Materials System Specification

45-SAMSS-006 23 January 2012

Casing and Tubing Requirements
per API SPEC 5CT and API SPEC 5B
Document Responsibility: Drilling Workover Wellhead & Valves Stds Committee

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents

1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations................................. 2
3 References..................................................... 2
4 Definitions....................................................... 3
5 Qualification of Manufacturers........................ 3
6 Required Specification................................... 3

Previous Issue: 29 December 2004 Next Planned Update: 23 January 2017

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 9
Primary contact: Turki, Said Issa on 966-3- 8628055

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2012. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Drilling Workover Wellhead & Valves Standards Committee 45-SAMSS-006
Issue Date: 23 January 2012 Casing and Tubing Requirements
Next Planned Update: 23 January 2017 per API SPEC 5CT and API SPEC 5B

1 Scope

This specification together with the Purchase Order and the appropriate Saudi Aramco
Inspection Requirements Form 175 covers the minimum requirements for
manufacturing, inspection and testing of casing and tubing covered by API SPEC 5CT
and of large pipe conductor covered by API SPEC 5L for Saudi Aramco.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

2.1 Any conflicts between this specification and other applicable 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, Drilling Technical 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, Drilling Technical Department
of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

2.3 Resolution to conflicting requirements between this specification, purchase

order or national standards, the manufacturer's specifications or drawings, and
deviations to this specification, purchase order or national standards, not
specifically covered as an exception to the purchase order, shall be approved by
the Responsible Standardization Agent. The manufacturer shall also advise the
buyer's Inspection Representative in writing of all conflicts and deviations and
their approval.

3 References

The selection of material and equipment, and the design, construction, maintenance, and
repair of equipment and facilities covered by this specification shall comply with the
latest edition of the references listed below, unless otherwise noted.

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a
Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement

Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements

Form 175-450100 Inspection of Casing and Tubing

Page 2 of 9
Document Responsibility: Drilling Workover Wellhead & Valves Standards Committee 45-SAMSS-006
Issue Date: 23 January 2012 Casing and Tubing Requirements
Next Planned Update: 23 January 2017 per API SPEC 5CT and API SPEC 5B

Form 175-450600 Inspection of Casing, API SPEC 5L, Steel Grades

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute

API BULL A3 Bulletin on Thread Compounds
API SPEC 5B Specification for Threading, Gauging, and Thread
Inspection of Casing and Tubing
API SPEC 5CT Specification for Casing and Tubing
API SPEC 5L Specification for Line Pipe
API STD 1104 Standard for Welding Pipe Lines and Related
Facilities

4 Definitions

Buyer or Purchaser: The company {Saudi Aramco, Aramco Services Company

(ASC) or Aramco Overseas Company (AOC)} representative actually placing the order
for the material.

Vendor: The other party to the order who may or may not be the manufacturer of the
material.

Buyer's Representative: The person acting on behalf of the Buyer, who may be from
Vendor Inspection (or its agent), or Purchasing.

Responsible Standardization Agent (RSA): A Saudi Aramco organization

responsible for the technical aspects of the material/order in question. RSA duties for
the material covered by this SAMSS have been assigned to Drilling Technical
Department, Technical Support Services Division.

5 Qualification of Manufacturers

The manufacturer and/or sub-contractor shall be licensed by API to monogram the

product specified in the Purchase Order. In case of conductors, the starting pipe supplier
shall be API licensed.

6 Required Specification

6.1 Certificates

Supplier shall submit all mill certificates, testing reports, testing certificates and
testing results to Saudi Aramco Vendor Inspection representative for review and
approval.

Page 3 of 9
Document Responsibility: Drilling Workover Wellhead & Valves Standards Committee 45-SAMSS-006
Issue Date: 23 January 2012 Casing and Tubing Requirements
Next Planned Update: 23 January 2017 per API SPEC 5CT and API SPEC 5B

6.2 Anti-Galling Plating

For API 8RD or Buttress Connections, the threads of coupling shall be

phosphated with Zinc, Manganese, Tin or phosphate plating (the whole coupling
can be dipped). Neither pin end has to be phosphated but can be if the
manufacturer so chooses. For L80-13CR, only the threads of coupling shall
have a copper over nickel plating. Pins shall be bare.

For Premium Connections, the anti-galling plating shall be applied in

accordance with the patent holder’s specifications in regard to type and location.

6.3 Hydrostatic Pressure Rating

For API 8RD or Buttress threaded and coupled connections, the hydrostatic
pressure test shall be performed in accordance with API SPEC 5CT with the
couplings installed power tight using API Modified Thread Compound with
friction correction factor of 1.0 in accordance with API BULL 5A3.

As alternative method to the above,

a) The hydrostatic test may be performed on two phase hydrotest with the pipe
tested in plain end condition and then an end area hydrotest performed on
the coupling end after coupling made up.
b) The plain pipe may be hydrotested, providing no further heat treatment is
required. The coupling is made up to the pipe performing power tight
thread make up using API Modified Thread Compound with friction
correction factor of 1.0 in accordance with API BULL 5A3 using a
computer analyzed torque-turn system for each joint to control and verify
the correct torque values during coupling make up (and where applicable)
the shape of the torque turn graph. A visual torque graph shall be kept
(both in hard copy and digital format) for each joint which provides the
thread make up details and final torque applied.

For Premium Grades and Premium Connections, the hydrostatic test shall be
performed on plain end conditions for both the pipe and the coupling stock,
providing no further heat treatment is required. Then, the vendor or the end
finisher must perform a power tight thread make up using API Modified
Thread Compound with friction correction factor of 1.0 in accordance with
API BULL 5A3 (if thread is not dopeless type) using a computer analyzed
torque-turn system for each joint to control and verify the correct torque values
during coupling make up (and where applicable) the shape of the torque turn
graph. A visual torque graph shall be kept (both in hard copy and digital format)
for each joint which provides the thread make up details and final torque
applied.

Page 4 of 9
Document Responsibility: Drilling Workover Wellhead & Valves Standards Committee 45-SAMSS-006
Issue Date: 23 January 2012 Casing and Tubing Requirements
Next Planned Update: 23 January 2017 per API SPEC 5CT and API SPEC 5B

For the large pipe made to API-5L (24 inch and larger) with either slip type,
welded connectors or flush threaded type, the hydrostatic pressure test shall be
performed on the plain ended pipes in accordance with API SPEC 5L.

6.4 Thread Storage Compound

Both the pin and the box threads shall be covered with a Saudi Aramco
approved anti-corrosive storage compound such as Kendall Kendex, and Jet
Marine Imperator 2571, Jet Lube Rust-Guard-AG, Jet-Lube Korr-Guard Storage
Compound, Bestolife-18, Bestolife-BSC, Rust Veto AS.

If manufacturers want to use any others, technical specifications shall be

submitted to the RSA for technical evaluation and approval.

6.5 Thread Protectors

For 16 inch and smaller sizes, anti-corrosive thread storage compound shall be
applied on the threads and thread protectors shall be installed immediately after
final inspection. Protectors shall be composite type (metal over plastic) with
size and thread type permanently marked on the protector. The box end shall be
closed ended non-liftable and the pin end shall be open ended.

For 18-5/8” inch and larger sizes, anti-corrosive thread storage compound shall
be applied on the threads and thread protectors shall be installed immediately
after final inspection. Protectors shall be heavy duty mill standard steel thread
protectors, heavy duty polyethylene elastomer or composite type (metal over
plastic) with size and thread type permanently marked on the protector. The pin
end shall be open and the box end shall be closed ended non-liftable for 18-5/8”.
For larger than 18-5/8”, both end protectors shall be opened.

All thread protectors that will be used by the manufacturers as an equivalent to

Drilltec, TGT, SKY-E, MSI, Patrem and Prinver shall be approved by the RSA.

In case plain end pipes are to be shipped from a facility to another facility, the
pipe ends shall be protected with metal end protectors to protect the bevel ends
from damages.

6.6 API Markings

For API Grades and API Connections, all API markings in addition to Saudi
Aramco specifications, Purchase Order, Item Number and Material Number
shall be both paint stenciled and low stress die stamped in accordance with
API SPEC 5CT, Section 11. No die stamped is allowed on sour service grades.

For Premium Grades or Premium Connections, all markings usually required by

API in addition to Saudi Aramco Purchase Order, Item Number and Material

Page 5 of 9
Document Responsibility: Drilling Workover Wellhead & Valves Standards Committee 45-SAMSS-006
Issue Date: 23 January 2012 Casing and Tubing Requirements
Next Planned Update: 23 January 2017 per API SPEC 5CT and API SPEC 5B

Number shall be both paint stenciled and low stress dye stamped in accordance
with API SPEC 5CT, Section 11 except that API Monogram is not required.
No die stamped is allowed on sour service grades.

For 24" and larger casings made to API SPEC 5L, all API markings in addition to
Saudi Aramco specifications, Purchase Order, Item Number and Material Number
shall be done per API SPEC 5L and marked on outside surface of the pipe.

For all grades and sizes, Color codes will be applied in accordance to Saudi
Aramco requirements stated in the material number description.

6.7 Approved Threaders

For API Connections, the pins and couplings shall be threaded in accordance
with API SPEC 5B. The threader shall be licensed by API and its facilities
approved by Saudi Aramco Inspection Department.

For Premium Connections, the pins and couplings shall be threaded in

accordance with the original Patent Holder's specification. The threader shall be
licensed by the Patent Holder and its facilities approved by Saudi Aramco
Inspection Department.

6.8 Pre-Production Meeting

When specified by the responsible Saudi Aramco inspection office,

a pre-production meeting shall be held with the Buyer's inspection representative
during which any deviations from the Purchase Order or this specification must
be addressed to Saudi Aramco for approval prior to the start of any production.
If any manufacturer encounters any deviations after the pre-production meeting,
the manufacturer shall be liable for all additional costs related to such deviations
not waived by Saudi Aramco.

6.9 Traceability
A. For normalized material (J-55 or K-55), the material shall be lot traceable.
B. For heat treated material, pipe body shall be tube traceable from heat
treatment to delivery.
C. Couplings shall be lot traceable.

6.10 Non-destructive Examinations (NDE)

Non-destructive Examination shall be performed per the following categories:

A. For all casing, tubing and coupling stocks with wall thickness smaller than
0.50 inch, Ultrasonic or Electromagnetic Test shall be performed over the

Page 6 of 9
Document Responsibility: Drilling Workover Wellhead & Valves Standards Committee 45-SAMSS-006
Issue Date: 23 January 2012 Casing and Tubing Requirements
Next Planned Update: 23 January 2017 per API SPEC 5CT and API SPEC 5B

full length in accordance with SR1 of API SPEC 5CT requirements.

B. For all casing, tubing and coupling stocks with wall thickness of 0.50 inch
or bigger, Ultrasonic Test shall be performed over the full length in
accordance with SR1 of API SPEC 5CT requirements.

Electromagnetic Test is not acceptable.

C. For all casing, tubing and coupling stocks where end area is not NDE
covered, the untested ends shall be treated in accordance with
API SPEC 5CT requirements for untested ends.
D. For 24” and larger pipe produced in accordance with API-5L, NDE for sour
services and / or offshore service Annex K is required.

6.11 Drift Test

For tubing and casing from 2-3/8 inch to 18-5/8 inch (inclusive), each single
joint shall be drifted using API Drift or as specified in the purchase order/
material number and in accordance with API SPEC 5CT. Drift testing the ends
after threading and final coupling make-up is also required.

For 24 inch and larger casing, each single plain end joint shall be drifted using
the drift size stated in the purchase order or in the material number.

6.12 Equivalent Materials

The down graded N-80 material shall not be substituted for J-55 or K-55.
The use of any material as an equivalent to the material specified in the Purchase
Order shall be approved by the RSA.

6.13 Process of Manufacturing

For API Grades, the pipe and coupling stock shall be produced in accordance with
API SPEC 5CT, API SPEC 5L and the manufacturer shall be licensed by API and
their facilities shall be approved by Saudi Aramco Inspection Department.

For Premium Grades, the pipe and coupling stock shall be produced in
accordance with API SPEC 5CT in regards to dimensions and tolerances and in
accordance with the manufacturers specification in regards to chemical and
mechanical properties.

Saudi Aramco shall only accept the following sizes for Seamless, Electric
Resistance Welded (ERW), and Straight Submerged Arc Welded (SSAW) pipes:
2-3/8" - 16 = Seamless

Page 7 of 9
Document Responsibility: Drilling Workover Wellhead & Valves Standards Committee 45-SAMSS-006
Issue Date: 23 January 2012 Casing and Tubing Requirements
Next Planned Update: 23 January 2017 per API SPEC 5CT and API SPEC 5B

18-5/8" - 24" = Seamless or ERW with Normalized Weld Seam

26" and larger = ERW with Normalized Weld Seam, or SAW
with Straight Seam

6.14 Anti-Rust Mill Coating and Varnish

Unless otherwise specified, no mill coatings, rust preventatives, or varnish shall

be applied to the body of the conductor pipe, casing or tubing except where the
API and Saudi Aramco markings will be stenciled/painted.

6.15 Maximum Length for Range-3 Casing

The maximum length for Range-3 casing shall not exceed 42 FT for each single
joint.

6.16 Shipping to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Tubing from 2-3/8 inch through and including 4-½ inch shall be shipped in
bundles. The maximum number of joints per bundle shall not exceed 10.

6.17 Delivery from Port and In Kingdom Facilities to Saudi Aramco Storage Yards

To minimize the number of trucks required, to promote safe transportation and

loading/unloading, and to reduce transit damage; shipments of OCTG handled
by the Local Agent and delivered direct to Saudi Aramco storage yards, shall
have dunnage under the bottom row and between each subsequent row of pipe.

A row is defined as a layer of pipe if 5” or larger when laid in singles, and a

layer of bundles when 4-½" and smaller pipe is shipped. The dunnage shall be a
minimum of 1-½ inches thick and can be of any width strong enough to support
the load. The length shall extend to the side posts but does not have to be a
single piece to span the gap. The wood dunnage does not have to be new and
can be returned by the driver.

For Range-2 pipe (AVG=30 FT), a minimum of 3 pieces of wood per row must
be used ( 1 near each end and 1 in the middle ). For Range-3 pipe, a minimum
of 4 pieces of wood must be used ( 1 near each end and the other 2 equally
spaced in between ). 30” pipe with length of 55-60 feet must be shipped on a
special truck to accommodate the length with proper support distribution, and
with one row of pipe. The truck shall have steel side posts sufficient to hold the
load and tall enough to extend beyond the height of the top row with a minimum
of 3 hold down chains or straps to secure the load. The Local Agent should
arrange for direct delivery off the boat to avoid the extra handling in the lay
down area.

Page 8 of 9
Document Responsibility: Drilling Workover Wellhead & Valves Standards Committee 45-SAMSS-006
Issue Date: 23 January 2012 Casing and Tubing Requirements
Next Planned Update: 23 January 2017 per API SPEC 5CT and API SPEC 5B

Pipes shipped loose must all be in direct contact with the dunnage supporting it
and not laying on other pipes beside it. Dunnage must not be placed under
coupling or the upset part of the pipe. Longer pipe such as 30” with 55-60 feet
long shall be loaded and shipped on special extended trucks with minimum 4
rows of dunnages having equal distance with no pipe ends extending outside the
truck bed to avoid any pipe span.

For High and corrosion resistant alloy such as super 13 Chrome, UNS N08028,
etc. Pipes must be shipped in pipe packing system. Approved systems are
TGT- Pipe Packaging and DrillTech-RAP packaging systems.

External coated casing, tubing and pie must be shipped on truck equipped with
rubber to avoid direct contact between the pipe coating external body and the
truck bed support. Pipes shall be protected with rubber or rope ring for handling
and to provide enough room when shipped in more than one layer.

Non coated plain end pipe that requires further processes can be shipped in
staggered pattern.

Revision Summary
23 January 2012 Revised the "Next Planned Update". Reaffirmed the contents of the document, and reissued
with minor revision to meet latest industry and Saudi Aramco standards.

Page 9 of 9