09-Samss-089 (2018)

Materials System Specification
09-SAMSS-089 17 January 2018

Qualification Requirements for Shop-Applied External FBE Coatings
Document Responsibility: Paints and Coatings Standards Committee
Contents
1 Scope ................................................................ 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations .................................... 2
3 References ........................................................ 3
4 Definitions .......................................................... 5
5 Health, Safety, and Environment ....................... 6
6 Material .............................................................. 6
7 Handling of Pipe Before Coating ....................... 9
8 Cleaning and Surface Preparation ..................... 9
9 Coating Application .......................................... 12
10 Quality Requirements ...................................... 13
11 Inspection Requirements ................................. 14
12 Recheck on Coating Material Qualities ............ 21
13 Repairs ............................................................ 22
14 Pipe Storage and Preparation for Shipment .... 22
Revision Summary .................................................. 23
Appendix A - Qualification Procedure for Initial

Product Approval ........................................ 24
Previous Issue: 7 February 2017 Next Planned Update: 17 January 2021

Page 1 of 29
Contact: Mansour, Mana H. (mansmh0c) on phone +966-13-8809557
©Saudi Aramco 2018. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Paints and Coatings Standards Committee 09-SAMSS-089
Issue Date: 17 January 2018 Qualification Requirements for Shop-applied
Next Planned Update: 17 January 2021 External FBE Coatings
1 Scope
1.1 This specification, together with the Purchase Order and appropriate Data Sheets,
defines the minimum mandatory requirements of shop-applied, heat-cured
external fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) coating systems for the external surfaces of
steel pipes, single or double joint, and associated fittings, and couplings.
1.2 Information Required in Requests for Quotation and in Purchase Orders
Requests for Quotation and Purchase Orders shall identify which of the
following service conditions applies for the coated products:
1.2.1 APCS-104A for buried or immersed, with temperatures not exceeding

65°C in Subkha soil or subsea, or up to 93°C in dry soil condition.
1.2.2 APCS-104B for buried or immersed, with temperatures not exceeding

90°C in Subkha soil or subsea, or up to 110°C in dry soil condition.
1.2.3 APCS-104C for buried or immersed with temperature up to 130°C.
1.3 For projects reviews, all protective coating requirements, specifications and
coatings map as per SAEP-303, shall be consolidated in Index H.
1.4 This standard shall be attached to, and made part of, purchase orders when
required.
1.5 Information Required with the Quotation
1.5.1 Cost if burn-off is required to remove oil contamination from the surface
prior to blast cleaning (see paragraph 8.1).
1.5.2 Cost of UV protection if coated pipes will be stacked in the vendor’s

yard more than six months.
2 Conflicts and Deviations
2.1 Any conflicts between this specification and other Saudi Aramco Materials
System Specifications (SAMSSs), Engineering Standards (SAESs), Standard
Drawings (SASDs), or industry standards, codes and forms shall be resolved in
writing by the Company or Buyer Representative through the Manager,
Consulting Services Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this specification in writing to the Company or
Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Manager, Consulting Services Department of
Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
Saudi Aramco: Company General Use
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3 References
Referenced standards and specifications shall be the latest edition, revision or

addendum in effect on the date of the purchase order, unless stated otherwise.
3.1 Saudi Aramco Documents
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory
Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement
SAEP-303 Engineering Reviews of Project Documentation
SAEP-1200 Qualification Procedures for Protective Coatings
and Abrasive Blasting Materials
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-H-001 Coating Selection and Application Requirements for
Industrial Plants and Equipment
SAES-H-002 Internal and External Coatings for Steel Pipelines
and Piping
SAES-H-200 Storage, Handling, and Installation of Externally
Coated Pipe
SAES-H-201 General Specifications for Over-the-Ditch External
and Internal FBE Coating of Field Girth Welds
SAES-W-012 Welding Requirements for Pipelines
Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements

Form 175-091300 Coating: Shop Applied, Internal or External
3.2 Industry Codes and Standards
American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM D714 Standard Method of Evaluating the Degree of
Blistering of Paint
ASTM D4060 Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of
Organic Coatings by the Taber Abrader
ASTM D4940 Standard Test Method for Conductimetric Analysis
of Water Soluble Ionic Contamination of
Blasting Abrasives
ASTM D7393 Standard Practice for Indicating Oil in Abrasives

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ASTM G8 Test for Cathodic Disbonding of Pipeline Coatings
International Organization for Standardization

ISO 8501-1 Pictorial Surface Preparation Standard for
Painting Steel Surfaces
ISO 8502-3 Preparation of Steel Substrates before Application
of Paint and Related Products - Tests for the
Assessment of Surface Cleanliness - Part 3:
Assessment of Dust on Steel Surface Prepared
for Painting
of Paint and Related Products - Tests for the
Assessment of Surface Cleanliness - Part 6:
Extraction of Soluble Contaminants for Analysis
of paints and Related Products - Surface
Roughness Characteristics of Blast-cleaned Steel
Substrates - Part 5: Replica Tape Method for the
Determination of the Surface Profile
ISO 21809-2 Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries - External
Coatings for Buried or Submerged Pipelines Used
in Pipeline Transportation Systems - Part 2:
Single layer Fusion-bonded Epoxy Coatings
ISO 11124-3 Specifications for Metallic Blast-Cleaning
Abrasives- Part 3: High-Carbon Cast-Steel Shot
and Grit
ISO 11125 Test Methods for Metallic Blast-Cleaning Abrasives
ISO 11126-10 Specification for Non-metallic Blast-Cleaning
Abrasives- Part 10: Almandite Garnet
ISO 11127 Test Methods for Non-metallic Blast-Cleaning
Abrasives
The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC)

SSPC PA 2 Procedure for Determining Conformance to Dry
Coating Thickness
SSPC SP 1 Solvent Cleaning
SSPC SP 10 Very Thorough Blast Cleaning (near white metal
blast)

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SSPC-AB2 Cleanliness of Recycled Ferrous Metallic Abrasives

SSPC-AB3 Ferrous Metallic Abrasive
Canadian Standards Association

CAN/CSA-Z245.20-14 External Fusion Bond Epoxy Coating for Steel Pipe
NACE International
NACE SP0394 Application, Performance, and Quality Control of
Plant-Applied Single-Layer Fusion Bonded
Epoxy External Pipe Coating
NACE SP0490 Holiday detection for external fusion bonded epoxy
for pipeline coatings
America Petroleum Institute
API 5L9 External Fusion Bonded Epoxy Coating of Line
Pipe
4 Definitions
Approved Procedure: Procedure referred to in this specification that has been

approved by CSD/Paints and Coating Standards committee. Approved procedures do
not require re-approval in new purchase orders.
Approved Product: A coating material that has been approved by CSD/Paints and
Coating Standards committee as meeting the requirements of the applicable APCS,
SAMSS or relevant international standards. Only approved products are allowed for
use in Saudi Aramco jobs. These requirements apply to all coatings referred to in all
the SAES-H-series standards.
Batch: Specified quantity of material produced under the same uniform conditions
during a continuous production run by one Manufacturer.
Buyer: Saudi Aramco Purchasing Department representative.
Buyer's Representative: The person or persons designated by the Purchasing
Department to monitor / enforce the contract. Normally, this is the on-site inspector.
Custom Coated Pieces: All pipes not coated by automated in-plant equipment.
Generally, fittings, short spools and fabricated spools.
Cut-back: The length of pipe left uncoated at each end for joining purposes.
DFT: Dry film thickness

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Fabricated Spools: Spools longer than 10 feet that can’t be coated by the automated
process due to connection to flanges or other spools.
FBE: Fusion bond epoxy coating
Fitting: For purposes of this specification, “fitting” is used to refer to any custom
coated piece including valves and pumps.
Holiday: A discontinuity in applied coating that exhibits electrical conductivity when
exposed to a specific voltage.
Manufacturer: Company which manufactures FBE powder coatings and corresponding
repair materials.
Maximum Operating Temperature: Maximum temperature that can be reached
during operation of pipeline.
Overlap: Length of the field joint coating over the plant-applied coating including the
coating bevel.
Pipe: For purposes of this specification “pipe” is used to refer to steel tubular,
including line pipe and OCTG casing and tubing.
Production pipes: Pipes coated using automated process.

Test Ring: A sample taken from production-coated pipe or a pup piece pipe, having
the same specification of coated pipes, coated in the same production line.
Vendor: FBE coating applicator
Working shift: The maximum working shift shall be 12hrs.
5 Health, Safety, and Environment
Applicable safety requirements addressed in SAES-H-102 shall be followed.
6 Material
6.1 FBE External Coating
6.1.1 Material for the shop-applied external coating shall be in a form of

thermosetting resin powder suitable for application by the fusion bond
process as tested and approved by Saudi Aramco, and applied
according to the Manufacturer's recommendation.
6.1.2 The use of recycled powder may be permitted if adequate recovery and
screening equipment is used and maintained. In no cases shall such use

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be greater than 10% by weight. If the reclaimed powder found

contaminated, reclaimed powder shall be stopped.
6.1.3 The Vendor shall use only Saudi Aramco approved products under
APCS-104A, APCS-104B or APCS-104C for the intended service.
6.1.4 Any approved coating that is subjected to modifications and/or

reformulations, or replacement including change of names or
re-branding shall be requalified.
6.1.5 Powder coating materials supplied to the Vendor shall be certified by

Manufacturer with the following information, which must meet
initially approved material:
a) The Manufacturer's name
b) Product description
c) Mass of material
d) The material identification number
e) The batch number
f) Date of manufacture
g) Location of manufacturing
h) Temperature required for transportation and storage
i) The shelf life (or expiration date)
j) Material identification fingerprints
6.1.6 Each batch of FBE coating must be tested and certified by the
Manufacturer in accordance with the requirement of Table 1.
Vendor shall conduct the same tests to verify compliance with the
requirements.
Table 1 - Epoxy Powder Properties
Property Acceptance Criteria Test Method
Density Meets Manufacturer specification CSA Z245.20 Clause 12.6

3.0% maximum retained on 150 μm
Particle Size mesh and 0.2% maximum CSA Z245.20 Clause 12.5
retained on 250 μm mesh.
Gel Time Meets Manufacturer specification CSA Z245.20 Clause 12.2
Cure Time Meets Manufacturer specification CSA Z245.20 Clause 12.1
Moisture Content 0.5% maximum CSA Z245.20 Clause 12.4
Thermal Meets Manufacturer specification
CSA Z245.20 Clause 12.7
Characteristics for Tg1 (°C), Tg2 (°C), ΔH (J/g)
NACE SP0394-2013
Bend test No crack
(Appendix H)
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6.1.7 The Vendor shall retain samples of each powder batch for a period of
2 years or until the expiration date. The sample shall be of sufficient
size to run duplicates for the following tests if required:
a) Instrumental Analyses: FT-IR and DSC
b) Gel Time
c) Moisture Content
d) Bend tests
e) Cathodic disbondment tests
6.1.8 Coating material shall be stored and handled in accordance with the
coating manufacturer's recommendations. Expired material shall not
be used.
6.2 Repair Material
Touch-up or repairs shall be made with Saudi Aramco-approved materials.

Touch-up material shall also be approved by the FBE coating manufacturer.
Manufacturer should identify the repair material before starting the qualification
process to be included in the testing program, if needed. Touch-up material
shall be stored, handled, and applied in accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications.
6.3 Blast Abrasives
6.3.1 Steel abrasives and/or garnet shall be used for surface preparation. Only
Saudi Aramco approved abrasive materials are allowed to be used.
6.3.2 Each batch of abrasive must be tested and certified by the Manufacturer in
accordance with the requirement of ISO 11124-3 or 11126-10.
6.3.3 The use of reclaimed slag abrasives is prohibited. The use of reclaimed
garnet is permitted for pre-blasting work, provided it meets the
requirements of ISO 11126-10 and ASTM D7393 for oil contamination.
6.3.4 The use of recycled steel abrasives is allowed, provided it meets the
requirements of SSPC-AB2.
6.3.5 After blast cleaning all pipes shall be blown out with clean, dry
presurized air (at least 100 psi) to remove any residual contaminants
from the blast cleaning operation. The quality of air must be tested twice
per shift using the blotter test.
6.3.6 The abrasives shall be stored in a dry condition and kept dry/clean
during use. For all abrasives, the sulfate content shall be less than 50
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PPM, the chloride content shall be less than 50 PPM, and calcium
carbonate shall be 1.0% by weight.
6.3.7 Garnet abrasives shall meet the requirements of ISO 11126-10 and
11127. The steel abrasives shall meet the requirements of ISO 11124-3
and 11125.
6.3.8 Abrasives shall be of a particle size that will produce a clean, angular
surface profile as specified in paragraph 8.4 of this specification.
6.3.9 Sand is prohibited as an abrasive for pre-cleaning, cleaning, and all other
abrasive blasting processes.
6.3.10 The Vendor shall furnish a chemical analysis for all batches of abrasives
to verify compliance with the requirements in paragraph 6.3.6.
7 Handling of Pipe before Coating
7.1 Suitable equipment for handling, unloading, and temporary storage of bare pipe
shall be used to avoid any damage to bare pipe or pipe ends, or obliteration of
necessary pipe markings.
7.2 Pipe or fittings received in a damaged condition or showing serious defects that
may impair the coating, such as extensive laminations, burrs, gouges, pits, metal
slivers or cold laps, or uneven weld cap or weld irregularity shall be reported to
the Buyer's Representative for disposition. The Vendor shall determine final
disposition due to the coating inability.
7.3 Vendor shall have an approved procedure for handling, loading, unloading,
storage and preparation for shipment of pipe and fittings prior to coating.
8 Cleaning and Surface Preparation
8.1 Prior to abrasive cleaning, all oil, grease and other deleterious materials shall be
removed by solvent cleaning in accordance with SSPC SP 1 or by detergent
washing or steam cleaning. No residue that will affect adhesion shall be left on
the surface. Oven burn-off at a temperature of 370 - 400ºC may also be
employed, if, in the opinion of the Vendor, this is the only satisfactory method
of insuring that the steel is free of oily contaminants. The reported oily
contamination shall be investigated and confirmed by the Buyer's
Representative and written approval shall be obtained from the Buyer prior to
burn-off. All pipe and fittings which have been received with internal mill
varnish or other deleterious coatings or have been in previous oil service shall
always be burned off.

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8.2 Before and after blasting, pipes or fittings surface temperature shall be at least
3ºC above the dew point. If preheating is used, it shall be carried out in a
uniform manner to avoid distortion.
8.3 The surface to be coated shall be abrasive cleaned to a near white metal surface
finish equal to Sa 2-½ as described in ISO 8501-1 or SSPC- SP10/NACE No 2.
Internal coating shall be protected from damage by the blasting material at all
times.
8.4 The anchor profile shall be 50-100 micrometers. Anchor profile shall be
measured by Stylus type profile meter (ISO 8503-4). Replica tape (ISO 8503-5)
can be used in area where Stylus profile meter can not be used. Abrasives,
including recycled materials, shall be maintained clean, dry, and free from
contaminants in accordance with SSPC-AB2. Vendor should have a written
procedure for monitoring size, shape, dryness and cleanliness of the blasting
material. Oil contamination shall be checked twice per shift on the re-circulated
abrasives in accordance with ASTM D7393.
8.5 Dust level shall be Class 2 or less in accordance with ISO 8502-3. Test the first
5 pipes in every shift. After that, test one out of every 20 pipes or 2 fittings per
production lot.
8.6 Defects
8.6.1 Weld spatter shall be removed. Rough welds and sharp edges shall be
ground to a minimum radius of 3 mm.
8.6.2 When serious defects such as mentioned in paragraph 7.2 are found
following the abrasive cleaning operation, the affected pipe or fitting
shall be set aside for disposition by the Buyer's Representative.
8.6.3 If these anomalies affect enough of the pipe or fitting to the extent that
the coating process is severely disrupted, the coating process shall be
stopped and the Buyer informed. The Vendor shall advise the Buyer
of any remedial measures that could be taken to achieve an acceptable
coating. The Vendor shall make the final decision, after consultation
with the Buyer's Representative, whether the affected pipe or fittings
can be coated.
8.7 Dew Point readings shall be recorded at the start and every 2 hours during the
blasting operation in the immediate vicinity of the operation. Blasting and
coating operations shall be suspended if the substrate temperature is less than
3ºC above the dew point. Any metal surface showing evidence of flash rusting
shall be re-blasted prior to coating.

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8.8 Chloride Contamination
8.8.1 The blasted surface of pipes and fittings shall be tested for the
presence of residual chlorides in accordance with ISO 8502-6.
Residual chlorides shall be no greater than 20 mg/m².
8.8.2 Test a random location on the first two blasted pipes and/or fittings on
any given day. After that, test one pipe joint out of every 50 pipes. For
fittings, test at least two pieces per production lot.
8.8.3 In the event of a failed test result, the piece shall be re-tested. If it fails
after the re-test, test all pieces that were blast cleaned both before and
after the contaminated piece until five in a row pass the test. All pieces
coated after the last good test must be re-blasted, re-tested and re-
coated.
8.8.4 If the phosphoric acid/fresh water wash is needed prior to application

of the FBE powder, Vendor must use an approved procedure by
CSD/Paints and Coating Standards committee. The procedure should
include, at least, the following:
8.8.4.1 Required pH level after wash shall be controlled.
8.8.4.2 Description of the acid wash process and qualification shall

be provided.
8.8.4.3 Dwell time, pH, and minimum and maximum temperature

controls.
8.8.4.4 A thorough, clean, high-pressure water rinse more than 1,000

psi (70 bar) must follow to remove any treatment residue.
8.8.4.5 Quality of water and control of total dissolved solids and

chlorides control.
8.8.4.6 Provisions and controls to avoid acid to dry on pipe with

residual heat or to avoid traces of acid or reactive products to
be left on surface.
8.9 Maximum time between blasting and coating shall be 4 hours and any metal
surface showing evidence of flash rusting shall be re-blasted prior to coating.
A minimum light intensity at the inspection site of 50 foot-candles (500 Lux) is
required for visual inspection of the surface.

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Table 2 - Summary of Surface Preparation Tests

Test Test Method Acceptance Criteria Frequency
Surface Cleanliness Para. 8.3 Sa 2.5 All

1) First 5 pipes in every
shift and then one pipe
Anchor Profile Para. 8.4 50~100 μm out of every 20 pipes
2) Two fittings per
production lot
1) First 5 pipes in every
shift and then one
pipe out of every 20
Dust grade Para. 8.5 Class 2 or less
pipes.
2) Two fittings per
production lot.
Free of weld spatter,
Defects Para. 8.6 rough weld surfaces All
and sharp protrusions
3°C above steel
Dew Point Para. 8.7 Every 2 hours
temperature
1) First 2 pipes on
any given day and
then one pipe out
Residual Chloride Para. 8.8 Less than 20 mg/m²
of every 50 pipes.
2) Two fittings per
production lot
9 Coating Application
9.1 The dew point of air in the fuidized bed and powder feed lines shall be no
higher than -20°F (-29°C). A source of clean, dry air with instrumentation to
monitor dryness is required.
9.2 Adequate screens (80 mesh (180 micron) or finer) shall be present in the powder
handling system to ensure that large particles or agglomerates are not carried to
the application equipment.
9.3 The FBE coating material shall be applied according to the Vendor's approved
application procedure, which incorporates the Manufacturer's recommendations.
The Vendor shall submit his application procedure to CSD/Paints and Coating
Standards committee for Saudi Aramco approval prior to application. Already
approved procedures do not require CSD/Paints and Coating Standards
committee review and approval on new purchase orders, unless otherwise is
required by the Buyer's representative or any other standards documents.
9.4 During coating application, pipe surface temperature shall be maintained and
monitored to be within coating Manufacturer specified application temperature.
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Surface temperature and interval time of each process shall be measured

immediately prior to coating application, after coating application and before
quenching by optical pyrometer or contact type thermometer.
9.5 In no case shall steel pipes and associated fittings and couplings, which have
been internally coated, be exposed to a temperature detrimental to the internal
coating. In all pipes, the lining shall be visually inspected after application of
external FBE and result must be reported in the inspection sheet.
9.6 The coating dry film thickness shall be as follows, unless otherwise agreed upon
in writing by the Buyer.
9.6.1 350 to 525 micrometers (14 to 21 mils) for the services described in
paragraph 1.2.1
9.6.2 575 to 750 micrometers (23 to 30 mils) for the service described in
paragraph 1.2.2
9.6.3 As recommended by coating manufacturer for the service described in

paragraph 1.2.3
9.6.4 Fittings and couplings are allowed to additional 20% of maximum

DFT above the values in 9.6.
9.7 Any pipes products and associated fittings and couplings having a thickness
outside the specified DFT range shall be re-blasted and coated at no cost to
Saudi Aramco.
9.8 The finished coating shall have a cut back at each end in the range of 50 to 75 mm
measured from end of pipe, on pipes of 6” diameter and above and in the range of
25 to 50 mm on pipes with less than 6” diameter. If longer cut-back is needed,
CSD/Paints and Coating Standards committee shall be consulted.
9.9 The cured coating shall be of uniform color and gloss, and shall be free of
blisters, bubbles, sags, voids fish eyes and any other irregularity. The coated
surface shall be 100% visually inspected to ensure it is free of such irregularities.
9.10 In Double Jointed pipes at girth weld areas, the allowable DFT shall be in
accordance with 9.6.4.
10 Quality Requirements
The Vendor's quality assurance system during the coating application shall include the
following as minimum requirements:

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10.1 Checking cleanliness of pipe and/or fittings immediately prior to blasting (see
paragraph 8.1).
10.2 Monitoring of size, shape, dryness and cleanliness of the blasting material and
process (see paragraph 6.3).
10.3 Checking visually, in good light, the surface for metal defects, dust and surface
debris (see paragraph 8.6).
10.4 Checking blasted surface profile (see paragraph 8.4).
10.5 Checking temperature control of the surface (see paragraph 8.2).
10.6 Checking thickness of cured coating (see paragraph 11.4).
10.7 Checking on the coating adhesion properties (see paragraph 11.5).
10.8 Holiday detection of 100% of the surface area of all pipes and fittings
(see paragraph 11.6).
10.9 Supervision of adequate and proper repair of all defects.
10.10 Checking of coating color, appearance and uniformity (see paragraph 9.9).
10.11 Cure Test (see paragraph 11.8).
10.12 Conduct required test on Production test Rings (see paragraph 11.9).
11 Inspection Requirements
11.1 The Vendor shall notify the Buyer not less than 5 days in advance of the start of
each production run. The Vendor shall provide the Buyer's Representative with
a detailed time schedule to allow him to witness or monitor all processing and
testing phases.
11.2 Responsibility for Inspection
11.2.1 The Vendor shall be responsible for all quality control checking
including visual inspection, thickness measurements, and holiday
testing, and shall keep records on the results of all such inspections in
a form suitable to the Buyer's Representative.
11.2.2 Pipe coated in accordance with this specification is subject to

verification by the Buyer's Representative per Saudi Aramco Form
175-091300, “Inspection Requirements”, attached to the Purchase
Order. The Buyer's Representative shall have access to each part of

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the process, and shall have the right to witness the quality control tests
and/or perform tests by himself on a random sampling basis.
11.2.3 The Buyer's Representative shall have the right to halt the application
requesting alterations or corrections to the process in order to correct
all faults found in the work, which conforms to this specification.
Commentary Note:
Quality control on custom coated pieces (including valves) has proven

to be difficult. Proponent should consider providing his own (or third-
party) full-time inspection coverage in addition to the requirements of
this specification.
11.3 Visual Inspection
The external surfaces being coated shall be inspected visually at each stage of
the operation, using suitable illumination and inspection tools with sufficient
frequency to ensure full compliance with the requirements of this specification.
11.4 Thickness Test
Coating thickness for every pipe and fitting shall be checked in accordance with
SSPC PA 2 by using a non-destructive type of thickness gauge which has been
calibrated as required in paragraph 11.10.1. All results shall be as specified in
paragraph 9.6 and shall be recorded.
11.5 Adhesion Test
11.5.1 General Requirements
11.5.1.1 For pipe, determine the adhesion of the coating at one

location for each of the following cases:
a) The first production joint,
b) The first joint after any interruption in production, and
c) Once every hour or every twenty pipe lengths,
whichever is more frequent.
If 3 tests have been successful, the test frequency may
be reduced to once every 2 hours or 50 pipe lengths.
11.5.1.2 For custom coated pieces, test one sample per production
lot.
11.5.1.3 Failure of the adhesion test shall require lot narrowing by

testing the pipes or fittings until five in a row (coated both
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before and after the piece that failed) show satisfactory

adhesion. A lot is defined as one shift's production, except
in the case of custom coated pieces where a lot is defined as
any number of pieces processed through the custom coating
oven at the same time.
11.5.1.4 The weld cutback on selected pipe lengths or fittings (see

paragraph 9.5) shall be left partly unmasked to facilitate the
adhesion test. The unmasked area shall be cleaned of
coating following the test. Where this procedure is not
practical, the test may be conducted on a selected area of
the coating, and the test area be repaired in accordance with
Section 13 of this specification.
11.5.2 Adhesion Test Procedure
11.5.2.1 With a sharp, narrow bladed knife, two incisions

(approximately 13 mm long) shall be made, in the form of
an X, through to the metal substrate.
11.5.2.2 At the intersection of the X, an attempt shall be made to

force the coating from the steel substrate with the knife
point. The point of the knife shall be inserted horizontally,
i.e., the flat of the blade under the coating at the point of
intersection of the X such that the blade point is on the
metal surface. Using a levering action, the flat point shall
be forced away from the steel in an attempt to pry off the
coating. Refusal of the coating to disband from the
substrate shall be recorded as a “pass”. A “pass” shall also
be recorded where the coating fails cohesively. Partial or
complete adhesive failure between the coating and the
substrate shall be recorded as a failure. Disbondment at the
point of the intersection is common due to the action of
marking the 'X' cut. Therefore, for 1 mm away from the tip
of the intersection any disbondment shall be ignored.
11.5.2.3 The pipe shall be allowed to cool to below 80°C prior to

conducting the adhesion test. Failure of the test shall
require each piece coated on that day to be subjected to the
test until a total of three tests in a row (three done both
before and after the piece which failed) are satisfactory.
11.6 Holiday Detection

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11.6.1 100% of the externally coated surface area of the pipe shall be tested
with a hot spark, pulse-type DC holiday detector employing an audible
signaling device. The electrode used for locating holidays shall be
designed to ensure direct contact with the coating (with no visible gaps).
11.6.2 Travel rate of the detector electrode shall not exceed 30 cm/sec.
The electrode shall not be allowed to remain stationary while the
power is on.
11.6.3 Holiday test voltage shall be 125 volts DC per 25 micrometers

(0.001 in) of maximum coating thickness. However, to eliminate the
need for continual adjustment during shop production, a maximum
voltage of 2,400 volts ± 50 volts may be used for the coating thickness
range 350 to 750 micrometers (14 to 30 mils). Holidays shall be
clearly marked for repair.
11.6.4 The allowable number of holidays rate that can be repaired before
other special measures are required, is as follows:
11.6.4.1 For pipe smaller than 14 inches OD, one holiday per meter
length, determined by dividing the total number of holidays
by the total pipe length, expressed in meters, for the
individual pipe tested.
11.6.4.2 For pipe of 14 inches OD or larger, 0.7 holiday per square

meter, determined by dividing the total number of holidays
by the total outside surface area, expressed in square
meters, for the individual pipe tested.
11.6.4.3 If the quantity of holidays exceeds the limit specified

above, the affected pipe shall be stripped and recoated.
11.7 Bend Test
11.7.1 Two test bars measuring approximately 25 mm x 192 mm x (6.0-10.0)

mm shall be coated at a dry film thickness specified for each coating
system.
11.7.2 The coating thickness shall be measured at 5 locations 25 mm apart on

each sample, and the thickness recorded. The average of these
readings shall fall in the range in paragraph 9.6.
11.7.3 The test bars shall be holiday detected in accordance with paragraph
11.6 of this specification, and all holidays marked and recorded.

Page 17 of 28
11.7.4 The specimens shall be clamped in the bender with the coated side up.
The specimens shall be bent flat wise.
11.7.5 The bend angles and temperatures are specified in table 3.
Table 3 – Bend test condition
Test Angle
Test Temperature
APCS-104A/B APCS-104C
5 °C 3.0°/PD 2.0°/PD
10°C 3.75°/PD 2.5°/PD
25°C 5.5°/PD 3.0°/PD
11.7.6 Bending shall be accomplished in less than 30 seconds.
11.7.7 The coated specimens shall show no cracks, tears, delamination, or

disbondment. The presence of strain marks alone does not constitute a
failure.
11.7.8 At the start of using a new batch of powder, the flexibility of the
coating shall be determined by bend test. The test shall be conducted
on test bars at 5, 10 and 25ºC.
11.7.9 The bend test shall be conducted on test bars once per shift at 25ºC for
custom coating. The powder utilized for the test shall be taken from
the plant application fluidizing bed.
11.7.10 For production pipes, the bend test shall be conducted in accordance
with table 4.
11.7.11 For production pipes not covered in table 4, the bend test shall be
conducted on test bars once per shift at 25ºC. The powder utilized for
the test shall be taken from the plant application fluidizing bed.
11.7.12 FBE coating of valves and pumps do not require bend test during
application.
11.7.13 If any of the specimen fail the bend test, the tests shall be repeated for
that teperature.
11.7.13.1 If the result of retest is satisfactory, the bend test shall be

accepted.
Page 18 of 28
11.7.13.2 If any of the specimen fail the retest, immediately

discontinue further coating with the suspect batch of
powder and proceed as follows:
a) Powder : If any specimen fails the retest, the suspected

batch of powder shall not be used.
b) Pipe: All pipes coated since the previous successful
bend test shall be set aside. Two specimens with the
same dimensions as given in paragraph 11.7.1 shall be
cold cut from the production coated pipes in question
and subjected to the bend test. The edges of the
specimens as necessary shall be chamfered to remove
stress raisers. As many specimens as necessary shall
be tested until the Buyer's Representative is satisfied
that all pipes with substandard coatings have been
identified. These pipes shall be rejected.
11.7.14 If deemed necessary in some critical applications or according to an

end-user request, CSD/Paints and Coating Standards committee may
request the Vendor to prepare the Bend test samples from a coated
pipe section.
11.7.15 Bend test is not required for girth weld coating.
11.8 Cure Test
Twice per shift the coating on production pipes shall be tested by Differential
Scanning Calorimeter analysis in accordance with CSA Z245.20 Clause 12.7 for
cured coating. Custom coated fittings and spools shall be subjected to the same
test at a frequency of two sample per production lot. For double joint girth
welds, it shall be checked twice per day. Failure of the test shall require each
piece coated on that day to be subjected to the test until a total of three tests in a
row (three done both before and after the piece which failed) are satisfactory.
The glass transition temperature difference (Tg4-Tg3) must be in the range
specified by the FBE Manufacturer, within ±3°C. Any coated pipes, girth welds,
or fittings fail the test within the acceptable range shall be rejected.
11.9 Production Test Ring
11.9.1 The vendor should obtain a test ring from the pipe end, at least 500 mm,
to be subjected to the tests listed in Table 4.
11.9.2 The minimum test frequency, for each production line, shall be one test
ring per pipe diameter and specified wall thickness every working shift.

Page 19 of 28
11.9.3 Test ring is only required for a daily production of more than 25 pipes,
provided the total project pipes are more than 100 pipes.
11.9.4 Test ring is not required for valves, pumps and custom coatings.
11.9.5 If the coating failed any of following test, the tests shall be repeated for
that specific test. If the result of the retest is acceptable, the production
test shall be accepted. If the coating failed the retest, immediately
discontinue further coating with the suspect batch of powder and
proceed as follows:
11.9.6 All pipes coated since the previous successful tests shall be set aside.
Three pipes before/after the tested pipes shall be subjected to the tests
listed in table 4. If the coating continue to fail, the tests should continue
until consecutive three pipes are passed test.
11.9.7 Test ring shall be prepared 4 inch and above diameter pipe.
Table 4 - Production Test Ring Requirements

Acceptance Test
Test Test Method
Criteria Specimens
No cracks, tears,
Flexibility: 5.5°/ PD at NACE SP0394-2013,
delamination, or 2
25°C for APCS-104A/B (Appendix H)
disbondment
No cracks, tears,
Flexibility: 3°/ PD at 25°C NACE SP0394-2013,
delamination, or 2
for for APCS-104C (Appendix H)
disbondment
Hot-water soak
NACE SP0394-2013,
Hot-water adhesion: Rating of 2 1
(Appendix J)
(24 hours) 75 ± 3°C
CSA Z245.20,
Interface contamination 20% 1
Clause 12.9.3
Cathodic Disbondment CSA Z245.20,
10 mm 1
24 hours @ 65°C, -3.5 V Clause 12.8
CSA Z245.20,
Cross-section porosity Rating of 1-3 1
Clause 12.10.3
ΔTg = ±3°C, 95% CSA Z245.20,
Thermal characteristics 1
conversion Clause 12.7.3.2.2
DFT Para 9.6 1 SSPC-PA2
11.10 Calibration of Inspection Equipment
11.10.1 The coating thickness gauge (see paragraph 11.4) shall be calibrated in
accordance with SSPC PA 2 at the start of production and every 3 hours
during production, against a certified or known standard.

Page 20 of 28
11.10.2 The holiday detector shall be calibrated at least twice per 8-hour shift
against a suitable calibrated voltmeter.
11.11 Internal coating shall not be subjected to double heating, in case the external
coating is rejected and recoating is required.
Table 5 - Summary of Coating Application Requirements

Acceptance
Test Test Method Frequency
Criteria
Dry Film As specified in Para.
Para. 11.4 All
Thickness 9.6
25-50 mm
(less than 6 inch dia.)
Cutback Para. 9.8 All
50-75 mm
(larger than 6 inch)
First joint or once every
hour or every twenty pipe
lengths.
If three tests successful,
Adhesion Test Para. 11.5 Pass every 2 hours or 50 pipe
lengths for pipe.
One sample per
production lot for custom
coated pieces
Holiday Detection Para. 11.6 Para. 11.6 All
Bend test Para. 11.7 Para. 11.7 Para. 11.7

For pipe twice per shift
Cure Test Para. 11.8 (Tg4-Tg3) = ±3°C For fittings two samples
per production lot
Powder Moisture CSA Z245 Once per shift
0.5% maximum
Content Clause 12.4 from fluidized bed
Production Test
Para. 11.9 Table 4 Once per shift
Ring
12 Recheck on Coating Material Qualities
The Buyer's Representative at any time may require that the Vendor prepare a set of test
specimens as defined in Appendix A, and arrange for the performance of any or all of
the tests covered by Appendix A at a laboratory agreeable to the Buyer. Provided the
coating on the specimens passes the tests, the Buyer shall pay for the tests; otherwise
the Vendor shall pay the costs.

Page 21 of 28
13 Repairs
13.1 Repair materials shall be as specified under paragraph 6.2 of this specification,
and repairs shall be in accordance with the approved procedure.
13.2 Abrasive blasting and patch repair work shall not be conducted when the metal
surface temperature is less than 3ºC above the dew point.
13.3 Repaired areas shall be retested for holidays per paragraph 11.6 and shall be
holiday free.
13.4 Each length of coated pipe leaving the Vendor's premises shall be free of
holidays and any visual coating defects.
13.5 Defects shall be repaired in accordance with the criteria and methods below:
13.5.1 Small Defects (Areas up to 2 mm diameter or 3.2 mm² such as small

pinholes and metal slivers repair) shall be done with either hot melt
stick or two part liquid epoxy coating.
13.5.2 Large Defects (Areas greater than 2 mm in diameter and less

than 250 cm²) repair shall be done with two part liquid coating.
Repairs shall be in accordance with the coating Manufacturer's
recommended procedure.
13.5.3 Areas exceeding 250 cm², the joint shall be rejected.

Exception:
Hot melt sticks shall not be used for the repair of FBE used for services
described in paragraphs 1.2.2 and 1.2.3.
14 Pipe Storage and Preparation for Shipment
14.1 Each coated length of pipe shall be externally stenciled at a point approximately
60 cm (2 ft) from the end to reproduce the original marking and to identify the
type of coating applied, Purchase Order number, pipe size, pipe grade and date
coated. For pipe double-jointed at the Vendor's shop, the shop weld number
shall be included in the stencil.
14.2 All pipes shall be stored on padded elevated racks or polyethylene sheathed
sand berms until time for delivery. Non-compressible rubber pads 10 mm thick
3 per 12.2 m length, 5 per 24.4 m length shall be used to separate the pipe for
yard transportation and storage. Alternatively, the Nylon/PP rope of thickness
>19mm can be installed 3 per 12.2 m length and 5 per 24.4 m length.
14.3 Padding material and procedures shall be approved by the Buyer's Representative.
Page 22 of 28
14.4 All booms, hooks, forks, supports and skids used in handling or storing coated
pipe shall be designed and maintained in such a manner as to prevent any
damage to the pipe or to the coating, and shall be approved by Buyer's
Representative. Pipe shall not be stored directly on the ground.
14.5 If FBE coated pipes are to be stored at Vendor’s yard for more than six (6)
month, the stacked pipes must be protected from UV exposure by using
tarpaulins or other approved means of protection as per SAES-H-200. If stored
pipes are not protected for a year or more, the coating must be requalified by
taking test rings from several pipes to be tested in accordance with Table 4.
14.6 The Buyer's Representative will have authority to stop any storage procedure or
means of transport from the yard, if in his opinion there is a possibility of
damage to the coating because of improper procedures.
Revision Summary
25 October 2011 Revised the “Next Planned Update”. Reaffirmed the contents of the document, and reissued
with editorial revisions including removing the committee members list.
7 February 2017 Major revision to clarify some of the requirements, summarize required tests in tables,
specify coating thickness for each system, revise acceptance criteria, highlight safety
requirements, add new tests to be in line with international standards such as dust level,
porosity, abrasion, EIS and production test ring. In addition, qualification requirements of
high temperature FBE coatings (APCS 104C) were added and addressed the provisions for
the long term storage of FBE coated pipe in applicator yard.
17 January 2018 Revision to clarify some test requirements, revise production test frequency to enhance
productivity and be in line with international standards.

Page 23 of 28
Appendix A - Qualification Procedure for Initial Product Approval
1. General Requirements
Qualification of any product under this specification shall be in strict compliance with
SAEP-1200. In order to qualify a coating system as acceptable under this specification,
the coating supplier must submit a certified test report documenting to CSD/Paints and
Coating Standards committee that the proposed coating system meets the qualification
tests and requirements of this SAMSS. Preparation and testing shall be performed and/or
witnessed by an independent laboratory or inspection agency. This report shall be
submitted to Saudi Aramco Coating / CSD for review and approval.
Laboratory Report
Testing can only be considered if conducted at a third party laboratory that is accepted
by Saudi Aramco.
The third party test report shall include all the tests mentioned in this specification,
unless otherwise specified by CSD approved test protocol.
The final report shall include illustrative photos of all panels before and after testing.
The third party laboratory shall report the results of the tests to Saudi Aramco, first.
Upon approval, the report can be then released to the Manufacturer. The third party
laboratory can only report the results. However, interpretation of the results and
making the final conclusion is solely the role and responsibility of CSD.
All initial product qualification tests shall be carried out at no cost to Saudi Aramco.
Along with any coated sample supplied for testing, the coating manufacturer/vendor
shall submit the following documents: coating manufacturer’s location, date of
manufacturing, batch/lot numbers of coatings used and product data sheet.
Test specimens shall be coated using electrostatic flocking method.
If the operating conditions for a certain project are not addressed in Tables 6 and 7,
re-qualification test is required at the R&DC.
2. References
2.1 Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard
SAES-H-002 Internal and External Coating for Steel Pipelines and Piping
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards
ASTM D714 Evaluating the Degree of Blistering of Paints
Page 24 of 28
ASTM D4541 Pull Off Strength of Coatings

ASTM D4060 Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic
Coatings by the Taber Abrader
ISO 8501-1 Preparation of Steel Substrates Before Application of Paints
and Related Products - Visual Assessment of Surface
Cleanliness
3. Qualification Tests
3.1 Instrumental Analysis
Instrumental analysis of the coating powder material shall be conducted by the

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Differential scanning
calorimetry (DSC) techniques in a laboratory approved by CSD/Paints and
Coating Standards committee.
3.2 Preparation of Test Specimens
3.2.1 Test specimens shall be as outlined in the applicable test specification

unless otherwise stated.
3.2.2 Surface preparation, application, dry film thickness, and curing parameters
for the test specimens shall be identical to that used in this coating
specification.
3.2.3 Prior to each test the specimens shall be conditioned for 24 hours at 25°C
and 50% relative humidity.
3.3 Flexibility/Bending Test
Three (3) test specimens as detailed in paragraph 11.7.1 of this specification shall
be tested and evaluated in accordance with paragraphs 11.7.2 through 11.7.6 of
this specification.
3.4 Adhesion Test (ASTM D4541)
An adhesion test shall be conducted on specimens after exposure (up to 24 hours

recovery time allowed) to the chemical resistance tests in paragraph 3.10 below
using an Elcometer or Hate Adhesion Tester. A pull-off value of not less than
2,000 psi is required. Tester must be run and a pull-off value of not less than
2,000 psi is confirmed.
3.5 Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)
At ambient temperature, conduct electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)

Page 25 of 28
measurements, after exposing the coated panels to 3% NaCl solution for no less
than 24 hours, to obtain initial electrochemical impedance values. The initial
values must be greater than 1 x 108 ohm·cm2 at an applied signal frequency of 0.01
Hz. Coatings with the recommended film thickness exhibiting lower
electrochemical impedance values shall be rejected. EIS shall be conducted after
the chemical resistance test and the value shall be more than 1 x 108 ohm·cm2.
3.6 Cathodic Disbondment Tests
Cathodic disbondment shall be performed according to CSA Z245.20 -2014

(clause 12.8) with the following modification: the sodium chloride solution and
the coated sample shall be heated separately and temperature shall be as follows:
Table 6 - Cathodic Disbondment Tests Temperature

Sodium Chloride Solution
Coating System Sample Temperature (°C)
Temperature (°C)
APCS 104A 65 65
APCS 104B 95 80-90
APCS 104C 130 85-95
3.7 Abrasion Resistance Test
The test should be conducted in accordance with ASTM D4060. The abrasive
wheels shall be CS-17 with a load of 1,000 grams on each wheel and for
1,000 cycles. The mass lose should be below 100 milligrams.
3.8 Porosity of the Coating
The test should be conducted in accordance with CAS Z245.20, Clause 12.10.
The acceptance criteria for both cross-section porosity and interface porosity is
Rating 1-3.
3.9 Impact Resistance
3.9.1 The test should be conducted in accordance with CAS Z245.20,

Clause 12.12 with the following modification:
3.9.1.1 Testing temperature is 10°C.
3.9.1.2 Impact energy is 4.0 Joules for APCS-104A/B, 3.0 Joules for
APCS-104C.
3.10 Chemical Resistance Chemical Resistance, Immersion Test
3.10.1 Chemical resistance test shall be conducted in glass beakers covered

with watch glass to prevent evaporation. The glass beaker was filled
Page 26 of 28
with enough medium to immerse half the length of the test specimen
securely held in the non-conducting sample holder. Electrochemical
Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) before and after immersion shall be
conducted to assure the coating maintain the barrier property after
chemical exposure.
3.10.2 Three (3) specimens of all side coated test specimen of 4” × 4” ×0.25”
shall be half immersed for 30 days in each of the following solutions at
80°C for APCS 104A and 95°C for APCS 104B and APCS 104C:
a) Distilled water
b) 5% Sodium Hydroxide
c) 5% Sodium Chloride
3.10.3 Specimens shall also be tested in synthetic seawater at 65°C for

APCS-104A, 95°C for APCS-104B and APCS-104C for 90 days.
Longer period test may be required if the specimens showed
irreproducible results.
3.10.4 None of the coated specimens shall show evidence of cracking,

softening, swelling, blistering, and discoloration
Table 7 - Coating System Qualification Requirements for APCS-104A and APCS- 104B
Acceptance Criteria No. of

Test Test Method
APCS-104A APCS-104B Specimens
No cracks, tears, No cracks, tears,
5.5°/Pipe Diameter NACE SP0394-2013
delamination, delamination, 3
Flexibility @ 25 Celsius (Appendix H)
or disbondment or disbondment
No cracks, tears, No cracks, tears,
3.75°/Pipe Diameter NACE SP0394-2013
delamination, delamination, 3
Flexibility @ 10 Celsius (Appendix H)
or disbondment or disbondment
Impact Resistance 4.0 Joules 4.0 Joules CSA Z245.20,
3
@ 10 Celsius minimum minimum Clause 12.12
Cathodic Disbondment
10 mm N/A CSA Z245.20 3
30 days @ 65°C, -1.5 V
N/A 10 mm CSA Z245.20 3
30 days @ 95°C, -1.5 V
Chemical Resistance:
(Para. 3.10) (Para. 3.10) (Para. 3.10) 3
Distilled Water
(Para. 3.10) (Para. 3.10) (Para. 3.10) 3
5% NaOH
(Para. 3.10) (Para. 3.10) (Para. 3.10) 3
5% NaCl
(Para. 3.10) (Para. 3.10) (Para. 3.10) 3
Synthetic Sea Water

Page 27 of 28
Acceptance Criteria No. of

Test Test Method
APCS-104A APCS-104B Specimens
Interfacial Porosity Rating 1-3 Rating 1-3 CSA Z245.20 3

Cross Section Porosity Rating 1-3 Rating 1-3 CSA Z245.20 3
Electrochemical
(Para. 3.5) (Para. 3.5) (Para. 3.5) 3
Impedance - as per 3.5
Table 8 - Coating System Qualification Requirements for APCS-104C

No. of
Test Acceptance Criteria Test Method Specimens
Tg Greater than 145°C 1
Cure — Delta Tg Less than ±3°C 2
3.0°/Pipe Diameter No cracks, tears, delamination, NACE SP0394-2013
3
Flexibility @ 25 Celsius or disbondment (Appendix H)
2.5°/Pipe Diameter No cracks, tears, delamination, NACE SP0394-2013
3
Flexibility @ 10 Celsius or disbondment (Appendix H)
Impact Resistance
3.0 Joules minimum (Para. 3.9) 3
@ 10 Celsius
10 mm (Para. 3.6) 3
30 days @ 130°C, -1.5 V
(Para. 3.10) (Para. 3.10) 3
Distilled Water
(Para. 3.10) (Para. 3.10) 3
5% NaOH
(Para. 3.10) (Para. 3.10) 3
5% NaCl
(Para. 3.10) (Para. 3.10) 3
Synthetic Sea Water
Interfacial Porosity Rating 1-3 (Para. 3.8) 3
Cross Section Porosity Rating 1-3 (Para. 3.8) 3
Electrochemical
(Para. 3.5) (Para. 3.5) (See 3.5)
Impedance - as per 3.5
3.11 Fingerprinting for Coating Identification
As part of the qualification procedure of a coating system, the supplier shall

submit to CSD/Paints and Coating Standards committee, a fingerprint of the
coating obtained in accordance with
ISO 20340 (Annex B). The fingerprint shall be used in subsequent routine batch
testing of coating supplied for use in the field, to confirm that the supplied coating
is similar to the coating tested in the qualification stage.

Page 28 of 28

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Materials System Specification

09-SAMSS-089 17 January 2018

Appendix A - Qualification Procedure for Initial

Previous Issue: 7 February 2017 Next Planned Update: 17 January 2021

©Saudi Aramco 2018. All rights reserved.

1.2 Information Required in Requests for Quotation and in Purchase Orders

1.2.1 APCS-104A for buried or immersed, with temperatures not exceeding

1.2.2 APCS-104B for buried or immersed, with temperatures not exceeding

1.2.3 APCS-104C for buried or immersed with temperature up to 130°C.

1.5 Information Required with the Quotation

1.5.2 Cost of UV protection if coated pipes will be stacked in the vendor’s

2 Conflicts and Deviations

Referenced standards and specifications shall be the latest edition, revision or

3.1 Saudi Aramco Documents

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Society for Testing and Materials

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

ASTM G8 Test for Cathodic Disbonding of Pipeline Coatings

International Organization for Standardization

The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC)

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

SSPC-AB2 Cleanliness of Recycled Ferrous Metallic Abrasives

Canadian Standards Association

Approved Procedure: Procedure referred to in this specification that has been

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Production pipes: Pipes coated using automated process.

5 Health, Safety, and Environment

Applicable safety requirements addressed in SAES-H-102 shall be followed.

6.1 FBE External Coating

6.1.1 Material for the shop-applied external coating shall be in a form of

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

be greater than 10% by weight. If the reclaimed powder found

6.1.4 Any approved coating that is subjected to modifications and/or

6.1.5 Powder coating materials supplied to the Vendor shall be certified by

Density Meets Manufacturer specification CSA Z245.20 Clause 12.6

6.2 Repair Material

Touch-up or repairs shall be made with Saudi Aramco-approved materials.

6.3 Blast Abrasives

7 Handling of Pipe before Coating

8 Cleaning and Surface Preparation

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

8.8 Chloride Contamination

8.8.4 If the phosphoric acid/fresh water wash is needed prior to application

8.8.4.1 Required pH level after wash shall be controlled.

8.8.4.2 Description of the acid wash process and qualification shall

8.8.4.3 Dwell time, pH, and minimum and maximum temperature

8.8.4.4 A thorough, clean, high-pressure water rinse more than 1,000

8.8.4.5 Quality of water and control of total dissolved solids and

8.8.4.6 Provisions and controls to avoid acid to dry on pipe with

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Table 2 - Summary of Surface Preparation Tests

Surface Cleanliness Para. 8.3 Sa 2.5 All

Surface temperature and interval time of each process shall be measured

9.6.3 As recommended by coating manufacturer for the service described in

9.6.4 Fittings and couplings are allowed to additional 20% of maximum