurement P/L Construction P/L Maintenance P/L Operations P/L F/L
Abandonment
SP-1032 SP-1199 SP-1131 SP-1195 PR-1082
SP-1125 SP-1201 SP-1208 SP-1235 PR-1146 PR-1071
SP-1128 SP-1236 SP-1212 SP-2276 GU-1008 PR-1164
SP-2092 SP-1246 SP-2285
SP-2094 SP-2317 SP-2318 SP-2387
SP-2161 SP-2321 PR-1159 SP-2444
SP-2276 SP-2322
SP-2284 SP-2347 PR-1010
SP-2314 SP-2348 GU-501 PR-2383
SP-2337 SP-2375 GU-629
SP-2379 GU-379
GU-969 SP-2380
SP-2386
DEP31.38.60.10 SP-2389 DEP31.38.60.10
SP-2422
SP-2441

Revision: 6.1
FIGURE 4: USER COMMENTS FORM
SP-1211 – Onshore Pipeline Engineering User Feedback Page
Any user who identifies an inaccuracy, error or ambiguity is requested to notify

the custodian so that appropriate action can be taken. The user is requested to
return this page fully completed, indicating precisely the amendment(s)
recommended.
Name:
Ref ID Date:
Page Ref: Brief Description of Change Required and Reasons
To: Pipeline CFDH

Custodian of Document Date:


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Petroleum Development Oman L.L.C.

Onshore Pipeline Engineering

Document Type Specification

Discipline Pipeline Engineering

Owner Pipelines Corporate Functional Discipline Head

Issue Date Aug 2022

This page was intentionally left blank

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Document Owner Document Custodian Document Author

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Version No. Date Author Scope / Remarks

iii Related Business Processes

iv Related Corporate Management System (CMS) Documents

SP-1208 Pipeline Construction specification

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4.2.5 Proximity to Other Facilities ........................................................................... 22

4.14 Records ......................................................................................................... 38

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This Specification (SP) gives minimum technical requirements and recommended

1.2 Distribution, Intended Use And Regulatory Considerations

Unless otherwise authorised by PDO, the distribution of this SP is confined to PDO

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Assembly An arrangement of pipes and components such as a pig trap, a block

Design Class Classification of facility as per SP-2199.

Refers to any liquid, gas or vapour, that is easily ignited as defined in

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Fluid A substance, which is transported through a pipeline in liquid or

Off-plot A location outside designated plant boundaries.

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Trunkline A main transmission pipeline connecting processing facilities and/or

ALARP As Low As Reasonably Practicable

RBA Risk Based Analysis

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2 APPLICATION OF CODES AND GROUP STANDARDS

Flammability and stability are defined in section 1.3.2.

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3 PIPELINE RISKS AND MANAGEMENT

2. Assess the probability of occurrence and the severity of the consequences.

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3.2 Risk Identification

Risks shall be identified and analysed through a systematic application of procedures

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3.4 Pipeline Classification

3.5 Risk Control

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Recovery from pipeline failures shall be assured through the implementation of an

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a process for identifying the possible

4.1.6 Hydraulic Design

In order to determine the possible range of operational parameters of the pipeline, a

 Soil investigation for foundation design (burial and/or supports design),

 Soil resistively for cathodic protection design.

 Environmental data (climatic, floods, earthquakes, landslides, currents at wadi

 Buried pipelines and cables

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 Over head high voltage power lines

In comparison to pipelines transporting category A and B fluids, pipelines transporting

4.3 Pipeline Strength Considerations

4.3.1 Design Factors (for hoop stress limitation of metallic pipelines)

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TABLE 1 DESIGN FACTORS FOR ONSHORE STEEL PIPELINES

Private roads 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.50 0.40