Majnoon Sour Gas Treatment Facility Project: MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-7880-1501 003
Majnoon Sour Gas Treatment Facility Project: MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-7880-1501 003
Majnoon Sour Gas Treatment Facility Project: MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-7880-1501 003
Treatment Facility
,
Project
003 Approved for Construction 8-MAR-2021 Lu Chao Zhao Furui Yang Qiang Chen Junwen
002 Issued for Approval 19-FEB-2021 Lu Chao Zhao Furui Yang Qiang Chen Junwen
001 Issued for Review 31-DEC-2020 Lu Chao Zhao Furui Yang Qiang Chen Junwen
Rev.
MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-7880-1501
003
Specification for Pipeline Construction Majnoon Sour Gas Treatment Facility Project
Revision History
Revision Revision
Approver Summary of Changes
Date Number
31-DEC-2020 001 Chen Junwen Issued for Review
19-FEB-2021 002 Chen Junwen Issued for Approval
8-MAR-2021 003 Chen Junwen Approved for Construction
Holds
Hold Ref. Description / Reason for Hold Ref. Section
Reference Documents
Ref. Document Number Rev. Document Title
1 MGP1-GP2-CPC-AA-7704-0001 - Basis of Design
2 MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-5507-5101 Pipeline Design Criteria
3 MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-3331-5101 - Pipeline Design report
4 MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-3328-1501 - Typical Details for Road, Track Crossing
5 MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-3328-1502 - Typical Details for Existing Pipeline/Cable Crossing
6 MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-3328-1503 - Typical Details for Pipeline Construction
7 MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-3328-1504 - Typical Details for Marker Post and Sign Boards
8 MGP1-GP2-CPC-RA-7754-0005 - Specification for Painting and Coating
9 MGP1-GP2-CPC-RA-7754-0003 - Specification for Buried Pipeline Cathodic Protection
10 MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-4024-1501 - Field Layout for New Pipelines
11 MGP1-GP2-CPC-QA-6180-0001 - Welder Evaluation Procedure
12 MGP1-GP2-CPC-AA-5798-0002 - Construction Execution Plan
Table of Contents
REVISION HISTORY 2
HOLDS 2
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
1.0 INTRODUCTION 6
1.1 Project Background 6
1.2 Purpose 6
1.3 Scope 6
2.0 ABBREVIATIONS 7
2.1 Definitions 7
2.2 Abbreviations 7
10.0 SAFETY 32
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Background
The Sour Gas Treatment Facility (SGTF) is a new facility as part of the Majnoon Growth Project
(MGP) which will gather associated sour gas from oil processing facilities across the concession
for export. The facility will dehydrate and compress gas to export specifications.
The Majnoon field is currently producing at a consistent rate of 200-220 kbopd via the processing
facilities at CPF 1 (Central Processing Facilities) and DS2-DS1 (Degassing Stations 1 & 2). These
facilities are currently being debottlenecked to a combined capacity of up to 250 kbopd.
The Majnoon Growth Project covers the expansion of the current facilities by an additional 200
kbopd in the Majnoon concession area with the addition of CPF2. Thus, there will be greater than
420 kbopd oil production capacity in the concession area once implemented. The Majnoon
Growth Project will also add a Sour Gas Treatment Facility (SGTF) within concession to gather,
compress and dehydrate sour gas collected throughout the field. In total the SGTF should be able
to accommodate up to 155 MMscf/d of sour gas at the inlet of the facility and compressor
discharge pressure shall be adequate to meet sour gas pressure export to pipeline of 50 barg.
These facilities are envisaged whilst a longer-term sour gas solution is matured as the field is
further developed. As such, preference will be made for SGTF equipment that is highly
modularized and fit for re-use and incorporation into the longer-term sour gas solution.
Current gas facilities at CPF1 include capture of 1st stage sweet gas from sweet oil separators.
All other gas in CPF1 & DS2 are currently flared but will be recovered as part of the Majnoon
Growth Project. Gas capture within CPF1 & DS2 will be handled in a separate scope of work to
the functional specification due to the high-level of brownfield work, but is included in the SGTF
sizing basis and gathering lines from the fence of the existing facilities. This includes 1st, 2nd,
3rd stage sour gas.
The Project intends to leverage replicated standard, pre-engineered gas treatment facilities,
modularized to a high degree, as widely used in Industry & Iraq. The aim is to stay within the
limits of catalogue or “already used” designs and maximize the use of industry standards.
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide technical requirements for construction of Raw Gas
&Condensate Pipelines envisaged in Sour Gas Treatment Facility project.
This specification provides the requirements that shall be followed for the construction of pipelines.
This specification defines the minimum requirements for the construction of all below listed
Pipelines.
1.3 Scope
PL-1: A 14” sour gas pipeline of 1.8km length from DS2 battery limit to CPF1 battery limit.
PL-2: A 24” sour gas pipeline of 5.4km length from CPF1 battery limit to SGTF.
PL-3: A 28” sour gas pipeline of 9.9km length from CPF2 battery limit to SGTF
PL-4: A 6” sour condensate pipeline of 5.4km length return from SGTF to CPF1 battery limit.
2.0 ABBREVIATIONS
2.1 Definitions
Abbreviation Detail
DS Degassing Station
Abbreviation Detail
RT Radiographic Test
PT Penetration Test
MT Magnetic Test
ISO 6506-1:2014 Metallic materials — Brinell hardness test —Part 1:Test method
ASTM A370-20 Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of
Steel Products
NACE TM 0284-2016 Standard Test Method - Evaluation of Pipeline and Pressure Vessel
Steels for Resistance to Hydrogen-Induced Cracking
ISO 7539-2:1989 Corrosion of metals and alloys - Stress corrosion testing - Part 2:
Preparation and use of bent-beam specimens
ASTM G39-99 (2016) Standard Practice for Preparation and Use of Bent-Beam Stress-
Corrosion Test Specimens
NACE MR 0175 / ISO Petroleum and natural gas industries - Materials for use in H2S
15156 containing environments in oil and gas production
CONTRACTOR shall carry out all construction activities associated in compliance with local laws,
by-laws, ordinances and regulations.
CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall be liable for damage to any and all above or below
grade existing manmade structures or natural features that may be located within or adjacent to
the working area. Caution and due consideration shall be given to the protection and support of
such properties and structures.
The CONTRACTOR shall protect the roads from damage caused during construction, and shall
repair any damage in time according to the COMPANY's instructions. Unless the COMPANY and
local authorities advise otherwise, open-cut methods should be used to cross roads.
Draining of pollutants onto the land or into water bodies is not permitted. All waste material must
be collected and removed by the CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR to an approved disposal
area on an ongoing basis.
Width of construction spread space in general section shall be 12~20 m for the pipeline.
CONTRACTOR shall locate and identify all existing buried facilities, such as cables, pipelines,
water mains, sewers, etc., including those not shown on the construction drawings, crossed or at
close proximity with the pipeline. The facilities underground if ascertained shall be marked, and
labelled in the alignment sheet. The corresponding protection measures shall be taken during
construction.
The CONTRACTOR shall grade off high points and fill low points to allow the pipe to be bent and
laid within the limits set forth herein with due regard to the minimum radius of bends allowed and
shall excavate rock or other material which cannot be graded off with ordinary grading equipment
in order to provide an adequate working space along the pipeline route. The banks resulting from
cutting and filling must be sloped and or terraced sufficiently so as not to present hazards to
persons, livestock and wildlife.
Spoil banks from grading operations shall not be placed where drainage will be affected, and
such spoil banks shall be placed in locations acceptable to COMPANY. Grading shall be done so
as to prevent any erosion and right-of way instability during and after construction.
6.3.2 Handling
Pipe shall be handled in a manner to prevent possible damage to pipe walls and pipe ends.
Boomers shall always be used in cross-country or rough road handling. Pipe shall not be dropped
or rolled off or onto vehicles but shall be handled with suitable slings. Pre-coated pipe shall be
handled at all times with wide non-abrasive canvas or nylon belts, or other equipment designed
to prevent damage to the coating. Rope shall not be used. Pipe stockpiled shall be carefully
stacked and blocked to avoid damage to pipe or pipe coating. Pipe loaded out shall have suitable
tie downs, supports and blocking to prevent shifting. Tie-down, supports, and blocking shall be of
such material and construction to provide adequate protection to pipe and to pipe coating. Pre-
coated pipe requires tarpaulin protection when being hauled on gravel roads.
CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall ensure that all construction materials consigned to
any part of the work shall be properly stored to prevent theft, damage or deterioration.
CONTRACTOR shall contain all forms of debris from its operation, such as cans, bottles,
containers, welding rods, excavated material etc., and dispose of such debris at waste disposal
sites approved by COMPANY.
6.3.3 Stringing
CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall string pipes on the right-of-way in preparation for
bending and welding in a manner that prevents damage to pipes and coatings. To minimize the
risk of damaging the line pipe, proper lifting method should be considered by the CONTRACTOR
/ SUB CONTRACTOR for handling purposes.
Pipe shall be lifted from transporters using an approved type of pipe hook. Pipe shall be placed
directly onto sand bags or other approved supports to ensure that it is held clear of the ground
surface and maintained in a secure position against movement due to rain or settlement.
Stringing vehicles shall have installed suitably padded supports to prevent pipe coating damage.
Pipe shall be strung alongside the trench on supports properly spaced with the pipe clear of the
ground. The trench is to be completely excavated and the area cleared of all debris and the
requisite base pre-padding placed before stringing of the pipes. However the CONTRACTOR /
SUB CONTRACTOR shall note and make allowance for sand drift into the trench in sandy areas.
The pipe shall be strung parallel to the trench at a suitable and constant distance from the
centreline of the trench. The stringing on the ROW shall be done in such a manner as to cause
the least interference with the normal use of access by trucks, side-booms, etc. Gaps shall be left
at intervals or wherever requested by other users to permit the passage for traffic or equipment
across the ROW or along public roads or highways. Pipe stringing shall be done in such a manner
as not to cause a hazard or possible damage by traffic.
All coated pipe strung on the ROW shall be supported in such a manner that the pipe is free from
contact with the ground at all times. Sand bags are permissible for use as pipe supports except
in wet areas. In wet areas, sand bags with wood pads shall be used.
6.3.4 Storing
Materials supplied by the CONTRACTOR shall be properly stored in a safe & secure area and
shall not be stored on the ROW. When required the materials shall be transported onto the ROW
in covered vehicles and delivered directly to the desired location.
The pipe stacking site should not be in low-lying terrain to prevent water accumulation. In case of
continuous rain causing ground subsidence, diversion ditch should be made to avoid
accumulation of water.
CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall record the pipe numbers, steel heat numbers, pipe
lengths, wall thickness and location of each piece of pipe, as strung.
These records shall be amended “as laid” to include the weld numbers and the welding operator’s
identification numbers, and maintain the records.
The length of the welded pipe string shall be planned with due consideration of thermal expansion
and other expected or accidental movement of the pipe string. Special attention shall be paid to
strings with one or more bends, in view of the inherent increased risk of failure of sand bags due
to the above movements of the pipe.
All pipe ends shall be protected / covered to prevent sand from entering the pipe by using weather
resistant material.
Coating and primer shall be unloaded from cars at destination points in such a manner as to
prevent damage to containers. Containers of coating materials shall not be handled with hooks
at any time and shall be stored with tops of containers up.
Valves, fittings, and other materials shall be unloaded in a manner to prevent damage, loss or
deterioration and permit easy access for checking of quantities. Valves, flanged fittings, or other
materials with finished surfaces shall always be placed on sand bags to prevent the finished
surfaces from coming into contact with the earth. Small fittings, fiberglass wrapping material, and
supplies shall be kept in suitable warehouses.
6.4 Trench
Before any trenching commences, CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall obtain the
approval of COMPANY. CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall excavate the pipeline trench
in the pipeline corridor as per Project Typical Drawing No. MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-3328-1503 -
Typical Details for Pipeline Construction.
Trenching shall include all excavation, whether by trenching machine, power shovel, by hand, or
by other methods which may be necessary (after grading has been completed) to prepare a
trench for the pipe with the minimum of cover between top of pipe and immediate ground level as
specified in alignment sheets.
The depth of the trench shall be measured from the level of the original ground on each side of
the trench. It shall be necessary to provide additional depth trench at certain locations such as
roads, highways, drainage trenches, ravines, and other water courses, crossings of other
underground structures, etc. The trench depth is determined according to the regulations of B31.8
and Pipeline Design Report, detailed in the Pipeline Alignment Sheet
The trench shall excavate and grade the trench to a depth and in such a manner that the
separation of the pipeline will be a minimum of 500 mm below/above the bottom/top of the
underground structure crossed. Refer to Typical Details for Pipeline Construction, Doc # MGP1-
GP2-CPC-LA-3328-1503.
The bottom of the trench shall be square cut as neatly as possible to avoid unnecessary handwork.
Handwork will be required however, to remove rocks, and protruding roots from the sides or
bottom of the trench or as required by COMPANY.
Mechanical excavation shall not take place within 2 meters of an existing service; only manual
excavation shall be permitted within this distance. In all cases where the trench has been cut
across private or public roads, the CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall provide
Temporary bypass (diversion) road as not to disrupt traffic flow.
The CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall, whenever possible, complete the trenching,
laying and backfilling of roads before the end of the work day so as to avoid hazards to night
traffic. Adequate signage shall be placed informing of road works. Hard barricade and battery
powered lighting to be placed if road shall be closed during night hours.
MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-7880-1501 Page 12 of 32 Rev.: 003
Rocks, gravel or other hard materials in the trench, which will damage the pipe or pipe coating,
shall be covered with soft earth or sand as project drawing.
The trench shall be kept in good condition until the pipe is laid and inspected. All lumber, jacks,
or other materials used to brace the trench shall be furnished and removed.
6.5 Pre-Padding
CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall provide trench bottom pre-padding in areas of rock
trench, or other areas where material in the bottom of the trench has potential to damage the
pipes or external coating following pipes installation. Where trench is on slopes, CONTRACTOR
/ SUB CONTRACTOR shall install soft plugs to avoid soil run off.
Rock free excavated soil shall be used for pre-padding. The maximum size of solid particles of
pre-padding should not exceed 20mm.
All bush, sand bags, pipe, metal of any kind, rocks, large clods, sticks, projecting rocks, and other
hard objects shall be removed from the trench into which the pipeline is to be lowered so that the
protective coating shall not be punctured or abraded.
The trench shall be made wide enough where slack loops are lowered into the trench so that no
coating will be rubbed off for pipeline.
Whenever the bottom of the trench contains rocks which might damage the pipe or coating, the
bottom of the trench shall be padded with sand or soft soil.
The pipe shall be lowered into the trench as soon as the coating has hardened sufficiently so that
the lowering will not cause holidays. This shall be checked by picking the pipe up after it has been
lowered in and checking with a holiday detector. If this check shows holidays, the pipe must be
lowered to sand bags until it has had sufficient time to properly harden.
Wide non-abrasive slings, belts, or rubber tire and cradles shall be used in all lowering of the
pipeline. The CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall lower line in such a manner as to
provide sufficient slack. The line shall not be dropped or subjected to impact. Only slings, belts
or cradles approved by COMPANY shall be used.
Where trench is excavated in rock, pre-padding will be provided with sand or soft soil..
6.6 Bend
6.6.1 General
CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall provide all bends and make all field bends required
for the laying of the pipelines in accordance with requirements for minimum cover, vertical profiles,
and horizontal alignment.
Hot Induction bends are preferred for this project. However Elastic bends and Cold bends will be
used if required.
Bends shall be made such that the pipe, when laid, conforms to the bottom of the trench without
the use of external force to hold it in place.
For cold bending, the individual gauging check is made at 97.5% of the cold bent pipe internal
diameter
The performance of the welding equipment should meet the welding procedure and safety
requirements, and should be in a good working condition and suitable for field application.
Before welding, a detailed welding procedure instruction should be drafted according to the
design requirements, and the WPQ should be carried out accordingly. Based on the qualified
welding procedure, the WPS should be compiled.
When the pipe joint adopts a different welding techniques or different welding consumable from
that of the trunk line, a new WPQ shall be carried out.
In view of the local environmental conditions, wind-shielding equipment should be installed at the
upwind or construction in a wind-proof shed to prevent wind and sand from affecting the pipeline
welding.
Welding shall not be carried out in any of the following environments without taking effective
protective measures:
3) Arc welding with low hydrogen electrode, wind speed is greater than 5m/s;
4) Arc welding with acid electrode, wind speed is greater than 8m/s;
5) Semi-automatic welding with self-shielded flux cored wire, with wind speed greater than 8m/s;
7) The ambient temperature is lower than the temperature specified in the welding procedure
specification.
1) The inspection and acceptance of the pipe groove quality shall be performed by foreman.
Except for joints and elbows, internal alignment devices should be adopted for pipelines with
diameter equal to or greater than 350mm.
2) The pipes and equipment should be steadily fixed if in the longitudinal slope. The
construction method should be determined according to terrain, topography and geological
conditions.
4) When straight pipes and hot bends are connected, the straight seams must be staggered
and kept distant for at least 100mm.
5) When hot bends are butt-welded, the welding seams near the centreline of the elbow should
be on two sides of the butt elbow. If it is not possible, the two straight seams shall be staggered
and kept distant for at least 100mm.
6) No circumferential welds are allowed when crossing highway and railway with a width less
than 10m.
1) Welding filler materials shall be selected in accordance with characteristics of the base metal.
The mechanical properties of the weld shall match that of base material. The chemical
composition of the welding metal shall be similar to that of the base metal.
2) Low-hydrogen welding consumables shall be used, and the diffusible hydrogen content shall
not exceed 10ml/100g. Low hydrogen welding consumables should be adopted and comply with
the requirements of AWS specification and API STD 1104.
3) The welding of feed gas and condensate pipes in sour service shall not adopt procedures and
welding consumables that may cause the nickel content in the deposit metal to exceed 1%.
4) The handling, storage and use of welding consumable should be in accordance with its
production specification and WPS.
5) The welding operations of feed gas and condensate pipes shall use the same welding
consumable type and the same manufacturer as the WPQ. Any modification or changes need to
be re-evaluated.
6.7.5 Preheating
All preheating requirement should be in accordance with ASME B31.8, ASME B31.4 and ASME
IX, and meet the following requirements.
1) Pipeline welding area shall be preheated when it is required in the WPS, or when the ambient
temperature is lower than 5°C or the atmospheric humidity is greater than 90%. The preheating
shall be in accordance with WPS. The preheating temperature should not be lower than the
temperature specified in WPQ and should not exceed this temperature by 50°C.
2) The preheating range should be no less than 3 times of the wall thickness on both sides of the
groove, and should not be less than 25mm. The heating should be uniform, and local overheating
is strictly prohibited. During welding, the temperature between the weld layers shall not be lower
than its preheating temperature.
Sanding, filing or other surface preparation work for hardness testing is allowed providing that
depth shall not exceed 0.5mm. The hardness results shall not exceed 200HBW.
The CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall develop welding procedures, and the completed
WPS for a welding process addresses all essential variables. When any of the essential variables
and supplementary essential variables of ASME IX is changed beyond what the reference code
paragraph allows for the process, the welding procedure must be re-established as a new WPS.
The WPS shall state the actual consumable or flux trade name and type as well as the code
designation. All WPS’s specifying PWHT should indicate maximum heating rate, holding
temperature range, holding time and maximum cooling rate.
WPQ shall use the same welding consumables or flux as onsite welding. Any change of
manufacturer or welding consumables classification from the same manufacturer, re-qualification
shall be required.
WPQ in sour service shall be in accordance with ASME IX, and the WPS should be prepared
according to the qualified WPQ.
In addition to the critical factors specified in ASME IX, the qualification of post-weld heat treatment
conditions (If applicable), raw materials and welding consumable shall be supplemented as
critical factors. Any modification and changes of these critical factors should be re-qualified.
The qualification scope is limited to the same strength level and the same heat treatment condition
of the material used in the trial welding.
The welds and the heat-affected zone shall be subjected to charpy impact test in accordance with
ASTM A370. The test temperature and results shall meet the requirements specified in Table 6.7-
2.
Two sets of charpy V-notch impact samples shall be collected by machining on each test block.
One group of notches shall be on the vertical centre of the weld, and the other group shall be on
the fusion line. The direction of the notch shall be perpendicular to the surface of the material.
Table.6.7-2 Requirements of Charpy Impact Toughness
Minimum Charpy Impact
Energy Test
Position Grade (J) temperature
(℃)
Single Value Average
Weld seams
and heat X52MS 30 40 -29
affected zone
Weld seams
and heat X52QS 30 40 -29
affected zone
2) Hardness test
Hardness inspection shall be carried out in WPQ for pipelines in sour service. The hardness test
method shall be Vickers hardness in accordance with ASTM E92. The test section shall be taken
along the circumferential direction. The maximum single hardness reading shall not exceed
250HV10. Brinell hardness of cap weld shall be measured in accordance with ISO 6506-1. The
maximum single hardness reading of cap weld shall not exceed 200HBW.
The hardness test results shall be included in the WPQ report, as well as the schematic diagram
of the hardness test location and the corresponding hardness readings.
The Vickers hardness of the WPQ shall be measured according to Figure 6.7-1 (butt weld), Figure
6.7-2 (fillet weld) and Figure 6.7-3 (repairing weld and partial penetration weld).
2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17 and 19 indentation should be completely in the heat-affected zone,
and as close as possible to the fusion line between the deposited metal and the heat-affected
zone. The upper measuring line should be in a suitable position so that the 2 and 6 indentations
are consistent with the outline of the heat-affected zone or the fusion line of the last weld.
C ——The measuring line, parallel to the measuring line B and passing through the fusion
boundary between the weld metal and heat affected zone.
The hardness indentations of 3, 6, 10 and 12 should be completely in the heat-affected zone and
as close as possible to the fusion line between the weld metal and the heat-affected zone.
The upper measuring line should be in a suitable position so that the indentation of the heat-
affected zone is consistent with the outline of the heat-affected zone or the cap weld fusion line
of the last weld.
(a) HIC
Hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) test shall be carried out in accordance with NACE TM 0284,
test solution: solution A. Test duration: 96 hours. The maximum allowable rate of any section in
each sample should not exceed the following indicators:
The test report should include macroscopic photos of all cracks, and photos or drawings of
hydrogen blistering on the surface of the test piece should also be provided.
(b) SSC
The sulfide stress cracking (SSC) test should be carried out in accordance with ISO 7539-2 or
ASTM G39 using four-point bending specimens, and the test shall be carried out according to
NACE TM0177 solution A.
Loading stress: 80% AYS (the actual yield strength of the base material on the lower yield strength
side).
Acceptance criteria: The tensile surface is inspected under a microscope with 10X magnification
and no cracks or any surface damage should be observed.
All welding, including pipeline welding, repair welding and tack welding, shall be performed by
qualified welders using qualified welding procedures. Welders or welding operator shall be
qualified and scope of welder’s qualification shall be in accordance with API STD 1104.
Welds shall be visually inspected first and meet the following requirements:
No cracks, pores, depressions, slag inclusions and fusion spatter shall be observed on the
surface of the weld.
The width of the weld on each side should exceed the groove by 1.0mm~2.0mm.
The surface of the weld should not be lower than that of the base metal and should meet the
following requirements:
(a) When upward welding is adopted, the weld reinforcement shall not exceed 3mm.
(b) When downward welding is adopted, the weld reinforcement shall not exceed 2mm, the partial
length shall not exceed 3mm, the continuous length shall not exceed 50mm. When the weld
reinforcement exceeds 3mm, the weld reinforcement shall be grinded. The grinded weld
reinforcement shall be smoothly transitioned to the base metal without any damage to the base
metal.
The undercut depth should not be exceed 12.5% of the wall thickness and should not exceed
0.5mm. In any continuous weld length of 300mm, the cumulative undercut length shall not exceed
50mm.
NDT is allowed to proceed when visual inspection is accepted. The test results should meet the
requirements of API STD 1104. The inspection ratio and qualified levels of NDT of welds are as
follows:
1) 100% RT for circumferential weld shall be performed with the acceptance of API STD 1104.
2) 100% PT or MT for fillet weld shall be performed with the acceptance of API STD 1104.
3) Cracks and incomplete foot fusion are not allowed in all welds.
4) For the unqualified welds of gas and condensate pipelines, only one repair is allowed on the
same position (crack defects must be removed and repairs are not allowed). The repaired weld
shall allow the use of original inspection methods, and shall be re-inspected using original
methods.
5) When 100% radiographic test is adopted on the circumferential welds, crawlers shall be used
whenever possible.
6) When two adjacent construction sections (golden weld) are joined and welded, the ambient
temperature should controlled at 20°C to reduce stress due to temperature difference.
The welded joint with cracks shall be cut away from the pipeline according to the relevant
regulation. For non-crack defects, the repair of the same welding seam shall not exceed twice.
Inspection and acceptance standard: the reworked area shall be inspected with the original
inspection method before rework.
The penetrant inspection shall be conducted to the reworked welded joints according to Welding
of Pipelines and Related Facilities (API 1104); the reworked welded joint without any defect shall
be deemed as qualified. If the welded joint is not qualified after repairs, the welded joint with
cracks shall be cut away from the pipeline.
The repaired welded joint that was once regarded as unqualified during inspection shall be
determined whether the repaired welded joint needs to be heat treated or not according to the
WPQ test report through project assessment. If it needs to be heat treated according to the WPQ,
the hardness test shall be performed to the repaired welded seam.
The inspection unit shall carry out the inspection works according the following rules on the basis
of the WPQ and material requirement:
Except when the special requirement is made to the time of butt welding joint, the NDT shall be
carried out 4 hour after the completion of welding, and the NDT for the rest parts shall be carried
out 24 hour after the completion of welding.
NDT shall be carried out for the repaired welded joints, and the joints between existing pipeline
and new pipeline.
Cracked welds shall be removed from the line unless permitted by Section 6.8 in API STD 1104
or when the repair is authorized by the company. Cracks may be repaired provided the length of
the crack is less than 8% of the weld length and a qualified repair welding procedure is used.
Defects in the root and filler beads may be repaired with prior company authorization. Defects in
the cover pass may be repaired without prior company authorization. A qualified repair welding
procedure is required to be used whenever a repair is made to a weld using a process different
from that used to make the original weld or when repairs are made in a previously repaired area.
Repair procedure should be complied with the Section 10.2 in Welding of Pipelines and Related
Facilities (API 1104).
Repaired areas shall be inspected by the same means previously used. Repairs shall meet the
standards of acceptability of Section 6.8 in API STD 1104.
Welder evaluation, repair rate, etc are defined in Welder Evaluation Procedure, Doc No. is MGP1-
GP2-CPC-QA-6180-0001_004.
6.8 Coating
Coatings for all buried pipes, hot bends and field joints shall as per “Specification for Painting and
Coating”, Doc # MGP1-GP2-CPC-RA-7754-0005.
The coating used for underground line pipes is 3LPE coating, detailed in “Specification for
Painting and Coating”, Doc # MGP1-GP2-CPC-RA-7754-0005.
The coating used for underground induction bends is Double Layer FBE+ Polyolefin tape, detailed
in “Specification for Painting and Coating”, Doc # MGP1-GP2-CPC-RA-7754-0005.
The coating used for field joints is HSS, detailed in “Specification for Painting and Coating”, Doc
# MGP1-GP2-CPC-RA-7754-0005.
The coating used for above ground pipe and hot bend is epoxy rich zinc + MIO epoxy + acrylic
polyurethan, detailed in “Specification for Painting and Coating”, Doc # MGP1-GP2-CPC-RA-
7754-0005.
The coating of monolithic isolation joints shall as per “Specification for Painting and Coating”, Doc
# MGP1-GP2-CPC-RA-7754-0005, table 7.1-1, notes-5.
6.10 Lowering-In
This shall include all work necessary to lower pipe into trench.
MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-7880-1501 Page 22 of 32 Rev.: 003
Lowering in the pipelines into the trench shall be based on COMPANY's approval of the lowering-
in certificate. The lowering-in certificate shall certify that the welding, NDT and coating in that
section meet the specifications. No lowering-in will take place prior to approval by COMPANY of
this certificate.
Before lowering-in the pipe, the trench bottom shall be visible and the trench depth shall be
checked to ensure that the specified depth of cover shall be maintained, taking into account any
pre-padding that may be required. Holiday shall be performed before pipe lower in.
All coated and wrapped pipe, which has been supported in any manner, shall be subjected to
close inspection and checked with a holiday detector to see that the coating is undamaged and if
found damaged shall be patched.
CONTRACTOR shall furnish sufficient proper equipment during the lowering-in operation to
prevent excess bending of the pipe or damage to coating.
6.11 Backfill
6.11.1 General
This shall include all work necessary to backfill excavated material in the trench, and restore
creek banks, hillsides, or other places where the right-of-way has been graded. Immediately after
the pipe has been lowered, it shall be weighted by filling the trench over the pipe with backfill
material.
1) The materials, specifications, colours, terms and fonts that should be used for laying the
warning tape should meet the design requirements.
2) The warning tape should be laid flat on the top of the pipe, and the distance from the top of the
pipe should be 0.3m, with the word face up when laying.
3) The laying of the warning tape should be continuous, and there will be missed connections
during intervention.
Upon completion of backfill, the pipeline alignment will be temporarily pegged to ease the
installation of permanent marker and signage.
The maximum size of granulocytic of sand material should not exceed 20mm.
All surplus rock removed from the trench shall be disposed of to the satisfaction of the COMPANY.
All roads, pavements, hillsides, creek banks, terraces, and other places where the
CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR has moved earth to facilitate the movement or operation
of its equipment shall be restored by CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR to their original
profile and condition.
MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-7880-1501 Page 23 of 32 Rev.: 003
6.11.4 Berm
After the trench backfill is completed, in order to prevent insufficient burial depth of the pipeline
caused by wind erosion, berm should be laid on the ground. The specific specifications of berm
should refer to Typical Details for Pipeline Construction, Doc No. MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-3328-1503.
6.12 Clean-Up
This shall include all work necessary to remove surplus material from the right-of-way and to finish
grading the back-fill and right-of-way and to repair fences.
Before the work is finally accepted, CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall remove all
surplus blasted or excavated material from the right-of-way and adjacent property, as well as from
public and private roads, and the channels of streams and trenches. All underbrush, broken sand
bags, and other such debris shall be disposed of as specified by the COMPANY. Oil drums, sheet
metal from paint barrels, and other objects shall be gathered up and removed from the right-of-
way. Sheet metal or other material shall not be placed in the pipeline trench and covered up as a
means of disposal.
On sections of pipeline where there is rock excavation, all loose rock deposited by such operation,
both on right-of-way, and on land adjacent to right-of-way, shall be picked up and disposed off by
CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR. The backfill shall be piled over the trench and then
smoothed down with a grader or harrow. In all areas, all spoil from side hill cuts will be returned
to its original position.
Where the pipeline has been laid within improved roadway rights-of-way, the surface of such
improved roadways shall be restored using new materials of like quality with those found in the
original improvement to the satisfaction of the COMPANY and the governmental authority having
jurisdiction over that portion of the work.
6.13 Pigging
All pipelines shall, before pressure test, be cleaned no less than 2 times using a brush pig or foam
pig.
After pressure test, additional pigging shall be conducted to ensure cleanliness within the pipeline,
i.e. no free water and impurity in the pipe. This will be repeated until the pipeline is deemed clean.
Temporary pig launcher and receiver shall not be installed in densely populated areas. Pigging
discharge shall meet environment protection requirements. Safe channel must be set put at pig
outfalls so to prevent from flooding surrounding areas, and the outfall shall be higher than
surrounding ground to prevent from back flow of ponded water.
As for the pigging between stations, the builder shall connect all the pipelines between stations
within its specific bid section, and then conduct the pipe pigging using compressed air to drive
the pig.
All the cut-off valves of the pipelines passed by the pig shall be open.
Pigging between stations adopts compressed air, and the dirt cleaned out shall be drained into
the blow down sump so to prevent from pollution. The pigging can be stopped only after the
pipeline is considered sufficient clean.
6.14 Gauging
After pigging is completed, the internal diameter of the pipeline shall be measured before
pressure test in order to check internal wall defect.
MGP1-GP2-CPC-LA-7880-1501 Page 24 of 32 Rev.: 003
Gauging disc may be installed in the middle part of the pig to check whether such defects as pit
and deformation exist in the internal wall or not. The gauging disc shall be commonly made of
aluminium plate with 12-15mm thick and its diameter shall be 95% of inner diameter of the
pipeline. The gauging shall be made with guage plate diameter equal to 97.5 % of inner diameter
for cold bends, induction bends, MIJ and special sections or components at respective workshops
after manufacturing/fabrication. Pigging and diameter measurement shall be according to the
following procedure: Before pigging and diameter measurement, install temporary receiver and
launcher at both ends of the pipeline firstly, and then install the pig in the launcher, start the air
compressor to fill compressed air into the launcher to push the pig to move forward until the pig
pushes such sundries as soil, sand and welding slag in the pipeline into the receiver, and then
stop filling compressed air into the pipeline and open the exhaust valves in the receiver and
launcher for exhaust. Open the receiver when pressure in the pipeline lowers down to the
atmospheric pressure and inspect effect of pigging and diameter measurement. Pigging shall be
done not less than twice to remove all sundries in the pipeline. After pig reaches the receiver,
remove the gauging disc from the pig. Diameter measurement meets relative requirements if the
gauging disc has no distortion or fold.
(I) The test pressure as required in ASME B31.4 (ref 437.4) or B31.8 (ref table 841.3.2-1 and
A847.2) as applicable.
(II) The test pressure value of the weakest component in the pipeline system (other than line pipe,
e.g. Flange, isolation joint, .etc.)
During the hydrostatic pressure test, the combined stress shall not exceed 100% SMYS of line
pipe material based on minimum wall thickness. The combined stress shall be calculated. In no
case the test pressure at the lowest point in the system, shall be more than 95 % SMYS.
The elevation profile shall be plotted to assist in checking that the test pressures at the low and
high points and shall not result in pressures or combined stresses outside the limits specified
above.
If the air content exceeds 0.2 % of the line volume, testing shall be terminated and the cause
investigated. If further venting does not bring the air content within acceptable limits, the test
section should be emptied and refilled at the discretion of the Principal.
Temperature recorders shall be checked every three hours during filling and testing to ensure
they are functioning properly.
a. PH value of 6~9
When the water quality cannot meet the requirements, chemical treatment should be used.
The pipe strength test shall be slowly progressed, the rate of pressurisation should be constant
and should not exceed 1 bar/minute (15 psi/minute) until a pressure of 35 bar (500 psi) or 50 %
of the test pressure, whichever is lower, has been attained. During this period, volume and
pressure readings should be recorded at 1 bar (15 psi) intervals.
when the pressure is separately increased to 30% and 60%, the pressure shall be respectively
stabilized for 30min and all potential leakage points shall be checked. After the pipe has been
checked without problems, the pressure shall be continuously increased to strength testing
pressure and stabilized there for 4 hours at least;
The pipe is considered as qualified, after being checked by eyes and confirmed to be free from
deformation, rupture and seepage, and with a pressure drop less than or equal to 1% of the
testing pressure.
Table 7.1-1 Strength Testing Pressure for Newly Built Gas and Condensate Pipelines
Specified
Strength Strength
Design Minimum Selected
O.D. Test Test Test
Pressure Yield W.T. Material
(mm) Pressure Pressure Duration
(barg) Strength, (mm)
(barg) (h)
δs (MPa.g)
18 360 711 12.7 L360MS 1.5×DP 27 4
After the satisfactory completion of the strength tests, the test section shall be depressurised to
leaktightness test pressure. Pressure let-down valves shall be opened slowly and depressurising
continued at a rate that does not generate vibrations in associated pipework. Under normal
circumstances, no fitting of any type should be attached to the pressure let-down valve. If fittings
or drain lines are attached, they shall be adequately braced and tied down to prevent movement.
The depressurisation rate should not exceed 1 bar (15 psi) per minute until the pressure has been
reduced to 40 % of the strength test pressure. Then depressurisation should continue at a rate of
less than 2 bar (30 psi) per minute to the leaktightness test pressure.
The leaktightness test shall be passed if no seepage happens and clean water pressure drop is
not more than 1% of test pressure after 24 hours under stable pressure. The pressure test is
unnecessary for the welded joints at the connecting point of two pressure test sections after the
sectional pressure test has been passed. However, the straight nipple used for the connector
shall be qualified pipeline sections upon the pressure test, otherwise it cannot be used. The weld
crater at the connection point also shall be subject to 100% X-ray inspection and 100% ultrasonic
examination.
Table 7.1-2 Leaktightness Testing Pressure for Newly Built Gas and Condensate Pipelines
Specified
Design Minimum Selected Leaktightness Leaktightness
O.D. Test
Pressure Yield W.T. Material Test Pressure Test Duration
(mm) Pressure
(barg) Strength, (mm) (barg) (h)
δs (MPa.g)
18 360 711 12.7 L360MS 1.1×DP 19.8 24
If it is not possible to check the leaktightness of the test section by visual examination, the
leaktightness shall be demonstrated by a 24 h leaktightness test. The influence of the
temperature fluctuation should be considered in specifying the location and number of
temperature measurements. It may be necessary to protect above-ground or above-water test
sections against sun radiation.
A 24-h leaktightness test for pre-tests of assemblies is not necessary. The influence of the
temperature fluctuation should be considered in specifying the location and number of
temperature measurements and the stabilisation period.
Contractor shall execute the special section test only after approval from COMPANY.
7.10 Depressurising
After the satisfactory completion of the strength and leaktightness tests, the test section shall be
depressurised to hydrostatic head plus 1 bar (15 psi) so that air does not enter into the test section.
Pressure let-down valves shall be opened slowly and depressurising continued at a rate that does
not generate vibrations in associated pipework. Under normal circumstances, no fitting of any
type should be attached to the pressure let-down valve. If fittings or drain lines are attached they
shall be adequately braced and tied down to prevent movement.
The depressurisation rate should not exceed 1 bar (15 psi) per minute until the pressure has been
reduced to 40 % of the test pressure. Then depressurisation should continue at a rate of less than
2 bar (30 psi) per minute.
Test pressure shall not be used for transfer of water from one test section to another.
7.11 Dewatering
CONTRACTOR shall dispose of water in a manner satisfactory to the authorities having
jurisdiction over these matters, and COMPANY. Prior to dewatering, all drain lines and test
manifolds shall be firmly tied down and braced to prevent movement.
Care shall be taken so that water is disposed of without causing excessive erosion or flooding.
The polyethylene pigs shall be propelled by compressed air. A pressure recorder shall be
connected to the test manifold to record the air pressure while dewatering.
CONTRACTOR will purge the entire section of water by using a pig driven by compressed air.
Multiple runs may be required ensure that all of the water has been removed from the test section.
Pigging with foam or brush foam pigs shall continue until they arrive without free water in front.
7.12 Drying
All pipelines shall be dried after pressure test.
Before drying, the pipelines that have passed the pressure test should be swept inspection. If
brush pigging is used for inspection, it shall be qualified that there is no clear water at the end. If
a foam pig is used for inspection, the qualification standard is that the water content of two
consecutive foam pigs is not more than (1.5DN/1000) kg. The interference of the pig can be 3%
to 8% of the pipe inner diameter.
Dry air can be used to dry the pipeline. The water dew point at the end of the pipeline does not
exceed 3°C after 4 hours of the airtight test, and it is qualified if it does not exceed -20°C.
7.13 Preservation
1) The replacement of the air in the pipeline should be carried out after the strength test, the
leaktightness test, the cleaning of the pipe, and the drying pass. Nitrogen or other non-corrosive,
non-toxic inert gas should be used as the isolation medium.
2) The mixed gas should be discharged to the vent system during the replacement process. Vents
should be far away from traffic lines and residential areas, and an isolation area with a radius of
300m should be established around the vents. Pyrotechnics and static sparks are not allowed in
the empty isolation area.
3) The end of the replacement pipeline should be equipped with gas content detection equipment.
When the oxygen content of the vent pipe at the end of the replacement pipeline is not more than
2%, the replacement can be considered qualified.
4) If the owner cannot confirm that the pipeline (or pipe section) can be put into production
immediately after the completion of the pipeline, in order to ensure the safety and life of the
pipeline, the pipeline section or the entire line completed in advance should be timely used to
effectively protect the inner wall of the pipeline with nitrogen. It should be filled with dry nitrogen,
and keep the internal pressure of the pipe greater than 0.12MPa~0.15MPa (absolute) in a dry
state to prevent external moisture from re-entering the pipe, otherwise it should be dried again.
5) If the CONTRACTOR cannot confirm that the pipeline (or pipe section) can be put into
production immediately after the completion of the pipeline, in order to ensure the safety and life
of the pipeline, the pipe section or the entire line completed in advance should be timely used to
effectively protect the inner wall of the pipeline with nitrogen. It should be filled with dry nitrogen,
keep the internal pressure of the pipe greater than 0.12MPa~0.15MPa (absolute), and seal the
pipe ends to prevent external moisture from entering the pipe, otherwise it should be dried again.
Prior to hydrostatic testing CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall remove all dirt, loose rust,
mill scale and construction debris from the inside of the pipeline.
The removal of the cleaning scraper tool shall be witnessed by COMPANY. Extra cleaning
scraper tool runs shall be made if, in the opinion of COMPANY, a proper level of internal
cleanliness has not been achieved.
No visible debris at the outlet of the pipeline after Internal Cleaning is considered qualified.
CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall obtain all permits necessary for all road crossings.
CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR shall provide and maintain signs, barricades, detours,
flagmen, or watchmen as required by the authorities to ensure the safe execution of the work.
Road crossings shall be done in accordance with Project typical drawing No. MGP1-GP2-CPC-
LA-3328-1501 - Typical Details for Road, Track Crossing respectively.
Cable and pipeline crossings shall be done in accordance with Project typical drawing No. MGP1-
GP2-CPC-LA-3328-1502 - Typical Details for Existing Pipeline/Cable Crossing respectively.
CP test post shall be installed at each buried foreign steel pipeline crossing. For detail refer DWG.
No. MGP1-GP2-CPC-RA-2309-0022.
When the buried depth of the existing pipeline/cable is too deep, it is acceptable to cross the
existing pipeline under the premise of meeting the requirements of the buried depth of the pipeline
and the crossing distance.
In all cases, whatever buried service is to be crossed on the ROW, proper measures and
precaution shall be taken for its safeguard.
Where existing facilities are to be crossed, they shall be exposed by hand digging prior to
trenching pipeline operation is performed.
Mapping survey shall be executed onto the identified crossing in order to avoid damage, before
the manual excavation for exposure. An area of 2m x 2m shall be proposed for hand digging of
the crossing section.
Protection/segregation between new pipeline and existing facilities shall be as detailed on the
typical drawings.
The minimum vertical or horizontal clearance between the pipeline and any underground facility
shall allow the easy installation the new pipeline and the existing pipeline or other facility, as
shown on the typical drawing.
For pipelines welding shall not be executed under high voltage power lines and the section to be
installed under them shall be prepared 10m minimum away, and then carried in position when
ready to install.
Each piece of equipment utilized to handle pipe in any way, such as unloading picking up,
transporting, bending or “lowering in” shall be grounded and may be equipped with a cable
assembly capable of grounding the joints of pipe to the piece of equipment handling that pipe.
10.0 SAFETY
On all pipelines, these safety rules and specifications shall apply:
All construction shall comply with health and safety regulations of the local authority having
jurisdiction.
Corresponding personal protective equipment should be equipped according to the type of work
and operation content. The CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR will provide his personnel with
the necessary protective equipment.
All tie-ins to existing lines will be done according to a written tie-in procedure approved by
CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR and COMPANY. Hot-Work Permits are required for all
tie-ins.
Well pads and existing pipeline rights-of-way are not to be used as storage or parking areas
without approval of the COMPANY.
CONTRACTOR / SUB CONTRACTOR is to ensure that all foremen are in possession of pipeline
drawings before start of work.