NDT Corrosion Control Services Co.

Dammam – Saudi Arabia Date: 26th June 2023

POSITIVE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION (PMI) PROCEDURE

INDEX
SL# CONTENT PAGE NO
1 Scope 2
2 Requirement 2
3 Exceptions 2
4 Objective 3
5 Reference Standards 3

6 Definations 3
7 Personnel Qualifications 4
8 Equipment 4
9 Surface Preparations 6
10 Verification coverage 6
11 Procedure 9
12 Acceptance Criteria 9
13 Rejected Material 9
14 Marking and Color Coding 9

15 Reporting 13
16 Attachment 13
Attachment-I 14
Attachment-II 15

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POSITIVE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION (PMI) PROCEDURE

1 SCOPE

1.1 This procedure describes the method and procedure to be implemented by NDT&CCS for
positive material identification (PMI) to verify the chemical composition of piping components
(including pipe, fittings etc.), weld overlays and cladding surfaces of pressure retaining
equipment, components and weldments which are manufactured from alloy steels, stainless
steels, or nonferrous alloys (here in after referred to as alloys). Although this document addresses
PMI requirements for alloy materials, provisions are also given for carbon steels under certain
conditions.

1.2 This specification covers the sampling frequency, testing methods, acceptance criteria, and
marking requirements.

1.3 “The testing methods outlined in this procedure are not subject to establish the complete
conformance of a material to its specification. Also, it is not intended to replace or substitute
the original material or welding consumable Material Test Records (MIR). Unidentified pressure
retaining alloys or critical components that are not marked, untraceable or without MTR shall
not be covered by this procedure.”

2 REQUIREMENTS

2.1 The requirements in this standard shall apply to both new and repair or replacement alloy (see
exceptions in paragraph 3 regarding carbon steel) components. The requirements apply to
shop, field fabrication and plant.

2.2 The testing methods outlined in this procedure are not intended to establish the complete
conformance of a material to its specification.

2.3 PMI testing shall be performed at a point in time that ensures proper alloy materials have been
used in the fabrication of an identifiable assembly. Usually this is during the fabrication or
immediately prior to fabrication. Although manufacturing quality control is an important issue,
testing performed by the manufacturer or supplier of raw material or loose components is not
considered for PMI testing.

2.4 Retroactive PMI Testing of existing systems and stocked materials shall be performed upon the
recommendation by the consulting services department or by the decision of the plant
manager.
3 EXEMPTIONS

Unless specifically required in the purchase order or catalogue description. The following
components and materials are exempt from PMI:
1) Non pressure Components
2) Components made from Carbon steel or cast iron and filler metal for welding
carbon steel except as noted below.

Exceptions:

During the engineering review of a project proposal, to preclude alloy substitutions, selected
PMI requirements may be adopted for certain Carbon steel components and weldments
by agreement of the proponent organization and the Chairman of Materials and corrosion
Control Standards Committee. Factors to be considered include the following:

Wet Sour Service

The potential for mixing of Carbon steel and alloy components.

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POSITIVE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION (PMI) PROCEDURE

And filler metals on the job site

The potential for catastrophic failure
Other related provisions in the Project Quality Plan

3) Rotating equipment internals and associated seal, lube oil, cooling water and
steam equipment and piping.
4) Valve internals (Trim)
5) Piping components in ASME B 31.3 category D service or equivalent
6) All instrumentation provided with isolation valves.
If specified in a project design document, purchase order, or catalogue description,
PMI is required for operationally important non pressure components.
Commentary Note: Examples of non-pressure components could include, but not
limited to, column trays, valve internals, internal attachment welds and certain load
bearing supports.
4 OBJECTIVE

Objective of this procedure is to ensure that alloy (i.e, non-carbon steel) & carbon steel (under
certain conditions) bulk materials and weldments used in the performance of work are as
specified in the project specification.
5 REFERENCE STANDARD
1. SAES- A-206 May-2019 Positive Material Identification
2. SA FORM-175-320300 Saudi Aramco Inspection and Testing Requirements
3. ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section II: Parts A, B and C. 2021 edition
4. ASME SEC V 2021 Edition
5. ASME SEC VIII DIV 1 & 2 2021 Edition
6. ASME B31.1, 2020 Edition Power Piping
7. ASME B31.3, 2020 Edition Process Piping
8. SAES W-011 latest Edition
9. SAES W-012 latest Edition
10. SAES W-014 latest Edition
6 DEFINATIONS

Alloy Material: Any metal (including filler metals for welding alloy materials) containing alloying
elements such as chromium, nickel, or molybdenum, that are intentionally added to enhance
mechanical or physical properties and/or corrosion resistance. Does not include high-strength
low-alloy (micro alloyed) steels and impact-tested carbon steels.
PMI: Positive Material Identification – Verification that the nominal chemical composition of an
alloy material is as specified and ordered. The term applies to programs, processes,
procedures, and tests in accordance with this standard.
PMI Testing: Any physical evaluation or test of a material, meeting the requirements of this
standard, to confirm that the material which has been or will be placed into service is consistent
with the selected or specified alloy material.
Material Specifications: ASME Section II, Parts A, B and C, or the relevant ASTM, or any other
material specification required.
Non-Pressure Components: Items that are not part of the pressure-containing envelops, and
therefore, do not affect pressure retaining capacity of piping
Pressure Product Components and Parts: Product forms used for the fabrication of pressured
piping, including but not limited to: forgings, flanges, pipe and fittings such as tees, elbows,
reducers, and special pipe components, valves (body and bonnets), and alloy welds joining
pressure parts to non-pressure parts.
Pressure Piping: Piping whose design pressure is 100 Kpa (15 Psig) and above.

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POSITIVE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION (PMI) PROCEDURE

7 PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION

7.1.1 Personnel performing PMI shall have a minimum training of two days with 16 hours in
understanding the operation & application of the PMI equipment and the underlying the
principles. The training can be performed by the equipment manufacture or an individual
trained by NDT & CCS using training program outlines by the equipment manufacturer
including theory and practical. The training certificate shall be submitted to the customer for
their approval one week prior to start of job.
7.1.2 Training records shall be available for review by Saudi ARAMCO assigned Inspector.
7.1.3 Prior to commencing PMI testing, instrument operators shall be qualified to operate approved
equipment on a representative sample of the alloy materials with 100% correct assessment as
the performance criteria. The instrument operator shall work to a written procedure and shall
have been trained to use the instrument in accordance with that procedure. Training shall be
documented.
7.1.4 If sample removal is used, a written procedure for identification and traceability to original
material is required.
7.2 PROCEDURE QUALIFICATION
7.2.1 Procedure qualification test shall be performed to the satisfaction of the Contractor/Client
7.2.2 Before starting work. All qualification tests shall be witnessed by the Contractor/Client
representative.
7.2.3 Responsibilities - For all new projects, Project Management or their designated Responsible
Inspection Organization shall be responsible for ensuring that proper PMI scope, programs and
procedures are developed per this standard and PMI testing is performed by the Manufacturer,
Fabricator or Contractor, as applicable, prior to equipment or piping installation and start-up.
Project Management is normally supported by Project Inspection and Vendor Inspection.
7.2.4 The Saudi Aramco Inspector shall have the option to witness any or all of the PMI testing. The
fabrication status schedule shall be submitted to Inspection two weeks before the fabrication.
7.2.5 For existing facilities, the plant manager, or his designated Responsible Inspection Organization,
e.g., Plant Inspection, shall be responsible for ensuring that a PMI program is developed and
implemented based on this standard.

8 EQUIPMENT

8.1 The primary acceptable method is x-ray emission analysis, also known as X-ray fluorescence
(XRF) analysis with a calibrated portable instrument such as INNOV – x systems, alpha series.
8.1.1 Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzer
Make / Model: (a) Olympus Innov-X- Systems; Model: Alpha / Delta Series. (b) Thermo
Scientific – NITON, Model: XL2/XL3 Series
8.2 Standard calibration blocks have been provided with the equipment. Every time the machine
is switched on the equipment calibration verification shall be carried out using
standard alloy samples that are representative of the material to be tested, prior to
first reading being taken and whenever there is a significant change of the material
to be tested.
8.3 In addition to the manufacturer's standard calibration samples, certified samples with the
traceability of "known" material shall be made available for a random (spot) check.

8.4 PMI testing instrument shall be calibrated every six months. Valid calibration certificates for
equipment and calibration blocks shall be available from company / 3rd party.

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8.5 The date of the latest calibration of the instrument shall be stated in the PMI report.
(QF-091-20)
8.6 Because of inherent limitations of XRF, it is not possible to detect all elements. Elements
lighter than sulfur (s) cannot be detected using portable x-ray fluorescence
spectrometers. Therefore, this technique cannot be used to detect carbon (c).
8.7 An optical emission spectrograph method shall be used to analyze materials lighter
than sulfur including carbon. Spectrotest, TXC-02/TXC-03, txc-25, OXFORD PMI SMART,
arc/spark, alloy analyzer shall be used for this purpose. Any substitution of testing
method shall not be carried out without prior approval of the company.
8.7.1 Mobile Optical Emission Spectrograph (OES)
a) Make: SPECTRO; Mobile Spectrometers, Model: Spectrotest TXC 02/TXC-03, TXC-25 Series.
b) OXFORD Instruments, Model : PMI Smart
Handheld Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Alloy Analyzer
Make: SciAps Z Series ; Model Z-200 C+ Method: Utilizes Laser Induced breakdown spectroscopy
(LIBS) is an optical emission technique like Spark optical emission spectroscopy (OES). LIBS use
a laser to generate the plasma rather than electric spark. Like OES, LIBS offers precise chemistry
and low limits of detection (0.01-0.1%) due to argon purge. The analyzer uses an on-board, user
replaceable argon purge gas.
The Z-200 uses a pulsed , 1064nm laser, operating at 5.5mj/pulse and 50Hz repetition rate. Z-200
includes high resolution spectrometers for a spectral range of 190-615nm. Integrated camera
and video allows for easy viewing ot tests by operators, and assures good burns for curved or
small pieces.
8.8 The person(s) performing PMI testing shall calibrate and/or verify the test equipment
performance as specified by the equipment manufacturer. calibration shall be carried
out on a standard calibration alloy sample; representative of the base material/weld
being tested. the PMI test procedure shall specify the frequency interval for this
calibration/ verification. if calibration procedures are not provided by the equipment
manufacturer, they shall be established by the owner/user. typically, these procedures
shall include calibration /verification using certified standards.
8.9 Both inside and outside weld surfaces shall be tested where accessible, PMI Testing of welds
shall be done after removal of slag and/ or oxide from the weld surface.
8.10 The surface to be analyzed shall be clean bare metal, free of grease or oil with a surface
finish as specified by the instrument manufacturer.
9 SURFACE PREPARATION

PMI testing of welds shall be done after removal of slag and/or oxide from the weld surface.
The surface of material to be analyzed shall be clean and free from paint, rust and debris.
Generally, a fresh 60 grit finish is required for the Arc Spark type instrument and the clean bare
metal surface required for XRF INNOV-X system equipment. For Arc/Spark instrument, the small
arc burn created by the analysis technique shall be removed by lightly abrading the surface
after test.
A hot work permit may be required before using this equipment. Any burn damage resulting
from the usage of this emission spectrograph shall be removed by grinding.
10 VARIFICATION COVERAGE

10.1 The PMI program covers alloy material, in shop and field fabricated equipment, piping and
pressure-retaining components (both base metal and welds) and materials used for repair or

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POSITIVE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION (PMI) PROCEDURE

replacement of pressure retaining components. A listing of materials requiring verification is

stated in table 1.
10.2 PMI testing of welding material shall be performed in the same manner as for the adjacent
base metal.
10.3 the required number of PMI tests shall be as follows:
(1) One test for each pressure-containing component. If an assembly contains a number of
components (parts), one test is required for each component (part).
(2) One test for each pressure-containing weld and weld repair, plus filler metal testing

10.4 The elements of the basic alloy materials to be verified shall be in accordance with table1.

10.5 In cases where PMI testing of the completed weld is not possible because of geometry (e.g.,
small fillet welds and narrow root beads), PMI testing of filler metal lots and visual inspection of
electrodes as described below shall be an acceptable substitute for testing of the completed
weld.
1) PMI testing of weld metal (e.g. deposited or undiluted weld “buttons”) is an acceptable
alternative of PMI testing of an electrode or wire sample provided it is conducted immediately
prior to welding or during the welding process.
2) One consumable from each lot shall be PMI-tested. The remainder of the lot shall be
compared to the identified consumable to verify that the markings of the electrodes/wires are
correct.

10.6 Sequences from PMI requisition, machine preparation, testing, evaluation & reporting shall be
done as per the attachment-1 (PMI procedure flow chart)

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POSITIVE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION (PMI) PROCEDURE

Positive Material Identification Program Materials & Components Requiring Verification

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POSITIVE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION (PMI) PROCEDURE

The elements of the basic alloy materials to be verified shall be in accordance with table 2.

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POSITIVE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION (PMI) PROCEDURE

11 PROCEDURE

11.1 PMI when specified shall be performed any time prior to, during fabrication for pressure
components and that alloy verification of welds and for field assembled items not previously
PMI tested, is completed prior to shipment to ensure proper materials have been used in the
fabrication of an assembly.
11.2 Weld metal PMI shall be performed prior to any PWHT, radiography or other NDE and or surface
coating.
11.3 Weld metal PMI will be performed on the final deposited pass.
11.4 Saudi Aramco inspector shall have the option to witness any or all the PMI testing.
11.5 Material test reports will not be considered as an acceptable positive material identification
and alloy verification.
PMI report shall identify all components that have been alloy-verified and the results of each
tested components. Cumulative average percentage of elements from tested sample. against
lot/Heat Number is not acceptable. Refer SAES-A-206 Para 12.1.3 & 12.1.4
12 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

12.1 For acceptance, it must be demonstrated that materials contain the amounts of alloying
elements shown in the material specification. Alloys shall be acceptable if the alloying elements
are each within 10% of the specified range of values.
12.2 Welds with consumables that match, or nearly match, the base metal composition shall be
within ±12.5% of the ranges allowed in ASME section II C for each element.
12.3 For acceptance criteria for dissimilar metal alloy welds and weld overlays shall be in
accordance with the welding consumable specified in the approved welding procedure. the
effects of dilution between the different base metals and the filler metal shall be taken into
count for determining the normal as-deposited wed metal composition.
13 REJECTED MATERIALS

Materials and welds found to be incorrect on shop and site fabricated pipe spools or
equipment shall be replaced at fabrication subcontractor or equipment manufacturer’s
expense. Following replacement PMI shall be conducted on all replaced components and
associated welds. If any piece or weld from a representative percentage sample is found to
be unacceptable, then the remainder of that material heat number or all welds on a
completed pipe spool or equipment item (as applicable) shall be verified by performing 100%
PMI Test at the Manufacturer’s orfabrication subcontractor’s expense.
14 MARKING AND COLOR CODING

14.1 Verification Marking

14.1.1 Paint marking shall be done with water-insoluble material that contains no substances that
harmfully affect the metal at ambient or elevated temperatures. In particular, the marking
material shall be free of lead, sulfur, zinc, cadmium, mercury, chlorine, or other halogens.
14.1.2 All components, and welds that are found unacceptable, shall be marked immediately with a
circled red "X".
14.1.3 All verified materials with an acceptable analysis shall be marked with the letters "PMI" using a
low chloride marker or otherwise directed by Project Inspection. The marking shall be adjacent
to the manufacture’s marking. The marking shall be placed as follows:
Pipe: One mark, 75 mm from one end on the outer surface of the pipe. This marking shall
be in addition to the requirements of PFI ES-22 and Attachment 3 of 00-SAIP-07.

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POSITIVE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION (PMI) PROCEDURE

Welds: Adjacent to the welder's mark on the weld. (Welds on tubes for heat transfer
equipment shall be marked by either stenciling or vibroetching on the tube sheet).
Fittings and Forgings: Adjacent to the manufacturer's markings.
Valves: Adjacent to the valve manufacturer's markings on bodies and other pressure parts.
Castings: Adjacent to the casting manufacturer's markings and heat numbers.
Plates: 75 mm from one edge, adjacent to manufacturer's markings.
Tubes: Stenciled, 300 mm from each end.
For 300 Series stainless steel operating above 900°F (482°C), consult with the Chairman of the
Materials Engineering Standards Committee ( to guard against “strain aging”)
14.1.4 When heat treatment is performed after PMI, the identification marking must be recognizable
after heat treatment. PMI markings shall be transferred when a plate or pipe is cut.

14.2 Color Coding

14.2.1 The principal purpose of color coding is visual identification during storage and after the
components have been cut for fabrication.
14.2.2 Color coding is not a substitute for PMI Testing or other, permanent manufacturer’s markings
required by ASTM or other specifications. Permanent manufacturers’ markings shall not be
obscured by color coding.
14.2.3 Color coding may be done by the material manufacturer or the material supplier. Color coding
need not be retained after painting.
14.2.4 Prior to coding, surfaces shall be clean and free of dirt, loose scale, and oil. Paints used for
coding shall be durable, bright, and distinctive and shall not contain substances that would
harmfully affect the material at ambient or elevated temperatures. Particularly paint shall be
free of lead, sulfur, zinc, cadmium, mercury, chlorine, and other halogens.

14.2.5 Each component shall be coded in accordance with PFI-ES-22 and attachment 3of 00-SAIP-
07 and shall have painted characters indicating the specification number of the material if it
is not permanently marked or tagged according to the applicable material specification.
14.2.6 Valves, flanges, and fittings do not require color coding if these components are permanently
stamped or tagged by the manufacturer. If the materials are not easily legible, valves, flanges
and fittings shall be coded with a stripe of 5 mm minimum width. The color coding on the valves
should indicate the valve body material.
14.2.7 ASTM, Grade B7 stud bolts do not require color coding if the Grade of the Material is stamped
on one end of each bolt. But ASTM A193, Grade B7M stud bolts should be color corded to
to visually differentiate between B7/2H and B7M/2HM bolts/nuts.
PMI testing on alloy fasteners may go up to 100% if identification procedures is found
ineffective.

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POSITIVE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION (PMI) PROCEDURE

14.2.8 Spiral wound gaskets shall be color coded in accordance with ASME B 16.20. Sheet type
gaskets do not require color coding.
14.2.9 Pipe & Fittings: each length of pipe and firings shall have 5 mm or larger stripe running full
length. One inch NPS and smaller may have a 3 mm stripe running full length.
14.2.10 Valves: When required, stripe across the body from flange to flange or end to end.
14.2.11 Flanges: When required, stripe across edge up to hub.
14.2.12 Bolting: When required stripe around the midpoint of each bolt or stud.
14.2.13 Plate, sheet, and strip: stripe on surface near two perpendicular edges for entire length.
14.2.14 Tubes and Bars: Stripe entire length.

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POSITIVE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION (PMI) PROCEDURE

SAUDI ARAMCO FORM-175 Inspection and Testing Requirements

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POSITIVE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION (PMI) PROCEDURE

15 REPORTING

Reporting shall be performing with the format qf 091-20 as attached. Print outs of the saved
data reading from machine can be attached or used as report at the option of the customer.
16 ATTACHMENT

Attachment-I: PMI Procedure Flow chart

Attachment-II: PMI Test Report format

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POSITIVE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION (PMI) PROCEDURE

17 ATTACHMENT- I - PMI PROCEDURE FLOW CHART

Request by Originator
Identify items for PMI completely filling out top
Section of Form on Attachment #1

PMI Technician/Operator Form

for correctness and fill out
Instrument data

Perform PMI Test

PMI Test No Mark Item Circled

Red “X”
Result Result

Yes Chemical
No
Analysis Result
Result Done
Result

Mark as “PMI” Yes

Result
Segregate & Dispose off
Issue NCR/EDR

Color Code per

Attached III

Color Code per

Attached III
Complete and
Issue Report
Attach # I

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18 ATTACHMENT-II: PMI TEST REPORT FORMAT
Doc. Ref: Qf 091-20 Report Number: _______

Requested By (Name, ID, Sign & Date) J.O. No. / B.I. No. Customer: Test Date Place of Test

Description of 1) WELD 3) OTHERS SPECIFY Identification Mark Specific Standard: ASME Edition:
Components Tested 2) MEMBER ITEMS ASTM
Make : Test Technique: Material Specification:
Sr. # : Model : 1) WELD WITH ELECTRODE
Equipment Used:
Calibration Date : Procedure No: 2) AS GIVEN IN INDIVIDUAL COMPONENT ITEM
Calibration Validity: 3) Saudi Aramco Drawing No: (Manufacture or Fabricator’s No)
Test Results Acceptance Criteria: Required Material Composition Range
Test Result %
Component Rdg.* Drawing/ Percentage of Percentage of Elements
Sr.# of variance Acc/Rej.
Id Heat.*
# #

* Acceptance Criteria: 1) Production welds: As per predetermined range value, 2) Alloy shall be acceptable if the alloying elements are each within 10% of the specified range of value.
3) All point locations are as marked on the job.

NDT CCS- PMI CLIENT END USER

INSPECTOR (NAME, ID, SIGN & DATE) NAME,ID,SIGN ,DATE
(NAME, ID,
SIGN & DATE).