PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING PRACTICE

(CORE)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

CARBON AND LOW ALLOY STEEL

PIPELINE FLANGES FOR USE IN OIL
AND GAS OPERATIONS
(AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS
TO MSS SP-44)
PTS 31.40.21.34
JULY 1998

PREFACE

PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS) publications reflect the views, at the time of publication,
of PETRONAS OPUs/Divisions.
They are based on the experience acquired during the involvement with the design, construction,
operation and maintenance of processing units and facilities. Where appropriate they are based
on, or reference is made to, national and international standards and codes of practice.
The objective is to set the recommended standard for good technical practice to be applied by
PETRONAS' OPUs in oil and gas production facilities, refineries, gas processing plants, chemical
plants, marketing facilities or any other such facility, and thereby to achieve maximum technical
and economic benefit from standardisation.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to users for their consideration and
decision to implement. This is of particular importance where PTS may not cover every
requirement or diversity of condition at each locality. The system of PTS is expected to be
sufficiently flexible to allow individual operating units to adapt the information set forth in PTS to
their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use PTS they shall be solely responsible for the
quality of work and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In
particular, for those requirements not specifically covered, the Principal will expect them to follow
those design and engineering practices which will achieve the same level of integrity as reflected
in the PTS. If in doubt, the Contractor or Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting from his
own responsibility, consult the Principal or its technical advisor.
The right to use PTS rests with three categories of users :
1)
2)
3)

PETRONAS and its affiliates.

Other parties who are authorised to use PTS subject to appropriate contractual
arrangements.
Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with
users referred to under 1) and 2) which requires that tenders for projects,
materials supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said users
comply with the relevant standards.

Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with
users, PETRONAS disclaims any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury
or death) suffered by any company or person whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the
use, application or implementation of any PTS, combination of PTS or any part thereof. The
benefit of this disclaimer shall inure in all respects to PETRONAS and/or any company affiliated
to PETRONAS that may issue PTS or require the use of PTS.
Without prejudice to any specific terms in respect of confidentiality under relevant contractual
arrangements, PTS shall not, without the prior written consent of PETRONAS, be disclosed by
users to any company or person whomsoever and the PTS shall be used exclusively for the
purpose they have been provided to the user. They shall be returned after use, including any
copies which shall only be made by users with the express prior written consent of PETRONAS.
The copyright of PTS vests in PETRONAS. Users shall arrange for PTS to be held in safe
custody and PETRONAS may at any time require information satisfactory to PETRONAS in order
to ascertain how users implement this requirement.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7

INTRODUCTION
SCOPE
DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
DEFINITIONS
ABBREVIATIONS
CROSS-REFERENCES
GUIDANCE FOR USE
INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE PRINCIPAL

PART II

AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO MSS SP-44

SECTION 1 SCOPE
1.1
GENERAL
1.3
QUALITY SYSTEM
SECTION 3 MATERIALS
SECTION 4 HEAT TREATMENT
SECTION 5
5.4
5.9
5.10
5.11

FLANGE DESIGN
WELDING END
DESIGN CONDITIONS
INTERNAL DIAMETER
SWIVEL RING FLANGES

SECTION 6 MARKING
6.3
TEMPORARY PRESERVATION
SECTION 9 FLANGE BOLTING DIMENSIONS
SECTION 10 TOLERANCES
SECTION 11 INSPECTION
11.1
VISUAL INSPECTION
11.2
NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
11.3
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
11.4
REPAIR OF DEFECTS
11.5
DIMENSIONAL CONTROL
SECTION 12 DOCUMENTATION TO BE PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER
12.1
LANGUAGE
12.2
PRE-MANUFACTURING DOCUMENTATION
12.3
CERTIFICATION
12.4
RETENTION OF RECORDS
PART III

REFERENCES

PART I INTRODUCTION
1.1

SCOPE
This new PTS specifies requirements and gives recommendations for the manufacture and
supply of carbon steel and low alloy pipeline flanges.
Part II of this PTS gives amendments and supplements to clauses of MSS SP-44 which are
considered necessary to ensure pipeline integrity.
This PTS is applicable to flanges for use in both sour and non-sour service.
NOTE:

Sour service is defined in PTS 31.22.20.31

In addition to the flange types included in MSS SP-44, swivel ring flanges and anchor
flanges are also covered by this PTS.
Bolting and gaskets are excluded from the scope of this PTS.
1.2

DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Unless otherwise authorised by PETRONAS, the distribution of this PTS is confined to
companies forming part of PETRONAS or managed by a Group company, and to
Contractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers nominated by them.
This PTS specifies the minimum technical requirements for flanges to be used in the
construction or maintenance of oil and/or gas pipelines and related facilities. It is intended
for use in exploration and production facilities, transmission pipelines and, where
applicable, oil refineries, chemical plants and supply/marketing installations
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements may be more
stringent than in this PTS, 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 Principal of any deviation from the requirements of this PTS
which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or local
regulations. The Principal may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned with the object
of obtaining agreement to follow this PTS as closely as possible.

1.3

DEFINITIONS

1.3.1

General definitions
The Contractor is the party which carries out all or part of the design, engineering,
procurement, construction, commissioning or management of a project, or operation or
maintenance of a facility. The Principal may undertake all or part of the duties of the
Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party which manufactures or supplies equipment and
services to perform the duties specified by the Contractor.
The Principal is the party which initiates the project and ultimately pays for its design and
construction. The Principal will generally specify the technical requirements. The Principal
may also include an agent or consultant, authorised to act for, and on behalf of, the
Principal.
The word shall indicates a requirement.
The word should indicates a recommendation.

1.3.2

1.4

1.5

Specific definitions
Bevel

Replaces the term welding end as used in

MSS SP-44

Defect (in NDT)

A discontinuity or group of discontinuities whose

indication(s) do not meet specified acceptance
criteria.

Flaw/discontinuity (in
NDT)

An interruption, which may be either intentional

or unintentional, in the physical structure or
configuration of a pipe.

Indication (in NDT)

Evidence of a discontinuity that requires

interpretation to determine its significance.

Minimum design
temperature

The minimum temperature to which the pipeline

or section of pipeline may be exposed during
normal operational activities, including start-up
and shut-down operations and controlled
blowdown, but excluding abnormal situations
such as pipeline ruptures.

Sample product

Flange selected for inspection and/or testing

Test unit

The number of flanges to be accepted or

rejected together, on the basis of the tests
carried out on sample products

Test welding ring

Sample of tubular material from the forging

required for use in welding procedure and
welder approval testing.

User

Term used in MSS SP-44 which shall be taken

to mean the Principal.

ABBREVIATIONS
CE

Carbon equivalent

ID

Nominal internal diameter

MT

Magnetic particle testing

NDT

Non-destructive testing

UT

Ultrasonic testing

WPAR

Welding procedure approval record

WPS

Welding procedure specification

CROSS-REFERENCES
Where cross-references to other parts of this PTS are made, the referenced section
number is shown in brackets. Other documents referenced in this PTS are listed in
(Part III).

1.6

GUIDANCE FOR USE

The amendments to MSS SP-44 given in Part II are directly related to equivalent sections in
MSS SP-44. For clarity, the section and paragraph numbering of MSS SP-44 has been
used as far as possible. Where clauses in MSS SP-44 are referenced within this PTS, it
shall mean those clauses as amended by this PTS. Clauses in MSS SP-44 that are not
amended by this PTS shall remain valid as written.

1.7

INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE PRINCIPAL

The following information shall be supplied by the Principal to the Manufacturer at the
enquiry stage:
-

the type of flange;

the type of flange face;

ID of flange;

class (pressure and temperature rating);

the grade of flange material;

service: sour or non-sour;

minimum design temperature;

pipeline hydrotest pressure if in excess of 1.5 times the pressure rating for the class
specified;

grade, ID and wall thickness of adjoining pipe;

type of ISO 10474 inspection certificate, or inspection report, required.

The Principal shall also supply the following supplementary information, where applicable,
to the Manufacturer at the enquiry stage of the order:
-

number and dimensions of test welding rings required for test welding;

grade of temporary preservation compound required;

whether flange design calculations are subject to the agreement of the Principal prior
to manufacture;

whether previous test data can be considered for approving manufacture;

whether testing is required in the simulated stress-relieved condition;

the number of sample products to be tested per test unit;

whether the Manufacturer is required to submit a quality plan for agreement by the
Principal prior to manufacture;

whether the Principal intends to witness any of the Manufacturer's production and
quality control operations;

whether the chemical composition of the Manufacturers proposed flanges is subject to

the agreement of the Principal prior to manufacture;

whether specific quality assurance/control procedures of the Manufacturer shall be

agreed by the Principal prior to manufacture;

whether alternative bevel dimensions are required;

the pipeline design, test and/or operating conditions, together with the load
combinations e.g. internal pressure bearing loads plus bending moments, for which
the flange design shall be verified by the Manufacturer;

support details (for anchor flanges only).

PART II AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO MSS SP-44

SECTION 1 SCOPE
1.1

GENERAL
Add the following:
Blind flanges for sour service shall be manufactured from forged steel.
Add new subsection:

1.3

QUALITY SYSTEM
The Manufacturer/Supplier should maintain and operate a quality system in accordance
with ISO 9001, ISO 9002, or similar alternative standard agreed by the Principal.

SECTION 3 MATERIALS
3.1.2

Add the following:

Amended per
Circular 24/02

The steel used shall be suitable for welding to line pipe manufactured in accordance with
PTS 31.40.20.37 (unless the Principal specifies PTS 31.40.20.35) and to fittings
manufactured in accordance with PTS 31.40.21.30
3.1.3

Replace this section (including 3.1.3.1) with the following:

The chemical composition of the flanges, as determined by product analysis, shall comply
with the following limits:

NOTES:

Element

Maximum permitted
content, wt%

C
Mn
Si
P
S
V
Nb
Ti
Cr
Mo
Ni
Cu
Al
N
B
CE sour
CE non-sour

0.23
1.60
0.45
0.025
0.010
0.08
0.05
0.03
0.20
0.20
0.35
0.40
0.05
0.012
0.0005
0.43
0.45

Notes

5
5
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
4
4

1. V+Nb+Ti shall not exceed 0.15%.

2.

Cr+Mo+Ni+Cu shall not exceed 0.6%.

3.

The total Al: N ratio shall not be less than 2:1.

4.

CE = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15.

5.

For sour service Mn shall be < 1.40 and P shall be < 0.020

Product analysis shall be performed with a frequency of at least one per heat.
Retainer rings for swivel ring flanges should have the same composition as the flanges.
3.1.4

Replace this section with the following:

The mechanical properties of the flanges shall meet the requirements specified in Table 1
below and shall meet the Manufacturer's design conditions as given in Annex A or, for blind
flanges, Annex B of MSS SP-44.

Replace Table 1 with the following:

Table 1

Grade

F42
F46
F48
F50
F52
F56
F60
F65
F70

Tensile requirements
Tensile test requirements
(minimum)
0.2% Proof
Tensile
Elongation
stress, MPa
strength MPa % of 50 mm

290
315
330
345
360
385
415
450
485

415
415
425
440
455
470
515
530
565

20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20

Charpy impact test

requirements
Minimum
Minimum
individual
average
absorbed
absorbed
energy (J)
energy (J)
29
24
32
24
36
27
36
27
36
27
39
30
42
32
45
34
50
38

If stress relieving is required for field welds, mechanical testing shall also be required in the
simulated stress-relieved condition. The acceptance criteria shall be as shown in (Table 1).
The Principal shall inform the Manufacturer at the time of enquiry of the need for, and
details of, the stress-relieving operation.
Manufacture of each type and size of flange or swivel ring shall be approved by destructive
testing of a test flange or test swivel ring which has been subjected to all forming and heat
treatment operations.
The use of previous test data to approve manufacture is subject to the approval of the
Principal.
3.1.4.1

Replace this section with the following:

For approval testing, tensile properties shall be determined using specimens removed from
a test flange of each type and test swivel ring which has been subjected to all forming and
heat treatment operations. Tensile test specimen location shall be as described in
(Figures A, B, or C).
For production quality control testing, specimens may be taken from forging prolongations
of the hub length, blind flange, anchor ring, or swivel ring length. The specimen orientation
shall be tangential.
The testing procedure shall be in accordance with ASTM A 370.

Add new section:

3.1.4.2

The impact toughness of the flanges shall be determined by Charpy V-notch impact testing
in accordance with ASTM A 370 using full-size specimens where possible.

Amended per
Circular 61/99

The impact test temperature shall be lower than or equal to that specified below, with a
maximum of O C.

Nominal wall thickness, t

(mm)

Test temperature
(C)

t 16.0

16.0 < t 25

T-10

t > 25

T-20

T is the minimum design temperature, which shall be specified by the Principal. If no

minimum design temperature is indicated, the test temperature shall be 0 C.
For approval testing, specimen location and orientation shall be as shown in (Figures A, B,
and C). Tangential specimens shall have a through thickness notch aligned with the radial
direction.
For production quality control testing, specimens may be taken from forging prolongations
of the hub length, anchor ring length, blind flange length, or swivel ring length. The
specimen orientation shall be tangential.
The Charpy energy acceptance criteria are shown in (Table 1) for full size 10 mm x 10 mm
specimens. Where subsize specimens are used, the energy acceptance criteria may be
adjusted proportionally.
The shear area at the fracture surface of the test specimens shall be recorded. Each
specimen shall exhibit not less than 50% fibrous shear.
Add new section:
3.1.4.3

For approval testing, three through thickness macrosections shall be taken at 120 intervals
from the hub and ring of the test flange, and from the test swivel ring.
For production quality control, macrosections may be extracted from forging prolongations.
Three hardness traverses shall be made on each macrosection as follows:
-

1.5 0.5 mm from the outer surface

Mid-thickness

1.5 0.5 mm from the inner surface

Each traverse shall consist of five indents spaced in accordance with ASTM A370.
For sour service flanges, no hardness reading shall exceed 248 HV10. For non-sour
service flanges, no hardness reading shall exceed 325 HV10.
Add new sub-subsection:

3.1.5

Test welding rings shall be of the same material as the flanges and subjected to the same
heat treatment.

SECTION 4 HEAT TREATMENT

4.1

Replace this section with the following:

Flanges shall be furnished in the normalised, normalised and tempered, or quenched and
tempered condition.

SECTION 5 FLANGE DESIGN

5.4

WELDING END
Replace this section with the following:
Unless otherwise specified by the Principal, the bevel dimensions for all flanges shall be as
shown in Figure 2 of MSS SP-44.
Delete note a of Figure 2.
Add new section:

5.9

DESIGN CONDITIONS
Where required by the Principal, the flange design shall also be verified for the design
conditions specified by the Principal in the purchase order.
Anchor flanges shall be designed for the combined internal pressure and bearing load on
the flange.
Add new section:

5.10

INTERNAL DIAMETER
Except for blind flanges, flanges shall be supplied with the internal diameter specified by
the Principal.
Add new section:

5.11

SWIVEL RING FLANGES

Swivel ring flanges shall have a swivel ring free to rotate through 360 degrees for alignment
of bolt holes.
A retainer ring shall be attached to the flange, with a suitably dimensioned fillet weld to
retain the swivel.
Add new section:

5.11.1

Welding of retainer ring

The content of the WPS shall be in accordance with ISO 9956-2. The WPS shall have been
approved by welding procedure tests in accordance with ISO 9956-3. The WPAR
supporting the WPS shall include hardness testing of the test weld and shall show that
welds can meet the hardness acceptance criteria of this PTS. An increase in the carbon
equivalent value of the flange or retainer ring material greater than 0.03 units compared to
the material used for the test weld shall be considered as being outside the range of
approval.
Welders shall be approved by a fillet welding test in accordance with ISO 9606-1.

SECTION 6 MARKING
6.1

Replace this section with the following:

The Manufacturer shall die stamp the periphery of each forging before final heat treatment
with 10 mm high round nosed or dot stamps. The marking shall be the Manufacturer's
mark, the flange size, rating, material grade, heat number, purchase order and item
number.
Add new section:

6.3

TEMPORARY PRESERVATION
A temporary preservation compound specified by the Principal shall be applied to all flange
faces after machining.

SECTION 9 FLANGE BOLTING DIMENSIONS

Delete this section.

SECTION 10
10.3.2

TOLERANCES

Replace this section with the following:

The tolerance on the internal diameter shall be 1.5 mm of the nominal internal diameter.
Add new section:

SECTION 11
11.1

INSPECTION

VISUAL INSPECTION
The entire surface of each flange shall be visually examined, internally and externally, for
surface defects. Illumination levels greater than 500 lux shall be provided to enable proper
inspection.

11.2

NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
All personnel performing NDT activities shall be certificated in the technique applied, in
accordance with ISO 9712 or equivalent. Inspectors performing UT shall be certificated to
at least level II; inspectors performing other NDT shall be certificated to at least level I.
NDT for acceptance of the flange (final inspection) shall take place after all heat treatment
and machining operations.
All flanges shall be ultrasonically tested for laminations in accordance with ASTM A 388.
The entire final surface of all production flanges shall be subjected to wet MT in accordance
with ASTM A 275.

11.3

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

11.3.1

General UT
The acceptance criteria shall be the recording levels specified in ASTM A 388.

11.3.2

Bevel faces
The bevel faces shall be machined and shall be free from cracks, laminations, notches,
scores, pits etc.

11.3.3

Remainder of flange
Laminations, cracks, slivers, notches, scores, pits etc., shall be considered as defects.

11.4

REPAIR OF DEFECTS
Defects shall not be repaired by welding. Repairs may be made by machining or grinding if
the remaining thickness is equal to or greater than the required minimum design thickness.
In all cases where repairs are made as a result of imperfections or defects being disclosed
by NDT, the repaired area shall be visually inspected and subjected to MT for confirmation
of defect removal.

11.5

DIMENSIONAL CONTROL
The dimensions specified in Tables 6 to 10 of MSS SP-44 shall be checked on each flange.
Add new section:

SECTION 12
12.1

DOCUMENTATION TO BE PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER

LANGUAGE
All documentation submissions required by this PTS shall be in the English language.

12.2

PRE-MANUFACTURING DOCUMENTATION
If required by the Principal, the Manufacturers contract-specific quality plan shall be
submitted to the Principal for agreement within the time period specified in the contract
document and prior to commencement of flange manufacturing.
NOTE:

12.2.1

Review of a draft quality plan at the enquiry stage of the contract may assist the process.

Content of the quality plan

The format and issue of the quality plan shall be consistent with the document control
element of the Manufacturers quality system.
The content of the quality plan should be based on ISO 10005 and shall include the
following:

12.3

1.

Identification of the product and contract to which the plan is to be applied.

2.

Reference to MSS SP-44 and this PTS.

3.

Location of manufacture.

4.

Identification of the individuals responsible for controlling the activities defined in the
plan.

5.

Identification of the individuals with the authority to interface directly with the
Principal.

6.

Identification of all subcontractors.

7.

The quality plans of all subcontractors.

8.

All sequenced activities for the contract and references to the quality system
procedures and work instructions which will be applied to these activities.

9.

Copies of the quality system procedures and work instructions required by the
Principal.

10.

Test and inspection frequency and acceptance criteria, including the upper and lower
process control limits where statistical process control is employed.

11.

The location of each inspection and test point in the activity sequence.

12.

Points where the Principal has established witnessing or verification requirements.

CERTIFICATION
The Manufacturer shall provide the Principal with an inspection certificate or report, as
specified by the Principal in the purchase order, giving the results of all required tests and
inspection. The certificate, or report, shall comply with the appropriate part of ISO 10474

12.4

RETENTION OF RECORDS
The Manufacturer/Supplier shall retain all quality records for a period of five years after
completion of the order. Quality records shall be made available to the Principal upon
request.

FIGURE A

SCHEMATIC LONGITUDINAL SECTION OF WELDNECK AND ANCHOR

SWIVEL RING FLANGES SHOWING THE POSITION OF THE
MECHANICAL TEST SPECIMENS
Longitudinal and tangential tensile specimens
shall be centred at the same location as the
Charpy specimens

Tangential Charpy specimens shall be notched

through thickness

FIGURE B

SCHEMATIC SECTION SHOWING LOCATION OF CHARPY AND

TENSILE TEST SPECIMENS FOR APPROVAL TESTING OF ANCHOR
FLANGES

FIGURE C

SCHEMATIC SECTION OF A BLIND FLANGE SHOWING THE LOCATION

OF THE MECHANICAL TEST SPECIMENS FOR APPROVAL TESTING

PART III REFERENCES

In this PTS reference is made to the following publications:
NOTE:

Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together
with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.

Amended per
Circular 24/02

PETRONAS STANDARDS
Index to PTS publications and standard specifications

PTS 00.00.05.05

Pressure vessels (amendments/supplements to ASME Section

VIII Division 1 and Division 2)

PTS 31.22.20.31

Linepipe for non-critical service (amendments/supplements to

ISO 3183-1)

PTS 31.40.20.35

Linepipe for critical service (amendments/supplements to

ISO 3183-1)

PTS 31.40.20.37

Pipeline fittings (amendments/supplements to MSS SP-75)

PTS 31.40.21.30

AMERICAN STANDARDS
Test method for magnetic particle examination of steel
forgings

ASTM A 275

Test methods and definitions for mechanical testing of steel

products

ASTM A 370

Ultrasonic examination of heavy steel forgings

ASTM A 388

Issued by:
American Society for Testing and Materials
1916 Race Street
Philadelphia PA 19103
USA.

Standard practice: Steel pipeline flanges, 1996 Edition

MSS SP-44

Issued by:
Manufacturers Standardization Society
of the Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc.
127 Park Street, N.E.
Vienna, Virginia 22180
USA.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Quality Systems - Model for quality assurance in
design, development, production, installation and
servicing

ISO 9001

Quality Systems - Model for quality assurance in production,

installation and servicing

ISO 9002

Approval testing of welders - Fusion welding - Part 1: Steels

ISO 9606-1

Non-destructive testing; qualification and certification

of personnel

ISO 9712

Specification and approval of welding procedures for

metallic materials - Part 2: Welding procedure
specification for arc welding

ISO 9956-2

Specification and approval of welding procedures for

metallic materials - Part 3: Welding procedure tests

ISO 9956-3

for the arc welding of steels

Quality management - Guidelines for quality plans

ISO 10005

Steel and steel products, inspection documents

ISO 10474

Issued by:
International Organization for Standardization
1, Rue de Varemb
CH-1211 Geneve 20
Switzerland.
Copies can also be obtained from national standards
organizations.