Materials System Specification

34-SAMSS-122 2 October 2013

Atmospheric Portable Tank Prover
Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents

1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations................................. 2
3 References..................................................... 2
4 Definition and Abbreviations.......................... 4
5 General Requirements................................... 5
6 Electrical Requirements................................. 6
7 Equipment Requirement................................ 6
8 Inspection and Testing Requirements.......... 11
9 Other Miscellaneous Requirements............. 11

Previous Issue: 2 May 2009 Next Planned Update: 27 December 2013

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 13
Primary contacts: Jumah, Yousef Ahmed on +966-13-8801372 and
Kassi, Kouakou Lazare on +966-13-8801302

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2013. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement 34-SAMSS-122
Issue Date: 2 October 2013
Next Planned Update: 27 December 2013 Atmospheric Portable Tank Prover

1 Scope

This specification, together with instrument specification sheet and standard drawing
defines the minimum mandatory requirements for Atmospheric Tank Prover used to
calibrate custody transfer meters in truck loading and unloading operation.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

2.1 Any conflicts between this specification and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Materials Systems 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, Process and Control Systems Department (P&CSD) 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, Process and Control Systems
Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

2.3 Direct all requests for interpretation of this specification in writing to the
Company or Buyer Representative who shall forward them to the Chairman,
Custody Measurement Standards Committee for resolution. The Chairman,
Custody Measurement Standards Committee shall be solely responsible for
determining whether a proposed installation meets the requirements of this
specification.

3 References

Material or equipment supplied to 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 Engineering Standards

SAES-A-112 Meteorological and Seismic Design Data
SAES-H-100 Painting Requirements for Industrial Facilities
SAES-H-101 Approved Protective Coating Systems
SAES-P-111 Grounding

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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement 34-SAMSS-122
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Next Planned Update: 27 December 2013 Atmospheric Portable Tank Prover

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

04-SAMSS-041 Expanding Plug Valve
09-SAMSS-080 Shop-Applied Baked Internal Coatings
17-SAMSS-503 Severe-Duty, Totally Enclosed, Squirrel Cage
Induction Motors to 250 HP
17-SAMSS-515 Auxiliary Electrical Systems for Skid-Mounted
Equipment
34-SAMSS-831 Instrumentation for Packaged Units

Saudi Aramco Standard Drawing

AC-036599 Atmospheric Tank Prover

Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements

Form 175-341200 Atmospheric Tank Prover

Saudi Aramco Form and Data Sheet

8020-122-ENG Instrument Specification Sheet for Atmospheric
Tank Prover

Saudi Aramco Non-Material Requirement

NMR-7907 Non-Material Requirement for Instrumentation
(General)

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

API Manual of Petroleum Measurements Standards

API MPMS 4.4 Tank Provers
API MPMS 4.9.2 Determination of Volume of Displacement and Tank
Provers by Waterdraw Method of Calibration
API MPMS 7 Temperature Determination
API MPMS 12.2.4 Calculation of Base Prover Volumes by the
Waterdraw Method
API RP 1004 Bottom Loading and Vapor Recovery for MC-306,
Tank Motor Vehicles

American National Standards Institute

ANSI/ASME B31.3 Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping
ANSI/AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code-Steel

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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement 34-SAMSS-122
Issue Date: 2 October 2013
Next Planned Update: 27 December 2013 Atmospheric Portable Tank Prover

International Electrotechnical Commission

IEC 60529 Degree of Protection Provided by Enclosures

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

NEMA ICS 6 Industrial Control and Systems Enclosures
NEMA 250 Enclosures for Electrical Equipment
(1000 Volts Maximum)

Other Industry Standards

ASME B73.1 Specification for Horizontal End Suction
Centrifugal Pumps for Chemical Process
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code American Society
US CFR 49 United States Code of Federal Regulations,
Title 49: Transportation

Saudi Arabian Standards Organization

SASO 1438 Motor Vehicles General Requirements

4 Definitions and Abbreviations

4.1 Definitions

Custody Transfer Measurement: A specialized form of measurement that

provides quantity and quality information used for the physical and fiscal
documentation of a change in ownership and/or responsibility of commodities.
The following measurements are custody transfer measurements:
 Measurement of hydrocarbon liquid or gas movements (deliveries or receipts)
between Saudi Aramco and its customers, suppliers, or transport contractors.
 Measurement of hydrocarbon liquid or gas transfers between Saudi Aramco
refineries, fractionation plants, bulk plants, terminals, pipelines, VELA ships,
etc. where the measurement is used for accounting or loss control.

Buyer or Purchaser: The Company (Saudi Aramco, AOC, or ASC) actually

placing the order for the material. The buyer can be a third party metering
customer.

Buyer's Representative: The person acting on behalf of the Buyer, who may be
from the Engineering, Inspection, Purchasing, or User organization.

Nearshore: Any outdoor, onshore location within one kilometer from the
shoreline of the Arabian Gulf; all of the Ras Tanura Refinery and Terminal; and

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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement 34-SAMSS-122
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Next Planned Update: 27 December 2013 Atmospheric Portable Tank Prover

within three kilometers from the shoreline of the Red Sea.

Third Party Inspector: An independent inspection agency whose function is to

conduct an unbiased inspection of certain systems, equipment, materials, etc.,
against a set of standards, guidelines or procedures. For purposes of this SAMSS,
the Third Party Inspector has particular knowledge of and experience with
industry custody measurement standards and procedures.

Vela: Vela International Marine is a Saudi Aramco owned company that has
been established in 1984.

Vendor: The party that supplies or sells integrated metering systems, metering
equipment, or components.

4.2 Abbreviation

API MPMS American Petroleum Institute Manual of Petroleum Measurement

Standards

5 General Requirements

5.1 Application

The Atmospheric Tank Prover and associated equipment shall be furnished in

accordance with the information specified on the Instrument Specification Sheet
(ISS), Form 8020-122-ENG. This form shall be used as attachment to the
Purchase Order.

The Vendor shall provide a completed Instrument Specification Sheet.

5.2 Units of Measurement

The units of measurement shall be either the U. S. Customary (USC) or Metric

(SI) as indicated on the ISS.

5.3 Area Classification

Electrical equipment or devices which may produce arcs, sparks or high

temperatures, and which are intended for operation in locations classified under
NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 505, shall be listed or labeled
by any of the following authorities:

5.3.1 USA

UL - Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.

FM - Factory Mutual Engineering and Research Corporation

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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement 34-SAMSS-122
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Next Planned Update: 27 December 2013 Atmospheric Portable Tank Prover

5.3.2 Europe

CENELEC - European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization

All enclosures shall be weatherproof and dust-tight in accordance with

NEMA ICS 6 and Type 4X according to NEMA 250 or IEC 60529,
Protection Degree IP 66, and suitable for the electrical area classification
as specified by ISS.

5.4 Scope of Supply

The Vendor shall supply a complete Atmospheric Tank Prover system that
includes the following major components as a minimum:
 Tank Prover
 Trailer with spare tire (for Atmospheric Portable Tank Prover)
 Pump
 Grounding Cables
 Hoses
 Couplers
 Glass Thermometers

The vendor shall provide all tools and accessories required for operation,
maintenance of the Tank Prover and trailer (if provided).

5.5 Environmental Conditions

The Atmospheric Tank Prover system and associated equipment shall be suitable
for installation in the applicable environment specified in SAES-A-112 and shall
meet the environmental requirements specified in 34-SAMSS-831.

5.6 Grounding

Devices/cables shall be provided to protect against electrical shock or static

discharge in both Tank Prover and electrical instrumentation. Design and
installation of grounding systems shall be in accordance with SAES-P-111.

6 Electrical Requirements

For Electrical requirements and auxiliary electrical systems refer to 17-SAMSS-503,

17-SAMSS-515 and 34-SAMSS-831.

7 Equipment Requirement

Atmospheric Tank Prover shall conform to the requirements of Saudi Aramco Standard
Drawing AC-036599 and [API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 4

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(Proving Systems), Section 4 (Tank Provers) API MPMS 4.4], except as amended or
altered hereafter:

7.1 General

7.1.1 Atmospheric Tank Prover shall be constructed of stainless steel or mild

steel. Tank Prover constructed from mild steel shall be internally coated
with a baked-on phenolic coating in accordance with 09-SAMSS-080.

7.1.2 All piping associated with the Tank Prover shall be designed and
constructed in accordance with ANSI/ASME B31.3.

7.1.3 The main body of the prover shall consist of a vertical cylinder with a
coned or dished bottom and top. A vortex breaker (baffle plate) shall be
provided at the outlet of the lower section of the main body. A minimum
of two (2) spirit level indicators shall be provided on the body of the
prover. The respective level indicators shall be located 90 degrees
circumferentially from each other.

7.1.4 An electric motor driven, self-priming pump shall be installed in the outlet
piping downstream of the outlet valve. The pump capacity and discharge
pressure shall be sufficient to return the product to tank at a flow rate
equivalent to 15% of the prover volume in one minute. A spring loaded,
wafer style check valve shall be provided on the discharge of the pump.
The pump shall be in accordance with the requirements of ASME B73.1.
Start & Stop switches shall be provided along with the pump.

7.2 Necks

7.2.1 Each Tank Prover shall be furnished with upper and lower necks or upper
neck only with bottom drain. The upper neck shall be provided with an
inverted splash cone for use with top loading metering systems.

7.2.2 The capacity of the upper neck shall be at least 1% of the prover volume.
The capacity of the lower neck shall be at least 0.5% of the prover volume.
The inside diameter of the neck shall not be less than 100mm (3 7/8 inches).

The inside diameter of the necks shall be such that the smallest graduation
represents no more than 0.02% of the total volume of the Tank Prover.

7.2.3 An inspection man-way/removable top neck shall be provided to permit a

visual inspection of the tank coating to be performed. Provision shall be
made for sealing the inspection man-way/removable top neck after tank
calibration.

7.3 Gauge Glasses

7.3.1 Each neck shall be provided with a gauge glass with minimum inside

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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement 34-SAMSS-122
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Next Planned Update: 27 December 2013 Atmospheric Portable Tank Prover

diameter of 16 mm (5/8 inch) and an armored protector. Gauge glass shall

have a provision to be sealed in place after cleaning or replacement.
The gauge glass(es) shall run the full length of the neck. The maximum
length for the gauge glass is 60 centimeters (24 inch).
Commentary Note:

The length of the gauge glass minimizes errors that result from temperature
difference between the liquid in the gauge glass and in the prover.

7.3.2 The main body of the prover shall be provided with gauge glass(es) with
armored protection. Gauge glass fittings shall be installed directly on the
walls of the prover body.

7.3.3 Each neck gauge glass shall be provided with a scale constructed from a
corrosion resistant metal that has a coefficient of expansion similar to the
tank material.

7.3.4 Gauge glass scales shall be subdivided into increments equivalent to, or
less than, 0.02% of the tank volume. The scale shall be graduated both
above and below the zero line. Each gauge glass scale shall be securely
mounted behind the gauge glass and shall have provisions for vertical
adjustment.

7.4 Tank Capacity

Each Tank Prover shall have a volume equal to twice the maximum volume that
can pass through the meter in one minute [maximum continuous flow rate
(capacity) x 2 minutes].

Typical capacities of Tank Prover required to meet this requirement for various
sizes of positive displacement meter are as follows:

Positive Displacement Meter Size Tank Prover Capacity

2-inch & smaller 1000 L (250 U.S. gal)
3-inch 3200 L (840 U.S. gal)
4-inch 4500 L (1200 U.S. gal)
6-inch 7500 L (2000 U.S. gal)

7.5 Piping

7.5.1 Secondary drain piping and a drip pan shall be provided to permit final
draining of the prover to the reference (zero) on the lower neck.
This system shall consist of a 1-inch nominal diameter pipe or tube that
protrudes into the lower neck under the reference (zero). The portion of
the pipe or tube within the neck shall turn upward to a vertical orientation,

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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement 34-SAMSS-122
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Next Planned Update: 27 December 2013 Atmospheric Portable Tank Prover

and shall be square cut. The square cut edge shall be aligned horizontally
in the plane of the reference point (zero).

The pipe or tube end external to the neck shall be fitted with a ball valve
which discharges to a drip pan having a capacity at least equal to the
volume of the lower neck. For a Tank Prover with a top neck and bottom
drain valve, the piping shall include a bottom drain cock to permit
complete draining of the Tank Prover which will be used to monitor
30 seconds drip time.

7.5.2 A common inlet/outlet connection shall be provided at the bottom of the

lower neck, with inlet and outlet piping provided to and from this
connection. Double block and bleed valve shall be provided in the inlet
and outlet piping as close as possible to the juncture of the two piping
systems meeting the requirements of 04-SAMSS-041.

7.6 Hoses

Each Tank Prover shall be furnished with an inlet hose and inlet hose adapter and
an outlet hose and outlet hose coupler for connection of the prover to the meter
under test. The hoses, adapter and coupler shall meet the requirements of
API RP 1004.

7.7 Temperature Measurement

7.7.1 Tapered-style thermowells, with chained screw caps, shall be provided in

the main body of each Tank Prover as follows:
 For each prover with capacity of 1900 L (500 U.S. gal) or less,
thermowells shall be provided in the upper one-third and lower one-
third of the main body height of the tank. For each prover with
capacity greater than 1900 L (500 U.S. gal), thermowells shall be
installed in the upper one-third, middle one-third and lower one-third
of the main body height of the tank. In each case, the thermowells
shall be equally spaced around the tank circumference.
Each thermowell shall be installed on an incline of 30 degrees from the
horizontal to permit retention of a heat transfer medium.
 Each thermowell shall have a 1-inch male NPT process connection, a
“U” length of 406 mm (16-½ inches) and a bore of 7 mm (0.260
inches). Each thermowell shall be constructed of 316 stainless steel
and shall be furnished with a chained plug.

7.7.2 Four (4) certified glass thermometers shall be furnished with each prover.
The accuracy of the glass thermometer shall be within ¼ ºC (½ºF) or better.

The calibration of each thermometer shall be traceable to the temperature

standard at a recognized national standards agency (e.g., U.S. National

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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement 34-SAMSS-122
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Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Each thermometer shall be furnished with an armor case assembly made

of non-sparking, corrosion-resistance tubing that does not exceed 13 mm
(½ inch) in outside diameter in accordance with API MPMS, Chapter 7
(API MPMS 7), “Temperature Determination.”

7.7.3 Or angular-style (fixed stem)-glass thermometers meeting the accuracy set

forth in section 7.7.2. A separate graduation scale shall not be used for
angle-stem thermometer.

A stem immersion depth shall be one third (1/3) of the tank radius,
however, the minimum depth shall not be less the 300 mm (12 inches).
The stem shall be in direct contact with the fluid.

Four (4) calibrated angular-style thermometers shall be provided with each

Tank Prover. The stem/thermowell shall be constructed of 316 stainless
steel.

7.8 Seals

Provision shall be made for the installation of a lead seal with stainless steel wire
at each of the following locations:
 Each end of the upper scale and the lower scale
 Each end of the main body sight glass
 Two locations on the upper neck/main body connection (if flanged)
 Each gauge glass
 Each level indicator

7.9 Trailer

7.9.1 Each Portable Tank Prover shall be mounted on a trailer that meets the
requirements of the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization SASO 1438
“Motor Vehicles General Requirements”, Sections 18 and 30. And shall
conform to the specifications published in U. S. Department of
Transportation Regulations (US CFR 49).

A leveling hand-operated screw-jack shall be provided on each of the four

corners of the trailer. Leveling jacks must be able to support the full
weight of the Tank Prover and product. Hand operated parking break
shall be provided with the trailer.

7.9.2 The trailer shall be provided with access/ladder and platform to enable the
reading of the upper sight glass.

7.9.3 Fixed tool storage box and spare wheel shall be provided with each trailer.

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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement 34-SAMSS-122
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Next Planned Update: 27 December 2013 Atmospheric Portable Tank Prover

7.9.4 Structural welding shall meet the requirement of ANSI/AWS D1.1.

7.10 Valve

Double block & bleed valve shall meet the requirements of 04-SAMSS-041.

8 Inspection and Testing Requirements

8.1 Inspection

Items manufactured to this Specification are subject to the minimum Inspection

requirements as specified in Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements Form
175-341200.

8.2 Quality Program

The Vendor shall implement and maintain a Quality Program which shall include
clearly defined and documented procedures for the relevant Quality System
functions. The Quality Program documents shall be made available to the Buyer
Representative for review and audit.

8.3 Hydrotest

Hydrotest shall be performed on tank shell and all Tank Prover piping prior to the
application of internal coating and external painting. The test shall be performed
per manufacturer procedures.

8.4 Calibration
Tank Prover volume calibration shall be performed in accordance with the
API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards Chapter 4 (Proving Systems),
Section 4 (Tank Provers), Chapter 4.9.2 (API MPMS 4.9.2) “Determination of
Volume of Displacement and Tank Provers by Waterdraw Method of Calibration”
and Chapter 12, API MPMS 12.2.4 (Calculation of Petroleum Quantities).
The calibration of Tank Prover shall be performed by an independent
authority/agency using water-draw method.

9 Other Miscellaneous Requirements

9.1 Painting

9.1.1 External surfaces, other than galvanized steel, shall be painted as indicated
below unless otherwise specified in the Purchase Order. Aluminum
surfaces shall undergo an etching treatment prior to coating.

9.1.1.1 Onshore Installations

Painting shall be in accordance with SAES-H-100 and

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Next Planned Update: 27 December 2013 Atmospheric Portable Tank Prover

SAES-H-101, System APCS-4.

9.1.1.2 Offshore and Nearshore Installations

Painting shall be in accordance with SAES-H-100 and

SAES-H-101, System APCS-1A.

9.1.2 The Vendor may furnish an alternative surface preparation and finishing
system with the proposal for Buyer approval.

9.2 Identification

9.2.1 The following information shall be stamped/embossed on the stainless

steel tag permanently attached to the Tank Prover body:
 Manufacturer
 Part/Model No./ Serial No./ Mark/Tag No.
 Purchase Order No.
 Material of Construction and Coeffient of Cubical Expansion
 Referenced Temperature (15°C/60°F)
 Referenced Pressure (1 atmosphere)
 Nominal/Initial Calibrated Volume
 Flange Rating

9.3 Shipping Requirements

9.3.1 General

All equipment and internals being shipped shall be braced and temporary
supports shall be provided, if required, to prevent damage during shipment.

9.3.2 Internal Protection

The internals of all piping, fabricated and assembled equipment shall be

completely cleaned and dried to the satisfaction of the Saudi Aramco
Inspector or third party inspector. A non-toxic vapor phase corrosion
inhibitor (CORTEC VCI-309 or VCI-307, or equivalent) shall be applied
to the internal surfaces of all piping fabricated and assembled equipment.

9.3.3 External Protection

All bolts, nuts and the faces of open flanged connections shall be coated
with temporary protective coating (MIL C16173, Grade IV, Denso paste
or equivalent).

Permanent blind flanges or covers shall be installed with the gaskets and

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bolts required for service.

Each connection shall be fitted with a neoprene gasket, and vapor tight
steel cover. The cover shall be held in place by a minimum of four
equally spaced bolts.

9.4 Electronic and Electrical Equipment

The vendor shall determine if electronics and instruments are susceptible to

damage from shock, weather or extremes of temperature during shipment.
If required, such items shall be removed after the functional test and shipped
separately.

9.5 Nonmaterial Requirements

The supplier shall provide nonmaterial items as shown on Form NMR-7907.

Revision Summary
27 December 2008 New Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification.
2 May 2009 Editorial revision.
2 October 2013 Editorial revision to change the primary contact persons and delete committee members list.

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