Inspection Manual For Piping

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PIPING MANUAL
INDEX
Sl. No. Topics Page No.

1.0 Scope 6
2.0 Definition 7
2.1 Pipe 7
2.2 Tubing 7
3.0 Type of Pipes According to the Method of 8
Manufacture
3.1 Electric Resistance Welded Pipe (ERW) 8
3.2 Furnace Butt Welded Pipe 8
3.3 Electric Fusion Welded Pipe (EFSW) 8
3.4 Submerged Arc Welded Pipe (SAW) 8
3.5 Double Submerged Arc Welded Pipe 9
3.6 Spiral Welded Pipe 9
3.7 Seamless Pipes 9
3.8 Centrifugally Cast Pipes 9
3.9 Statically Cast Pipe 9
3.10 Cement Lined Pipe 9
3.11 Concrete Embedded Pipe 10
4.0 Selection of Material 12
4.1 Scope 12
4.2 General 12
4.3 Guidelines for Material Selection 13
4.4 Specific Requirement for Special Services Sour 17
Gas, Hydrogen, Sulphur, Ammonia, Amines,
Caustic Services etc.
4.5 Guideline for Pipe Specifications for Cooling 19
Water & Fire Water Piping Systems
4.6 Common Materials used in Refinery 19
5.0 Significance of Piping Class Nomenclature 46
used by Designers and PMCs
5.1 Significance for First Alphabet of Piping Class 46
5.2 Significance of Second Letter of Piping Class 46
5.3 Significance of Third Alphabet of Piping Class 48
5.4 Significance for Last Alphabet of Piping Class 48
6.0 Necessity of Inspection 50
7.0 Inspection Tools 51
8.0 Frequency of Inspection 53
8.1 Plant Piping 53
8.2 Offsite Piping 53
9.0 Likely Areas of Metal Loss and Causes of 55
Deterioration
9.1 External Corrosion 55
9.2 Internal Corrosion 55
10.0 Inspection Stages & Procedures 59
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Sl. No. Topics Page No.
10.1 Onstream Inspection (Pipelines under 59
Operation)
10.2 Inspection During Shutdown 66
10.3 Statutory Inspection 68
11.0 Quality Assurance Plan for New 71
Constructions
11.1 Quality Assurance during Design Stage 71
11.2 Quality Assurance during Construction Stage 74
12.0 Inspection of Piping during Fabrication 78
12.1 Inspection of Pipes before use 78
12.2 Injurious Defects 78
12.3 Forming of Pipes 79
12.4 Welding 80
12.5 Inspection after Welding 80
12.6 Supports 81
12.7 Pressure Tests 81
12.8 Painting 86
12.9 External Corrosion Control for Buried or 87
Submerged Pipelines
12.10 Insulation 88
13.0 Retiring Limits 90
14.0 Pipeline Repairs and Inspection 91
14.1 Inspection of Valves in Service 91
15.0 Documentation 93
16.0 Annexures 95
Annexure –I Extracts from ANSI/ ASME B 31.4.1979 – On 95
Liquid Petroleum Transportation Piping Systems
Annexure –II Preservation of New Pipes in Ware House 99
Annexure-II(a) Sample Preservation Scheme for Sulfur 100
Recovery Unit
Annexure-II(b) Idle Time Preservation Scheme for Amine 106
Treating Unit
Annexure-II(c) Procedure for Passivation of Austenitic Stainless 110
Steel Equipment
Annexure-II(d) NACE RP-0170 - On Protection of Austenitic 114
Stainless Steel Equipment
Annexure-II(e) Idle Time Preservation of Static & Rotary 120
Equipment – OISD-171
Annexure –III Dimensions of Seamless and Welded Steel Pipe 150
Annexure –IV Equivalents Specifications of ASTM to British, 153
French, German, Italian and Swedish Standards
Annexure-V Common Paint Colour Code for Refineries 156
Annexure-VI Standard Specification for Corrosion Protection 170
of Wrapping Coating & Tape Coating of Under
Ground Steel Pipelines
Annexure-VII A Sample of Isometric of Pipeline Circuit & Data 181
Record Cards
17.0 References 183
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1.0 SCOPE
This manual covers the minimum requirements for inspection on pipes

and pipefitting used in petroleum refinery. Locations to be inspected,
inspection tools, inspection frequency, likely location of deterioration
and causes, inspection and testing procedures have been specified in
the Manual.
Special emphasis was given on the quality assurance requirements in

new projects and Additional Facilities (AF) jobs in view of the recent
failures encountered in new projects. Critical issues of material
selection and Common Paint Colour Code System have also been
covered. Experience of newly completed projects is also incorporated
to avoid repetitive failures on these accounts. Inspection and testing
requirements of new pipeline during fabrication have also been
included.
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2.0 DEFINITION
2.1 PIPE
A pressure tight cylinder used to carry a fluid or to transmit a fluid

pressure is designated “Pipe” in applicable material specifications.
Pipe manufactured in different sizes & thicknesses are commonly

expressed in nominal diameter. Nominal diameter is normally the
approximate internal diameter of the pipe with standard schedule
thickness.
2.2 TUBING
Tubing is similar to pipe but it is manufactured in different sizes of

outside diameter and wall thickness. Tubing is generally seamless
drawn and the stated size is the actual outside diameter. Tubes are
basically meant for heat transfer and mostly fit into tube grooves,
hence tubes are specified by outside diameter and wall thickness with
negative tolerance on outside diameter.
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3.0 TYPE OF PIPES ACCORDING TO THE METHOD OF
MANUFACTURE
3.1 ELECTRIC RESISTANCE WELDED PIPE (ERW)
Pipe produced in individual lengths or in continuous lengths from coiled

skelp, having a longitudinal or spiral butt joint where in coalescence is
produced by the heat obtained from resistance of the pipe to the flow of
electric current in a circuit of which the pipe is a part, and by the
application of pressure.
Care must be taken during procurement of ERW pipes as regards the

code requirement. The IS-1239 and IS-3589 does not call for any
mandatory requirements of NDT to ensure the quality of welding.
Moreover, the hydrotest requirement can be substituted by NDT by
manufacturer without informing the customer. As per API 5L the NDT
requirement for quality assurance of weld is mandatory and the
manufacturer have to keep 100% record of hydrotest for witness by the
TPI agency. Any additional requirement should be specifically indicated
in the purchase order.
3.2 FURNACE BUTT WELDED PIPE
i Furnace Butt-Welded Pipe (Bell Welded)
Pipe produced in individual lengths from cut-length skelp having its

longitudinal butt joint forge welded by the mechanical pressure
developed in drawing the furnace heated skelp through a cone-
shaped die (commonly known as the “Welding bell”) which service
as a combined forming and welding die.
ii Furnace Butt-Welded Pipe (Continuous Welded)
Pipe produced in continuous lengths from coiled skelp and joint

forge welded by the mechanical pressure developed in rolling the
hot-formed skelp through a set of round pass welding rolls.
3.3 ELECTRIC FUSION WELDED PIPE (EFSW)
Pipe having a longitudinal or spiral butt joint wherein coalescence is

produced in the preformed tube by manual or automatic electric-are
welding. The weld may be single or double and may be made with or
without the use of filler metal.
3.4 SUBMERGED ARC WELDED PIPE (SAW)
The submerged arc welded pipes are made from hot rolled coils or
sheets. The welding can be longitudinal or spiral. The pipe is welded
internally and externally using submerged arc-welding process.
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3.5 DOUBLE SUBMERGED ARC WELDED PIPE
Pipe having a longitudinal or spiral butt joint produced by at least two

passes, one of which is on the inside of the pipe, coalescence is
produced by heating with an electric arc between the bare metal
electrode or electrodes and the work. The welding is shielded by a
blanket of granular, fusible material on the work. Pressure is not used
and filler metal for the inside and outside welds is obtained from the
electrode or electrodes or fusible material.
3.6 SPIRAL WELDED PIPE
Pipe having a helical seam with either a butt, lap or lock seam-joint
which is welded using either a electrical resistance, electric fusion or
double submerged arc weld.
3.7 SEAMLESS PIPES
Pipe produced by piercing a billet followed by rolling or drawing or both.
3.8 CENTRIFUGALLY CAST PIPES
Pipe formed from the solidification of molten metal in a rotating mold.

Both metal and sand moulds are used. The inherent parabolic internal
pipe contour formed by the centrifugal force during solidification, is
subsequently removed by boring to sound metal.
3.9 STATICALLY CAST PIPE
Pipe formed by the solidification of molten metal in a sand mould.
3.10 CEMENT LINED PIPE
Internal and external cement lined pipes are used in cooling water and
fresh water lines to combat microbial induced corrosion in the internal
surface and soil corrosion in the external surface. The cement lining is
normally 25mm thick on inside and outside with wire mesh as
reinforcement.
Cement lined pipes are fabricated at shop on need base and can be
manufactured for higher diameter pipes only. However, precautions
should be taken for handling/ fabrication of these pipes to avoid local
damage or cracks on the cement lining and the lining provided at the
insitu joints. While doing the welding for field joints asbestos-backing
ring should be suitably provided at the internal face to avoid direct
contact of water to the metal surface. For external insitu lining,
normally, shuttering is made alongwith holes at top and bottom. The
cement concrete mixture is injected through the bottom hole and
oozing out of concrete from the top hole is observed to ensure
complete filling of the annular space with concrete.
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3.11 CONCRETE EMBEDDED PIPE
The concrete embedded pipes are also used in cooling water service,
which can take care soil side corrosion. In this system, the carbon steel
pipe is encased by concrete of minimum 6” thickness to avoid soil
corrosion. However, in this system the porosity of concrete cannot be
avoided and may result in localized corrosion. Although, the system
provides a perfect casing and can operate even with corroded pipes,
but any local repair is difficult and cumbersome.
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4.0 SELECTION OF MATERIAL
4.1 SCOPE
This specification defines the basis to be used in selecting the piping

materials of construction of refinery piping.
The codes and standards followed in selecting the piping Materials:
i) Petroleum Refinery piping  ANSI – B.31.3

ii) Power Piping  ANSI – B.31.1
iii) Flanges & Flanged Fittings  ASME / ANSI – B.16.5
iv) Indian Boiler Regulation  IBR
v) Bolts & Nuts  ANSI B.18.2.1
vi) Valves / Flanges  ASME / ANSI B.18.2.2
vii) Gasket  Chemical Engg. Hand Book
 Perry’s / Piping hand book-king &
crocker.
4.2 GENERAL
The primary objective in materials selection is the achievement of

metallurgical stability to prevent failure resulting from environment,
normal operation time exposure and upset conditions. The secondary
objective is the economy for achievement of design life by use of
appropriate materials of construction.
Materials selection for achievement of metallurgical stability shall be

made on the basis of design condition and to resist possible exposures
against fire, corrosion, operating condition, service etc.
The basis of material selection shall be as under:
i) Design Life
The following are the general guidelines to be considered while

designing the systems.
a) Alloy steel piping / stainless steel piping – 15 years life.

b) Carbon steel piping – 15 years life.
ii) Design Temperature
The design temperature of the fluid in the piping is generally

assumed the highest temperature of the fluid in the equipment
connected with the piping concerned. However, the design
temperature of piping for all services shall be generally specified by
a process Engineer taking into consideration steam flushing,
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regenerating etc. the design metal temperature of the piping shall
conform to ANSI – B 31.3.
iii) Design Pressure
The design pressure of the piping system shall be not less than the
pressure at the most severe condition of coincident internal /
external pressure and temperature expected during the service life.
For further details refer ANSI – B 31.3.
iv) Corrosion Allowance
The corrosion allowance shall be selected on the basis of the fluid

transported, the material of the piping and the average life
planned. Table –1a, b, c, d indicated in the nomenclature of
piping class in Chapter-5 shows the nominal corrosion
allowances for different material.
v) Service of the System
Service of the system is the medium, the system shall handle

throughout the life time and its duration of operation.
Medium handled occasionally (life during shutdown and re-

commissioning etc.) shall also to be considered.
vi) Economics
Economics of the material cost shall also to be considered in the

selection. The possibility of usage of inferior materials with periodic
replacement shall be considered against the usage of superior
material without sacrificing the safety of the plant.
vii) Effect of Environmental condition
Effort shall be made to select material suiting well to the medium

handled as well as the environmental conditions.
4.3 GUIDELINES FOR MATERIAL SELECTION
4.3.1 Exposure at high temperature (above 232 0C)
a) Materials selected for high temperature exposure shall be economic

choice which will be resistant to, or provide against, the following
modes of deterioration throughout the design life of the equipment:
 Overstress in the elastic range

 Stress rupture
 Unacceptable degrees of creep strain
 Graphitization
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 Decarburization
 Corrosion and general oxidation
 Intergranular oxidation
 High temperature
 Sensitization to Intergranular corrosion
 Carburization
 Deterioration during shutdowns or in shutting down and starting
up.
 Embrittlement attributable to high temperature exposure.
b) For corrosion and general oxidation wastage operating temperature

shall be considered.
c) For the other modes of metal deterioration given in para, 4.3.1 the
temperatures and pressures to be considered are design
temperatures and pressures, except that for decarburization and
hydrogen attack due to hydrogen in the process stream design
hydrogen partial pressure shall also be considered.
d) Where hydrogen will be a constituent of hot process stream, a

hydrogen-resistant material shall be selected according to API 941
and account shall be taken as to the effect of possible temperature
exceeding above the design temperature during upsets where
process is such that exothermic reactions can take place. In such
meet the design conditions is within 35 0F (20 0C) of the appropriate
curve the next higher alloy steel in the hydrogen resistant series, as
shown in API 941 shall be the one selected.
As can be seen in the Nelson Curve the use of carbon ½ Mo steel

has not been shown in the graph, indicating the tendency of
reduction in creep properties of this material with long high
temperature exposure. This has reduced the use of carbon ½ Mo in
the Hydrogen and Hydrocarbon service.
e) Carbon molybdenum steel is generally used in steam services.
f) The use of 12% Cr or higher ferritic Cr steels for pressure

containing parts is not permitted.
g) Where austenitic stainless steels are selected and there might be a

danger of Intergranular corrosion occurring during shutdowns as a
result of sensitization during service, an appropriate titanium or
columbium (niobium) stabilized or extra low carbon grade shall be
specified; where high temperature strength is required a similarly
stabilized H grade shall be selected. For temperatures above 426
0
C the extra low carbon grade shall not be used and the chemically
stabilized grades shall be given a stabilizing heat when required to
resist Intergranular attack.
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4.3.2 Exposure at Ambient & Intermediate Temperatures (from 0 0C to
232 0C)
a) Materials selected for exposure to ambient and intermediate

temperatures shall be economic choice in a form or condition which,
in the particular environments, will be resistant to damage resulting
from:
 Hydrogen blistering
 Intergranular corrosion
 Stress corrosion cracking
 Hydrogen sulfide embrittlement
 Fatigue
 Corrosion fatigue
 Caustic embrittlement
 Deterioration at shutdown or in shutting down and starting up.
 Chemical attack
 Crevice corrosion
 Galvanic corrosion
b) Material selected for service conductive to hydrogen blistering, shall

be fully silicon-killed carbon steel.
c) Where austenitic stainless steels are selected, a titanium or

columbium (niobium) stabilized low carbon grade shall be specified
to resist Intergranular corrosion either in the operating condition or
during shutdowns. Alternatively, if strength considerations are not
important economically, the extra low carbon (0.03% max.) grade
may be used.
d) Where austenitic stainless steels are selected for service at

temperatures and in environments possibly conductive to halogen
trans-granular stress corrosion cracking, fully stress relieved
material shall be specified. This requirement shall apply also to
those services where stress corrosion could occur in heating to, or
cooling from operating temperature. It does not apply to austenitic
stainless steel clad or deposit lined equipment; in such case the
heat treatment requirements appropriate to the backing steel shall
govern. However, this heat treatment shall be selected govern.
However, this heat treatment shall be selected so as to minimize
sensitization effects on the stainless steel.
e) Hardness of carbon and ferritic alloy steels and weldments exposed

to wet H2S streams shall be limited to 200 BHN irrespective of the
H2S concentration.
f) Material and requirements for caustic service shall be in

accordance with the graph shown in attached drawing. (Refer
attached Drawing No-1).
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g) Brass materials shall be specified only when pH of the environment
due to ammonia will be 7.2 or less. Above pH 7.2, 70-30 Cu-Ni or
other similar alloy shall be used.
4.3.3 Exposure at low temperature (Below 0 0C)
a) Materials selected for service at (0 0C) or below shall have

adequate resistance to brittle fracture and shall satisfy the
appropriate impact test requirements below minus (-) 29 0C as per
the relevant design code (ANSI B 31.3). Carbon steel shall be fully
killed and normalized.
b) The minimum design temperature shall be the minimum

temperature of the contents during normal operation, shutdown,
start-up or unit upset.
c) The post-weld heat-treated case shall apply to all unwelded

materials.
4.3.4 Materials requirements – General Precautions
a) All chromium molybdenum steels containing up to 9% chromium

which are to be welded shall have a carbon content not exceeding
0.15%.
b) Use of stainless steel shall be kept to a minimum. Where use of a

less, highly alloyed material would result in sacrifice of only a small
part of design life (say, up to 20%) stainless steel may be avoided.
When use of such a material cannot be avoided and where there is
danger of transgranular stress corrosion cracking, higher alloy
materials such as the fully stabilized Incoloys shall be considered.
c) Where naphthenic acid corrosion is anticipated, consideration shall

be given to the use of a stabilized or extra low carbon grade of
molybdenum bearing austenitic stainless steel such as SS 316 L,
SS 321, SS 347.
Care shall be taken to ensure that austenitic stainless steels do not

come into contact with Lead, Zinc, Aluminium, Copper, Tin or other low-
melting metals that promote cracking. Paints containing these metals
shall not be used on austenitic stainless steel. In addition, design shall
be such as to avoid contamination of austenitic stainless steels by such
metals during a fire.
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4.4 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT FOR SPECIAL SERVICES SOUR GAS,
HYDROGEN, SULPHUR, AMMONIA, AMINES, CAUSTIC SERVICES
ETC.
4.4.1Resistance to Hydrogen
Resistance to hydrogen attack must be taken care while selecting

materials in contact with liquids and vapours containing hydrogen at
elevated temperatures and pressures. The guide used for selecting
hydrogen resistant materials is API publication 941 entitled “Steels for
Hydrogen Services at elevated Temperatures and Pressures in
Petroleum Refineries and Petrochemicals Plants”.
A brief study of the Nelson curve on the following reveals that the
principle alloying elements which impart resistance to elevated
temperature hydrogen attack the chromium and molybdenum. (Refer
Drawing No –2 attached).
Alloy steels commonly used to resist high temperature hydrogen attack

are as follows:
a) 1-¼ Cr – ½ Mo - (P-11)
b) 5 Cr – ½ Mo - (P-5)
c) 9 Cr-1 Mo - (P-9)
d) 16 Cr, 12 Ni, 2 Mo - (S. S 316 H)
Bakeout of hydrogen service piping should be carried out for

approximately 2 to 4 hrs. at a temperature range of 650 to 800 0F before
taking up any repair job. It is preferred to go for coil heating for better
control in heating, soaking and cooling.
4.4.2Resistance to Sulphur
For determining materials of construction for an oil stream containing

sulphur utilize the curve entitled “Average Rate Curves (Refer Drawing
No-3 attached) for High Temperature Sulphur Corrosion”. This curve aids
in determining corrosion rates for materials in contact with sulphur
bearing Hydrocarbon streams and is use Oxidizing Units and Raw Oil
charge lines to Hydrodesulphurising and Hydrocracking Units.
While applying this curve, use the maximum operating temperature of

the equipment involved and pick the corresponding corrosion rate for
one of the materials listed, then adjust the corrosion rate with a
correction factor which takes into account the weight percent sulphur. It
should be noted that the reference sulphur level for this curve is 1.0
weight percent. As one can see from this curve, an increase in chromium
content imparts increasing resistance to high temperature sulphur
corrosion.
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Carbon steel generally is specified for most equipment to the 500-550 0F
(260-288 0C) temperature range, and the corrosion allowance used is
3mm. When the piping in this service are carbon steel and improved
corrosion resistance is necessary, TP 410S stainless steel cladding is
specified. Depending on the anticipated corrosion rates, heater tubes are
usually 5 Cr – ½ Mo or 9 Cr – 1 Mo. Piping systems are usually carbon
steel and 5 Cr – ½ Mo with varying corrosion allowances. Refer
corrosion allowance Table – 5 for large diameter piping 18” dia, usually
heater transfer lines, an alternative of carbon steel clad with TP 410S
stainless steel is specified.
4.4.3Resistance to sour Water Services (H2S)
 Materials shall be selected from those permitted in the NACE

standard.
 Selection of materials should be for a specific sour duty condition.
 If process H2S concentration is varying, peak values shall be used.
 The resistance to general corrosion. The pH value of the process

stream and the presence/ absence of corrodents such as oxygen,
CO2, chlorides etc. are of particular importance.
 Mech. Properties including low temperature requirements where

necessary shall be given special attention.
 Carbon steel pipe work shall be in the normalized heat-treated

conditions. All materials for conventional welding (i.e. for welding with
techniques other than either vertical down or any low heat input)
technique shall have a carbon content of 0.23% for seam less pipes
and 0.25% max. for forgings and carbon equivalent of 0.40% max.
based on the formula.
CE = C + Mn / 6 + (Cr + Mo +V) / (Ni +Cu) / 15
4.4.4Resistance to Caustic and Amine
 Carbon steel is generally an acceptable material for handling caustic

soda and other alkaline solutions. However, it has limitations. Higher
temperature in that Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) can occur
unless it is stress relieved, also unacceptable general corrosion can
take place. (Refer Drawing No-1 attached).
 For Amine service, to avoid stress corrosion cracking of welded pipes

and other welds, exposed to various Amine solutions, stress relieving
for all welds is required as follows:
MEA (Monoethanol amine) – For all design temperature
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DEA (Diethanol amine) – For design temperature > 82 0C.
 For additional guidance for avoidance of corrosion of stress corrosion

cracking (SCC) can be referred in API 945.
4.5 GUIDELINE FOR PIPE SPECIFICATIONS FOR COOLING WATER &

FIRE WATER PIPING SYSTEMS
In the Refineries, frequent failures have been experienced in Cooling

Water and Fire Water services especially in the form of seam opening
in ERW pipes. It has been observed that the IS 1239 & IS 3589 quality
pipes used for these services do not recommend any mandatory NDT
for quality assurance of ERW pipe welding and also the Hydrostatic
test can be substituted by the manufacturer. In view of this the above
specifications along with other piping specifications like API 5L Gr. B,
ASTM A106 Gr. B were compared and an approval for a techno-
economical specification have been obtained.
As per the above, it is recommended to use pipes of API 5L Gr. B

standard due to its mandatory requirement of NDT to ensure improved
weld quality and documentary evidence of Hydrotest for Cooling Water
(CW) and Fire Water (FW) piping systems. For lower diameter pipes
upto dia. 6”, seamless pipes are recommended considering lower
thickness in this range, which are detrimental in case of any weld
deficiencies. ERW/ EFSW pipes confirming to API 5L Gr. B are
recommended for 8” to 14” diameter for improved quality of ERW
welding. For diameter 16” and above, EFSW pipes are recommended
considering the superior welding quality. The recommended pipe
specifications for Cooling Water and Fire Water services of different
diameters are given below:
Diameter Recommended Pipe Specification

Upto 6” Seamless Pipes Of A 106 Gr.B Or API 5L Gr.B
Standards
8” to 14” ERW/ EFSW pipes of API 5L Gr. B Standard
16” and above EFSW pipes as per API 5L Gr. B Standard
4.6 COMMON MATERIALS USED IN REFINERY
The detailed lists of materials used in Refinery are given in Table – 1, 2

and 3.
5.1 Carbon Steel
This is the most common material used in process plants. Carbon

steels are used in most general refinery applications where killed steel
quality is not required.
5.2 Killed Carbon Steel
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Killed steels are defined as those, which are thoroughly deoxidized
during melting process. Deoxidation is accomplished by use of silicon,
manganese and aluminium additions to combine with dissolved gases,
usually oxygen, during steel making. This results in cleaner, better
quality steel which has fewer gas pockets and inclusions. Killed carbon
steel is specified for major equipment in the following services to
minimize the possibility or extent of hydrogen blistering and hydrogen
embrittlement:
a) Where hydrogen is a major component in the process stream.

b) Where hydrogen sulfide H2S is present with an aqueous phase or
where liquid water containing H2S is present;
c) Process streams containing any amount of Hydroflouoric acid
(HF), boron trifluoride (BF3) or (BF) compounds; or
d) Monoethanolamine (MEA) and diethanolamine (DEA) in solutions
of greater than 5 weight percent.
Killed steel is also used for equipment designed for temperatures

greater than (482 0C) since the ASME boiler and Pressure Code does
not list allowable stresses for carbon steel over 900 0F (482 0C).
5.3 Low Alloy Steels
a) Carbon ½ Moly. These low alloy steels are used for moderate
temperature services, moderate corrosive service and most
frequently for intermediate temperatures for its resistance to
hydrogen attack. They have the same maximum temperature
limitation as killed steel (ASME Code – 1000 0F) but the strength
above 700 0F is substantially greater. However, while selecting this
material care should be taken as the creep/ high temperature
strength properties of such material deteriorates with time.
b) 1% chrome ½ Moly and 1-¼ Chrome ½ Moly. These alloys are used
for higher resistance to hydrogen attack and sulphur corrosion.
They are also used for services where temperatures are above the
rated temperature for C ½ Mo steel.
c) 2-¼ Chrome 1% Moly and 3% Chrome – 1% Moly. These alloys

have the same uses as 1-¼ % Cr, but have greater resistance to
hydrogen attack and higher strength at elevated temperature.
d) 5% Chrome – ½% Moly. This alloy is used most frequently for

protection against combined sulphur attack at temperatures above
550 0F. Its resistance to hydrogen attack is better than 2-¼ % Cr-1%
Moly.
e) 9% Chrome – 1% Moly. This alloy is generally limited to heater

tubes. It has a higher resistance to high sulphur stocks at elevated
temperatures. It also has a maximum allowable metal temperature
in oxidizing atmospheres.
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5.4 Ferritic and Martensitic Stainless Steel
a) 12% Chrome (Types 405 and 410S) – This ferritic or Martensitic

stainless steel is used primarily as a clad lining. It has excellent
resistance to combined sulphur and good resistance to hydrogen
sulphide at low concentrations and intermediate temperatures.
b) 13% Chrome (Type 410) – This stainless steel is used extensively

for standard trim on all process valves and pumps, and for vessel
trays and tray components. It is also used for heat exchanger tubes
for the same processing conditions as Type 405.
5.5 Austenitic Stainless Steels
a) Type 304 – This is the lowest cost type of 18-8 stainless steel for
protection against hydrogen and hydrogen sulphide attack at
elevated temperatures. It is susceptible stress corrosion.
b) Types 309 and 310 – These are special heat resistant austenitic
stainless steels which have oxidation resistance upto about 2000 0F.
Their composition are 25% Cr – 12% Ni and 25% Cr – 20 Ni
respectively, and are used in high temperature services and tube
supports in heaters.
5.6 Non Metallic Piping Materials
a) While using non-metallic piping, e.g. HDPE, PVC, FRP etc.

designer shall take care of the Aging effect, the service temperature
and pressure. Manufacturer’s recommendation shall be taken into
account.
b) Based on the “Guidelines for Material Section” as per clause and

‘Specific requirements for special services. As per Cl 4.4.” a broad
guideline is drawn in Table – 4. (Piping Material Selection based on
Service/ Temperature).
c) Based on Table – 4, Table – 5 & Table – 6 “Piping Class Selection

Chart” Table 5 is drawn to select a specific piping class for a
particular set of service/ rating/ application.
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Table – 1
ASTM DESIGNATION OF MATERIALS
ELECTRIC
WROUGHT
MATERIAL PLATE PIPE FUSION WELDED TUBES CASTINGS FORGINGS CLADDING
FITTINGS
PIPE
Carbon Steel A-285-GR, A, B A-53 GR, A-671 GR, CA-55 A-214 (WELDED) A-216 GR, A-105 A-181 CL. A-234 GR,
&C A&B A-677 GR, A45- A-179 WCA,WCB & 60 OR 70 A-266 WPB
A55 (SEAMLESS) WCC CL I, II, OR III
Killed Steel A-515 GR, 55- A-106 GR, A-672 GR B55- A-179 A-216 GR, A-105 A-181 CL A-234 GR,
70 A-516 GR, A&B B70 A-672 GR, WCA, WCB 60 OR 70 A-266 WPB
55-70 C55-C70 & WCC CL I, II, OR III
C-1/2 Mo A-204 GR, A, B A-335 GR, A-691 GR, CM 65- A-209 GR, T1 A-217 GR A-182 GR, F1 A- A-234 GR,
&C P1 CM75 WC1 336 CL, F1 WP1
1 Cr-1/2Mo A-387 GR, 12 A-335 GR, A-691 GR, 1Cr A-213 GR, T12 A-182 GR, F12 A-234 GR
P12 A-336 CL F12 WP11
1-1/4 Cr-1/2 A-387 GR, 11 A-335 GR, A-691 GR, 1-1/4Cr A-199 GR, T11 A- A-217 GR, A-182 GR, F11 A-234 GR,
Mo P11 213 GR, T11 WC6 A-336 CL F11 WP11
2-1/4 Cr-1Mo A-387 GR, 22 A-335 GR, A-691 GR, 2-1/4 A-199 GR, T22 A- A-217 GR, A-182 GR, F22 A-234 GR,
P22 Cr 219 GR, T22 WC9 A-336 CL F22 WP22
3Cr-1Mo A-387 GR, 21 A-335 GR, - A-199 T21 A-213 - A-182 GR, F21 -
P21 GR, T21 A-336 CL, F21
5 Cr-1/2 Mo A-387 GR, 5 A-335 GR, A-691 GR, 5Cr A-199 GR, T5 A- A-217 GR, A-182 GR, F5 A- A-234 GR,
(Formerly A- P5 213 GR, T5 C5 336 CL, F5 WP5
357)
9Cr-1Mo A-387 GR, 9 A-335 GR, A-691 GR, 9CR. A-199 GR, T9 A- A-217 GR, A-182 GR, F9 A- A-234 GR,
P9 213 GR, T9 C12 336 CL F9 WP9
12Cr-TP405 A-240 TP405 A-268 GR, - A-268 GR, TP405 - - - A-263
TP405
13 Cr-TP410 A-240 TP410 A-268 GR, - A-268 GR, TP410 A-217 GR, A-182 GR, F6 A- - A-263
TP410 CA15 336 CL, F6
13 Cr- A-240 TP410S - A-263
TP410S
17 Cr- TP430 A-240 TP430 A-268 GR, - A-268 GR, TP 430 - A-263
Page 22 of 187
ELECTRIC
WROUGHT
FITTINGS
PIPE
TP 430
18 Cr-8 Ni- A-240 TP304 A-312 GR, A-358 GR, 304 A-213 GR, TP304 A-351 GR, A-182 GR, F304 A-403 GR, A-264
TP304 TP304 A- A-249 GR, TP304 CF8 A-744 A-336 CL, F304 WP304
376 GR, CF8
TP304
18 Cr-8Ni- A-240 TP304L A-312 GR, A-358 GR, 304L A-213 GR, A-351 GR, A-182 GR, A-403 GR, A-264
TP304L TP304L TP304L A-249 CF3 A-744 F304L A-336 CL, WP304L
GR, TP304L CF3 F304L
Page 23 of 187
Table – 2
ELECTRIC
WROUGHT
MATERIAL PLATE PIPE FUSION TUBES CASTINGS FORGINGS CLADDING
FITTINGS
WELDED PIPE
18Cr-8 Ni- A-240 A-312 GR, A-358 GR, A-213 GR, TP304H - A-182 GR, A403 GR, A-264
TP304H TP304H TP304H A-376 304H A-249 GR, TP304H F304H A-336 WP304H
GR, TP304H CL F304H
16Cr-12 Ni-2 A-240 A-312 GR, A-358 GR, 316 A-213 GR, TP316 A-351 GR, CF8M A-182 GR, A-403 GR, A264
Mo TP316 TP316 TP316 A-376 A-249 GR, TP316 A-744 CF8M F316 A-336 CL WP316
GR, TP316 F316
16Cr-12 Ni- A-240 A-312 GR, A-358 GR, A-213 GR, TP316L A-351 GR, CF8M A-182 GR, A-403 GR, A-264
2Mo TP316L TP316L TP316L 316L A-249 GR, TP316L A-744 GR CF8M F316L A-336 WP316L
CL F316L
16Cr-12 Ni- A-240 A-312 GR, A-358 GR, A-213 GR, TP316H - A-182 GR, A-403 GR, A-264
2Mo TP316H TP316H TP316H A-376 316H A-249 GR, TP316H F316H A-336 WP316H
GR, TP316H CL F316H
18Cr- 13 Ni- A-240 A-312 GR, A-249 GR, TP317 A-351 GR, CG-8M A-182 GR, A-403 GR, A-264
3Mo TP317 TP317 TP317 A-744 GR, CG-8M F317 (Bar WP317
Stock)
18Cr- 13 Ni- A-240 A-312 GR, - - - - A-403 GR, A-264
3Mo TP317L TP317L TP317L WP317L
18Cr- 10 Ni- A-240 A-312 GR, A-358 GR, 321 A-213 GR, TP321 A-182 GR, A-403 GR, A-264
Ti TP321 TP321 TP321 A-376 A-246 GR, TP321 F321 A-336 CL WP321
GR, TP321 F321
18Cr- 10 Ni- A-240 A-312 GR, - A-213 GR, TP321H A-182 GR, A-403 GR, A-264
Ti TP321H TP321H TP321H A-376 A-249GR, TP321H F321H A-336 WP321H
GR, TP321H CL F321H
18Cr- 10 Ni- A-240 A-312 GR, A-358 GR, 347 A-213 GR, TP347 A-351 GR, CF8C A-182 GR, A-403 GR, A-264
Cb TP347 TP347 TP347 A-376 A-249 GR, TP347 A-744 GR, CF8C F347 A-336 CL WP347
GR, TP347 F347
18Cr- 10 Ni- A-240 A-312 GR, - A-213 GR, TP347H A-182 GR, A-403 GR, A-264
Cb TP347H TP347H TP347H A-376 A-249 GR, TP347H F347H A-336 WP347H
Page 24 of 187
ELECTRIC
WROUGHT
MATERIAL PLATE PIPE FUSION TUBES CASTINGS FORGINGS CLADDING
FITTINGS
WELDED PIPE
GR, TP347H CL F347H
23 Cr-12 Ni A-240 A-312 GR, A-358 GR, A-213 GR, TP309 A-351 GR, CH-20 A-403 GR, A264
TP309 TP309S TP309S 309S WP309
25 Cr-20 Ni A-240 A-312 GR, A-358 GR, A-212 GR, TP310 A-351 GR, CK-20 A-182 GR, A-403 GR, A264
TP310 TP310S TP310S 310S A-249 GR F310 WP310
Inconal 600 B-168 B-167 B-517 B-163 Alloy Ni-Cr- B-564 Alloy Ni- B-366 GR / A-265
(Ni-Cr-Fe) Fe-B-516 Cr-Fe B-166 WPNCI
(Bar Stock)
Inconal 800 B-169 B-407 B-514 B-163 Alloy Ni-Cr- B-564 Alloy Ni- B-366 GR / A-265
(Ni-Cr-Fe) Fe-B-515 Cr-Fe B-408 WPNCI
(Bar Stock)
Alloy 20 (Cr- B-463 B464 B-474 B-468 A-351 GR, CN-7M B-462 B-366 GR, A-265
Ni-Fe-Mo- A-744 GR, CN-7M WP20CB
Cu-Cb)
Admiralty B-171 No. R-111 No. C44300
Brass. C44300 C44400 C44500
C44400
C44400
Page 25 of 187
Table – 3
ELECTRIC
WROUGHT
FITTINGS
PIPE
Naval Brass B-171 No.
C46400
Al. Brass B B-111 No.
C68700
Al. Bronze D B-171 No. B-111 No. B-432
C61400 C61400
90-10-Cu-Ni B-171 No. B-466 No. B-111 No. C70600 B-432
C70600 C70600
80-20-Cu-Ni B-466 No. B-111 No. C71000
C71000
70-30-Cu-Ni B-171 No. B-466 No. B-111 No. C71000 B-432
C71500 C71500
Monel (Ni- B-127 B-165 B-163 Alloy A-494A-GR, M- B-564 Alloy Ni- P-366 Gr. A-265
Cu) Ni-Cu 31-1 Cu B-164 (Bar WPNC
Stock)
Hastelloy-B B-333 B-622 Alloy Ni- R-619 Alloy Ni-Mo A-494 N-12MV R335 (Alloy Rod) R-366 Gr, A-265
(Ni-MO) Mo WPHB.
Hastelloy-C B-575 R-622 Alloy B-619 Alloy LowC A-494 CR, CW- B-574 (Alloy B-366 GR, A-265
(Ni-Mo-Cr.) Low C Ni-Mo- Ni-Mo-Cr 12MW Rod) WPHC
Cr
AI. 3003 B-209 Alloy B-241 Alloy B-324 Alloy 3003 B-247 Alloy 3003 R-361 Alloy WP
3003 3003 B-210 3003
Alloy 3003
Titanium. B-265 B-337 B-338 B-367 B-381 B-363
* ASTM A53 Gr. A&B CAN BE REPLACED BY API 5L Gr. A & B ALSO
Page 26 of 187
Table – 4
PIPING MATERIAL SELECTION BASED ON SERVICE / TEMPERATURE
ALLOY STEEL
TEMP. CARBON INTER
SERVICE
RANGE 0C STEEL LOW MEDIATE HIGH ALLOY NON METALLIC
ALLOY
Hydrocarbon
Low temp. 0-250 A
Med Temperature 250-400 A D
High Temp. 400-550 D F
Very High Temp. 550-700 F, G K, M
Steam & BFW 0-400 A
400450 B, D E
AIR 0-250 A, J
Gas -80 to –45 H
-45 to –250 K, M, N
Flue Gas 0-650 A K
Acids 0-60 A, Y K, P S, Z, V
Chemical
Low Temp. 0-250 A K, N S
Water
Cooling 0-120 A
Acidic 0-120 A Z
Sour 0-120 A
Sea A W
Page 27 of 187
Legend:
A – CARBON
B – CARBON MOLY
C – 1% CR – ½ MOLY
D – 1-1/4% CR. – ½ MOLY.
E – 2-1/4% CR. – 1 MOLY.
F – 5% CR. – ½% MOLY.
G – 9% CR. 1% MOLY
H – 3-1/2% NI
I, J, K – S. S. TYPE 304, 304H, 304L
M – STABILIZED S. S. 316, 316H, 321, 347
N – 316 L
P – MONEL / INCONEL / INCOLOY
Q – HASTALLOY
R – LEAD
S – PVC
T – C. I. / SILICON IRON
V – FRP
W – CUPRO – NICKEL
Y – LINED STEEL
Z – HDPE
The above alphabets are also the last alphabets in piping class.
Page 28 of 187
Table – 5
PIPING CLASS SELECTION CHART

(BASED ON SERVICE APPLICATION PRESSURE)
TO BE READ IN CONJUCTION WITH TABLE NO. 1
SL. CORR. PIPING

SERVICE FLANGE APPLICATION MATERIAL
NO. ALL. mm CLASS
RATING FACING
I. PROCESS
1. CRUDE 150# RF OFF SITE LOW PRESSURE 1.5 A10A API 5L Gr. B/ A106 Gr, B
“ 150# RF LOW PR. (UNITS) 1.5/3.0 A1A/A9A “
“ 300# RF PREHEAT EXCHANGERS / 1.5/3.0 B1A/B9A “
DESALTER – MED. PRESSURE
“ 600# RF HIGH PRESSURE & MED. 3.0 D9A “
TEMPERATURE
2. DECOKING LINE 300# RF CRUDE FURNACES MED. 3.0 B9A API 5L Gr. B/ A106 Gr. B
PRESSURE
3. NAPHTHA 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & MED. 1.5 A1A API5LGr.B/ A106 Gr. B
PRESSURE
“ 300 RF MED. PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 B1A “
TEMPERATURE
4. KEROSENE 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 A1A API 5L Gr. B/ A106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
“ 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & MED. 3.0 A9A “
TEMPERATURE
“ 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & MED. 1.5 D1A/B9A “
TEMPERATURE
“ 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 B4F “
TEMPERATURE
5. VAC. TOWER OVHD 150 RF LOW PRESSURE & MED. 1.5 A1A API 5L Gr. B/ A106 Gr. B
VAPOUR TEMPERATURE
6. DIESEL 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & MED. 1.5 B1A/B9A API 5L Gr. B/ A106 Gr. 8
TEMPERATURE
Page 29 of 187
SL. CORR. PIPING
NO. ALL. mm CLASS
RATING FACING
“ 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 B4F A335 Gr. P5
TEMPERATURE
“ 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 A4F A335 Gr. P5
TEMPERATURE
7. LVGO 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & MED. 1.5 A1A API 5L Gr. B/ A106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
“ 300# RF “ 1.5 B1A “
8. HVGO 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & MED. 1.5/3.0 B1A/B9A API 5L Gr. B/ A106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
“ 300# RF “ 3.0 B4F A335 Gr. P5
“ 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 A4F “
TEMPERATURE
9. RCO 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 A4F A335 Gr. P5
TEMPERATURE
TEMPERATURE
10. VAC. RESIDUE 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & MED. 3.0 A9A API 5L Gr.B/ A 106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
“ 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & MED. 3.0 B9A “
TEMPERATURE
TEMPERATURE
TEMPERATURE
10A. VB TAR 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & MED. 3.0 A9A API 5L Gr. B/ A106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
TEMPERATURE
TEMPERATURE
TEMPERATURE
Page 30 of 187
SL. CORR. PIPING
NO. ALL. mm CLASS
RATING FACING
11. SLOP DISTILLATE 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 A4F A335 Gr. P5
TEMPERATURE
TEMPERATURE
12. SLOP OIL 150# RF FROM HOT WELL LOW PRESSURE 4.5 A6A API 5L Gr. B/ A106 Gr. B
13. TC TAR 150# RF LOW PRESSURE 1.5/3.0 A1A/A9A “
“ 300# RF MED. PRESSURE 3.0 B9A “
14. CBD 150# RF LOW PRESSURE 1.5 A1A “
15. FLUSHING OIL 150# RF LOW PRESSURE 1.5 A1A “
16. CATALYST 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 A14A API 5L Gr.B
TEMPERATURE
“ 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & HIGH 1.5 B4K A312 Gr. TP304H
TEMPERATURE
17. REACTOR OVHD 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 B4D A335 Gr. P11
TEMPERATURE
REACTOR BYPAS 300# RF “ 6.0 B3F A335 Gr. P5
18. CYCLE OIL 300# RF “ 3.0 B4F A335 Gr. P5
HY. CYCLE OIL 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & MED. 3.0 B9A AP1 5L Gr.B/ A106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
HY. CYCLE OIL 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & MED. 3.0 A9A API5L Gr. B/ A106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
LT. CYCLE OIL 150# RF “ 1.5 A1A “
19. FRACTIONATOR 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & HIGH 6.0 B3F A335 Gr. P5
BOTTOM TEMPERATURE
MAIN CIRCULATION 300# RF “ 6.0 B11A API 5L Gr.B/ A106 Gr.B
OIL
20. MAIN COLUMN O / 150# RF LOW PRESSURE 3.0 A9A “
21. MAIN COLUMN RE 150# RF “ 1.5 A1A “
22. TORCH OIL (RAW OIL) 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 B4F A335 Gr.P5/ API 5L Gr.B
TEMPERATURE
“ 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & MED. 3.0 B9A A106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
Page 31 of 187
SL. CORR. PIPING
NO. ALL. mm CLASS
RATING FACING
23. SLURRY OIL 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & HIGH 6.0 B3F A 335 Gr. P5
TEMPERATURE
24. CLARIFIED OIL 300# RF “ 6.0 B3F “
“ 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & MED. 3.0 B9A API 5L Gr. B/ A106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
25. BLOW DOWN 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 A3A IS: 1239/
TEMPERATURE IS: 3589
“ 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 B1A API 5L Gr.B/ A 106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
26. GASOLINE 150# RF FCCU LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 / 3.0 A1A / A9A “
TEMPERATURE
“ 300# RF FCCU MED. PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 B1A “
TEMPERATURE
27. DISULFIDE OIL 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 A1A/ A9A “
TEMPERATURE 3.0
“ 300# RF LOW/ MED. PRESSURE & LOW 3.0 B9A “
TEMPERATURE
28. SUPERIOR KEROS 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 A10A “
TEMPERATURE
29. PROPYLENE 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & LOW 1.5/ 3.0 B1A/ B7A “
TEMPERATURE
30. C4 &C5 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 A1A “
TEMPERATURE
“ 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 B1A “
TEMPERATURE
31. HEXANE 150# RF “ 1.5 A1A “
32. REFFINATE & 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & MED. 1.5 A1A “
EXTRACT TEMPERATURE
33. WAX PLANT FEED 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 3.0 A9A API 5L Gr.B/ A 106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
34. OIL + MIBK 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 3.0 A9A API 5L Gr.B/ A 106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
Page 32 of 187
SL. CORR. PIPING
NO. ALL. mm CLASS
RATING FACING
TEMPERATURE
35. WAX + MIBK 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 3.0 A9A “
TEMPERATURE
36. INERT GAS + MIB 150# RF “ 3.0 A9A “
TEMPERATURE
37. WAX + CLAY 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & MED. 3.0 A9A “
TEMPERATURE
38. AIR + CLAY 150# RF “ 3.0 A9A “
39. WAX 150# RF “ 3.0 A9A “
40. WAX + SLURRY 150# RF “ 3.0 A9A “
41. SPENT CLAY 150# RF “ 3.0 A9A “
42. OIL 150# RF “ 3.0 A9A “
43. LPG VAPOUR 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 A.10A “
TEMPERATURE
SATURATED LPG 150# RF “ 1.5 A10A “
TEMPERATURE
CRACKED LPG 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 A1A “
TEMPERATURE
TEMPERATURE
44. FUEL OIL 300# RF BURNERS 1.5/3.0 B1A/ B9A “
FUEL OIL (OFFSIT) 150# RF OFFSITES 1.5 A10A “
45. REF. FUEL OIL 150# RF OFFSITES 3.0 A9A “
46. HYDROGEN BEAR 150# RF - 1.5 A5A “
HYDROCARBON
“ 300# RF - 1.5 B5A “
“ 600# RF - 1.5 D5A “
Page 33 of 187
SL. CORR. PIPING
NO. ALL. mm CLASS
RATING FACING
II. ACID & CHEMICALS
1. DEMULSIFIER 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & LOW 1.5/ 3.0 B1A/ B9A API 5L Gr. B/ A106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
2. AMMONIA 150# RF LOW TEMPERATURE & LOW 3.0 A9A “
PRESSURE
TEMPERATURE
3. CAUSTIC (10-30 Be) 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 3.0 A19A “
MAX/100 TEMPERATURE
TEMPERATURE
CAUSTIC + AMMC 300# RF “ 3.0 B19A “
MIXTURE
4. CORROSION 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5/ 3.0 A1A/ A9A “
INHIBITOR TEMPERATURE
“ 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & AMINE 1.5 A6K A312 Gr. TP 304L
TREATING UNIT
5. PHOSPHATE 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & LOW 3.0 B9A API 5L Gr.B/ A 106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
6. RICH DEA 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 3.0 A19A “
TEMPERATURE
TEMPERATURE
7. LEAN DEA 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 3.0 A19A “
TEMPERATURE
TEMPERATURE
8. MEA 150# RF LOW/MED. PRESSURE & LOW 1.5/ 3.0 A1A/A19A “
TEMPERATURE
9. ANTI FOAMING AGENT 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 A1A “
TEMPERATURE
10. SULPHURIC ACID 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 A8A API 5L Gr. B
Page 34 of 187
SL. CORR. PIPING
NO. ALL. mm CLASS
RATING FACING
TEMPERATURE & CORROSIVE
11. CHLORINE & DIL. 150# FF - NIL A1Z HDPE/ASTM D3035 Gr.
H2SO4 PE 3406 CLC
12. WET SOLVENT 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 A1A API 5L Gr.B/ A 106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
13. LEAN SOLVENT 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & MED. 1.5 A1A “
TEMPERATURE
TEMPERATURE
14. SODIUM CARBON 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 A3A IS: 1239/ IS: 3589
SOLUTION TEMPERATURE
15. ODORANT 300# RF LPG STORAGE 1.5 B1A “
16. MEROX WASTE 150# RF W.W.T.P. 3.0 A9A “
17. POLYELECTROLY 150# RF W.W.T.P. / ETP/ TTP NIL A1Z HDPE / ASTM D3035 Gr.
SOLUTION P 3406 CLC
“ 150# RF “ NIL A1K A312 Gr. TP 304L
18. FERROUS SULPH / 150# RF “ NIL A1Z HDPE / ASTM D3035 Gr.
SOLUTION P 3406 CLC
“ 150# RF “ NIL A1K A312 Gr. TP 304L
19. DILUTE ACID 150# RF “ NIL A1Z HDPE / ASTM D3035 Gr.
P 3406 CLC
“ 150# RF “ NIL A1K A312 Gr. TP 304L
20. ALUM. SOLUTION 150# RF “ NIL A1Z HDPE / ASTM D3035 Gr.
P 3406 CLC
“ 150# RF “ NIL A1K A312 Gr. TP 304L
21. UREA SOLUTION 150# RF “ NIL A1Z HDPE / ASTM D3035 Gr.
P 3406 CLC
“ 150# RF “ NIL A1K A312 Gr. TP 304L
22. D. A. P. SOLUTION 150# RF “ NIL A1Z HDPE / ASTM D3035 Gr.
P 3406 CLC
“ 150# RF “ NIL A1K A312 Gr. TP 304L
23. OIL EFFLUENT 150# RF “ NIL “ CAST IRON
Page 35 of 187
SL. CORR. PIPING
NO. ALL. mm CLASS
RATING FACING
24. HCL 150# RF DM WATER PLANT NIL “ FRP
HCL 150# RF “ NIL A1Z HDPE / ASTM D3035 Gr.
P 3406 CLC 7 OF 10
III. AIR & GAS

1. INSTRUMENT AIR 150# RF “ NIL J3A IS:2939
2. PLANT AIR 150# RF “ 1.5/3.0 A3A/A14A API 5L Gr. B
“ 300# RF REGENERATOR BOTTOM 1.5 B4K A 312 Gr. TP 304H
3. FLUE GAS 300# RF REGENERATOR – ORIFICE 1.5 B4K “
CHAMBER-CO-BOILER
4. FUEL GAS 150# RF _ 1.5 A1A API 5L Gr.B/ A 106 Gr. B
5. SPONGE GAS 150# RF FCCU 1.5 A1A “
6. FLARE 150# RF “ 1.5 A1A/ A10A “
7. FCCU SOUR GAS 150# RF “ 1.5 A1A “
8. ATU SOUR GAS 150# RF “ 1.5 A6K A312 Gr. TP304 L
9. FCCU OFF GAS 150# RF “ 1.5 A1A API 5L Gr.B/ A 106 Gr. B
10. FCCU SWEET GAS 150# RF “ 1.5 A1A “
11. ACID GAS 150# RF “ 1.5/ 4.5 A1A/ A6A “
12. INERT GAS 150# RF - 1.5 A3A “

13. TAIL GAS 150# RF SULPHUR PLANT 3.0 A9A “
14. HYDROGEN 150# RF “ 1.5 A5A “
“ 300# RF “ 1.5 B5A “
“ 600# RF “ 1.5 D5A “
15. NITRAGEN 150# RF “ 1.5 A1A API 5L Gr.B/ A 106 Gr. B
“ 150# RF “ 1.5 A3A IS: 1239
“ 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 B1A API 5L Gr.B/ A 106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
IV. STEAM
1. LP STEAM 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.0 A2A A106 Gr. B
Page 36 of 187
SL. CORR. PIPING
NO. ALL. mm CLASS
RATING FACING
TEMPERATURE
2. LP CONDENSATE 150# RF “ 1.0 A2A “
3. MP STEAM 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & MED. 1.0 B2A “
TEMPERATURE
4. MP CONDENSATE 300# RF “ 1.0 B2A “
5. HP STEAM 600# RF HIGH PRESSURE & MED. 1.0 D2A “
TEMPERATURE
6. HP CONDENSATE 600# RF “ 1.0 D2A “
7. STRIPPING STEAM 300# RF REACTOR MED. PRESSURE 1.0 B2A/ B2D A 106 Gr. B/ A335 Gr. P11
STRIPPER
V. TRANSFERLINES
1. CRUDE TRANSFER 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 A4F A335 Gr. P5
TEMPERATURE
2. PLATFORMATE 300# RF HIGH PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 B4D A335 Gr. P11
TRANSFER TEMPERATURE
3. KEROSENE 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 B4D “
4. DIESEL TRANSFER 600# RF HIGH PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 D4F A 335 Gr. P5
TEMPERATURE
5. CRACKED GAS OIL 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 B4F “
TEMPERATURE
6. MIDDLE DISTILLATE 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & MED. 1.5 A1A API 5L Gr. B/ A106 Gr. B
7. LUBE TRANSFER 600# RF HIGH PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 D4F A335 Gr. P5
TEMPERATURE
8. SULPHUR TRANSF. 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & MED. 1.5 A1A API 5L Gr. B/ A106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
9. VAC. TOWER BOTT. 900# RTJ HIGH PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 E4F A335 Gr. P5
10. FOOTS OIL TRANSFER 300# RF LOW PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 B9A API 5L Gr.B/ A 106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
Page 37 of 187
SL. CORR. PIPING
NO. ALL. mm CLASS
RATING FACING
11. CRUBE TRANSFER 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 B4F A 335 Gr. P5
TEMPERATURE
12. VGO TRANSFER 300# RF “ 3.0 B4F “
13. HYDROGEN 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & HIGH 3.0 B4B A335 Gr. P1
VI. WATERLINES
1. DESALTER WATER 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 3.0 A9A API 5L Gr.B/ A 106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
“ 3.00# RF MED. PRESSURE & LOW 3.0 B9A “
TEMPERATURE
2. SOUR WATER 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 3.0 A9A API 5L Gr.B/ A 106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE
TEMPERATURE
3. COOLING WATER 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 A3A API 5L Gr. B/ A 106 Gr. B
TEMPERATURE As detailed in Sl. No. 4.5
4. COOLING SEA < 50 mm 150# RF PUMP GLAND COOLING - J5A API 5L Gr. B
WATER
“ 150# RF COOLING WATER / FIRE WATER - J5A IS 1239/ IS 3589
80 mm N/B TO 600 mm MAINS (CEMENT LINED)
N/b
5. SERVICE WATER 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 A3A IS: 1239/ IS : 3589
TEMPERATURE
6. BOILER FEED WATER 300# RF MED. PRESSURE & LOW 1.0 B2A A 106 Gr. B
(IBR) TEMPERATURE
“ 600# RF HIGH PRESSURE & LOW 1.0 D2A “
TEMPERATURE
“ 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.0 A2A “
TEMPERATURE
7. DM WATER 150# RF LOW PRESSURE & LOW 1.5 A3A IS: 1239/ IS: 3589
TEMPERATURE
Page 38 of 187
SL. CORR. PIPING
NO. ALL. mm CLASS
RATING FACING
8. TEMPERED WATER 150# RF “ 1.5 A3A IS: 1239/ IS: 3589
9. RAW WATER 150# RF “ 1.5 A3A “
10. DRINKING WATER 150# RF - NIL J4A IS: 123(Galv.)
11. FIRE WATER 150# RF - 1.5 A3A API 5L Gr. B/ A 106 Gr. B
As detailed in Sl. No. 4.5
12. CHROMATE WATER 150# RF - 1.5 A3A “
13. OILY SEWER WASTE 150# RF O.W.S SYSTEM 1.5 A3A “
14. ACID WATER 150# RF D.M. WATER PLANT 1.5 A3A “
Page 39 of 187
Table – 6
STANDARD GRADES – COMPARISON TABLE

Sl. No. MATERIAL ASTM DIN GERMAN MAT. NO. BS GRADE
1. Carbon Steel A 179 ST 35.8/1 1.0305 3602/1 CFS 360
2. Carbon Steel A 192 ST 35.8/1 1.0305 3059/2 CFS/HFS 360
3. Carbon Steel A 210 Gr. A1 ST 45.8/1 1.0405 3602/1 CFS/HFS 410
4. Carbon Steel A 210 Gr. C 17 Mn 4 1.0481 3602/1 CFS HFS 460
5. Carbon Steel A 106 Gr. B ST 45.8/1 1.0305 3602/1 HFC 360
6. Low Alloy Steel A 209 T1 16 Mo5 1.5423 3606 245
7. Low Alloy Steel A 213 / A 199 T11/T12 13CrMo 44 1.7335 3604 621
8. Low Alloy Steel A 213 / A 199 T22 10 CrMo 910 1.7380 3059 622-440
9. Low Alloy Steel A 213 / A 199 T5 12 CrMo 195 1.7362 3604 625
10. Low Alloy Steel A 213 / A 199 T9 X12 CrMo 91 1.7386 3059/3604 629-470
11. Low Alloy Steel A 335 P1 / A 161 T1 16 Mo5 1.5423 3606 245
12. Low Alloy Steel A 335P11/ P12/ A200T11/ 13 CrMo 44 1.7335 3604 620-460
T1
13. Low Alloy Steel A 335 P22/ A200 T22 10 CrMo 910 1.7380 3604 622
14. Low Alloy Steel A 335 P5 / A200 T5 12 CrMo 195 1.7362 3606 625
15. Low Alloy Steel A 335 P5 / A200 T5 X12 CrMo 91 1.7386 3059/2 629-590
16. Stainless Steel A 213/ A312 TP 304 X5 CrNi 189 1.4301 970 304 S 15
17. Stainless Steel A 213/ A312 TP 304L X2 CrNi 189 1.4306 970 304 S 12
18. Stainless Steel A 213/ A312 TP 321 X10 CrNiTi 189 1.4541 970 321 S 12
19. Stainless Steel A 213/ A312 TP 316 X5 CrNiMo 1810 1.4401 970 315 S 16
20. Stainless Steel A 213/ A312 TP 316L X2 CrNiMo 1810 1.4404 970 316 S 12
21. Stainless Steel A 213/ A312 TP 347 X10 CrNiNb 189 1.4550 970 347 S 17
22. Stainless Steel A 213/ A312 TP 316T1 X10 CrNiMoTi 1810 1.4571 970 320 S 17
23. Stainless Steel A289/ A790 UNS S31803 X2 CrNiMo 11225 1.4462
24. Stainless Steel B 677 Alloy 904 L X2 NiCrMo Cu 25205 1.4535
25. Nickel B-161 Ni 200 Ni 99.2 2.4066 3074 NA 11
26. Nickel B 161 Ni 201 Ni 99.2 2.4068 3074 NA 12
27. Nickel – Copper B 163 N 04400 NiCu30Fe 2.4360 3074 NA 13
28. Nickel – Chrom – Iron B 163 N 06600 NiCr15Fe 2.4816 3074 NA 14
Page 40 of 187
Sl. No. MATERIAL ASTM DIN GERMAN MAT. NO. BS GRADE
29. Nickel – Chrom – Iron B 161 N 08825 NiCr21Mo 2.4858 3074 NA 16
30. B 468 N 08020
31. Nickel – Chrom – Iron B 163 N 08820 X10NiCrAITi 3220 1.4876 3074 NA 15
32. Copper Alloy B 75 / B 111 No. 122 Si – Cu 2.0090 2871 C 106
33. Copper Alloy B 75 / B 111 No. 142 Cu As P 2.1491 2871 C107
34. Copper Alloy B 111 Ca. No. 443 CuZn28Sn 2.0470 2871 CZ 111
35. Copper Alloy B 111 Ca. No. 687 CuZn20AI 2.0460 2871 CZ 110
36. Copper Alloy B 111 Ca. No. 608 CuA15AS 2.0918 2871
37. Copper Alloy B 111 Ca. No. 706 CuNi10Fe 2.0872 2871 CN 102
38. Copper Alloy B 111 Ca. No. 715 CuNi30Fe 2.0882 2871 CN 107
39. Aluminium Alloys Alloy 1050 / 1050A A1 99.5 3.0255 1050A (1B)
40. Aluminium Alloys Alloy 5754 A1Mg3 3.3535 (N5)
41. Aluminium Alloys Alloy 3003 A1MnCu 3.0517
42. Aluminium Alloys Alloy 5083 A1Mg4.5Mn 3.3547 5083 (N8)
Page 41 of 187
Drawing No-1
Temperature Vs. concentration limits for caustic Service
Page 42 of 187
1500
800
1400
1300
700
1200
1100 6.0 Cr- 0.5 Mo Steel

600
1000 1.25 Cr- 0.5 Mo Steel

500
3.0 Cr-0.5 Mo Steel
900
1.0 Cr- 0.5 Mo Steel
2.25 Cr-1.0 Mo Steel
400
800
2.0 Cr-0.5 Mo Steel
700
600 1.25 Cr- 0.5 Mo Steel
300
F
M
M
R
A
U
R
R
A
E
P
E
P
E
T
T
0
500
400 Carbon Steel 200
300
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
Hydrogen Partial pressure
Drawing No –2:
Nelson Curve
Drawing No-3
Curve showing material properties for high temperature sulfur corrosion
Page 45 of 187
5.0 SIGNIFICANCE OF PIPING CLASS NOMENCLATURE
USED BY DESIGNERS AND PMCs
In Refineries, EIL piping class is most commonly used. Therefore, the

significance of each letter of the piping class is elaborated below:
5.1 SIGNIFICANCE FOR FIRST ALPHABET OF PIPING CLASS
e.g. PIPING CLASS – A - - 1 - - A - - Ih
150#
A – 150#
B – 300#
C – 400#
D – 600#
E – 900#
F – 1500#
G – 2500#
J – 125/ 150#
5.2 SIGNIFICANCE OF SECOND LETTER OF PIPING CLASS
CA
Corrosion Allowance Table

[CA = Corrosion Allowance in mm]
Table 1 a (Carbon Steel) – A
No. Details
1. CA = 1.5
2. CA = 1.0 (IBR)
3. CA = 1.5 (CAT ‘D’ FLUIDS)
4. CA = 1.5 (LTCS)
5. CA = 1.5 (H2 SERVICE)
6. CA = 4.5
7. CA = 3.0
8. CA = 1.5 (CONC. H2SO4)
9. CA = 3.0
10. CA = 1.5 (OFFSITE)
11. CA = 6.0
12. NOT ALLOTTED
13. NOT ALLOTTED
14. CA = 3.0 (SPECIAL FOR FCC CATALYST)
15. NOT ALLOTTED
16. CA = 4.5 (NACE)
17. NOT ALLOTTED
Page 46 of 187
18. NOT ALLOTTED
19. CA = 3.0 (STRESS RELIEVED)
20. NOT ALLOTTED
TABLE 1 b (ALLOY STEEL) –B, C, D, E, F, H

No. Details
1. CA = 1.5
2. CA = 1.0 (IBR)
3. CA = 6.0
4. CA = 3.0
5. CA = 1.5 (H2 SERVICE)
6. CA = 4.5
TABLE 1 c (SS 304 / 304L / 304H) -K

No. Details
1. CA = NIL (SS 304)
2. CA = NIL (SS 304 – CRYO)
3. CA = NIL (SS 304H)
4. CA = 1.5 (SS 304H)
5. CA = 3.0 (SS 304H)
6. CA = 1.5 (SS 304L)
7. CA = NIL (SS 304L)
TABLE 1 d (SS 316 / 316H / 321 / 347) – M

No. Details
1. CA = NIL (SS 316)
2. CA = 1.5 (SS 316)
3. CA = 1.5 (SS 321)
4. CA = NIL (SS 321)
5. CA = NIL (SS 316H)
6. CA = NIL (SS 316H-BW)
7. CA = NIL (SS 347)
8. CA = 1.5 (SS 347)
TABLE 1 e (SS 316L) – N

No. Details
1. CA = NIL
2. CA = 1.5
3. CA = NIL (VACUUM)
Page 47 of 187
5.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THIRD ALPHABET OF PIPING CLASS
Material grade
Material List
A – CARBON
B – CARBON MOLY
C – 1% CR – ½ MOLY
D – 1-1/4% CR. – ½ MOLY.
E – 2-1/4% CR. – 1 MOLY.
F – 5% CR. – ½% MOLY.
G – 9% CR. 1% MOLY
H – 3-1/2% NI
I, J, K – S. S. TYPE 304, 304H, 304L
M – STABILIZED S. S. 316, 316H, 321, 347
N – 316 L
P – MONEL / INCONEL / INCOLOY
Q – HASTALLOY
R – LEAD
S – PVC
T – C. I. / SILICON IRON
V – FRP
W – CUPRO – NICKEL
Y – LINED STEEL
Z – HDPE
The above alphabets are also the last alphabets in piping class.
5.4 SIGNIFICANCE FOR LAST ALPHABET OF PIPING CLASS
Insulation details
Nomenclature Description
Ih Insulation for heat conservation
It Insulation for steam traced line
Is Insulation for personal safety
Ic Cold insulation for anti condensation
Ie Insulation for electrical traced line
Ij Insulation for jacketed line
Ik Insulation for dual insulation lines
Page 48 of 187
In general, SS foil of 0.1mm thickness is used below the insulation on
SS piping operating at higher temperature (approximately above 250
0
C) and aluminium foil of 0.25mm thickness is used for lower
temperatures to minimize chances of chloride leaching and aluminium
embrittlement in SS piping.
Page 49 of 187
6.0 NECESSITY OF INSPECTION
Inspection of the piping should be carried out for the following: -
1. Need to ensure proper use of quality of raw material and

fabrication to achieve desired level of reliability of the piping
system and commissioning of the new facility with minimum
failures.
2. To evaluate present physical condition of the pipelines for their
soundness to continue in service.
3. To keep the concerned operating & maintenance personnel fully
informed as to the condition of the various pipelines.
4. To determine the causes of deterioration and advise economical
solution to the problem.
5. To recommend short term and long term repairs & replacements to
ensure further run on the basis of economics & safety.
6. To initiate procurement action of materials to meet the repair /
replacement needs.
7. To ensure that all the pipelines are being inspected as per
schedule to fulfill the statutory requirements as applicable.
Page 50 of 187
7.0 INSPECTION TOOLS
Review of document folder including the details of raw material quality

certificates and release note including third party inspection certificates
to ensure the quality. The most practical tools and instruments which
are generally used for pipeline inspection are as under:
Sl. No Types of NDT Types of Deterioration

1. Inspector’s Hammer General thinning & localized
thinning
2. Ultrasonic Thickness Meter General thinning & thickness
record for life calculation
3. Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Flaw detection in welding and
lamination in plates
4. Pit Depth Gauge Pitting depth measurement
5. Measuring Tape Measurement of dimensions &
sagging, bowing etc.
6. Radiography equipment Weld defect
7. Boro-scope / Fiber scope Tube Internal inspection
8. Holiday Detector Paint holiday measurement
9. Small Mirror Assistance to visual inspection
at unapproachable areas
10. Dye Penetrant Testing Kit/ Surface & subsurface defects.
Magnetic Particle Testing Even suitable for tight fatigue
Kit/ Wet Fluorescent cracks by WFMPI
Magnetic Particle Testing Kit
11. Magnifying Glass Enlarging small pits, defects,
cracks for inspection
12. Inside and Outside Calipers OD measurement to assess
bulging
13. Poldi Hardness Tester Hardness measurement after
SR
14. Paint & Coating Thickness Paint thickness monitoring
Gauges
15. Cu – CuSO4 / Ag-AgCl half Ensure soil to pipe potential for
cell and volt-meter adequate cathodic protection
16. Corrosometer Online corrosion monitoring
17. Online corrosion probes Corrosion monitoring by weight
loss method during shutdown
18. Petroscanner/ Infrared or Measurement of temperature
optical pyrometer from distance
19. Safety Torch Improved visibility for
inspection
20. Scrapper/ Emery paper/ Surface cleaning for inspection
Wire brush
21. Magnet Identification of ferromagnetic
material
22. Thermal Cryons, Temperature control for
(Temperature indicating preheat and interpass
Page 51 of 187
chalk). temperature during welding
23. Temperature indicating paint To monitor surface temperature
24. Intelligent pigging Health assessment of
underground cross-country
pipelines
Page 52 of 187
8.0 FREQUENCY OF INSPECTION
8.1 PLANT PIPING
Experience will reveal the rate of corrosion and replacement which

could be planned for pipes carrying various process liquids, vapour
gases like ammonia, air, steam condensate, water etc. The interval
between inspections will depend upon the degree of corrosiveness or
erosive-ness of the flowing fluid, remaining corrosion allowance,
atmosphere prevailing around the piping, potentiality of a fire or
explosion in case of leak or failure, importance of piping to operations
and the statutory requirements.
Generally in a refinery, inspection of the process piping in the units is

done in the capital maintenance shutdown of the units. However,
seeing the corrosion rate and type of deterioration, the frequency of
inspection of process piping can be reduced or increased suitably.
The frequency of piping inspection should be at least half of the

calculated remaining life of the piping. This is derived by calculating the
corrosion rate and remaining thickness to reach retiring thickness for
the specific service.
8.2 OFFSITE PIPING
Pipelines where complete inspection history and construction and

design details are available, the frequency of inspection as per OISD
norms is given as under:
8.2.1 Maximum Inspection Frequency as per OISD for Offsite Piping

(Above Ground)
Service Frequency of Insp. In Yrs.

1. Hydrocarbon Service
Crude 8
(3 years for crudes having
high sulphur & salts)
Flue Gas / Flare Gas 6
LPG 6
MS/ Naphtha 5
ATF/ SK/ HSD/ LDO/ Gas Oil 8
FO/ RCO/ Bitumen 4
2. Utility Pipelines
Fresh Water/ Fire Water 5
Re-circulating Water 3
Steam / Air / DM Water / Caustic 8
NH3, SO2, H2SO4, MEK 2
Phenol (Anhyd.), Furfural, DEA 5
Page 53 of 187
8.2.2 Underground Pipelines
Cathodically Protected Lines
The underground pipelines having wrapping and coating and

impressed current cathodic protection should be inspected whenever
current leaks are observed and any damage to the coating is
suspected. The damage to the coating can be located using Pearson
survey. However, Pearson survey should be carried out once in 2/3
years to determine areas of pipeline coating damages. If satisfactory
results are not obtained with Pearson survey, Differential Ground
Voltage Gradient (DGVG) survey can also be carried out for
assessment of underground pipeline coating.
Lines Without Cathodic Protection (Having Wrapping & Coating

only)
Condition of wrapping & coating of the underground pipelines without

cathodic protection should be checked by Pearson Survey preferably
once in a year but not later than three years. However, these lines
should be visually inspected once in 4 years for ascertaining the
condition of external wrapping and coating.
8.2.3 Corrosive & Costal Pipelines
Piping in the installations which are in the coastal areas or near the
corrosive environment shall be inspected visually once in a year.
8.2.4 Newly Constructed Pipelines
Inspection and thickness data for newly constructed pipelines should

be collected at the earliest but within two years of their construction.
This will work as a base for establishing the metal loss rate of these
piping.
NB:
Frequency shall be reviewed for individual cases depending upon the

past experience and criticality and inspection shall be done
accordingly.
Page 54 of 187
9.0 LIKELY AREAS OF METAL LOSS AND CAUSES OF
DETERIORATION
9.1 EXTERNAL CORROSION
1. Piping above ground is subjected to atmospheric corrosion.
2. Pipelines touching the ground are subjected to corrosion due to

dampness of the soil.
3. External corrosion can take place at the pipe supports where gap
exists between piping and supports due to crevice corrosion.
4. Deterioration takes place on the pipe supports locations where
relative movement between pipe and pipe support takes place.
5. Buried pipelines are subjected to soil corrosion externally for bare

pipes and at locations of damaged wrapping coatings for coated
pipes.
6. Underground pipelines are prone to external corrosion due to stray

currents.
7. Lines passing through the culverts, storm water drains, marshy

lands are prone to corrosion due to differential aeration.
8. Impingement attack may take place on the pipelines in the vicinity

of leaky pipelines.
9. Insulated lines where weather shielding is damaged or insulation

is damaged; the pipes are subjected to external corrosion. This is
termed as Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI). This is very severe in
coastal areas and areas having high rainfall.
10. Concrete lined pipelines are subjected to corrosion due to damage

and cracks in the concrete.
11. Austenitic stainless steel lines where chlorides can leach from
external thermal insulation due to rain/water are prone to stress
corrosion cracking.
9.2 INTERNAL CORROSION
Usually a greater loss of metal thickness will be observed near a

restriction in the line or a change in line direction because of the effects
of turbulence or velocity. For this reason, it is required to inspect at pipe
bends, elbows, tees and at restrictions (such as orifice plates and
throttling valves) and also downstream of these fittings. Areas prone to
corrosion, erosion and other forms of deterioration are:
Page 55 of 187
1. Points at which condensation of acid gases and/or water is likely
to occur.
2. Points at which acid-carryover from process operations is likely to
occur.
3. Points at which naphthenic or other organic acids may be present

in the process steam.
4. Points at which high sulfur streams of moderate to high

temperatures exist.
5. Points at which high temperature and low temperature hydrogen

attack may occur.
6. Dead ends subject to turbulence or where liquid to vapour

interface or condensation occurs.
7. Valve bodies and trim, fittings, ring grooves and rings, flange
faces, and unexposed threads.
8. Welded areas subject to preferential attack.
9. Catalyst, flue gas, and slurry piping.
10. Steam systems subject to “Wire-Cutting” or Graphitization or

where condensation occurs.
11. Ferrous and non ferrous piping subject to stress corrosion

cracking.
12. Alkali lines subject to caustic embrittlement with resultant cracking

at weld joints and HAZ.
13. Areas near flanges or welded attachments, which act as cooling

fins, thereby causing local corrosion because of slight temperature
differences.
14. Locations where impingement or fluid velocity changes can cause

local accelerated corrosion and/or erosion.
15. Chrome nickel and chrome molybdenum lines in high temperature

service near points of increased stress such as bends and anchor
points.
16. Austenitic stainless steel and lines where possibility of polythionic

acid formation exists or where chlorides are present, are prone to
stress corrosion cracking.
Page 56 of 187
17. Area of steam or electric tracing that contracts pipe handling
materials, such as caustic soda, where concentrated heat can
cause corrosion.
18. Area immediately downstream of chemical injection points where
localized corrosion might occur in the reaction zone.
19. Dissimilar metal in contract which may lead to galvanic corrosion.
20. Rubber lined and glass lined pipes may get damaged near the
flanges and due to cracks and deteriorations in the linings.
21. Stagnant portion of pipelines in crude service containing high

sulphur are prone to corrosion due to sulfur reducing bacteria.
22. Terminal pipelines, which have a chance of carrying sea/ ballast

water.
23. Areas having low pH, high chloride ions.
Page 57 of 187
Page 58 of 187
10.0 INSPECTION STAGES & PROCEDURES
10.1 ONSTREAM INSPECTION (PIPELINES UNDER OPERATION)
Most of the piping can be inspected when these are in service.

Onstream inspection of critical pipes and in corrosive service of the
process units can be done to increase the unit run and to reduce
premature failures. The piping in the offsite areas can be inspected
onstream and a regular inspection programme can be drawn up. Piping
having high temperature is difficult to inspect on stream. Proper
inspection of these lines is done when these are under shutdown. The
following factors should be taken into consideration during Onstream
inspection of the piping.
10.1.1 Visual Inspection
i Leaks:
Frequent visual inspection should be made for leaks. Particulars

attention should be given to pipe connections, the packing glands of
valves and expansion joints.
ii Misalignment:
The piping should be inspected for misalignment. The following are

some observations which may indicate misalignment.
a) Pipe dislodged from its support so that the weight of the pipe is
distributed unevenly on the hangers or the saddles.
b) Deformation of the wall of the vessel in the vicinity of the pipe

attachment.
c) Pipe supports forced out of plumb by expansion or contraction of

the piping.
d) Shifting of base plate or shearing of the foundation bolts of

mechanical equipment to which the piping is attached.
e) Cracks in the connecting flanges or pump casings and turbines to

which the piping is attached.
iii Supports:
Pipe supports should be visually inspected for the following:
a) Condition of protective coatings or fire proofing, if any. If fire

proofing is found defective, sufficient fire proofing should be
removed to determine extent of corrosion.
Page 59 of 187
b) Evidence of corrosion.
c) Distortion.
d) General Physical damage.
e) Movement or deterioration of concrete footings.
f) Condition of foundation bolts.
g) Free operation of pipe rollers.
h) Secure attachment of brackets and beams to the supports.
i) Secure attachment and proper adjustment of pipe hangers, if used,

spring hangers loading should be checked both cold and hot and
the readings obtained should be checked against the original cold
and hot readings. The movement of spring supports should be
monitored.
j) Broken or otherwise defective pipe anchors.
k) Cold pull wherever required, as per design document, should be

provided in presence of inspector and proper recording should be
maintained.
l) Free operation of pulleys or pivot points of counter balanced piping

systems.
iv Vibrations:
a) If vibration or swaying is observed, inspection should be made for

cracks in welds, particularly at points of restrain such as where
piping is attached to equipment and in the vicinity of anchors.
Additional supports should be considered for poorly braced small
size piping and valves and for main vibrating line to which they are
attached.
b) In case of severe vibration detailed investigations should be carried

out to determine the source of problems and take remedial action.
c) Vibrations / shaking can be continuous or intermittent and both are

harmful depending on the severity.
d) If hammering sound (due to internal flow) is heard in a line, a crack

may be anticipated at restrained locations or the location where
hammering severity is more. The cause of hammering should be
identified and corrected.
Page 60 of 187
e) Intermittent wetting due to falling of liquid from leaky valves /
flanges or rainwater on bare hot piping (particularly alloy steel) have
resulted in cracks, leading to fire & unit interruption. Such cases
should be identified and corrective action taken.
f) Locations of temperature fluctuation (due to mix up of two streams

at different temperatures) in SS piping are vulnerable to cracks due
to thermal fatigue. Process modifications to reduce temperature
difference, changing the design of junction where two components
at different temperatures meet, or metallurgy upgradation (like from
SS to Duplex SS or Inconel, wherever feasible) would help to solve
the problem.
v External Corrosion
a) Areas susceptible to external corrosion has already been

discussed. (Refer para 8.1).
b) The grass should not be allowed to touch the piping. If possible all
piping should be installed at an elevation above the grass growth
height. The minimum height of 0.5M should be maintained above
ground level to avoid corrosion of piping.
c) If under the insulation or concrete lining corrosion is noticed, more

areas should be exposed to know the extent of corrosion. For the
pitted pipes the depth of pits may be measured by pit gauge.
d) For assessing corrosion under insulation (CUI) of piping, modern

on-line inspection methods like Lixi profiler may also be useful.
e) For assessing the health of underground or covered areas Lamb

wave technique can be used which can cover length of 60 to 80
mtrs. on both side depending on the requirement of level of
deterioration.
f) For assessing the localized crevice corrosion points at support

ultrasonic testing like U STRAT can be used. In this method, angle
probes are placed at 12 O’ clock position of the pipe and the
corrosion at 6 O’ clock can be assessed by the reflected waves.
Wherever, the localized corrosion is severe, putting PVC type long

lasting adhesive coat like Clock O’ spring can be used.
vi Bulging, Bowing & Sagging
Lines should be checked for bulging, bowing and sagging in

between the supports.
vii Mechanical Damage from External Forces
Page 61 of 187
Pipes should be inspected for Dents, Scratches etc. from external
sources
viii Failure of Paint & Protective Coating
Condition of paint and protective coating should be checked.
ix Cracks
Pipelines should be inspected for cracks. Particular attention should

be given to areas near the weld joints.
x Inspection of Insulation
Damage of insulation should be checked for hot as well as cold

lines.
xi Concrete lining
Externally concrete lined piping should be visually inspected for

cracking and dislodging of concrete.
a) The details of locations of thickness survey of a piping circuit is

given in the attached sketch no. 1. These are suggested minimum
requirement. Areas can be increased depending upon the thickness
readings. The above methodology can be used for insulated lines.
10.1.2 Ultrasonic Inspection
Ultrasonic thickness survey of the pipelines shall be carried out to

ascertain the remaining wall thickness. The following guideline is
suggested for the above ground pipelines.
i Minimum 3 readings should be taken on all the bends of the piping

network, at the outer curvature. One reading should be at the centre
of bend and two readings in the same line on either side of this
reading.
ii Minimum one ultrasonic scan each on the straight pipes on the
upstream and downstream of the bend adjacent to welding of the
bend and pipe. One ultrasonic scan will consist of 4 readings (3, 6,
9 and 12 O’ Clock positions). Pipelines in which there is a possibility
of ballast water coming, one ultrasonic scan will consist of 6
readings (3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 12 O’ Clock positions) to scan the bottom
portions where corrosion may take place.
iii One ultrasonic scan on the entire circumference (4 reading) for

every 30 meters for straight portions of the pipe and one scan on
every piece of pipe.
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iv Minimum one ultrasonic scan (four readings) each on reducer /
expander and their downstream on the pipe.
v Minimum one ultrasonic scan (four readings) each on each piece of

pipe.
vi One ultrasonic scan on the pipe, downstream of valves / orifice etc.
vii One ultrasonic scan minimum on the straight pipe for every three
meters length at lower elevation portion where possibilities of
collection and stagnation of carryover water exists.
viii One ultrasonic scan on branch connections, dead ends etc. The
details of locations of thickness survey a piping circuit is given in the
attached sketch no.-1. The number of locations can increase
depending upon the thickness readings. The above methodology
can be used for insulated lines. Insulation on the lines may be
removed stage wise.
ix Thickness survey to be carried out in the piping at road crossing

and dyke crossing
NOTE:
1. Most of the ultrasonic instruments are not explosion proof and

therefore, they must be used in the areas that are free of
explosive mixture.
2. On high temperature surfaces while taking the thickness

measurements, adequate precautions should be taken so that
instrument and transducers are not damaged.
10.1.3 Radiography Inspection
The critical spots may be radiographed during operation to know the

wall thickness as well as internal condition like fouling, pitting, scale
etc. Radiography is highly useful when line is insulated since insulation
need not be removed for doing radiography. The critical spots e.g.
welding joints, spots where the nipples / small dia drain lines are
welded may be radiographed to know the internal condition.
Corrosion Probes
One of the methods of measuring internal corrosion rate of piping on

stream is installing corrosion probes and measuring corrosion rates.
The corrosion probes should be installed at the critical locations of

important pipelines to know the rate of internal corrosion. The readings
should be taken weekly and the deterioration rate should be
established.
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10.1.4 Corrosion Coupons
Corrosion coupons may be installed in the important and critical

pipelines for assessing the internal corrosion rates. The coupons are
taken out after a specified period and thoroughly cleaned. The weight
loss of coupons over a specified period gives the internal corrosion rate
of the pipes.
10.1.5 High Temperature Piping
Operation of piping at temperatures in the creep range may cause

creep damage or deterioration of the pipe. Piping protected against
excessive temperature by internal insulation, failure of insulation will
result in overheating of the metal wall thereby causing hot spot. The
excessive temperature greatly reduces the strength of the metal and
may cause bulging, scaling and metal deterioration or complete failure.
Some hot spots can be detected by a red glow particularly if seen in

dark. Portable thermometers, pyrometers, or temperature indicating
crayons may be used to know the skin temperature.
Temperature Survey (using Thermography) of insulated and hot piping

should be done to detect hot spots and measure the temperature. This
method is very fast and inspection can be done from a distance.
10.1.6 Underground Piping
Cathodically Protected Piping
Wherever cathodic protection by impressed current is provided for

underground piping, the pipe to soil potential readings should be
checked using Cu-CuSO4 half cell once in a month. The potential
readings should be compared with original readings. A voltage of –
850m V with respect to Cu-CuSO4 half-cell is considered adequate to
give satisfactory protection. Polarization Potential more than – 1.2 V
can cause damage and disbanding of wrapping and coating of the
pipelines due to evolution of H 2 and can cause hydrogen embrittlement
of the pipelines. To judge the adequacy of cathodic protection system,
CPL (Computerized Potential Logging) may be carried out once in four
years.
Underground Pipelines without cathodic protection and having

only wrapping and coating
Condition of wrapping and coating should be checked by Pearson

Survey. Location of damaged wrapping and coating as indicated by
Pearson Survey should be dug out. External visual inspection and
thickness survey should be carried out for dugout portions. Besides
this, excavation shall be done at vulnerable locations like regions of low
velocity, bends reducers, expanders, branch connections, dead ends.
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Ultrasonic thickness survey should be carried out at these locations to
know the wall thickness. For straight portion one location for every 100
M should be exposed for thickness survey. If st. portion between two
bends is less than 100M, then one location in between these two
bends should be exposed for inspection. Internal metal loss and fouling
can also be determined by radiography. After inspection, number of
locations for digging and thickness survey may be increased or
decreased.
Wrapping and coating at the dug out portions shall be examined

visually or by using a holiday detector. Properties of coatings e.g.
mechanical strength, chemical composition, resistivity etc. should be
checked by taking out a sample of coating. The stray current
interference of the underground pipe should be checked by Cu-CuSO 4
half-cell. The incidence of stray current interference is very high in the
underground portion of cathodically protected and non cathodically
protected pipelines which are separated by insulating flanges /
couplings. This interference current causes severe damage in the
unprotected line at the point of discharge, if the wrapping and coating is
damaged. As such, this location should be inspected by exposing them
once in a year.
All lines should be inspected at and just below the point where these
enter the earth and concrete slab because serious corrosion occurs at
these locations due to differential aeration.
Marine and Terminal Pipelines
Marine and terminal piping which have a chance of carrying seawater

ballast should be visually inspected and thickness surveyed. These
lines are most prone to corrosion in the bottom portion of the lines. The
corrosion may be in the form of pitting. Underwater marine lines should
be thoroughly inspected for external corrosion and deterioration.
Potential readings for the cathodically protected marine lines should be
checked once in a month with silver-silver chloride half-cell.
For cross country piping during each pigging, analysis of pig run
residue may be carried out to know the effectiveness of corrosion
inhibitor and to know whether internal corrosion is taking place or not.
Instrumented pig survey (IPS) for the internal as well as external

corrosion may be carried out for entire piping network. The frequency
of such inspection may e decided based on experience and the date
collected. To collect base line data, it is a good practice to do IPS on
the newly constructed pipelines.
Internal corrosion monitoring of the lines can be done by exposing

corrosion coupons and installing corrosion probes, at vulnerable
locations.
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10.2 INSPECTION DURING SHUTDOWN
Shutdown inspection of pipelines relates to the inspection of the lines

when it is not carrying product. Valves and other fittings in the network
can be taken out. During the shutdown inspection, the visual,
ultrasonic, radiographic inspections as detailed for on-stream
inspection additional inspections like hammer testing, internal
inspection, hydrostatic testing which can only be carried out during
shutdowns.
Austenitic SS piping where there is a chance of stress corrosion

cracking due to formation of polytheonic acid should be kept under
inert atmosphere. If at all they are to be opened to atmosphere,
passivation of the SS piping should be done, as per NACE standard
RP-01-70.
10.2.1 Internal Corrosion, Erosion & Fouling
Piping can be opened at various places by removing valves or flanged

locations to permit visual inspection. Thorough visual inspection should
be carried out for corrosion, erosion and fouling.
The nature and extent of internal deposit should be noted. Samples

may be collected for chemical analysis.
In some of the vulnerable locations like piping in water, phenol, steam

services where pitting type of corrosion takes place and ultrasonic
thickness survey and radiography does not reveal the true picture of
internal condition of pipes, samples should be cut for thorough internal
examination. The sample should be split open into two halves and
internal surface is inspected for pitting, grooving etc. the internally strip
lined bends and pipes should be visually examined for bulging,
cracking, weld defects etc. thickness of the strip may be measured to
find out thinning of the strips.
10.2.2 Cracks
Welds, heat-affected areas adjoining welds, points of restraint or strain,

areas subject to stress corrosion cracking, hydrogen attach and caustic
embrittlement should be carefully inspected for cracks. For spot check,
dye penetrant and magnetic particle inspection should be used. Alloy
and stainless steel pipings need special attention. In-situ metallography
at critical spots may also be done. Magnifying glass can be used for
cracks detection.
10.2.3 Misalignment
If misalignment of piping was noted during operation, the cause should

be determined. Misalignment is usually caused by:
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i Inadequate provision for expansion
ii Broken or defective anchors
iii Excessive friction on sliding saddles, indicating lack of lubrication or
necessity of rollers
iv Broken rollers or inability of rollers to turn because of corrosion or
lack of lubrication.
v Broken or improperly adjusted hangers
vi Hangers which are too short and thus limit movement of the piping
can cause lifting of the piping
The causes of misalignment which could not be corrected during on-

stream should be attended during the shutdown.
10.2.4 Inspection on Gasket Faces of Flanges
The gasket faces of flange joints which have been opened should be
inspected visually for corrosion for defects (such as scratches, cut and
gouges) which might cause leakage. Grooves and rings of ring gasket
joints should be checked for defects like dents, cut, pitting and
grooving.
10.2.5 Flange Fasteners
Ensuring the proper positioning of fasteners and use of correct length

of fasteners for engagement and protrusion is also of utmost
importance to ensure proper tightening of the flange joints. Some of the
precautions are given below:
a. Short bolting in length as well as dia. should be checked – minimum

of one thread should be out of nut surface in both ends.
b. Precautions for embedded flanges should be taken – length of

studs going inside the threaded hole of integral flange should be
monitored.
c. For RTJ flanges, ring material, hardness & ring face should be
checked.
d. Use of tightening tools like torque wrench, bolt tensioner etc as

specified / required should be mentioned.
10.2.6 Hot Spots
Where hot spots on internally insulated pipe were noted during

operation, the internal insulation should be inspected visually for
failure, the pipe wall at the hot spot should be inspected visually for
oxidation and scaling. The scale should be removed to sound metal
and area should be checked for cracks. The thickness should be
measured to assure that sufficient thickness is left for the service. The
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outside diameter of piping in high temperature service should be
measured to check for creep. Deformations.
10.2.7 Thickness Measurements
Thickness of inaccessible pipe in high temperature service which could

not be measured by radiographic or ultrasonic instruments during
operation can be measured during shutdown.
10.2.8 Hammer Testing
Hammer testing may also be carried out to supplement visual and

ultrasonic inspection. The health of the lines can be determined by the
sound produced by the hammer strike and the size of indentation.
However, while doing hammer testing the following points should be
considered:
i Hammer testing of pipe, valves and fittings of cast iron and stress
relieved lines in caustic and corrosive service should not be carried
out.
ii Care should be taken not to hammer hard enough to damage

otherwise sound piping.
iii Hammer testing should not be performed on glass-lined pipes.
iv Only inspection hammer (2 lb weight) should be used.
v Hammer testing should not be done on the charged lines and lines
under pressure.
vi Hammer testing of some alloys can cause stress corrosion

cracking.
10.2.9 Hydrostatic Testing
The underground piping may be hydrostatically pressure tested once in

five years to ascertain their condition. Excessive pressure drop during
hydrostatic test may indicate presence of leak in the underground
piping. The hydrostatic testing may be done section wise isolating the
section by valves. Adequate arrangements should be made to dispose
the water after the testing. Necessary precautions should be taken
while hydrostatically testing the pipelines. For details of hydrostatic
testing para 10.8 may be referred.
10.3 STATUTORY INSPECTION
Piping replacement and modifications being carried out in steam lines

falling under the purview of IBR authorities need to be executed &
certified by IBR authorized Agencies & Inspector. The material used for
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the above job shall also confirm to IBR requirements. For new Projects,
the approval for the steam piping drawings needs to be obtained from
IBR authorities at the beginning of the Project. Execution and
certification will be same as above.
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QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN FOR NEW
CONSTRUCTIONS
Quality assurance plan of new facilities needs attention right from the
design stage, P&ID review, checks during detail engineering,
construction quality control. Selection of the commissioning team and
the leader is also vital to ensure quality of the final facility. The major
areas to be looked into during these stages are suggested as under.
11.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE DURING DESIGN STAGE
The finalization of design basis has to be done with meticulous care.

The specification and Front End Engineering Design (FEED),
procurement, construction and commissioning stages need adequate
involvement of project team.
The PFD and P&ID reviews and layout checks are also need to be
reviewed critically. The Isometrics and General Arrangement Drawings
(GADs) developed by the detailed engineering contractor also needs
thorough review.
Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) should be developed in advance to

ensure reliability of the new facility. The stages of QAP should include
systematic review of the following depending on the criticality:
 Purchase order, drawings and specifications.

 Approval of QAP.
 Manufacturing process.
 Heat treatment.
 Chemical composition.
 Product analysis.
 Tensile strength.
 Hydrostatic test.
 Transverse tension test.
 Dimensions.
 Workmanship, finish and appearance.
 Marks and abrasion.
 End finish.
 Product marking.
 Packing.
 Documentation.
 Release note.
The QAP should clearly define the role and responsibility of the
Manufacturer, Third Party Inspector, PMC and Owner.
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Some specific points have been listed below based on the recent
experiences of commissioning of new facilities. These aspects should
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also be taken care of during the design stage to ensure reliability of the
new facilities.
(1) All small bore pipings and tracer lines, size ¾” and below should be
welded by TIG process for all types of joints, e.g. butt, socket, tee,
etc. to ensure proper quality of welding. Use of half coupling may
be considered to increase reliability of small-bore connections.
(2) Minimum thickness of pipe for sizes upto 1½” should be Sch.80 for
CS and AS.
(3) Reinforcement pad shall be provided at support location.

(4) Steam drain points should be routed to a drain header and taken
out of the unit area.
(5) As far as possible long trunion types of supports more than 500mm
long are to be avoided. In case of long trunion supports are
unavoidable in straight length of pipe, it is to be provided with
reinforcement pad on the pipe.
(6) Stiffener should be provided in small bore bleeder/ drain point

connection welded to immediate upstream or downstream of safety
valves.
(7) Fire fighting points are to be provided at higher elevation in case of

tall columns, structures.
(8) As far as possible, stub-in type branch connection are to be

provided when branch size is less than one size than the main
pipe.
(9) All the reinforcement pad telltale holes should be drilled and tapped
properly. Gas cut holes should not be accepted.
(10)Wherever two phase flow in piping is expected, piping design

including its support system should be checked w.r.t. most adverse
conditions/ ratio of both the phases (slug flow) to avoid line
vibration during operation.
(11) In the Heaters having steam air decoking provision, the main lines
and decoking lines should be supported in such a fashion so that
either of the lines should not remain unsupported in the hanging
position when remaining disconnected.
(12)The supports welded on insert plates in the RCC columns should

be checked for their adequacy to bear the required loads and
movements of the system. The insert plates should be fixed with
anchor fasteners grouted in RCC column.
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(13)Insulation windows for inspection and thickness survey are to be
provided in insulating piping of more than 6” diameter at all
approachable location with provision of caps to avoid ingress of
water.
(14)Wherever insulation is to be provided on piping for human safety, it

should be replaced by a cage of 1” GI wire mesh wrapped around
the piping with the help of spacers tack welded on the wire mesh.
(15)All the fittings like valves, flanges etc. in high temperature service
(> = 300 0C) should also be fully insulated if they are in open area
or the localized cooling can cause operational problems like coking
etc.
(16)All SS piping should have chloride free insulation or preferably
should have SS foil wrapped between pipe and insulation.
(17)Branch connections for fire hydrants along the roads should be

totally above grounds. Hydrant connections also should remain
above ground.
(18)Firewater and cooling water lines emerging from underground

should be wrapped coated beyond the ground level upto a length
of 500mm.
(19)No cast iron valves should be used in firewater or any other

service.
(20)Hard surfacing with a proper slope towards open drain system is to

be provided beneath the offsite pipe rack area with a clear space of
500mm from bottom of the pipe.
(21)Interspacing between the offsite piping on the support pedestal

should be such that the lines should not touch each other even
after insulation (at least 3” gap after insulation).
(22)Identification marks for location/ visibility of drain points of offsite

piping should be provided. All drain points should be approachable
and clearly visible.
(23)Long lengths of vent and drain piping should be properly supported

w.r.t. main pipe. Instrument piping connected to orifice flange
should be directly supported with the pipe so that during expansion
/ contraction, the whole assembly moves with the pipe.
(24)Piping insulation ends should be properly sealed to avoid water

ingress.
(25)Hard surfacing under the piping bay in offsite areas should be done
with proper slope & drainage facility.
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(26)Proper slope and gap should be provided in piping culverts to
avoid water logging.
(27)In fire water lines, the hydrant tapping should not be taken from the
bottom side of pipe. Tapping should be taken from the top or from
side.
(28)Removal of temporary supports and left over construction material

should be removed before Hydrostatic test of the line.
11.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE DURING CONSTRUCTION STAGE
In spite of best efforts in the design stage, the quality of new facilities
can’t be assured without proper involvement of Inspection & Project
team of the Owner. The selection of the Project team and
commissioning team is the most vital aspect for the successful
commissioning of the new facility and unfortunately is the most
neglected in our case.
The Owner supervision during construction can’t be diluted inspite of

having PMC, EPC or LSTK contractors.
The Third Party Inspection Agencies, wherever employed, should be

different from the executing agency.
Although, the involvement of Owner’s representative can’t be spelt out

however, to mention few one must take care of the followings:
(1) Spring type supports should be unlocked and cold set prior to
commissioning of the system by the contractor as per the
instructions of spring support manufacturer in presence of PMC/
Owner’s representative.
A complete list of all the spring supports in a particular units is to

be compiled alongwith relevant documents & details and submitted
to XXX Inspection & Maintenance Department prior to Mechanical
completion of the Project.
Movement of the spring supports to be closely observed during

startup and recorded till system attains its maximum operating
temperature.
(2) The structural layout and erection should take care of adequate gap
for piping, considering insulation and expansion movement of
piping.
(3) All the mating flanges connecting to equipment like – Columns,

Vessels, Heat Exchangers, Pumps, Compressors etc. are to be
welded after proper alignment and leveling of terminal equipment
to avoid the misalignment and tension at nozzle flanges.
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(4) Piping passing through technology structure (RCC floors) or
passing near the concrete column etc. should have adequate
annular space to avoid restriction of line movement during thermal
expansion. The gap should be taken care for hot lines alongwith
insulation thickness.
(5) All the RTJ ring gaskets should have proper identification marking
with metallurgical certificate available.
(6) Positive Material Identification (PMI) should be carried out for all the
components of Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel and other higher
metallurgy piping and checked on three-tier basis to ensure correct
metallurgy. First at supplier’s shop, second at our stores and third
after fabrication & erection at site. The properly identified material
should be given a distinct colour by supplier before dispatch to
avoid any mixing with other material. Third Party Inspector should
also certify PMI.
Part of the weld joints should also be carried out for Alloy Steel/
Stainless Steel circuits in-situ. This should be incorporated in the
contract.
(7) Electrical resistance coils should be used for pre heating/ post
heating of all the alloy steel welding of dia. 2” and above. Pre
heating/ post heating should be made mandatory for all the alloy
steels irrespective of fillet/ butt weld sizes.
(8) Temperature recorders used in stress relieving should be calibrated

and the related certificate should be available at site for
verification.
(9) Contractor, who is awarded the work involving use of low hydrogen
electrodes, must have a furnace suitable for baking of electrodes
at 300 0C.
(10)Welding of alloy steel butt weld joints should not be left incomplete
for long hours. Earlier in few cases, only root run was done on a
day and remaining welding was planned next day. Next day the
partially welded joints were found cracked.
(11) Cold pull if provided should be specifically certified by Engineer-in-

charge/ Inspector.
(12)All critical service gate/ globe/ check valves should be site tested
prior to installation.
(13)All the supports of a piping system should be checked for their

correctness and adequacy after complete installation by the
Designer to avoid any problem during operation.
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(14)Flushing should be done properly after dropping the safety valves
and control valves etc. to avoid any ingress of foreign material.
Proper flushing to the satisfaction of Production Department should
be part of main contract.
(15)All piping system should be drained and air flushed after

hydrotesting.
(16)A list of all expansion bellows installed area wise alongwith spares
supplied should be handed over to XXX Inspection & Maintenance
Department by consultant/ contractor.
Bellows should be checked for proper supporting.
Bellows shall be unlocked prior to commissioning in presence of

PMC/ Owner’s representatives.
(17)Distinct colour code to be used for different materials (including

IBR materials) for piping and fitting. On the pipes, the colour strips
shall cover the full length of pipe and bends. This colour marking
shall be part of purchase order for compliance at the supplier’s
end.
(18)Piping circuits falling under the purview of statutory inspection like

IBR should be executed & certified by IBR authorized Agencies &
Inspectors.
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12.0 INSPECTION OF PIPING DURING FABRICATION
During erection of piping, it is very essential to inspect the condition of

the pipes before use. Detail inspection of material, size, dent, external
corrosion, quality must be carried out during fabrication. The various
checks to be carried out during erection are given in the following
chapters:
12.1 INSPECTION OF PIPES BEFORE USE
New Pipes
i Check from the documents as well as site to ensure that right

material is being used as per the requirements. Some piping
systems such as those used in steam generation may be subjected
to other regulatory requirements.
ii Check for pipe size (mainly diameter) and wall thickness. The
variations should be within the permissible limits as given in the
appropriate code & specification.
iii It is desirable to use half coupling (socket welded or screwed) of

3000 class alongwith schedule-80 nipples for instruments tappings.
Old Pipes
In case old pipes are to be installed in a pipe lines system:
i The pipe must be of a known specification.
ii There must not be any buckling.
iii There must not be any cracks, grooves, dents or other surface
defects that exceed the maximum permissible limits as per various
codes.
iv The old pipes should be checked for hardness.
12.2 INJURIOUS DEFECTS
Pipe shall be inspected before assembly into the mainline or manifold.

Distortion, buckling, denting, flattening, gouging, grooves or notches
and all harmful defects of this nature shall be prevented, repaired or
eliminated as per the specifications. However, as a guideline “clause
for injurious defects” in ANSI 31.4 is reproduced below:
1. Injurious gouges, grooves, or notches shall be removed. These

injurious defects may be repaired by use of welding procedures
prescribed in API 5L or 5LX, or removed by grinding, provided the
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resulting wall thickness is not less than that permitted by the
material specification.
2. When conditions outlined above cannot be met, the damaged

portion shall be removed as a cylinder. Insert patching is not
permitted. Weld on patching, other then complete encirclement, is
not permitted in pipelines intended to operate specified minimum
yield strength of the pipe.
3. Notches or laminations on pipe ends shall not be repaired. The

damaged end shall be removed as a cylinder and the pipe end
properly rebevelled.
4. Distorted or flattened lengths shall be discarded.
5. A dent (as opposed to a scratch, gouge, or groove) may be

defined as a gross disturbance in the curvature of the pipe wall. A
dent containing a stress concentrator, such as a scratch, gouge,
groove or arc burn shall be removed by cutting out the damaged
portion of the pipe as a cylinder.
6. All dents which affect the curvature of the pipe at the seem or at
any girth weld shall be removed. All dents which exceed a
maximum depth of ¼ inch (6 mm) in pipe NPS 12 and smaller or
two percent of the nominal pipe diameter in sizes greater than
NPS 12, shall not be permitted in pipelines intended to operate at
a hoop stress of more than 20 percent of the specified minimum
yield strength of the pipe. Insert-patching, overlay, or pounding out
of dents shall not be permitted in pipelines intended to operate a
hoop stress of more than 20 percent of the specified minimum
yield strength of the pipe.
7. Buckled pipe shall be replaced as a cylinder.
12.3 FORMING OF PIPES
1. Bends shall be made from a pipe in such a manner as to preserve

the cross-sectional shape of the pipe and shall be free from
buckling, cracks or other evidence of mechanical damage.
2. If a pipe containing a longitudinal weld, the longitudinal weld must

be as near as practicable to the evidence of mechanical damage.
3. Pipe bends designed as creased or corrugated shall not be used

under severe cyclic conditions.
4. Mitre Bends
Care should be taken in making mitred joints to provide proper

spacing and alignment and full penetration weld joints.
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5. Flattening of the bends should be avoided and limits should be as
per the specifications of pipes.
6. Dimensions and tolerances of fabricated and forged bends should

be checked as per the given specifications. However, these should
be checked for quality, wrinkles, cracks etc. thickness at the outer
curvature should be measured to determine the reduction of
thickness during forming operation. Make sure that the proper type
of bend is being used in the piping system as per the drawing.
12.4 WELDING
For joint fit-up, welder’s qualifications, welding procedure qualification

and inspection prior to welding and during welding, preheat and post-
weld heat treatment, IOC “Welding Manual” may be referred.
12.5 INSPECTION AFTER WELDING
i After welding, all the weld joints and HAZ should be visually
checked preferably after removing the ripples for cracks and
defects. If required dye penetrant test may be carried out.
ii Radiography
A) Radiography of the weld joints should be carried out as per the

specifications.
B) 100% of girth welds shall be inspected by radiographic or other

accepted NDT methods in the following cases:
i With populated areas such as residential subdivisions,

shopping centers, and designated commercial and industrial
areas.
ii River, lake and stream crossings within the area subject to

frequent inundation, and river, lake and stream crossings on
bridges
iii Railroad or public highway rights of way, including tunnels,

bridges, and overhead railroad and road crossings
iv Offshore and inland coastal waters
v Old girth welds in used pipe
C) Radiography examination shall be carried out after final heat

treatment where the later is done. However, it is a good practice
to carryout radiography or other NDT methods of welds before
and after the post weld heat treatment.
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iii The welding may be checked ultrasonically in lieu of radiography.
The only limitation of ultrasonic examination is that no permanent
records are available. Acceptability of welds in radiographic and
ultrasonic examinations should be found out as per the relevant
codes.
iv All radiographs of welds shall be preserved for a minimum period of

5 years prior to disposal.
12.6 SUPPORTS
Check for proper supports as per engineering drawings. The following

information is given for general guidance.
i Supports should be placed as near as practicable to changes in

direction (lateral or vertical).
ii Supports should be provided for piping sections which require

frequent dismantling for maintenance such as installation of blanks
etc.
iii Piping that discharge to the atmosphere should be firmly anchored

to counteract the reaction force of discharging fluid.
iv The clear space around bends, loops and pipe terminal ends should
be sufficient to allow free movement of these portions on thermal
expansion.
v Preferably, supports should not be welded directly to pipe except

anchor supports.
vi While checking the supports, the shoe of pipelines and their

positioning with respect to support should also be checked in both
hot as well as cold conditions.
vii The shoe on the pipelines should be fully welded to the pipe.
Otherwise corrosion may take place in space between pipe and the
shoe.
viii All the lines in the coastal refineries should be provided with fully
welded 1200 circumference pads at all the pipe supports locations
to protect the lines from external crevice corrosion.
12.7 PRESSURE TESTS
The piping system should be pressure tested after all the welding jobs
on the line have completed. After pressure testing, if is not advisable to
do any welding jobs on the tested pipe. In the event of repairs or
additions are made following the tests, the affected piping shall be
retested.
Page 82 of 187
12.7.1 Test Fluid
The Test shall be hydrostatic using water, except for the following:
a) If there is a possibility of damage due to freezing or if the operating

fluid or piping material would be adversely affected by water, any
other suitable liquid may be used. If a flammable liquid is used its
flash point shall not be less than 50 0C, and consideration shall be
given to the test environment.
b) If hydrostatic testing is not considered practicable, a pneumatic test

may be substituted using air or another non-flammable gas.
12.7.2 Test Preparation
a) All joints including welds are to be left uninsulated and exposed for
examination during the test.
b) Piping designed for vapour or gas shall be provided with additional

temporary support, if necessary, to support the weight of test liquid.
c) Expansion joints shall be provided with temporary restraint if

required for the additional load under test or shall be isolated from
the test.
d) Equipment which is not to be included in the test shall be either

disconnected from the piping or isolated by blinds or other means
during the test. Valves may be used provided the valve (including
the closure mechanism) is suitable for proposed test pressure.
e) Relief valves and rupture discs should not be subjected to the

pressure test.
f) If a pressure test is to be maintained for a period of time and test

liquid is subjected to thermal expansion, precautions shall be taken
to avoid excessive pressure.
g) All pressure gages, flow meter etc. and other pressure parts of
connected instruments shall also be tested at the pressure at least
equal to that of line.
h) Pressure Gages
i A minimum number of two pressure gages should be used for

pressure tests one to be installed at the pressurising point and
the other at the farthest / highest point.
ii The range of each pressure gage should be such so that the

required pressure reading falls in the area of one-third to two
third of the range of dial.
Page 83 of 187
iii Correctness of pressure gages should be ensured. Only
properly calibrated / tested pressure gauges should be used.
i) During liquid pressure testing all air should be expelled from the
piping through vents provided at all high points.
j) The increase of pressure should be gradual to avoid any shock and

resultant failure.
k) There should not be any leakage in the pressurizing system.
12.7.3 Test Pressure
Hydrostatic Testing of Internally Pressured Piping
i Completed piping shall be pressure tested as per the code and

regulatory laws using potable water as test fluid. DM water or
passivating solution should be used for stainless steel piping.
ii Unless otherwise specified in the engineering design, the

hydrostatic test pressure shall be 1 ½ times the design pressure.
iii For a design temperature above the test temperature by the

following formula:
PT 1.5 P ST
=
S
Where
PT = Minimum hydrostatic test pressure (gage)
P = Internal design gage pressure
ST = Allowable stress of pipe material at test
temperature
S = Allowable stress of pipe material at temperature
When ST/S is greater than 6.5, 6.5 shall be used for
the value of ST/S for the calculation purposes.
iv Where design pressure is not known the minimum hydrotest

pressure shall be 1 ½ times of the pump shutoff pressure or
maximum operating pressure of the pipeline whichever is higher.
v All reinforcing pads on pressure openings should be tested with air

at 25 psig. The test openings should not be plugged following the
test.
vi Hydrotesting of ferritic and Martensitic steels should be avoided

when atmospheric temperature is below 10 0C. This is due to
possibility of brittle fracture caused by ductile to brittle transition
below 10 0C.
Page 84 of 187
Hydrostatic Testing of Piping with Vessels as a System
i Where the test pressure of piping attached to a vessel is same as

or less than the test pressure for the vessel, the piping may be
tested with the vessel at the test pressure of the piping.
ii Where the test pressure of the piping exceeds the vessel test
pressure and it is not considered practicable to isolate the piping
from the vessel, then the piping and the vessel may be tested
together at the test pressure of the vessel, and provided the vessel
test pressure is not less than 115% of the piping design pressure
adjusted for temperature.
Hydrostatic Testing of Externally Pressured Piping
i Lines in external pressure service shall be subjected to an internal

test pressure of 1 ½ times the external differential design pressure
butt not less than a gage pressure of 15 psi.
ii In jacketed lines, the internal line shall be pressure tested on the

basis of the internal or external design pressure, whichever is
critical, this test must be performed before completion of the jacket
if necessary to provide visual access to the joints of the internal line.
iii In jacketed lines the jacket shall be pressure tested on the basis of
jacket design pressure unless other wise limited by the engineering
design.
Pneumatic Testing
If the piping is tested pneumatically the test pressure shall be 110% of

the design pressure. Pneumatic testing involves the hazard due to
possible release of energy stored and compressed gas. Therefore
particular care must be taken to minimize the chances of the brittle
failure during the testing. The test temperature is important in this
regard and must be considered when the choice of material is made in
the original design. Any pneumatic test shall include the preliminary
check at not more than 25psi gage pressure. The pressure shall be
increased gradually in steps providing sufficient time to allow the piping
equalizes strains during the test to check for leaks.
Note:
i The pressure shall be maintained for a sufficient time not less than
10 minutes to determine if there are any leaks.
ii Zero pressure drop are shown by pressure gages is not sure

criterion for deciding the success of hydro-test. Minor seepage may
not be reflected in the pressure gage. All the joints and exposed
surfaces should be inspected and thoroughly checked.
Page 85 of 187
iii Systems (such as underground lines) that cannot be inspected
visually for leaks should be tested by applying the desired pressure
and then removing the source of pressure. The pressure drop,
observed for an extended period, will be an indication of system
tightness. However, lengthy test periods may require temperature
corrections, when employing this method, pressure recorders are
used to furnish a permanent record of test.
iv After Hydrotesting, the water should be completely drained. The

rate of depressurizing should be slow.
v Warning: Hammer testing of equipment undergoing pressure test

may cause failure resulting in possible injury to those performing
the test.
12.7.4 Pressure Testing of Liquid Petroleum Transportation Piping

System
Hydrostatic Testing of Internal Pressure Piping
a) Portions of piping systems to be operated at a hoop stress of more

than 20 percent of the specified minimum yield strength of the pipe
shall be subjected at any point to a hydrostatic proof test equivalent
to not less than 1.25 times the internal design pressure at that point
for not less than four hours. When lines are tested at pressures
which develop a hoop stress, based on nominal wall thickness, in
excess of 90% of specified minimum yield strength of the pipe,
special care shall be used to prevent overstrain of the pipe.
1 Those portions of the piping systems where all of the pressured

components are visually inspected during the proof test to
determine that there is no leakage require no further test. This
can include lengths of pipe, which are pretested for use as
replacement sections.
2 On those portions of piping system not visually inspected while

under test, the proof test shall be followed by a reduced
pressure leak the internal design pressure for not less than four
hours.
b) API RP-1110 may be used for guidance for the hydrostatic test.
c) The hydrostatic test shall be conducted with water except liquid

petroleum that does not vapourize rapidly may be used, provided;
1 The pipeline section under test is not offshore and is outside

cities and other populated areas and each building within 300
feet (90 meters) of the test section is unoccupied while the test
pressure is equal to or greater than a pressure which produces
Page 86 of 187
a hoop stress of 50 per cent of the specific minimum yield
strength of the pipe.
2 The test section is kept under surveillance by regular patrols

during test; and
3 Communication is maintained along test section.
d) If the testing medium in the system will be subject to thermal

expansion during the test, provisions shall be made for relief of
excess pressure. Effects of temperature changes shall be taken into
account when interpretations are made of recorded test pressure.
e) After completion of hydrostatic test, it is important in cold weather,

that the lines, valves and fittings be drained completely of any water
to avoid damage due to freezing.
Leak Testing
One-hour hydrostatic or pneumatic leak test may be used for piping

systems to be operated at a hoop stress of 20 percent or less of the
specified minimum yields strength of the pipe. The hydrostatic test
pressure shall be not less than 1.25 times the internal design pressure.
The pneumatic test gage pressure shall be 100 psi (7 bars) or that
pressure which would produce a nominal hoop stress of 25 percent of
the specified minimum yield strength of the pipe, whichever is less.
12.8 PAINTING
After successful hydrostatic testing, the pipelines are externally painted

to provide protection against external corrosion. While painting, the
following points may be kept in mind:
i Proper surface preparation
The surface should be free of moisture, dust, soil, rust, oil grease
etc. sand blasting/shot blasting method should be preferred
wherever practicable. After sand blasting, the surface should not
be left unprimed for more than 4 hrs.
ii Dry Film Thickness
This should be checked in accordance with the technical

specification for primer as well as total dry film thickness.
iii The primer should be applied as soon as possible after the surface
preparation.
iv The relative humidity of surrounding during painting should be

preferably in the range of 65% to 85%.
Page 87 of 187
v Each coat of paint must be thoroughly dry before the next is
applied unless a special wet-on-wet process is used. If the thumb
is pressed against the film with a slight twisting movement and no
damage to paint occurs, the film is hard enough for the next coat to
be applied. For curing time for each coat, manufacturer
recommendation may be followed.
vi The normal dry film thickness of paints should be as per

manufacturer’s recommendations. Paint thickness gauge can be
used for measuring the dry film thickness of paints.
vii Austenitic SS pipes should not be painted with any paints

containing Zn, Al and chlorides etc.
A Common Paint Colour Code System for Piping & Equipment have
been developed and approved in line with ANSI Colour Code System
with minor changes to suit Refinery application. This will help in having
common colour identification for each service across all the Refineries,
easily identifiable colour for various groups of services. The new Colour
Code shall be followed in Refineries for all the new Projects and
additional facilities Projects. As regards, existing Plants the new Colour
Code System will be adopted in a manner, which coincides with the
repainting schedule of the Piping to optimize expenditure on this
account. The Common Paint Colour Code System for Refineries is
enclosed as Annexure –V for ready reference.
12.9 EXTERNAL CORROSION CONTROL FOR BURIED OR

SUBMERGED PIPELINES
Control of external corrosion of buried or submerged pipe and

components in new installations shall be accomplished by the
application of an effective protective coating and if necessary
supplemented by cathodic protection. For piping systems offshore
special attention shall be given to control external corrosion of the
pipeline risers in the ‘splash’ zone.
12.9.1 Protective Coating
a) Protective coatings used on buried or submerged pipe and

components shall have the following characteristics.
1. Mitigate corrosion
2. Have sufficient adhesion to the metal surface to effectively

resist under film migration of moisture.
3. Be ductile enough to resist cracking
4. Have strength sufficient to resist damage due to handling and

soil stress.
Page 88 of 187
5. Have properties compatible with any supplemental cathodic
protection.
b) Welds shall be inspected for irregularities that could protrude

through the pipe coating, and any such irregularities shall be
removed.
c) Pipe coating shall be inspected both visually and by an electric

holiday detector. Any holiday or other damage to the coating
detrimental to effective corrosion control shall be repaired and re-
inspected.
d) Insulating type coating, if used, shall have low moisture absorption

characteristics and provide high electrical resistance.
e) The backfill operation shall be inspected for quality composition and

placement of material to prevent damage to pipe coating.
f) Where a connection is made to a coated pipe, all damaged coating

shall be removed and new coating applied on the attachments as
well as on the pipe.
12.9.2 Cathodic Protection System
a) A cathodic protection system provided by a galvanic anode or

impressed current anode system shall be installed that will mitigate
corrosion and contain a method of determining the degree of
cathodic protection achieved on the buried or submerged piping
system.
b) Cathodic protection shall be controlled so as not to damage the

protective coating, pipe or components.
c) Pipe to soil voltage of (–) 0.85 volts with respect to Cu-CuSO 4 half-
cell has been found to give adequate protection to the cathodically
protected pipelines. The excessive voltage may damage the
wrapping and coating of the pipe. A voltage (–) 1.2 volts may
adversely affect the wrapping and coating.
d) Buried or submerged coated piping systems shall be electrically

isolated at all interconnections with foreign system.
For other details regarding cathodic protection systems, standards like

NACE, RP-01-69 or NACE-RP-06-75 and others may be referred.
12.10 INSULATION
Check for proper insulation. Inspection windows with covers should be

provided at suitable locations for thickness survey in further. This
Page 89 of 187
insulating type coating must have low moisture absorption and provide
high electrical resistance. The insulating material for stainless steel
piping must contain low chlorides to prevent stress corrosion cracking.
For high temperature SS piping Al-shielding on the insulation should be
avoided. Check for clearance for piping with the ground. Piping should
not be in contact with grass, soil, water etc.
Page 90 of 187
RETIRING LIMITS
A) ANSI B 31.3 – Chemical plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping code,

a section of the American Standard code for Pressure Piping,
contains formulas and data for determining the wall thickness
required for piping. It relates the thickness, diameter and allowable
stress to the maximum safe working pressure. ANSI B 31.3
contains a rather elaborate formula for determining the required
thickness but permits for use of the Barlow formula without
reservation for determining the required thickness. The Barlow
formula is as follows:
PD
T =
2 SE
Where t = The required thickness of the pipe wall in inches
P = Pressure within the pipe, in pounds per square inch
D = Outside diameter of the pipe, in inches
S = Allowable unit stress, in pounds per square inch, at the
maximum operating temperature
E = Longitudinal joint efficiency
The above formula is generally used for calculating the thickness of

the pipe wall except at high pressure where thick-walled tubing is
required or at high temperatures where the creep properties of the
pipe metal become important in determining the ultimate service
strength.
At low pressures and low temperatures the thickness required by

the formula may be so small that the pipe would have insufficient
structural strength. For this reason an absolute minimum thickness
should be determined for each size of pipe, below which thickness
the pipe wall would not be permitted to deteriorate regardless of the
results obtained by the formula.
As a guideline, minimum thickness for carbon steel piping are given

in the following table.
Nominal pipe size inches Min. thickness

Inch M. M
2 and smaller 0.06 1.5
2½-3 0.07 1.7
4 0.09 2.2
6 0.11 2.7
8 0.12 3.0
10 – 24 0.13 3.3
B) For liquid petroleum transportation piping system extracts from

ANSI B 31.4/1979 has been given in Appendix – I for pipeline
repairs.
Page 91 of 187
PIPELINE REPAIRS AND INSPECTION
The portion of piping, which has reached the retiring limit or will reach
retiring limit before the scheduled next inspection should be replaced.
While replacing the pipes the following points should be considered:
1. The metallurgy and dimensions of the new pipe should match with
the existing pipe. The new pipe should be inspected (Refer para
10.1 for details)
2. Repairs should be made carefully by qualified welder using

approved welding procedures
3. When ERW pipes are used, the weld seam should be kept
staggered and ERW or welded seams of the pipe should not
appear at 6 O’clock position.
4. Some piping systems, which are covered under other statutory

requirements must be checked for conformation with appropriate
and specifications.
5. Inspection of joint fit up, etc. should be done as per the inspection
requirements originally specified.
6. Weld joints/repaired welds should be subjected to same pre-weld

and post-weld heat treatment.
7. Bake out of hydrogen service piping should be carried out for

approximately 2 to 4 hrs. at a temperature range of 650 to 800 0F
before taking up any repair job. It is preferred to go for coil heating
for better control in heating, soaking and cooling.
8. Hydrostatic Testing: The repaired portion of the pipelines may be

hydrostatically tested. The test pressure should be 1.5 times the
maximum operating pressure. For other requirements on pressure
testing para 10.8 be referred.
9. Painting, insulation, wrapping and coating should be done as per

the original requirements.
14.1 INSPECTION OF VALVES IN SERVICE
Valves should be dismantled at specified intervals to permit

examination of all internal parts. Body thickness measurements should
be made at locations, which were inaccessible before dismantling,
particularly at locations showing evidence of erosion. Bodies of valves
operating in severe cyclic temperature service should be checked
internally for cracks.
Page 92 of 187
Gate valves, which have been used for throttling, should be measured
for thickness at the bottom between the seats, as serious deterioration
may have occurred because of turbulence. This is a particularly weak
point because of the wedging action of the disc when the valve is
closed. The seating surface should be inspected visually for defect,
which might cause leaking. The wedging guides should be inspected
for corrosion and erosion. The connection between the stem and disc
should be inspected to assure that the disc will not become detached
from the stem during operation. Swing check valves can be inspected
by removing the cover or cap. The clapper or disc should be checked
for freedom of rotation and the nut holding it to the arm should be
checked for security and the presence of a locking pin, lock washer, or
tack weld. The arm should be free to swing and the anchor pin should
be inspected for wear. Also the seating surface on both the disc and
valve body can be checked for deterioration by feeling them with the
fingers. After the valves has been reassembled, it should be
hydrostatically and/or pneumatically tested for tightness. If tested
pneumatically a soap solution should be applied to the edges of the
seating surface and observed for any evidence of leakage.
Page 93 of 187
DOCUMENTATION
Isometrics of each piping circuit as per actual site conditions should be

prepared. The records should be maintained to give the information
like:
i Identification of particular piping system in terms of location, total

length, material specification, general process flow, service
condition and location of corrosion probes, if any.
ii The location of thickness measurements points, the replacements

carried out, corrosion rate etc. The history and thickness records of
pipelines are kept in history card (form no. 2) and data record cards
(form no. 9) respectively. A sample of Isometric of Pipeline Circuit &
Data Record Cards are given in Annexure-VII.
A review of the records of previous inspection and present inspection

should be made. On the basis of findings, a work schedule should be
prepared for future inspection by on-stream techniques as well as
during next shutdown.
Page 94 of 187
Page 95 of 187
16.0 ANNEXURES
Annexure – I
EXTRACTS FROM ANSI/ASME B 31.4.1979 – ON LIQUID

PETROLEUM TRANSPORTATION PIPING SYSTEMS
451.6.2 Permanent Repairs for pipelines operating at a hoop stress of more

than 20 percent of the specified minimum yield strength of the pipe.
a) Limits and Dispositions of Imperfections
1. Gouges and grooves having a depth greater than 12 ½ percent of the

nominal wall thickness shall be removed or repaired.
2. Dents meeting any of the following conditions shall be removed or

repaired
i Dents which affect the pipe curvature at the pipe seam or at any
girth weld;
ii Dents containing a scratch, gauge or groove; or
iii Dents exceeding a depth of ¼ inch (6 mm) in pipe NPS 12 and

smaller or two percent of the nominal pipe diameter in sizes
greater than NPS 12.
3. All arc burns shall be removed or repaired
4. All cracks shall be removed or repaired.
5. All welds found to have imperfections not meeting the standards of

acceptability of 434.8.5 (b), for field welds or the acceptance limits in
the appropriate specifications for the grade any type of pipe shall be
removed or repaired.
6. General Corrosion: Pipe shall be replaced or repaired if the area is

small, or operated at a reduced pressure (see 451.7) if general
corrosion has reduced the wall thickness to less than the design
thickness calculated in accordance with 404.1.2 decreased by an
amount equal to the manufacturing tolerance applicable to the pipe or
component.
Parameters used in analysis of the strength of corroded areas
Page 98 of 187
7. Localized Corrosion Pitting
Pipe shall be repaired, replaced or operated a reduced pressure (see

451.7) if localized corrosion pitting has reduced the wall thickness to
less than the design thickness calculated in accordance with 404.1.2
decreased by an amount equal to the manufacturing tolerance
applicable to the pipe or component. This applies if the length of the
pitted area is greater than permitted by the equation shown below. The
following method applies only when the depth of the corrosion pit is
less than 80 percent of the nominal wall thickness of the pipe. This
method is not applicable to corroded regions in the longitudinal weld
area. The corroded area must be clean to bare metal. Care shall be
taken in cleaning corroded areas of a pressurized pipeline when the
degree of the corrosion is significant. √
L = 1.12 B Dtn
B= c/tn
-( 1.1 c/tn – 0.15 )2 – 1
L = Maximum allowable longitudinal extent of the corroded area as
shown in Fig. 451.6.2 (a) (7) inch (mm)
B = A value not to exceed 4.0 which may be determined from the
above equation of Fig 451.6.2 (a) (7)
D = Nominal outside diameter of the pipe, inch (mm)
tn = Nominal wall thickness of the pipe, inch (mm)
C = Maximum depth of the corroded area, inch (mm)
8. Areas where grinding has reduced the remaining’ wall thickness to

less than the design thickness calculated in accordance with 404.1.2
decreased by an amount equal to the manufacturing tolerance
applicable to the pipe or component may be analyzed the same as
localised corrosion pitting (see 451.6.2 (7) to determine if ground area
need to be replaced, repaired, or the operating pressure reduced (see
451.7).
9. All pipe containing leaks shall be removed or repaired.
451.7 De-rating a pipeline to a lower operating pressure
Pipe containing localized corrosion pitting or areas repaired by grinding

where the remaining material in the pipe does not meet the depth and
length limits in 451.6.2 (a) (7) may be de-rated to a lower operating
pressure in lieu of a replacement or repair.
a) Lower operating pressure may be based on 404.1.2 and the actual

remaining wall thickness of the pipe, or
b) Lower operating pressure may be determined by the following
equations
Page 99 of 187
0.67 C
1– ( tn )
0.67 c
Pd = 1.1pi 1–
G2 + 1
tn
Where
G = 0.893 L
( Dtn )
G = A value not to exceed 4.0 in the above analysis and
which may be determined from the above equation
Pd = Derated internal design gage pressure, psi (bar)
Pi = Original internal design gage pressure, based on
specified nominal wall thickness of the pipe (see 404.1)
psi (bar).
L = Longitudinal extent of the corroded area as shown in fig.
451.6.2 (a) (7) in inches (mm).
For Tn, C and D, see 451.6.2 (a) (7)
For values of G greater than 4.0
Pd = 1.1Pi 1- C
tn
Except Pd shall not exceed Pi
Page 100 of 187

Annexure-II
PRESERVATION OF NEW PIPES IN WARE HOUSE
Moisture, oxygen and acidic environment are the main contributing factors
causing deterioration on the internal or external surface of pipes. These may
cause rusting, pitting of surfaces and other forms of deterioration. Hence new
pipe should be preserved properly in the pipe-stacking yard. Following points
should be considered while stacking new pipes in store yards.
i All the pipes (C. S. and low alloy steel pipes) should be stacked properly
in horizontal position over the steel racks or wooden rafters or sleepers.
ii All the tubes/pipes should be preferably stacked under the shed to protect
from rainwater.
iii All the pipes/tubes end should be plugged with suitable wooden plug or
plastic caps.
iv Before placing the plug/ caps the inside surface of pipes or tubes should
be flushed with dry air to ensure absence of any corrosive materials.
v For pipes with threaded connection extra care should be taken in
protecting the threads by putting plastic caps or wrapping with jute cloth
(Hessian cloth).
vi Pipes or tubes should not touch the ground or should not be allowed to
get submerged in ground or pool of water.
vii Pipes or tubes should be stacked away from acidic/corrosive environment
and also away from cooling tower as far as possible.
viii The pipes external surface should be cleaned manually and painted with
a coat of bituminous paint or any lubricating oil of viscosity of SAE 30
compounded with inhibitor and wetting agent (spent oil). Any used
lubricating oil can be used. It can be applied by brushing, splashing or
spraying. Anti corrosive compound, SERVO-RP-102 or equivalent can be
used as oil preservatives.
ix Water proof wrapping paper are also used for storing new pipes. Paper
coated with volatile corrosion inhibitor (V. C. I. paper) have long life and
easily available.
x A separate area should be earmarked for items covered under I. B. R.
pipes should have separate codification with same preservation
procedure.
xi Different types of pipes should be stacked separately.
xii In cases where it is decided to paint the entire piping, the colour and sizes
of legend letters stenciled on the piping for easy identification of materials
near the both ends of pipe.
Page 101 of 187

Annexure-II(a)
SAMPLE PRESERVATION SCHEME FOR SULFUR RECOVERY

UNIT
Preservation scheme of idle piping in idle units has to be developed by proper

study of the process units and finalizing the flushing schemes of each circuit.
Subsequently, the circuit may have to be bottled up or filled with inert medium
depending on the period for which the circuit has to be preserved. A sample
idle time preservation scheme of SRU and ARU is enclosed, which will help
the practicing engineers to develop the preservation scheme for the desired
circuits.
Before taking shutdown for idle time preservation, liquid/solid materials from
all the lines, vessels, exchangers and any other metallic equipment shall be
drained, thereafter, all the lines, vessels and equipments shall be cleaned
thoroughly by steam flushing and water/solvent flushing. This is required to
avoid choking of lines and equipments by sulphur and sulphur compounds, as
any leftover sulphur and sulphur compounds, upon cooling from incrustation,
which cannot be removed easily.
STATIC EQUIPMENT
Acid Gas Knock Out (K.O) Drum (Carbon Steel), Hydrogen Rich Gas
K.O.Drum, Fuel Gas K.O.Drum: SWS Gas K.O.Drum, Ammonia Rich Gas
KOD. Acid Gas condensate collection drum, SWS / NH3 Rich Gas
condensate Drums. Atmospheric Flush Drum
 Remove all the condensate inside the K.O. Drum

 Clean the internal surfaces of K.O. Drum by manual cleaning and
solvent cleaning by Naphtha. The surface shall be free of all debris clean
with potable water if required before cleaning with naphtha.
 Check for condition of internal coating, if any
 If the internal coating is in good condition, no painting is required.
 If the internal coating is found to be peeling off, clean the surface by
manual and hand tool as per SSPC-SP-2.
 Apply one coat of two component self priming epoxy cured with
Polyamine hardener @100 microns DFT (Dry film thickness/coat) by
spray/brush
 Dry with instrument air
 Seal all the openings of K.O. Drum to prevent ingress of moisture into
K.O. Drum.
Blow down drum (carbon steel)
 Remove all water and liquids inside the Blow down drum. Clean the
inside drums manually. Wash with potable water if required and dry with
air.
Page 102 of 187

 Blind all the inlet and outlet nozzles and ensure all the openings are
sealed and leak free excepting one inlet and one outlet.
 Purge with nitrogen and maintain a positive pressure of 5-10 psig.
Chemical injection pot (Carbon steel) & Chemical Preparation Tank

(Carbon steel)
Remove all the chemicals from the chemical injection pot and store separately
in plastic carboys. Wash inside surface of the pot and connected piping by
potable water and drain out after washing.
Waste heat recovery boiler (Carbon steel)
Tube side: Process gas
sealed and leak free excepting one inlet and outlet.
 Purge with Nitrogen and maintain a positive pressure of 5-10 psig.
 Shell side: Boiler feed water / Medium Pressure steam:
 Flush with D.M. water and then fill with D.M. water containing 200ppm
of Hydrazine. The system shall be completely filled.
Sulphur condensers (CS)
Tube side: Process gas:
Shell side: LP Steam / Water
Flush with D.M. water and then fill with D.M. water containing 200ppm of
Hydrazine.
Reheaters: (Carbon steel)
Tube side: Process gas
Shell side: High Pressure Steam / Condensate
Flush with D.M. water and then fill with D.M. water containing 200ppm of
Hydrazine.
Pit heating coil and sump heating coil
Page 103 of 187

 If heating coils are made of carbon steel with steam as heating medium
 D.M. water wash / D.M. Water with 200 ppm Hydrazine.
 Otherwise remove all the liquids inside and dry. Then purge with
Nitrogen after ensuring all openings are sealed and leak free excepting
one inlet and outlet.
Maintain a positive pressure of 5-10 psig.
Sulphur pit made of Concrete
 Clean inside of the pit manually and close the pit of all openings to
avoid any ingression of water and debris.
 Heating coils (Low Pressure steam)
 Flush with potable water and fill with D.M. water containing 200 ppm of
Hydrazine.
Pit ejector (Steam ejector)
Same as heating coils in 1.1.8 above
Catalytic converters associated components
Service H2S, SO2, Sn, N2, CS2, H2O) Wash with potable water/solvent to
remove all chemicals completely and finally flush with D.M. water, dry with
instrument air and keep closed.
Catalytic incinerators / Burners
Main Burner, Line Burner
 Remove all the nozzles and oil gun and keep it in safe custody.
 Cover the burner from inside by a plastic sheet to avoid falling of
debris.
Grease and/or oil all moving parts associated with burners, Seal burner
openings.
Sulphur yard (concrete)
Keep the yard clean and prevent accumulation of dirt and debris. Keep the
sulphur bags covered.
ROTATING EQUIPMENT
Combustion Air Blowers
Apply Industrial grease and petroleum based oil in the exposed areas of shaft
and manually rotates the shaft once in a fortnight.
Page 104 of 187

Sulphur pumps; Boiler feed water pumps and chemical injection pumps
 Drain all the vents and drains on both ends of the pump
 Drain the casing and the bearings house
 Flush with D.M. water to clean and dry with air.
 Fill the pump casing with a petroleum based oil of approximately
SAE20 to 30 viscosity. Rotate the pump shaft to ensure complete
coverage.
 Rotate the pump shaft manually once in a week
 Spray the exposed portion of the pump shaft with petroleum based oil.
Repeat if necessary.
 Fill the shaft couplings with rust preventive industrial grease with
corrosion inhibitor.
 Spray the gland with the petroleum based oil of approximately SAE 20
to 30 viscosity.
 Change of lubricants as per manufacturer’s instructions.
Motors
 Erect a shelter over outdoor motors

 Continuously energize heating or arrange auxiliary heating
 Drain Oil-Lubricated bearings and fill with petroleum-based oil of
approximately SAE 20 to 30 Viscosity Rotate the shaft once in a fortnight.
 Fill grease type bearing with normal operating grease and rotate the
shaft once in a fortnight.
 Uncouple motor and operate for 2 hrs once in a month. Clean coolers
of motor by air blowing once in a fortnight.
 Coat exposed shaft with petroleum oil of approximately SEA 20 to 30
viscosity and wrap with plastic tape.
TREATED COOLING WATER SYSTEM
For idle time upto 3 months
The cooling water system shall not be shutdown, Cooling water shall be
circulated through coolers, condensers and piping as per design flow rate.
For idle time of more than 3 months: Cooling water lines
Fill and keep pressurized with potable water containing 500mg/l of REMIDOL
4000, manufactured by chemtreat India Ltd. Navi Mumbai or VISCO 3900,
supplied by NALCO Chemicals, Calcutta.
Process side of Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers: Seal all openings purge
with nitrogen and keep under positive pressure of 5-10 psig.
INSTRUMENTATION
Page 105 of 187

 Pressure instruments
 Temperature instruments
 Level instruments
 Analyzers
 Flow Instruments
All the above instruments shall be protected from weather by covering with
plastic sheet.
Carbon Steel Piping
 Chemical injection piping

 Fuel Gas piping to unit / K. O. Drum
 Acid gas piping to K. O. Drum
 Acid gas to Burner piping
 Process gas piping
 TSP solution piping
 MP Steam/ LP Steam piping
 Liquid sulphur piping
 TAIL gas piping
 Steam & air + H2S gas piping
 Inert gas piping
 Purge with Nitrogen after ensuring all the openings including blinding of
flanges are sealed and leak free excepting one inlet and outlet and
maintain a positive pressure of 5-10 psig
 Instrument Air piping
 Service air piping
 Process air piping
 Seal all opening piping and ensure leak free excepting one inlet and
one outlet Purge with dry instrument air and maintain a positive pressure
of 5-10 psig flanges.
All flange joints, Nuts and Bolts
Spray petroleum based oil of approximately SAE 20 to 30-viscosity or Rust

preventive oil and wrap and flange joints with plastic tape.
Valves
Lubricate and cover exposed valve stem with Industrial grease. Spray
petroleum oil in between flanges, if any, operate the valves once in a fortnight.
Switch Gear System
 Place bags of silica Gel in the cabinet of switchgear and motor controls
located in the buildings and maintain heat in the buildings.
 Ensure environment is dust free by keeping the door closed.
Page 106 of 187

 Energize the heaters of the equipments once in a fortnight.
 Protect outdoor controls by covering with plastic sheet if plastic film is
placed on the cabinets, a 2” gap may be left around the bottom.
Other Electrical Items
Solenoid controls, Connectors, Capacitors, Fuse boards etc.

A preservative chemical 8070, Electricals 88 from M/s Stanvac Chemicals
Ltd., New Delhi (manufactured in USA) shall be used as per manufacturer’s
instructions and procedure for preservation of above items.
Page 107 of 187

Annexure-II(b)
IDLE TIME PRESERVATION SCHEME FOR AMINE TREATING

UNIT
Before taking shutdown for idle time preservation, the Amine Treating Unit
shall be operated without feed process gas to remove acid gases from amine
solution as much as possible. Required level of corrosion inhibitor shall also
be maintained in the circulating amine before idle time shutdown. This is
required to avoid corrosion of carbon steel surfaces by the leftover amine
solution after the shutdown.
STATIC EQUIPMENT
 LPG Absorber with Amine

 Fuel gas Absorber with Amine
 Flash column
 Amine Regenerator
 Sour Fuel Gas filter/separators
 Amine Storage Tank
 Skim off vessel
 Amine Regenerator Reflux Drum
Purge individual equipment with Nitrogen and ensure that all openings are
sealed and leak free. Maintain under a positive pressure of 5-10 psig.
Amine Sump, corrosion Inhibitor drum, Amine Settler vessel, Amine

Regenerator Re-boiler condensate pot, Antifoam Agent Drum
 Clean with potable water and dry by compressed air and keep closed.
1st stage and 2nd stage caustic wash vessel. Clean and flush with potable
water. Keep covered.
Sour Gas Cooler
Gas side: Purge with Nitrogen and seal all the openings and maintain positive
pressure of 5-10 psig with Nitrogen.
Cooling watersides: Drain cooling water and purge with Nitrogen and keep
under positive of 5-10 psig N2.
Rich Lean Amine Exchanger:
a) For shell & tube Exchanger

Drain amine and flush with D.M. water and air-drying. Keep closed.
b) Heat Exchanger
For plate Heat Exchanger:
Page 108 of 187

 Perform normal washing, chemical cleaning or mechanical cleaning
prior to protection
 Disassemble plates to ensure complete cleaning and drying.
 For storage periods over twelve months, coat rubber sealing rings with
a suitable compound to promote ease of removal.
 Reassemble plates. Leave drain valves open. Reprime frame materials
as necessary, coat bolts and nuts with Rust preventive oil.
Amine Regenerator Condenser: Amine Side: Purge with Nitrogen and

seal all the openings and maintain positive pressure of 5-10 psig. with
Nitrogen
Cooling waterside: Drain, purge with N2 and keep under positive

pressure of 5-10 psig.
Amine Regenerator Reboiler Steam Side Keep filled with D.M. water
containing 200ppm Hydrazine
Lean amine cooler Amine side: Purge with Nitrogen and seal all the
openings maintain positive pressure of 5-10 psig.
Cooling waterside: Drain, purge with nitrogen and keep under nitrogen
pressure of 5-10 psig.
ROTATING EQUIPMENT
 Rich amine transfer pumps

 Amine Sump pumps
 Antifoam agent injection pumps
 Weak caustic circulation pumps
 Strong caustic circulation pumps
 Fresh caustic injection pumps
 Flashed Rich amine pumps
 Regenerator Reflux pumps
 Lean Amine pumps
 Corrosion Inhibitor Pump
 Drain all the vents and drains on the both ends of the pump.
 Drain the casing and bearing house.
 Flush to clean and dry with air.
 Fill the pump casing with a petroleum based oil of approximately SAE
20 to 30 viscosity. Rotate the pump shaft to ensure complete coverage.
 Rotate the pump shaft manually once in a week.
 Spray the exposed portion of the pump shaft and gland with petroleum
based oil Repeat if necessary.
 Fill the shaft couplings with rust preventive Industrial grease with
corrosion Inhibitor.
Page 109 of 187

 Refresh lubricants as per manufacturer’s instructions.
Filters
Charcoal Filters
Cartridge Filters
Drain, backwash with potable water and keep filter media/cartridge under
Potable water
INSTRUMENTS
 Pressure instrument
 Temperature instruments
 Level instruments
 Flow instruments
All the above instruments shall be protected from weather by covering with
plastic sheet.
PIPING
 Lean amine liquid piping

 Rich amine liquid piping
 LPG/lean amine piping
 Fuel gas vapor piping
 LPG piping
 Sweet LPG piping
Purge with Nitrogen and seal all the openings without any leaks and maintain
positive pressure of 5-10 psig.
Antifoam agent liquid piping. Flush with potable water and dry by air.
Weak caustic liquid piping

Strong caustic liquid piping
Fresh caustic piping
Flush with D.M. water and dry by air
Valves
Lubricate and cover exposed valve stem with Industrial grease. Spray
petroleum oil in between flanges, if any operate the valves once in a fortnight.
Flanges, Joints, Nuts and Bolts
Spray petroleum based oil of approximately SAE 20 to 30 viscosity of Rust

preventive oil and wrap the flange joints with plastic tape
MOTORS
Page 110 of 187

 Erect a shelter over outdoor motors to protect from rain and high
humidity.
 Continuously energize heaters or arrange auxiliary heating
 Drain Oil-Lubricated bearings and fill with petroleum-based oil of
approximately SAE 20 to 30 Viscosity Rotate the shaft once in a month.
 Fill grease type bearing with normal operating grease and rotate the
shaft once a month
 Coat exposed shaft with petroleum oil and wrap with plastic tape.
Page 111 of 187

Annexure-II(c)
PROCEDURE FOR PASSIVATION OF AUSTENITIC STAINLESS

STEEL EQUIPMENT
INTRODUCTION
Neutralization of Austenitic SS is necessary to avoid stress corrosion cracking

due to polythionic acid attack of the SS equipment and piping. This is formed
if the system is opened to the atmosphere without due safeguard. XXX,
Mathura has developed a draft procedure for passivation, which has been
reviewed by EIL (SMMS) and a detailed guideline prepared. This is given for
Refineries to develop specific passivation scheme for desired equipment.
NEUTRALIZATION SOLUTION
 Wt% Soda ash solution as envisaged by Mathura Refinery will provide

adequate level of residual alkalinity on the metal surfaces (after the
solution is drained from the equipment) that will neutralize any polythionic
acid formation. Other parameters like addition of 0.4 wt% sodium nitrate,
pH of solution at minimum of and chloride level at maximum of 100 ppm is
in order.
 Samples of solution should be taken from suitable points and

concentration should be adjusted, if needed.
 Chloride content should be checked before pumping the solution to the

system.
 Use neutralizing tank by adding low chloride 250 Kgs. Soda ash and 50
Kgs. Of Sodium nitrate for each batch. Alternative combination and
batches may also be used as may be suitable.
PREPARATION AND BLINDING
 Scheme for 2 (two) circuits may be made. One for tube side of exchanger
alongwith other equipment that can easily be taken on line e.g. Reactor,
vessels etc.
 Another circuit may be made for covering shell side of the exchanger and
some other equipment in this circuit.
 Column should be treated separately, so also the heaters.
 Isolation and positive blinding of Heater should be ensured.
 Blinds in heater exchangers and column should be installed under nitrogen

positive pressure with due precautions. A typical neutralization and
Page 112 of 187

blinding scheme with solution entry and exit points is enclosed for
reference.
Two blinds on heater outlet (H1), line No. 04 to V-10-01.
 Tube side inlet to E-05, line No. 01.
 Line No. 02, inlet to E-01C shell and FRC by pass.
 Provide spacer alongwith a blind on line 03 (E01A) shell outlet.
 Suitable scheme may be developed as above depending on actual layout

of equipment and piping site.
 Before taking the Reactor into the circuit for neutralization, approval of
licensor should be taken. If no work is involved in Reactor, the same may
be maintained under Nitrogen positive pressure with inlet and outlet
positively blinded.
COLUMN
Circulation of solution in the column is not feasible. Hence swabbing or

spraying will have to be resorted to. Opening of minimum number of
manholes should be ensured as more the opening more possibilities of
ingress of air into the system. Manholes closer to SS portion should only be
opened. As suggested in procedure by Mathura Refinery, maximum
manpower should be developed to ensure completion of work as early as
possible. Gas free atmosphere should, however, be ensured before man
entry. Spraying is preferable than swabbing for uniformity.
FURNACE/ HEATER
External
External surface should be sprayed with suitable sprayer (long nose nozzle).
Swabbing may not give uniformity and will not be possible to cover the entire
lengths and breadths of tubes. Entire operation should be done at the earliest
possible time. Minimum number of manhole/pinholes should be opened.
Internal
Can either be kept under nitrogen positive pressure if feasible or filled with
neutralizing solution by pumping and ensuring that the heater is completely
filled with solution through suitable inlet and outlet joints.
Procedure
 Fill the tube side and Reactor from the filling point No. 1 (see attached
drawing) with the solution backward to Exchangers E01 C/B/A tube side.
Page 113 of 187

 Fill Exchangers E01 A/B/C shell side from point 3 with the solution.
 Continue filling the system until Soda Ash solution can be collected from
points 2 and 4 (on the drawing) and make sure that the system is
completely filled up with the solution.
Take samples from points 2 and 4 and check the concentration of the solution,
prepare additional batches and continue re-filling if the solution concentration
is less than 1%.
Soaking Time
Soak the system for 8 hours minimum before dumping the catalyst, if Reactor
is involved.
Page 114 of 187

BLIND
VALVE
PROCESS LINE
SOLUTION LINE
FROM HEATER
OUT SOLUTION
2
E-1A
0
4
REACTOR
OUT
V-10-01
E-1B
4 1
E-1C
1
E-05
03
TO HEATER
3 02
TYPICAL PROCESS EQUIPMENT NEUTRALIZATION SCHEME
Annexure-II(d)
NACE RP-0170 ON PROTECTION OF AUSTENITIC STAINLESS

STEEL EQUIPMENT
Protection of Austenitic Stainless Steel and Other Austenitic Alloys from

Polythionic Acid Stress Corrosion Cracking during Shutdown of
Refinery Equipment
1.0 General
1.1 If sulfide corrosion products are present on the surfaces of austenitic

stainless steel and other austenitic alloy process equipment, there is a
definite risk of polythionic acid stress corrosion cracking (SCC) when
oxygen (air) and water are admitted during an outage. Tensile stresses,
both residual and applied, are usually present in “cold” equipment. In
the presence of polythionic acids, SCC may occur in stressed
austenitic stainless steels and other austenitic alloys that are in a
sensitized condition.
1.1.1 Polythionic acid SCC normally occurs with the standard (0.08% carbon
max.) and high carbon (0.10% max.) grades that have become
sensitized either by weld fabrication or by operation in the sensitizing
range of 3700 to 8150C (7000 to 15000F).
1.1.2 Low-carbon (0.03% max) and chemically stabilized grades (e.g., alloys
with titanium or columbium alloying additions) may also become
sensitized by prolonged exposure in the sensitizing temperature range.
Sensitization will be more rapid in the presence of carbon (coke).
1.1.3 The resistance of chemically stabilized stainless steels and other

austenitic alloys to polythionic acid SCC may be significantly improved
by thermal stabilization treatment.
1.2 The degree of sensitization and stress levels are generally not known.
Therefore, austenitic stainless steel and other austenitic alloy process
equipment on which sulfide corrosion products may be present should
be protected using one or more of the following methods.
1.2.1 Exclusion of oxygen (air) and water by using a dry nitrogen purge.
Alkaline washing of all surfaces to neutralize any polythionic acids that

may form. (Field experience has demonstrated that austenitic stainless
1.2.2 steels and other austenitic alloys are effectively protected with properly
applied alkaline solutions.)
1.2.3 Exclusion of water by using a dry air purge with a dew point lower
than–150C (50F).
Page 116 of 187

1.3 If process equipment remains unopened and “hot” (above the water
dew point of the gas in the equipment), additional protection is
unnecessary.
1.4 The internal surface of austenitic stainless steel and other austenitic
alloy furnace tubes maybe susceptible to polythionic acid SCC whether
or not they have been thermally decoked and should be protected. If
thermally decoked, protection should be performed after decoking.
1.5 Protection of the external surfaces of austenitic stainless steel and

other austenitic alloy furnace tubes should be considered when sulfur
containing fuels have been used for furnace firing.
2.0 Nitrogen Purging
2.1 Process equipment may be protected by keeping it tightly closed and

purging with dry nitrogen to exclude oxygen (air). Use of dry nitrogen is
an effective means of lowering the water dew point temperature to less
than ambient. Nitrogen purging provides optimum protection for
catalysts.
2.2 If reactors to be opened but furnaces are not, the furnaces may be
purged with nitrogen and blinded off. A small positive nitrogen pressure
should be maintained.
2.2.1 Nitrogen should be dry and free of oxygen. (The user is cautioned that
oxygen levels as high as 1000 ppm have been found in commercial
nitrogen).
2.3 At the user’s discretion, 5000 ppm ammonia may be added to the
nitrogen.
The addition of ammonia is generally unnecessary when purging with

dry nitrogen, but may be advantageous where water and/ or oxygen
may be present.
Ammonia is toxic, and fresh air breathing equipment must be worn

during installation and removal of blinds.
Copper based alloys must be isolated from ammoniated nitrogen.
It should be determined that ammonia will not have an adverse effect

on catalyst.
2.4 Nitrogen purging is preferable for protection of vertical tube heaters if

alkaline wash solutions cannot be drained fully.
2.5 If steam is being used for purging or steam air decoking, steam
injection should be stopped before the metal temperature cools to 56 0C
Page 117 of 187

(1000F) above the water dew point. When de-pressured, but before
cooling lower than 560C (1000F) above the water dew point, the system
should be purged with dry nitrogen. Some purge flow should be
maintained until blinds are installed. A positive nitrogen purge pressure
should be maintained on the system after blinding.
2.6 The user is cautioned that wearing fresh-air breathing equipment in

nitrogen-purged equipment requires special precautions, in accordance
with local plant safety procedures.
3.0 Alkaline Wash Solutions
3.1 Sodium carbonate (soda ash) solutions are used to protect austenitic
stainless steels and other austenitic alloys from polythionic acid SCC.
Solution pH should be greater than 9. These solutions may also
contain an alkaline surfactant and corrosion inhibitor.
3.2 The recommended wash solution is 2 wt% soda ash (industry practice
varies from 1 to 5 wt%, with a majority using 2 wt% solutions). A 1.4 to
2 wt% soda ash solution will provide a sufficient level of residual
alkalinity on metal surfaces after the solution drain from the equipment.
Additionally, this low concentration will facilitate solution preparation.
3.2.1 The use of caustic soda is not recommended.
3.2.2 Experience with potassium carbonate is limited. No cracking has been

reported by those who have substituted it for soda ash.
3.3 Because of successful past experience with solutions containing small

amounts of chloride, it is not always necessary to provide chloride-free
solutions.
3.3.1 Chloride concentration in the freshly mixed wash solution should be

limited to 150 ppm. This nominal chloride limit is attainable with
commercially available chemicals.
3.4 In special cases, flushing with ammoniated condensate may be

necessary. The solution should have a pH above 9 and a chloride
content of less than 5 ppm.
3.5 The addition of an alkaline surfactant to the wash solution at 0.2 wt%
concentration is recommended to promote penetration of coke, scale,
or oil films. Heating of the wash solution to 49 0C (1200F) may
accelerate the penetration of oily films and residues.
3.6 Corrosion inhibitors have been used to decrease the possibility of

chloride SCC by these alkaline solutions.
3.6.1 At the user’s option, 0.4 wt% sodium nitrate maybe added. (In
laboratory tests, low concentrations of sodium nitrate have been found
Page 118 of 187

to be effective in suppressing SCC of austenitic stainless steel in
boiling magnesium chloride solutions). Caution: Excess NaNO 3 can
cause SCC of carbon steel.
4.0 Alkaline Washing
4.1 Austenitic stainless steel and other austenitic alloy equipment to be

opened to the air is best protected with a soda ash solution (defined in
section-3). Soda ash solutions neutralize acids and, after draining,
leave a thin alkaline film on the surface that can neutralize any
additional acid formation. It is vital that this film not be washed off and
that it remains in place as the equipment goes back on-stream.
4.1.1 The equipment must be alkaline washed before any exposure to air. It
is very important to contact 100% of the equipment’s internal surfaces.
4.1.2 The equipment should be soaked for a minimum of two hours. If

deposits or sludges are present, the solution should be circulated
vigorously (two hours minimum). Longer times are not detrimental in
either case.
4.1.3 The circulating solution should be analyzed at appropriate intervals to

ensure that pH and chloride limits are maintained.
4.1.4 It is essential that the alkaline wash not be followed by a water wash.
4.1.5 Each system must be evaluated individually and precautions taken to

ensure that unvented gas pockets or cascading through down-flow
sections do not prevent complete surface contact.
4.1.6 If washing the outside of furnace tubes is necessary to remove

deposits, a soda ash solution should be used because these surfaces
my be subject to polythionic acid SCC.
4.2 Hydro jetting of equipment should be conducted using a soda ash

solution.
4.2.1 After hydro jetting, equipment should be kept dry and out of the
weather. If this is not possible, the soda ash wash should be repeated
as required to maintain a residual film of soda ash. Equipment shall be
reinstalled with soda ash residual film left on surfaces.
4.3 Hydrostatic testing of equipment should be conducted using a soda

ash solution. Ammoniated condensate may be used if the equipment is
not reopened or exposed to oxygen (air).
4.4 If sodium chloride ions cannot be tolerated in the process system, the
equipment can be washed with ammoniated condensate after being
closed. If the unit is not started up immediately, the solution can be left
Page 119 of 187

in place or displaced with nitrogen or dry hydrocarbon. The unit must
not be exposed to oxygen (air) after this procedure. Ammonia solutions
do not leave a residual alkaline film after being drained.
4.5 On completion of alkaline washing, all remaining alkaline solution must

be drained from all low points in the system prior to returning
equipment to service. Failure to do so can result in concentration of
carbonate and chloride salts by evaporation, which can also lead to
SCC in austenitic stainless steels.
5.0 Protection of Reactors
5.1 Reactors containing catalyst require special consideration. Personnel

safety and protection of the catalyst may dictate the use of procedures
that are less than optimum in terms of protection from polythionic acid
SCC.
5.1.1 Non-regenerated catalysts frequently are pyrophoric. This may require

that such catalysts either be kept wet or out of contact with oxygen (air)
by the use of nitrogen purging.
5.2 Industry experience suggests that austenitic low-carbon and stabilized

grade weld overlays and stabilized grade wrought internals in reactors
are very resistant to polythionic acid SCC for reactor operating
temperatures below 4500C (8500F).
5.3 Recommended procedures for protection of reactors that will be

opened for entry and have a history of successful use in the field are as
follows:
5.3.1 Catalyst unloading and loading can be conducted under nitrogen-

blanketing conditions by personnel using appropriate fresh-air
breathing equipment. Following unloading, the reactor is purged with
dry air and this purge is maintained while the reactor is open. Purge air
dew point temperatures from –150 to –460C (50 to –500F) have been
used.
5.3.2 If the catalyst is to be discarded, the reactor can be filled with soda ash
solution to wet both catalyst and reactor parts. The solution strength
should be increased to 5 wt% to compensate for the acidity of deposits
held by the catalyst. Unloading can then be conducted in air while
keeping the catalyst wetted with soda ash solution to prevent
pyrophoric ignition. The reactor should then be washed down with soda
ash solution and dried prior to repairs or catalyst loading.
5.3.3 If the user wishes to eliminate the use of soda ash solutions and fresh
air breathing equipment while unloading the catalyst, the catalyst may
be dumped, following wetting with good quality fresh water (less than
50 ppm chloride), without nitrogen purging. This should be preceded by
a careful investigation to determine that:
Page 120 of 187

(1) Only stabilized grades have been used where austenitic
stainless steel materials have been specified.
(2) These alloy materials have not become sensitized as a result of

either vessel fabrication procedures or the reactors thermal
history during operation.
This procedure involves some risk of polythionic acid SCC through

either accidental use of unstabilized grades or misinterpretation of the
thermal history of the reactor.
Page 121 of 187

Annexure-II(e)
IDLE TIME PRESERVATION OF STATIC & ROTARY

EQUIPMENT – OISD-171
S. No. CONTENTS
1.0 General
1.1. Introduction
1.2 Scope
1.3 Definition
1.4 Consideration for Selection of Protective System
2.0 Preservation of Idle Static Equipment

2.1 Preservation of Heat Exchangers
2.2 Preservation of Columns & Vessels
2.3 Preservation of Fired Heaters, Ducts and Stacks

2.4 Preservation of Equipment in Cooling Towers
2.5 Preservation of Atmospheric Storage Tanks
2.6 Preservation of Idle Boilers

2.7 Preservation of Pipelines
3.0 Preservation of Idle Rotary Equipment
3.1 Preservation of Idle Pumps
3.2 Preservation of Idle Compressors
3.3 Preservation of Steam Turbines
3.4 Preservation of Gas Turbine
3.5 Preservation of Diesel Engines
3.6 Preservation of Fans & Blowers
4.0 Preservation of Materials in Stores
4.1 Preservation of Heater Component
4.2 Preservation of Pipes, Pipe Fittings and Valves

4.3 Preservation of Heat Exchangers/ Condensers/ Coolers
4.4 Preservation of Plates
Page 122 of 187

4.5 Preservation of Structural Steel
4.6 Preservation of Column Trays & Fittings
4.7 Preservation of Vessel & Exchanger Shell
4.8 Preservation of Refractory
4.9 Preservation of Spare Parts of Pumps and Reciprocating Compressors
4.10 Preservation of Anti-Friction Bearings
4.11 Preservation/ represervation of components of centrifugal Compressor/
Steam Turbine/ Gas Turbine/ Diesel Engine
4.12 Preservation Procedure for Equipment not Installed/ kept at Store
5.0 References
Annexure I
Commonly Used Preservative
Page 123 of 187

OISD-STD-171
PRESERVATION OF IDLE STATIC & ROTARY MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
1.0 GENERAL
1.1. INTRODUCTION
Preservation of idle equipment installed in the plant involves

safeguarding unattended and inactive equipment from deterioration
during their down period, generally above one month arising out due to
the reasons like feed problems, haulage problem, major repairs,
revamps, modifications, retrofitting, etc. Deterioration of equipment
during periods of idling is usually caused by conditions entirely different
from those that exist during operation. Many deposits formed during
operations turn usually corrosive under shutdown conditions. Moisture,
oxygen, dirt, dust, ultraviolet rays, extreme pressure and temperature,
corrosive environment of coastal areas and closeness to other
chemical plants, are the some of the factors causing deterioration.
Preservation of static and rotary equipment and their spare parts,

which are required to be kept in store for prolonged periods, needs to
be carried out to prevent their deterioration, and as such preservation
procedures for the equipment/ spares kept in store should be adopted.
New equipment received at plant/project site should be preserved
considering manufacturer’s recommendations.
Page 124 of 187

1.2 SCOPE: -
This standard lays down the preservation procedures to be followed in

oil and gas installations for various static and rotary idle mechanical
equipment installed at plant and for the equipment/spares kept in
stores. The scope does not include the electrical equipment,
instruments and chemicals.
1.3 DEFINITIONS
a) Preservation:
Preservation is safeguarding of unattended and inactive equipment
from deterioration during their down period.
b) Coating :
Coating means an application of a coat of preservative media like
paint, Oil or grease etc.,
c) Surface Preparation:
Surface Preparation includes cleaning of the parent metal surface
for removing foreign particles like rust, scale, liquid etc., by
mechanical or chemical cleaning techniques.
1.4 CONSIDERATION FOR SELECTION OF PROTECTIVE SYSTEM:-
A careful study should be undertaken before finalizing a protection

system. This should consider the type of equipment, its cost and ease of
repair/replacement, period of protection, rate of deterioration expected
and allowable deterioration etc. Equipment, which can be shifted easily,
should preferably be moved to warehouse.
Before going for protective measures, following should be considered:
a) Period of shutdown
b) Allowable deterioration and rate of deterioration
c) Probability of reuse
d) Expenditure for repair/replacement
e) Time for repair/replacement after the shutdown
f) Type of protection systems(various alternatives)
g) Condition of the equipment
h) Criticality of the service
i) Type of environment in which equipment/spares are to be stored.
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Equipment/spares will need no preservation if
a) It has become obsolete and will not be put to service again.
b) It has deteriorated beyond economical repair and required to be

condemned.
c) The estimated value of the equipment is not worth the expenditure

to be made for preservation, if it is not in critical service.
2.0 PRESERVATION OF IDLE STATIC EQUIPMENT
This section covers the Preservation of following idle equipment.
a) Heat Exchangers
b) Columns & Vessels
c) Fired Heaters, Ducts & Stacks
d) Cooling Towers
e) Storage Tanks
f) Boilers
g) Pipelines
2.1 PRESERVATION OF HEAT EXCHANGERS
Exchangers need to be carefully protected when idle. Exchangers may

deteriorate due to conditions, which are different from those that exist
during operation. The deterioration may be primarily due to water, sludge
or other corrosive elements in the entrapped process fluids and
environmental conditions. Some fluids may have a tendency to congeal
after a long time of retention. Preservation technique should be based
on the duration of idleness, type of equipment, its service and
environment. Exchangers in non-corrosive service should be preserved in
case idle period is more than six months. For exchangers in corrosive
services, preservation should be done based on corrosiveness of the
fluid. The following procedures for preservation should be adopted:
a) Open the exchangers, remove the bundle, disassemble all

components.
b) Clean all the parts thoroughly by hydro blasting / hydro jetting or

chemical cleaning. No deposits should be left on inside or outside
surface of the equipment/bundle.
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c) Thoroughly coat with preservative oil/grease on the required surfaces
including bolting flange and gasket faces, etc.
d) Reassemble all components, blank off all nozzles and close all vents
and drains.
e) All the exposed bolts and flanges to be coated with grease.
f) Austenitic stainless steel component should be suitably passivated

before exposure to atmosphere in line with the procedure as laid down
in NACE Standard RP-01-70.
g) Depending on the environmental conditions, coating to be applied on

the external surfaces. If the weather is very humid, completely
remove the insulation and apply the paint.
h) For finned air cooler, clean the tubes internally, circulate preservative
oil through the tubes and seal off all the header boxes.
i) When the tube bundle is to be stored separately, bolt wooden flanges

to both the tube sheets and cover with waterproof tarpaulin, if
necessary.
2.2 PRESERVATION OF COLUMNS & VESSELS
In columns/vessels when idle, corrosion can take place either due to

condensation of retained vapours or from the moisture in the
atmosphere. Corrosive products may also form due to the chemical
reaction of water with scales/deposits. Following procedures for
preservation should be adopted:
a) Flush/clean the equipment, carry out neutralization wherever

applicable and drain.
b) Purge with nitrogen after ensuring that all the openings are sealed
and leak free. Maintain a positive pressure of 100 mm of water
column. Alternatively spraying oil on the inner surfaces or filling and
draining oil or placing desiccants like bags of lime or silica gel may
be considered.
c) Remove the safety valves (bolted only) and close all the openings.
Safety valves shall be stored indoors.
d) Coat all the exposed bolts anchor bolts, gaskets, flange faces with
grease/preservative oil.
e) Austenitic stainless steel components shall be suitably passivated

before exposure to atmosphere in line with the procedure as laid down
in NACE Standard RP-01-70.
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2.3 PRESERVATION OF FIRED HEATERS, DUCTS AND STACKS
In heaters when idle, corrosion may take place either due to condensation
or chemical reaction of atmospheric moisture with scale/deposits on the
tubes. Following procedures for preservation should be adopted.
a) Tubes should be completely cleaned from outside and inside surface.

After cleaning the header, boxes should be sealed. For vertical heater
drying with nitrogen/ air should be considered. If the complete
cleaning is not possible, suitable neutralizing agent should be flushed
through the tubes to avoid any damage that may occur during idle
period.
b) All the hinges on access doors, peep holes, drains and dampers, etc.
should be coated with grease to ensure smooth operation after
shutdown.
c) When the external surface of the furnace/ducts/stack reveals paint

failure, it is advisable to touch up and maintain the paint on a regular
schedule. Sulphur deposits if found, should be removed.
d) Refractory should be kept dry at all the times to prevent any cracking
due to water ingress. The ingress of atmospheric moisture should be
avoided by proper capping of stack and duct opening and by sealing
all those locations from where water or moist air can seep in.
Supplementary heat or a desiccant can also be considered.
2.4 PRESERVATION OF EQUIPMENT IN COOLING TOWERS
The cooling tower consists of concrete basin, main structure of red wood,
fan and fan motor. The conditions are more severe when the cooling
tower is in operation than it is idle. Following preservation procedures
should be adopted while cooling tower is idle.
a) Drain and flush all the pipe lines.
b) Drain all water from the basin, remove all debris, muck, etc. and clean
the basin thoroughly.
c) Replace all unsatisfactory structural members. Replace warped and

missing slats.
d) Carryout repairs to the concrete walls and floors of the basin for cracks,
loose concrete, slope of the floor, etc.
e) Remove fan motor and protect it as per OISD-146 (Preservation of idle

electrical equipment).
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f) Drain the oil from gear box and refill it with a high grade mineral oil.
Clean the exterior surfaces of the gear reducer housing and paint
them. Wrap all exposed shaft with Plastic tape. Store the reducer in a
warm and dry area.
g) Clean the fan with appropriate cleaner and apply suitable paint, if
required.
h) Cover the fan drive gear with a light grease and water proof paper.
i) Secure the fan blades to prevent rotation and to provide supports.
In areas where it is undesirable or unnecessary to remove the fan drive

components, the fan should be operated every 3-4 weeks and routine
preventive maintenance be carried out.
The dry wood of an idle cooling tower is a serious fire hazard. Therefore,
for idle periods of about two months, a perforated hose should be laid
around the tower and spray water periodically to keep wood in wet
condition all the time. For extended shutdowns, the plenium and fill should
be sprayed with a fire retarding chemical and a biocide.
2.5 PRESERVATION OF ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS
Tank interiors can be corroded by the water present in the product or by

condensation of the vapours in fixed type of roofs. Floating roof is
subjected to exterior corrosion due to stagnant water on the roof.
Following procedures for preservation should be adopted.
a) The tank shall be made free of gas and any residue. Extra precautions
shall be taken when pyrophoric iron sulfide or residue of leaded
gasoline are present.
b) All the loose scales on the internal surface of the tank should be
removed.
c) The internal surface should be coated with preservative oil by

spraying. Brushing can be used in the case of structural members.
d) All the manholes should be closed.
e) The external surface should be cleaned and protected by suitable

repainting as necessary.
f) Tanks located in areas subjected to windstorms of high velocity shall be

filled with an inhibited water.
g) If the tank is with steam coils, the condensate should be drained off
and the steam coil should be positively blinded.
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h) The tanks isolated from service shall be externally inspected annually.
i) In case of floating roof tanks, the floating roofs should preferably be

kept afloat by filling with inhibited water and roof drains be kept open.
Water accumulated on the roof tops due to rain etc, if any, shall be
cleaned periodically.
2.6 PRESERVATION OF IDLE BOILERS
Unless proper storage procedures are followed, severe corrosion may

occur in idle boilers. The method to protect idle boilers depend primarily
on length of downtime. Cold storage of boilers include dry or wet storage.
Dry storage is preferred when the boilers will be out of service for a
period of 45 days or more while wet storage may be suitable for a
shorter duration.
2.6.1 Cold storage
a) Dry Storage
The boiler should be drained, thoroughly cleaned and dried completely

by means of hot air. Close attention should be given to complete
elimination of moisture from nondrainable super heater tubes. A suitable
absorbing material in a water tight container should be placed in the
boiler drums or on top of the flues in a fire tube boiler. The most
commonly used moisture absorbents are quick lime and silica gel. Silica
gel is more efficient in absorbing moisture and can be regenerated by
heating so that it can be used over again and again. Since it is not a
caustic substance, can be used more easily and safely, it is generally
preferred.
After placing the quick lime or silica gel in the boiler as per
manufacturer’s recommendation, all openings should be tightly closed.
The unit should be checked at an interval of every two or three months,
as experience dictates, for renewal of the lime or regeneration of silica
gel.
b) Wet Storage
The boiler should be cleaned and inspected and then filled to the normal
water level. If deaerated water is not available, dissolved gases should
be expelled by boiling water for a short time with boiler vented to
atmosphere. The boiler water alkalinity should be adjusted with caustic
soda to a minimum of 400 PPM. Sufficient Sodium sulfite should also be
added to produce a minimum sulfite residual of 100 PPM. After the boiler
is cooled and before a vacuum is created, the unit should be filled
completely with water and all connections closed.
Test should be conducted on weekly basis and additions to the treatment

chemicals should be made necessary to maintain the minimum
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recommended concentrations. When treatment additions are required,
the boiler water should be circulated by means of an external pump or by
lowering the water to operating levels and steaming the boiler for a short
time. The boiler should then be completely flooded as outlined
previously. The temperature of boiler should be maintained as low as
possible since the corrosion rate increases at higher temperatures.
When the boiler is returned to service, a high rate of blowdown should be

maintained initially so that alkalinity and sulfite be reduced to normal
operating levels rapidly.
In some small installations or where weekly testing is not practicable,

Chromate salts can be employed to protect idle boilers against corrosion.
The concentration maintained should be 2000-2500 PPM as sodium
chromate. The boiler should be completely filled and closed tightly. To
assure good mixing, circulation of the water with a pump is
recommended. Boilers stored in this manner should be blown down
heavily to dissipate the chromate colour, before being returned to
service.
Nitrogen or other inert gas may also be used for storage purpose. A
slight positive pressure of the gas is maintained after the boiler has been
filled to operating level with deaerated feed water.
c) Super heater Storage
In some boilers it is not possible to separate the super heater section

from rest of the boiler. Accordingly, it is necessary to follow the same
storage procedure for the super heater section as for the other portions
of the boiler. Wet storage of drainable super heaters is relatively simple
while wet storage of nondrainable super heaters is more complicated. In
dry storage, care must be taken to remove all the moisture from the
nondrainable super heaters by reheating the super heaters sufficiently to
evaporate all the water. This may be accomplished by means of a small
fire in the boiler furnace. In some cases it may be possible to dry the
nondrainable super heaters with hot air diverted from the air heaters of
one of the operating boiler. Depending on the actual design, there may
be a choice as to whether the dry air is directed over the external
surfaces or internally.
Since a residue will be left in nondrainable super heater tubes after

boiling out, if the superheater has been flooded with water containing
boiler water salts, it is desirable to employ a method of wet storage which
does not involve the use of solid chemicals.
Volatile chemicals or inert gases can be used in superheater section.

The volatile chemicals recommended are hydrazine and ammonia or
neutralizing amine. If high purity is not available to fill the entire boiler,
the superheater tubes can be filled with condensate or demineralised
water from the outlet end. The recommended treatment concentrations
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are approximately 100 PPM of hydrazine and sufficient ammonia or
neutralizing amine to elevate the PH to approximately 9.0-10.0.
2.6.2Hot storage
Instead of keeping standby boilers in banked condition or operating

all the boilers in lower capacity, standby boilers can be kept under
pressure as “Accumulator” with a simple modification. The
modification required is a 2” steam line from main steam header to
be connected to the blowdown line upstream of blowdown valves
with 2 nos. of 2” NRV. Through this accumulator steam line, steam
from the main steam header enter into MUD DRUM and get
condensed and hence the boiler will be under pressure without
keeping the burners in service. About 3 to 5 Tonnes per hour of
steam may be consumed in this way to keep the boiler as
Accumulator- depending upon the insulation of the boiler.
To keep the boiler as accumulator
a) Stop the burner/s
b) Stop the FD fan
c) Close the main stop valve
d) Open both accumulator steam line block valves slowly avoiding

water hammering
To put back the boiler in service
a) Open the start up vent line
b) Open the SH drain
c) Start FD fan
d) Take the burner/s into service
e) After about 5 minutes of venting of steam, open the main stop valve
and close the start up vent and SH drain valve
To operate blowdown valves during accumulator condition (drum level

may rise during accumulator condition due to the condensation of the
accumulator steam in the MUD DRUM) to lower the drum level.
a) Close the accumulator steam 2” gate valve near the MUD DRUM
b) Operate the blow down valves
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c) After blow down - close the blow down valves and open the
Accumulator Steam 2” gate valve
3.0 PRESERVATION OF PIPELINES
The following procedures should be adopted
a) Flush the lines clean
b) Open the flange joints and valves at low points to ensure complete
draining.
c) Dry the lines or circulate an inhibited or uninhibited oil through them
d) Inspect insulated and wrapped lines, uncovering the piping where

leaks are suspected.
e) Repair all damaged insulation and wrapping. Bare pipe should be

wire brushed and painted.
f) Lubricate all valves.
g) Spray all external surfaces of the valves with oil and cover valve
stem with grease. Relief valve should be rotated or separated from
their discharge piping. Their discharge side should be sprayed with
oil and covered with water proof paper or plastic.
h) Tighten all flanges. Spray mating flanges joints with oil, and wrap
them with suitable wrapper to prevent crevice corrosion between
mating flanges.
On idle units, process and utility lines (except fire water lines) should be
blinded off near the battery limit.
4.0 PRESERVATION OF IDLE ROTARY EQUIPMENT
This section covers preservation of the following Rotary Equipment

while they are idle.
a) Pumps
b) Compressors
c) Steam Turbines
d) Gas Turbine
e) Diesel Engine
f) Fans & Blowers
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4.1 PRESERVATION OF IDLE PUMPS
The following procedure should be adopted for preserving an idle pump
4.1.1 Preservation of idle centrifugal Pumps
a) Close the suction and discharge valves and blind the same. Isolate
the pump from all other connected auxiliary lines. In case the pump
is to be removed and kept in storage, disconnect all pipe
connections and blind the suction and discharge flanges.
b) Open all vents and drains in the pump casing and bearing housing.
Flush the casing and housing with a suitable solvent or cleaning
agent.
c) For pumps with gland packing, remove the packing, coat the interior
of the stuffing box with light grease, repack with a few rings of
ordinary non-metallic packing to avoid ingress of water into the
stuffing box and then retighten the gland.
d) For pumps with single mechanical seal, loosen the seal gland, pack
the seal with a light grease and tighten the seal gland lightly.
e) For pumps with double mechanical seal, drain the stuffing box and
flush it with a cleaning agent, plug the lower stuffing box drain and
fill it with lightweight grease or lubricating oil.
f) Plug the bearing housing drains and fill the bearing housing
completely with lubricating oil.
g) Close all drains and fill the entire pump casing with a lubricating oil.
Rotate the pump shaft slowly to ensure complete coating of the
inner surfaces.
h) Rotate the pump shaft every three to four weeks, leaving it in a

different position each time.
i) Clean the exposed pump shaft and protect with grease.
j) Protect the shaft couplings by filling them with grease or coating

them with a rust preventive.
4.1.2 Preservation of Reciprocating Pumps.
I) Preservation of idle steam/air driven Reciprocating Pumps
a) Open all vents and drains on both the liquid end and steam/air end
of the pump.
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b) Disconnect all pipe connections, blind the suction, discharge and
steam flanges/ air connections.
c) Remove the packing from the stuffing box and coat the stuffing box
and rods inside the box with light grease. Repack the stuffing box
with a non-metallic packing and re tighten the gland.
d) Remove the valve cover plate from liquid end of the pump and slide
valve cover from steam/air end. Remove a valve from each end of
each cylinder on the liquid end. Flush the cylinders with a cleaning
agent. Fill all cylinders with suitable preservative oil. Fill the steam/
air cylinders with a suitable preservative oil through slide valve
opening at the steam/air end. Slowly bar each piston back and
forth.
e) Apply a suitable rust preventive to all valves and valve covers and
install them back.
f) Drain the excess preservative oil from the cylinders and close all
vents and drains.
g) Clean and cover exposed rods with grease.
h) Fill all lubricators with oil.
II) Preservation of idle motor driven Injection/Metering Pumps
a) Open all vents and drains.
b) Remove the pump, clean, fill the liquid chamber with lubricating oil
and fix back the pump.
c) Blind the suction and discharge valves
d) In case of diaphragm type pump drain the hydraulic oil from the
hydraulic chamber, flush and fill the hydraulic chamber with a
lubricating oil.
e) Drain the gear box oil; flush and fill the gear box with a lubricating
oil.
f) Close all vents and drains in the pump and gear box.
g) For pumps with gland packing, remove the packing, coat the interior
of the stuffing box with light grease, repack with a few rings of
ordinary non-metallic packing to avoid ingress of water into the
stuffing box and then retighten the gland.
3.2 PRESERVATION OF IDLE COMPRESSORS.
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The following procedure should be adopted for preserving idle
compressors.
3.2.1 Preservation of idle centrifugal Compressors
Whenever the centrifugal compressor is required to be at stand still for

a prolonged shutdown of more than 3 months the following method
may be used for preserving the compressor components.
a) The compressor casing may be charged with a low positive

pressure of dry nitrogen 50 to 70 mm WG during the whole time of
shutdown at stand still condition for all the compressors which are
not provided with oil seals. For the type of compressors, which are
provided with oil seals nitrogen supply, may be given after putting
into operation the seal oil system. However, if the nitrogen
pressure can be maintained around 70 mm WG even without seal
oil system in service, nitrogen supply can be given without
operating seal oil system
b) The lube oil and seal systems should be operated for half an hour
once a week to protect the system against corrosion.
c) The compressor rotor shall be rotated by turning gear or by hand

by the following procedures:
 It should be rotated by 180 degree from the standstill condition

after three months
 It should be rotated by 90 degree after 3 months.
 It should be again rotated by 180 degree after 3 months.
 It should be rotated by 90 degree position after 3 months.
 This procedure shall be continued subsequently.
For compressors, which are idle for a period over 6 months,

the following preservation methods may be used.
a) Blind off all process, oil supply and oil drain openings
b) Remove the rotor and associated parts, such as bearing and seals
and diaphragms.
c) Preserve the removed parts with a protective material as detailed in

Para 4.9
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d) Fill the compressor system with oil through a drain opening and
displace all air from the case by venting and close all drain and vent
connections.
e) Fill the oil seal system with oil.
f) The water-cooling system shall be drained, flushed and filled with

clean fresh water dozed with anticorrosive chemical.
g) Change water every six months.
3.2.2. Preservation of idle Reciprocating Compressor.
The following procedures should be adopted for preserving an idle

reciprocating compressor.
a) Close and seal all frame openings to prevent contamination of

frame interior.
b) When the compressor (lubricated as well as dry lubricated)

compressor is kept idle for a period less than six months, run the
motor driven/hand driven crank mechanism lube oil pump for 10-15
minutes once in every week.
While the crank mechanism lube oil pump in operation, rotate the shaft
by a few revolutions at least once in every two weeks. The shaft needs
not to be stopped at previous locations.
c) When the compressor (lubricated as well as dry lubricated) is kept

idle for more than six months fill up the crankcase with enough
suitable preservative oil to bring the oil level to the mark on the oil
level gauge window. Close all holes/ opening of the crankcase and
purge the air inside the crankcase with dry nitrogen and keep a
nitrogen pressure of about 100 mm WG. Run the lube oil pump for
10-15 minutes and at the same time rotate the shaft, by a few
revolutions, manually or by a barring jack. Avoid that the shaft
stops in previous position. Repeat the operation once in two
weeks. In case dry nitrogen is not available, introduce in the
crankcase a suitable quantity of dehydrating agent at such a
location that it does not get soaked with oil during the running of
lube oil pump. Check the effectiveness of the dehydrating agent
periodically.
d) Apply suitable grease on the shaft end outside the crankcase and
all other exposed surfaces.
e) For lubricated compressors keep the compressor valves immersed

in suitable rust preventive oil. As an alternative apply rust preventive
oil on the compressor valves and keep them in plastic bags with
dehydrator. For dry lubricated compressors remove the valves from
Page 137 of 187

cylinder, put sufficient quantity of dehydrating agent in the valve
chambers and assemble the valve covers. Clean the valves and
keep them in plastic bags with dehydrator
f) When lubricated compressors are kept idle for less than 6 months,
wet the cylinder and packing with sufficient quantity of lube oil and
also have 10-15 piston strokes at the same time. Repeat the
operation once in every two weeks.
g) When dry lubricated compressors are kept idle for less than 6
months, Seal all holes of the cylinder, purge with dry nitrogen and
maintain a pressure of about 100 mm WG. If nitrogen is not
available, keep sufficient quantity of dehydrating agent such as
silica gel and close tightly. Check periodically effectiveness of the
dehydrating agent.
h) When lubricated compressors and dry-lubricated compressors (for

process that allow traces of grease), are kept idle for more than 6
months, take out the pistons out of the cylinders. Remove the piston
rings and rider rings. For metallic piston rings, apply grease on the
entire surface and keep them in sealed polythene bags with
dehydrator. Non-metallic piston rings do not require any special
protection. Clean thoroughly and apply suitable grease inside the
cylinder and the housing for valves and packing. Seal all holes of
the cylinder, purge with dry nitrogen and maintain a pressure of
about 100 mm WG. If dry nitrogen is not available, keep sufficient
quantity of dehydrating agent such as silica gel inside the cylinder
and check the effectiveness of the dehydrating agent periodically.
Fill lubricators with lubricating oil. For dry-lubricated compressor all
traces of rust preventive grease shall be removed before putting
into service.
i) When dry-lubricated compressors for process that do not allow

traces of grease, are kept idle for more than 6 months, the pistons,
piston rings, valves and packing shall be degreased with thinners
and kept in sealed polythene bags with dehydrator. Seal all holes
of the cylinder, purge with dry nitrogen and maintain a pressure of
about 100 mm WG. If dry nitrogen is not available, keep sufficient
quantity of dehydrating agent such as silica gel inside the cylinder
and check the effectiveness of the dehydrating agent periodically.
j) Drain cooling water from cylinder jackets, inter coolers and after
coolers wherever applicable.
k) Purge the piping with dry nitrogen. Close all openings and
maintain a nitrogen pressure of 100 mm of WG. As an alternative,
close all openings tightly and keep inside the piping sufficient
quantity of dehydrating agent such as silica gel, in accordance with
their dimensions and shape. Check the dehydrating agent
periodically.
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3.2.3 Preservation of idle oil free screw type Air Compressor.
The following procedure should be adopted when the compressor kept

idle for a period up to two months the compressor should be run on
no load once a week for approx. 10-15 minutes
When the compressor kept idle for more than two months, the following
steps should be adopted
a) With the compressor running on LOADED condition open the

manual condensate drains of inter cooler and after cooler and
ensure all drain pipes are free. Close the drains and reopen them
only after the unit has stopped.
b) Remove the moisture trap flange of the inter cooler and place
sufficient quantity of moisture absorbing agent inside the moisture
trap.
c) Close the flange hole of moisture trap airtight. Keep the flange
separate in dry condition.
d) Close the manual drains.
e) Rotate the compressor drive shaft a few turns by hand once a

week.
f) Drain off the lubricating oil and refill the oil sump with a suitable
preservative oil
g) Run the compressor on no load after first two months for at least
half an hour to ensure that the normal working temperatures have
been reached. Before running the compressor, remove and discard
the moisture absorbing agent and refit the moisture trap flange.
h) Proceed further as described under steps (a) to (e) above using a

new moisture-absorbing agent.
i) When the unit is standing idle for an extended period the above-
mentioned procedure should be repeated every six months.
j) Drain the cooling water, close the inlet and outlet valves and fill the
line with fresh water.
3.2.4 Preservation of idle oil flooded screw Compressor
When the compressor is going to be idle fore more than six months
a) Blind off suction and discharge valves
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b) Drain the oil in the casing of the screw elements.
c) Flush and fill the casing of the screw elements with a suitable preservative
oil.
d) Close all drains and vents
e) Drain the cooling water, close the inlet and outlet valves and fill the line
with fresh water dozed with anticorrosive chemical.
f) Rotate the compressor drive shaft a few turns by hand once a week.
g) Change the preservative oil every six months/one year as per schedule.
h) Change water every six months.
3.3 PRESERVATION OF STEAM TURBINES
a) The lube oil system and governing oil system shall be either kept in
service on a weekly basis or filled with a low positive pressure of
dry nitrogen.
b) Dry nitrogen may be admitted into the turbine including all steam
spaces and gland sealing through one of the pressure tapping
points in the turbine exhaust hood of turbine case. This shall be
done during a period of minimum humidity and air inside the turbine
is to be purged out completely.
c) Maintain a positive pressure of about 50 to 75 mm WG during the

idle time and monitor the same.
The turbine rotor shall be rotated by turning gear or by hand by

the following procedures:
 It should be rotated by 180 degree from the standstill condition after

three months
 This procedure shall be continued subsequently.
3.4 PRESERVATION OF GAS TURBINE
The following procedure should be adopted for preserving

idle gas turbine
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Machine already erected at site and the final commissioning of the
machine is expected to be longer than one month.
a) For a single shaft turbine, cranking has to be done for half an hour
once in a week keeping the lube oil system under operation. Apart
from cranking of HP shaft, Low pressure (LP) shaft of two-shaft
turbine has to be rotated manually for a few complete revolutions
every week with help of suitable fixtures fitted with coupling hub in
the direction of rotation keeping the lube oil under operation.
b) The lube oil has to be internally circulated through a centrifuge

every day for 8 hours or whatever time required to drive out the
moisture/ dirt/ dust from the lubricating oil when the Gas Turbine is
lying in idle condition.
c) If the cranking is not possible by motor not being provided with

electrical connections, in such case rotation of the machine to be
done manually using suitable fixtures keeping the lube oil under
operation.
d) The rotor in no case shall be rotated without lube oil circulation.
Machine already commissioned and the idle period is longer than one
month
a) The unit should be operated on NO LOAD for at least 30 minutes in

every month to dry out any moisture inside the ducting and other
components and to recirculate the lubricating oil to recoat the
moving parts to prevent rust and corrosion.
b) The lube oil has to be internally circulated through a centrifuge

every day for 8 hours or whatever time required to drive out the
moisture/ dirt/ dust from the lubricating oil when the Gas Turbine is
lying in idle condition.
c) If the cranking is not possible by motor not being provided with

electrical connections, in such case rotation of the machine to be
done manually using suitable fixtures keeping the lube oil under
operation.
d) The rotor in no case shall be rotated without lube oil circulation.
3.5 PRESERVATION OF DIESEL ENGINES
The following procedure should be adopted for preserving an idle

diesel engine when the diesel engine is kept idle for a period
less than 6 months, run the engine on load for 10-15 minutes
once in a week. If the engine cannot be run on load, idle run the engine
Page 141 of 187

till the temperatures of cooling water and lubricating oil reach the
normal operating range.
When the engine is kept idle for a period more than six months the
following steps should be adopted.
a) Start the engine, increase the speed gradually up to 1200 rpm or a

fast idle, operate the engine with no load until the engine is
thoroughly warm and then stop the engine.
b) Drain all lubricating oil from the oil sump and refill the oil sump with
suitable preservative oil.
c) Drain coolant from cooling system and thoroughly flush with clean
water and suitable radiator cleaner. Refill the cooling system with
mixture of water and suitable radiator protector in the ratio
recommended by the manufacturer.
d) Fill two portable containers one with diesel and other with the
preservative oil mentioned in (b) above
e) Start the engine with engine pulling fuel from the container with
diesel through the filter and the injector drain line flowing into the
container with diesel. Once the engine is running smooth at idle,
switch the fuel line to the container with preservative oil. Run the
engine 5-10 minutes on NO LOAD till it is observed that the
preservative oil is coming out from injector return line. Stop the
engine.
f) Drain the oil sump, fuel filter and fix back the drain plugs.
g) Turn fuel pump manual shut off valve to ‘OFF’ position so that the
engine will not start.
h) When the engine has become cool, disconnect the inlet and
exhaust manifolds, spray suitable preservative oil into air intake and
exhaust outlets, engine being turned by hand during spray
operation. Cover all intake manifold opening with tape to prevent
entry of dirt and moisture. Cover all engine openings of cylinder
block, oil breather and crank case including coolant inlets and
outlets. All vents, dynamo, starter motor, magneto if any and air
cleaners to be carefully sealed with water proof paper and water
proof adhesive tape.
i) Loosen V belt tension. Remove rock lever covers and spray

preservative oil over rocker levers, valve springs & stems, guides,
cross head and push tubes. Replace cover.
j) Do not rotate the crank shaft after the above operations.
Page 142 of 187

k) Tag the Engine with date of treatment to indicate it has been treated
with preservatives and should not be turned over.
l) Periodically inspect engines for rust or corrosion and take corrective

action if necessary.
m) Repeat the engine preservative treatment as mentioned above

once in every six months.
n) Before taking into service, the engine shall be represerved as per

the procedure given below
i) Clean off all accumulated dirt and rust preventive using suitable
solvent from exterior of engine.
ii) Remove all paper cover, tape and wrappings and reinstall the
dismantled components. Carry out precommissioning checks.
iii) Flush cooling system.
iv) Refill the oil sump with clean lubricating oil
v) Adjust the injectors, valve and belts and check cylinder head
cap screws, filters, air filter and screens.
vi) Pressurize the lubricating system about 1 Kg/ cm 2 including

turbo charger or supercharger prior to starting the engine.
vii) Run the engine with diesel on NO LOAD LOW IDLE for 5
minutes to flush the entire fuel system out of any preservative oil
viii) Remove any foreign matter, which may collect on screens

and strainers, before regular operation of the engine.
When the diesel engine is kept in store as a spare complete set and
likely to be unused for more than six months
a) Keep the engine on a suitable pedestal
b) Just after six months from the date of dispatch, the preservative oil should
be drained off from the engine. After flushing the internal parts with a
suitable solvent, wipe and clean the parts with the solvents. Clean the
parts with dry felt cloth.
c) After drying suitable rust preventive should be again sprayed and dried on
the parts
d) The crank case should be filled with suitable rust preventive and should be
filled up to the high oil level mark of crank ease
Page 143 of 187

e) Connect a electrical motor driven lube oil priming pump with suction of the
pump connected to the crack case drain point and discharge connected to
the inlet of the lube oil filters
f) All the openings to be covered or blinded to make the engine air tight
g) Run the lube oil pump once in week to achieve the operating pressure
inside the engine and then stop the pump. By this method all bearings,
pistons connecting rod, rocker arms, valves, etc. will be lubricated
h) After six months repeat the above procedure as per steps (b) to (g)
mentioned above
i) Replace the preservative oil as per schedule.
3.5 PRESERVATION OF FANS & BLOWERS
The following procedure should be adopted for preserving idle fans and
blowers
a) Coat the interior of the casing and the impeller of the fan/blower
with a suitable rust preventive.
b) Blind the suction and discharge end of the fans/blowers.
c) Close all openings in the casings.
d) Clean and coat the exposed shaft with grease.
e) In case of grease lubricated bearings remove the grease, clean the

bearing and bearing housing and fill the bearing housing fully with
fresh grease. Close all openings of the bearing housing.
f) In case of oil lubricated bearings drain the oil. Flush and fill the
housing fully with suitable grade of fresh lubricating oil. Close all
openings of the bearing housing
g) Coat all the exterior surface of the casing/bearing housing with

suitable rust preventive.
h) Drain the oil from gear box and refill it with a high grade mineral oil.
Clean the exterior surfaces of the gear box and paint them. Wrap all
exposed shaft with Plastic tape. Store the reducer in a warm and
dry. The gear box rotor shall be rotated by the following procedures:
 It should be rotated by 180 degree from the standstill condition after

three months
Page 144 of 187

 This procedures shall be continued
4.0 PRESERVATION OF MATERIALS IN STORES
Moisture, oxygen and atmospheric conditions are the main

contributing factors causing deterioration. These may cause
rusting, pitting of surfaces and other forms of deterioration. Proper
identification system should be used for material stored in the
warehouse to avoid mixing. Procedure for preservation of stored
material should be adopted as follows.
4.1 PRESERVATION OF HEATER COMPONENT:
4.1.1 HEATER TUBES:
Both CS and low alloy steel heater tubes can be stored outdoor on a
sloped concrete surface. These tubes shall be kept either on steel
racks or wooden rafter. Tubes shall not be allowed to get submerged
in the ground or in contact with water. Both the ends of tubes shall be
suitably capped or plugged. CS heater tubes shall be given a coat of
oil preservative externally before stacking the tubes. 300 mm length
at each end of tube shall be coated with grease and water proof
wrapping paper where rolling operation is performed. To avoid
chloride attack, it is preferable to store Stainless steel heater tubes
indoors on wooden rafter with both the ends plugged.
4.1.2 Return Bends:
CS/ Low alloy steel cast plug type return bends should be stored in a
covered shed. Grease preservative shall be applied on all the
machined and threaded surfaces. However other type of return bend
can be stored outdoors after applying necessary protective coatings as
given to heater tubes in downward position to avoid any accumulation of
water inside the bend.
4.1.3 Heater Tube Support or Hangers, etc. :
These shall be stored indoor. No preservative is needed for these

components.
4.2 PRESERVATION OF PIPES, PIPE FITTINGS AND VALVES
4.2.1 Preservation of Pipes:
Page 145 of 187

Both CS and low alloy steel pipes can be stored outdoor in a self
draining position on a concrete surface either on steel racks or woody
rafter placed in such a position that rain water does not accumulate
and affect pipes. Pipes shall not be allowed to get submerged in
ground or pool of water.
Pipes/ pipefittings shall be protected with an external coat of black

bituminous paint. Pipes shall also be painted internally at the ends,
upto a length of 12" or as practicable.
Stainless steel pipes shall be stored indoor on wooden rafters/

concrete, separate from CS, with ends opened or plugged. The ink
used for marking, if any shall be free from chloride, sulphur and lead.
For pipes with threaded connection, extra care shall be taken in

protecting the threads by putting plastic caps or wrapping with jute
cloth.
4.2.2 Preservation of Flanges:
Flanges with anticorrosive painting shall be stacked on stands

/concrete or wooden sleepers with their gasket seating surfaces at the
bottom and covered with tarpaulin. All the flange gasket-seating
surface must have a protective coating & extreme care must be taken
during handling to avoid damage.
All SS flanges should be stored indoors.
4.2.3 Preservation of Pipe Fittings:
Forged fittings can be stored outdoor on sloped concrete surface or

wooden platform. All fittings shall be preferably given a coat of
anticorrosive paint and shall be stored in such a location that rain water
does not accumulate in it.
Stainless steel fittings should be stored indoors.
4.2.4 Preservation of Fasteners:
Fasteners shall be kept indoors. Carbon steel and alloy steel fasteners
shall be stored in separate bays after oil preservation spray. Stainless
steel fasteners do not require any protection.
4.2.4 Preservation of Valves:
End cover of all the valves shall be plugged by wooden/ rubber/ PVC
blanks.
Page 146 of 187

Valves shall be stacked on a concrete surface on wooden rafters, with
wooden planks on flanges.
Grease shall be applied on valve steel spindle and flange faces of CS

& AS valves. Valves shall be kept in upright with spindle upward and
gate in closed position.
All SS valves shall be stored indoor without any preservative.
4.3 PRESERVATION OF HEAT EXCHANGERS/ CONDENSERS/

COOLERS:
4.3.1 Bundles:
CS & AS tube bundles shall be stored suitably covered on wooden

rafters. Oil preservation spray on tube extended surface shall be done
once in a year. Tube sheets shall be greased properly and covered
with wooden boards.
CS & AS tube bundles can also be stored in wooden boxes with

tarpaulin cover on top.
Tube bundles of brass/ stainless steel and high alloy steel shall be
stored on wooden rafters with proper covers. Special care needs to be
taken for SS bundle to avoid chloride attack. No preservative is needed
for these bundles.
4.3.2 Tubes:
All the exchanger/ condenser tubes shall be stored indoor on steel

racks. CS and alloy steel tubes shall be coated with oil preservative or
black bituminous paint whereas brass/ stainless steel tubes do not
require any preservative. Tubes may be provided with tightly fitted
HDPE/ PVC end caps.
4.3.3 Tube Sheets:
CS and alloy steel tube sheets shall be stored indoor on wooden

rafters with grease applied on it. Brass/ SS tube sheets shall be stored
indoor without any preservative.
4.4 PRESERVATION OF PLATES:
CS plates can be stored in a sloping fashion on wooden rafters in

bunches keeping sufficient clearance from the ground. Top, bottom and
side surface of the bunch (of same size) coming in contact with
atmosphere should be coated with preservative oil/grease/ paint.
Alloy Steel/ Stainless steel plates may be stored indoor. No

preservative is required for these plates.
Page 147 of 187

4.5 PRESERVATION OF STRUCTURAL STEEL:
Structural steel shall be positioned in a way to allow self-draining.

Structural steel should not be in contact with soil during preservation.
4.6 PRESERVATION OF COLUMN TRAYS & FITTINGS:
These shall be stored indoor. CS/AS fittings shall be kept after a spray
of oil preservatives. Stainless steel parts shall be kept as it is.
4.7 PRESERVATION OF VESSEL & EXCHANGER SHELL:
Closed vessel shall be kept on their steel supports. In absence of steel

support, wooden saddles shall be used. Vessel shall be painted
externally with Zinc Oxide primer. Preservative oil spray shall be done
on internal surface. Flanged faces shall be greased and covered with
wooden boards. All the nozzles shall be suitably covered so that
rainwater will not ingress.
4.8 PRESERVATION OF REFRACTORY
4.8.1 Refractory Bricks:
Refractory bricks shall be stored indoors in a dry shed. The storage

shed shall be at a well-drained location. In stacking, the bricks shall be
stacked on edge with laths in horizontal joints.
4.8.2 Refractory Castables:
Castables shall be kept in dry storage and protected from rains and
moisture. The stacking of castables shall start approximately 15 cms
above the concrete floor which itself shall be sufficiently above ground
level. If the floor is not dry ensure storage of bags above the damp floor
by providing timber boards on bricks, planks or any other suitable
device.
Bags of castables shall be stacked at least 30 cm away from the walls

to ensure that they shall not come in contact with walls, which may be
damp. In very large sheds, bags shall be covered with plastic sheets.
4.9 PRESERVATION OF SPARE PARTS OF PUMPS AND

RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS:
Preservation should be carried out in accordance to Para 4.4 of OISD-

STD-126
4.10 PRESERVATION OF ANTI-FRICTION BEARINGS:
Page 148 of 187

Preservation should be carried out in accordance to Para 4.5 of OISD-
STD-126
4.11 PRESERVATION/ REPRESERVATION OF COMPONENTS OF

CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR / STEAM TURBINE / GAS TURBINE
/ DIESEL ENGINE
4.11.1 Rotor: -
Preservation/ Re-preservation of rotor should be carried out in

accordance to Para 4.3 of OISD-STD-126.
4.11.2 Casing:-
Casing surface to be sprayed with suitable rust preventive oil. To the

extent possible the parting planes of the casing shall be kept on top. If
this is not possible and if the casing is required to be kept in the
inverted position, the parting planes shall be kept on dry wooden
beams. To avoid rusting of the contact area between the casing
parting plane and the wooden beams, rubber pads or grease/ oil
immersed felt shall be kept.
4.11.3 Journal Bearings, Thrust Bearings, Oil Seals And Couplings:
These small spare parts which are to under go forced lubrication,

should be protected by coating with suitable grease and wrapped in
water proof plastic paper/ VCI paper.
4.11.4 Crank case/Connecting rods/ pistons/liners and other components to

be stored in a covered shed preferably with a coating of anticorrosive
paint. All shaft connecting rods shall be provided with proper wooden
supports.
4.12 PRESERVATION PROCEDURE FOR EQUIPMENT NOT

INSTALLED/ KEPT AT STORE.
When the Reciprocating Compressor is not installed at site and likely to

be kept idle more than six months.
a) Inspect the Crank case cover to check the condition of crank shaft,
connecting rod and other components. After cleaning them thoroughly
flush and drain the Crankcase by filling suitable preservative oil and then
fill the same oil upto the Crank Case oil level.
b) Open the inspection cover to check the condition of piston rod, rod nut,
cross head, etc and after cleaning these are to be coated with rust
protective layers. Close the crank case cover to prevent the entry of dirt/
dust and moisture.
Page 149 of 187

c) Suction and Discharge valves, piston rod pressure packing rings should be
taken out and cleaned thoroughly by some solvent and then coat them
with some rust preventive oil and wrap then in polythene pack and should
be kept separately.
d) All piping connections and openings should be carefully plugged, blinded.
e) Lubricated cylinders should be lubricated by manually turning the force

feed lubricator, which should be kept filled up with suitable preservative oil.
Wherever the force feed lubricators are not available apply suitable
preservative oil inside the cylinder surfaces.
f) For non-lubricated cylinders, keep sufficient dehydrating agents such as

silica gel inside the cylinder and close all the openings tightly. Check the
effectiveness of the dehydrating agent periodically.
g) The barring of the compressor to be done at least once in three months.
When the oil free screw air compressor is not commissioned and kept idle
for more than five months.
a) Renew the drying agent such as silica gel placed in the inter cooler
moisture trap immediately upon receipt of the compressor at site
b) Renew the drying agent such as silica gel kept in the inter cooler moisture
trap once in every 3 months
c) Store the compressor units indoors in a dry space
d) Ensure that there is absolutely no water in the crate, on any plastic cover,
or any where along the canopy or the base frame of the unit
e) Install a motor driven special lube oil pump of small capacity capable of
developing the maximum operating pressure of the main oil pump of the
compressor with suction of the pump connected to the oil sump drain point
and the discharge of the pump connected to the upstream of the lube oil
filter.
f) Fill the lubricating circuit with a rust inhibiting oil.
g) Run the special oil pump for 15 minutes. While the oil circulates, turn the
compressor coupling by hand. The silica gel kept in the inter cooler
moisture trap is to be removed before starting the lube oil pump. After
lubrication insert new silica gel.
h) Repeat the procedure mentioned in (g) above once in six months
5.0 REFERENCES
Page 150 of 187

(i) API Guide for Inspection of Refinery Equipment - Chapter XVIII –
Protection of Idle Equipment.
(ii) NACE Standard – RP - 01 – 70 -

Protection of Austenitic Stainless Steel in Refineries against Stress
Corrosion Cracking by Use of Neutralizing Solutions During Shut

Down.
(iii) ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Sec VII – Recommended
Rules for care of Power Boilers.
(iv) The Preservation of Equipment and Piping Standing Idle – DEP

– 70.10.70.11 – GEN of Shell Group.
(v) OISD-STD-126 – Specific Maintenance Practices for Rotating

Equipment.
(vi) OISD-STD-146 – Preservation of Idle Electrical Equipment.
Page 151 of 187

ANNEXURE I
COMMONLY USED PRESERVATIVES
I. OIL PRESERVATIVES: Generally, it is a lubricating oil of

viscosity SAE 30, compounded with
inhibitor and wetting agent. It may be
applied by brushing, splashing or
spraying. In absence of any oil
preservatives, spent lubricating oil can
also be used in exigency.
II. GREASE PRESERVATIVE: It is an asphaltic/ petroleum type base

cutback with solvent. It leaves a greasy
film that can be easily removed by a
petroleum solvent. It may be applied by
brushing or dipping.
III. PAINTS: Bituminous anti corrosive paints

manufactured by various reputed
manufacturers can be used. It is applied
by brushing or spraying.
IV. WRAPPING: Water proof wrapping papers may also

be used. Papers coated with volatile
corrosion inhibitor (VCI paper) are
available and have got longer life.
Annexure – III
DIMENSIONS OF SEAMLESS AND WELDED STEEL PIPE AS PER ANSI B36.10 and B38.19
Measure Nominal Out Sche Sch Sch Sch Sch Stand Sch Sch Extra Sch Sch Sch Sch. Sch. XX
ment in pipe side dia d5s* 105* 10 20 30 and t 40 60 strong 80 100 120 140 160 strong
size (4O.S)
Inch 1/8” 0.405 - 0.049 - - - 0.068 0.068 - 0.095 0.095 - - - - -
mm 3 10.287 - 1.245 - - - 1.727 1.727 - 2.413 2.413 - - - - -
Inch ¼” 0.540 - 0.065 - - - 0.088 0.088 - 0.119 0.119 - - - - -
mm 6 13.716 - 1.651 - - - 2.235 2.235 - 3.023 3.023 - - - - -
Inch 3/8” 0.675 - 0.065 - - - 0.091 0.091 - 0.126 0.126 - - - - -
mm 10 17.145 - 1.651 - - - 2.311 2.311 - 3.200 3.200 - - - - -
Inch ½” 0.840 0.065 0.083 - - - 0.109 0.109 - 0.141 0.147 - - - 0.188 0.294
mm 15 21.336 1.651 2.108 - - - 2.769 2.769 - 3.734 3.734 - - - 4.775 7.468
Inch ¾” 1.050 0.065 0.083 - - - 0.113 0.113 - 0.154 0.154 - - - 0.219 0.308
mm 20 26.670 1.651 2.108 - - - 2.870 2.870 - 3.912 3.912 - - - 5.563 9.093
Inch 1” 1.315 0.065 0.109 - - - 0.140 0.140 - 0.191 0.191 - - - 0.250 0.358
mm 25 33.401 1.651 2.769 - - - 3.556 3.556 - 4.851 4.851 - - - 6.350 9.093
Inch 1- 1/4” 1.660 0.065 0.109 - - - 0.140 0.140 - 0.191 0.191 - - - 0.250 0.382
mm 32 42.164 1.651 2.769 - - - 3.556 3.556 - 4.851 4.851 - - - 6.350 9.703
Inch 1-1/2” 1.900 0.065 0.109 - - - 0.145 0.145 - 0.200 0.200 - - - 0.281 0.400
Mm 40 48.260 1.651 2.769 - - - 3.683 3.683 - 5.080 5.080 - - - 7.137 10.160
Inch 2” 3.375 0.065 0.109 - - - 0.154 0.154 - 0.218 0.218 - - - 0.344 0.436
Mm 50 60.325 1.651 2.769 - - - 3.912 3.912 - 5.537 5.537 - - - 8.738 11.074
Inch 2-1/2” 2.875 0.083 0.120 - - - 0.203 0.203 - 0.276 0.276 - - - 0.375 0.552
Mm 65 73.025 2.108 3.048 - - - 5.156 5.156 - 7.010 7.010 - - - 9.525 14.021
Inch 3” 3.500 0.083 0.120 - - - 0.216 0.216 - 0.300 0.300 - - - 0.438 0.600
mm 80 88.900 2.108 3.048 - - - 5.486 5.486 - 7620 7620 - - - 11.125 15.240
Inch 3-1/2” 4.000 0.083 0.120 - - - 0.226 0.226 - 0.318 0.318 - - - - -
mm 90 101.600 2.108 3.048 - - - 5.740 5.740 - 8.077 8.077 - - - - -
Inch 4” 4.500 0.083 0.120 - - - 0.237 0.237 - 0.337 0.337 - 0.438 - 0.531 0.674
mm 100 114.300 2.108 3.048 - - - 6.020 6.020 - 8.560 8.560 - 11.12 - 13.487 17.120
5
Inch 5” 5.563 0.109 0.134 - - - 0.258 0.258 - 0.375 0.375 - 0.500 - 0.625 0.750
mm 125 141.300 2.769 3.404 - - - 6.553 6.553 - 9.525 9.525 - 12.70 - 15.875 19.050
0
Inch 6” 6.625 0.109 0.133 - - - 0.280 0.280 - 0.432 0.432 - 0.562 - 0.719 0.864
mm 150 168.275 2.769 3.404 - - - 7.112 7.112 - 10.973 10.973 - 14.27 - 18.263 21.946
5
Inch 8” 8.625 0.109 0.148 - 0.250 0.277 0.322 0.322 0.406 0.500 0.500 0.594 0.719 0.812 0.906 0.875
mm 200 219.075 2.769 3.759 - 6.350 7.036 8.179 8.179 10.312 12.700 12.700 15.088 18.263 20.625 23.012 22.225
Inch 10” 10.750 0.134 0.165 - 0.250 0.307 0.365 0.365 0.500 0.500 0.594 0.719 0.844 1.000 1.125 1.000
Measure Nominal Out Sche Sch Sch Sch Sch Stand Sch Sch Extra Sch Sch Sch Sch. Sch. XX
ment in pipe side dia d5s* 105* 10 20 30 and t 40 60 strong 80 100 120 140 160 strong
size (4O.S)
mm 250 273.050 3.404 4.191 - 6.350 7.798 9.271 9.271 12.700 12.700 15.088 18.263 21.43 25.400 28.575 25.400
8
nch 12” 12.750 0.156 0.180 - 0.250 0.330 0.375 0.406 0.562 0.500 0.688 0.844 1.000 1.125 1.312 1.000
mm 300 323.850 3.962 4.572 - 6.350 8.382 9.525 10.312 14.275 12.700 17.475 21.438 25.40 28.575 33.325 25.403
0
Inch 14” 14.000 0.156 0.188 0.250 0.312 0.375 0.375 0.438 0.594 0.500 0.750 0.938 1.094 1.250 1.406 -
mm 350 355.600 3.962 4.775 6.350 7.925 9.525 9.525 11.125 15.088 12.700 19.050 23.825 27.78 31.750 35.712 -
8
Inch 16” 16.000 0.165 0.188 0.250 0.312 0.375 0.375 0.500 0.656 0.500 0.844 1.031 1.219 1.438 1.594 -
mm 400 406.400 4.191 4.775 6.350 7.925 9.525 9.525 12.700 16.662 12.700 21.438 26.187 30.96 36.525 40.488 -
3
Inch 18” 18.000 0.165 0.188 0.250 0.312 0.438 0.375 0.562 0.750 0.500 0.938 1.156 1.375 1.562 1.781 -
mm 450 457.200 4.191 4.775 6.350 7.925 11.125 9.525 14.275 19.050 12.700 23.825 29.362 34.92 39.675 45.237 -
5
Inch 20” 20.000 0.188 0.218 0.250 0.375 0.500 0.375 0.594 0.812 0.500 1.031 1.281 1.500 1.750 1.969 -
mm 500 508.800 4.775 5.537 6.350 9.525 12.700 9.525 15.088 20.625 12.700 26.187 32.537 38.10 44.450 50.013 -
0
Inch 22” 22.000 0.188 0.218 0.250 0.375 0.500 0.375 - 0.875 0.500 1.125 1.375 1.625 1.875 2.125 -
mm 550 528.800 4.775 5.537 6.350 9.525 12.700 9.525 - 22.225 12.700 28.575 34.925 41.27 47.625 53.975 -
5
Inch 24” 24.000 0.218 0.250 0.250 0.375 0.562 0.375 0.688 0.969 0.500 1.219 1.531 1.812 2.062 2.344 -
mm 600 609.600 5.537 6.350 6.350 9.525 14.275 9.525 17.475 24.613 12.700 30.963 38.885 46.02 52.375 59.538 -
5
Inch 26” 26.000 - - 0.312 0.500 - 0.375 - - 0.500 - - - - - -
mm 650 660.400 - - 7.925 12.700 - 9.525 - - 12.700 - - - - - -
Inch 28” 28.000 - - 0.312 0.500 0.625 0.375 - - 0.500 - - - - - -
mm 700 711.200 - - 7.925 12.700 15.875 9.525 - - 12.700 - - - - - -
Inch 30” 30.000 0.250 0.312 0.312 0.500 0.625 0.375 - - 0.500 - - - - - -
mm 750 762.000 6.350 7.925 7.925 12.700 15.875 9.525 - - 12.700 - - - - - -
Inch 32” 32.000 - - 0.312 0.500 0.625 0.375 - - 0.500 - - - - - -
mm 800 812.800 - - 7.925 12.700 15.875 9.525 - - 12.700 - - - - - -
Inch 34” 34.000 - - 0.312 0.500 0.625 0.375 - - 0.500 - - - - - -
mm 850 863.600 - - 7.925 12.700 15.875 9.525 - - 12.700 - - - - - -
Inch 36” 36.000 - - 0.312 0.500 0.625 0.375 0.750 - 0.500 - - - - - -
mm 900 914.400 - - 7.925 12.700 15.875 9.525 19.050 - 12.700 - - - - - -
Annexure – IV
EQUIVALENTS SPECIFICATIONS OF ASTM TO BRITISH, FRENCH, GERMAN, ITALIAN AND SWEDISH STANDARDS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
MATERIAL API 5L U.S. SPECIFICATIONS BRITISH FRENCH GERMAN ITALIAN SWEDISH NOTES
Seamless BS. 3601 GAPAVE 411 DIN 1629 Aq 35 UNI 663C SIS 1233-05 1,2
Grade A HFS 22 or CDS 22 A 37C St 35 Aq 45 UNI 663C Sis 1434-05 3,4
Grade B HFS 27 or CDS 27 A 42 C St 45
Carbon steel Electric resistance welded Bs 3601 …. DIN 1625
line pipe Grade A ERW 22 …. Blatt 3st 34-2/Electric …. SIS 1233-06 45
Grade B ERW 27 …. Blatt 4st 37-2/ resistance …. SIS 1434-06
welded
Electric fusion welded BS 3601 (Double …. DIN 1626 …. ….
welded)
Grade A EFW 22 …. Blatt 3st 34-2/ Fusion …. …. 2,4
Grade B EFW 27 …. Blatt 4 st 37-2/ welded …. …. 5
Furnace butt BS 3601 …. DIN 1626 ….
Welded BW 22 …. Blatt 3 st 34-2 Furnace butt …. ….
welded
ASTM A 53
Seamless BS, 3601 Gapave 411 Din 1629 Aq35 Uni 663C SIS 1233-05 1,2
Grade A HFS 22 or CDS 22 A 37 C St 35 Aq45 Uni 663C SIS 1434-05 3,4
Grade B HFS 22 or CDS 22 A 42 C St 45
Electric resistance welded BS 3601 …. Din 1626 Blatt 3 …. ….
Carbon steel Grade A ERW 22 …. St 34-2 Electric …. …. 4
pipe
Grade B ERW 27 …. St 37-2 Resistance …. ….
welded
Furnace butt BS 3601 …. Din 1626 Blatt 3 …. ….
Welded BS 22 …. St 34-2 Furnace butt welded ---- ----
Carbon steel ASTM A83 BS 3059/1 or 2 Gapave 211 Din 1629 …. …. 4
boiler tube, A 37 C St 35 …. ….
seamless
Silicon-killed carbon ASTM A 106 BS 3602 Capave 421 Din 1717
steel pipe for high Grade A HFS 23 A 37 C St 35.8 Aq35 Uni 663C SIS 1234-05 2,3
temperature Service Grade B HFS 27 A 42 C St 45.8 Aq45 Uni 663C SIS 1435-05 4,6
Grade C HFS 35 A 48 C ………………………. …. …. Contd.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
MATERIAL U.S. SPECIFICATIONS BRITISH FRENCH GERMAN ITALIAN SWEDISH NOTES
Electric fusion welded ASTM A 134 BS 3601 EFW …. Din 1626 Blatt 2 Electric …. …. 2,4
steel pipe furion welded
Electric resistance ASTM A 135 BS 3601 …. Din 1626 Blatt 3 ….
welded steel pipe Grade A ERW 22 …. Din 34- Electric resis- …. SIS 1233-06 4
2
Grade B ERW 27 …. St 37-2 tance welded …. SIS 1434-06
Electric fusion welded ASTM A 139 BS 3601 …. Din 1626 Blatt 2 …. ….
steel pipe Grade A EFW 22 …. St 37 …. …. 2,4
Grade B EFW 27 …. St 42 …. ….
Electric fusion welded ASTM A 155 …. …. Din 1626 Blatt 3mit
pipe for high Class 2 …. Abnahmezeugnis C …. ….
temperature service C 45 …. …. St 34-2 …. ….
C 50 …. …. St 37-2 …. ….
C 55 BS. 3602 EFW 28 …. St 42-2 …. ….
KC 55 …. …. St 42-2 Si-killed …. …. 2,4
KC 60 BS. 3602 EFW 28S …. St 42-2 Si-killed …. …. 7,8
KC 65 …. …. St 52-3 …. ….
KC 70 …. …. St 52-3 …. ….
WSN Designation
ASTM A 312 BS 3605 …. 4301 …. ….
TP 304 Grade 801 …. …. X5CrNi189 X 8CN1910 SIS 2333-02
TP 304H Grade 811 …. 4306 …. …. ….
TP 304L Grade 801L …. 4841 X2 CrNi189 X3CN1911 SIS 2352-02
TP 310 Grade 805 …. 4401.4436 X15CrNiSi2520 25CN 2520 SIS 2361-02
TP 316 Grade 845 …. …. X5CrNiMo1810 X8CND1712 SIS 2343-02
Austenitic stainless TP 316H Grade 855 …. 4404 …. …. ….
steel pipe TP 316L Grade 845L …. …. X2CrNiMo 1810 …. SIS 2353-02
TP 317 Grade 846 …. 4541 …. …. ….
TP 321 Grade 822 Ti …. …. X10CrNiTi189 X8CNT1810 SIS 2337-02
TP 321H Grade 832 Ti …. 4550 …. …. ….
TP 347 Grade 822 Nb …. …. X10CrNiNb18.9 X8CNNb1811 SIS 2338-02
TP 347H Grade 822 Nb …. …. …. …. ….
Pipe for low ASTM A333 BS 3603 …. WSN Designation
temperature service Grade 1 27 LT 50 …. 0437 SEW680TTSt41 …. …. 9
Grade 3 503 LT 100 …. 5637 …. 10Ni 14 …. …. Contd..
…. …. Gapave 222 …. …. ….
…. …. Afnor 1503 Din 17175 15Mo3 …. SIS 2912-05
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
MATERIAL U.S. SPECIFICATIONS BRITISH FRENCH GERMAN ITALIAN SWEDISH NOTES
ASTM A335
BS 3604
Samples ferritic alloy P1 …. …. WSN5423 16Mo5 …. ….
pipe for elevated P2 …. Afnor15CD2-05 …. …. ….
temperature tube P12 HF620 or CD 620 …. Din17175 13CrMo44 …. SIS 2216-05
service P11 HF621 or CD 621 Afnor 10CD5- …. …. ….
05
P22 HF622 or CD 622 Afnor 10CD9- DIN17175 13CrMo44 …. SIS2216-05
10
ASTM B241 P5 HF625 or CD 625 …. …. …. ….
P9 …. Afnor Z10CD9 …. …. SIS2203-05
Aluminium alloy pipe 303 h112 …. …. Din 1746 A1 MnF10 …. ….
5154 H112 BS 1471NT5 or …. Din 1746 A1 Mg3F18 …. ….
BS 1474NT5 ….
6061 T6 BS 1471 HT Din 1746 A1 MgSi 1F32 …. ….
20WP
Notes:
1. For pipe fabricated to ASA B 31.3 steel should be specified to be open hearth, electric furnace or basic oxygen. Alternatively,
Thomas steel is acceptable if fully killed or if it meets the following composition requirements:
S 0.05% max, P 0.05% max, N 0.009% max.
2. Ramming steel is not acceptable for seamless or fusion welded pipe.
3. Analysis and test certificates are required.
4. Above 6500F use mechanical properties quoted in the appropriate national standard as a basis for design in critical applications.
5. For British and Swedish standard welded pipe supplied as equivalent to API 5L Grade B specify: “Welded seams to be non-
destructively tested in accordance with para. 11.5 and 11.6 of API 5L. Din 1626 Blatt 4 already requires an equivalent degree of
testing.
6. Specify “Silicon-killed” for Gapave 421, Din 17175 and UNI 663.
7. Above 10000F use mechanical properties accepted be the national code-writing body as a basis for design in critical
applications.
8. Din 1626 Blatt 4 may be used as equivalent to ASTM A 155 Class 1.
9. SEW = Stahl – Eisen Werkstoffblatt.
Annexure –V
Common Paint Colour Code for XXX Refineries
1.0 SCOPE
This specification covers the requirement of colour scheme for the

identification of the contents of the pipelines carrying fluids, storage
tanks and equipment in XXX refineries and petrochemical installations.
The following colour coding system has been made based on
international standards like ASME/ ANSI, BS and Indian Standard &
XXX’s existing standard colour coding.
2.0 IDENTIFICATION
The system of colour coding consists of a ground colour and secondary

colour bands superimposed over the ground colour. The ground colour
identifies the basic nature of the service and secondary colour band
over the ground colour distinguishes the particular service. The ground
colour shall be applied over the entire length of the un-insulated pipes.
For insulated lines ground colour shall be provided as per specified
length and interval to identify the basic nature of service and secondary
colour bands to be painted on these specified length to identify the
particular service. Above colour code is applicable for both unit and
offsite pipelines.
2.1 The following ground colour designation for identification of basic

classification of various important services shall be followed:
Post Office Red - Fire protection materials

Off White/ Aluminium - Steam (all pressures)
Canary Yellow - Chemicals and dangerous materials
Dark Admiralty Grey - Crude oil, lube oil
Orange - Volatile petroleum products (motor
spirit and lighter)
Oxide red - Non-volatile petroleum products
(kerosene and heavier, including waxy
distillates and diesel, gas oil)
Black - Residual oils, still bottoms, slop oils
and asphalts, fuel oil
Sky blue - Water (all purities and temperatures)
Sea green - Air and its components and Freon
2.2 Secondary colours: The narrow bands presenting the secondary colour
which identifies the specific service, may be applied by painting or
preferably by use of adhesive plastic tapes of the specific colour.
Page 158 of 187

3.0 COLOUR BANDS AND IDENTIFICATION LETTERING
3.1 The following specifications of colour bands shall be followed for

identifying the piping contents, size and location of bands & letters. The
bandwidth and size of letters in legends will depend to some extent
upon the pipe diameter. Either white or black letters are selected to
provide maximum contrast to the band colour. Bands usually are 50
mm wide and regardless of band width, are spaced 25 mm apart when
two bands are employed
Table 1.0: Colour bands and size of lettering for piping:
Outside diameter of pipe Width of colour Size of legend

or covering in mm bands in mm letters in mm
19 to 32 200 13
38 to 51 200 19
64 to 150 300 32
200 to 250 600 64
Over 250 800 89
In addition, ground colour as per specified length should be provided

on insulated piping for easy identification of nature of fluid, on which
the colour bands should be painted for identification of each service.
The length of the ground colour should be 3 times the width of normal
band or 2 meters, whichever is suitable depending on the length of the
pipe.
Size of letters stenciled/ written for equipment shall be as given below:
Column and vessel : 150 mm (Height)
Pump, compressor and other machinery : 50 mm (Height)
In addition, the contents of the pipe and/or direction of flow may be

further indicated by arrows and legend. If a hazard is involved it must
be identified clearly by legend.
3.2 Colour bands: The location and size of bands, as recommended, when
used, shall be applied to the pipe.
- On both sides of the valves, tees and other fittings of importance.

- Where the pipe enters and emerges from walls and where it
emerges from road & walkway overpasses, unit battery limits.
- At uniform intervals along long sections of the pipe.
- Adjacent to tanks, vessels, and pumps.
3.3 For piping, writing of name of service and direction of flow for all the
lines shall be done at following locations:
Page 159 of 187

3.3.1 Offsite Lines: Both sides of culverts, any one side of walkways, near
tank dykes, at tank inlet/outlet points and suction/ discharge of pumps/
compressors.
3.3.2 Unit Lines: At the battery limit, suction/ discharge of pumps/

compressors, near vessels, columns, Tanks, Exchangers etc.
3.4 The letters will be in black on pipes painted with light shade colours
and white on pipes painted with dark shade colours to give good
contrast.
3.5 Only writing of service name shall be done on stainless steel lines.
Precautions should be taken while painting by using low chloride
content painting to avoid any damage to the stainless steel pipes. It is
preferable to use adhesive plastic tapes to protect stainless steel pipes.
3.6 Colour band specification:
a) Unit Area: Bands at intervals of 6.0 meters.

Offsite Area: Bands at intervals of 10.0 meters.
b) Each pipe segment will have minimum one band indication,
irrespective of length.
c) The bands shall also be displayed near walkways, both sides of
culverts, tanks dykes, tanks, vessels, suction and discharge of
pumps/ compressors, unit battery limit, near valves of line, etc.
4.0 For alloy steel/ stainless steel pipes and fittings in stores/ fabrication
yard, color band (Minimum ½” wide) should be applied along the
complete length of pipe, bends/ tees, side-curved surface (on
thickness) of flanges as well as valves as per the metallurgy.
5.0 In case of camouflaging requirements of civil defence or any other

locational requirements, the same shall be followed accordingly.
6.0 The specification for application of the complete Piping identification

colour code, including base and bands colours, are presented in the
enclosed table.
Page 160 of 187

RECOMMENDED PAINT COLOUR CODE
Sl. NO. SERVICE RECOMMENDED COLOUR CODE COLOUR
HYDROCARBON LINES (UNINSULATED)
1. CRUDE SOUR Dark Ad. Grey with 1 orange band
2. CRUDE SWEET Dark Ad. Grey with 1 red band
3. LUBE OILS Dark admiralty grey with 1 green band
4. FLARE LINE Heat resistant Aluminium
5. L.P.G. Orange with 1 oxide red
6. PROPYLENE Orange with 2 oxford blue band
7. NAPHTHA Orange with 1 green band
8. M.S. Orange with 1 dark ad. grey

Orange with 1 band each of green, white &
9. AV. GASOLINE (96 RON)
red bands
10. GASOLINE (regular, leaded) Orange with 1 black band
11. GASOLINE (Premium, leaded) Orange with 1 blue band
12. GASOLINE (White) Orange with 1 white band
Page 161 of 187

13. GASOLINE (Aviation 100/130) Orange with 1 red band
14. GASOLINE (Aviation 115/145) Orange with 1 purple band
15. N-PENTANE Orange with 2 blue bands
16. DIESEL OIL (White) Oxide red with 1 white band
17. DIESEL OIL (Black) Oxide red with 1 yellow band
18. KEROSENE Oxide red with 1 green band
19. HY.KERO Oxide red with 2 green bands
20. DISULFIDE OIL (EX-MEROX) Oxide red with 1 black band
21. M.T.O. Oxide red with 3 green bands
22. DHPPA Oxide red with 2 white bands
23. FLUSHING OIL Oxide red with 2 black bands
24. LAB FS Oxide red with 2 dark Ad. Grey
25. LAB RS Oxide red with 3 dark Ad. Grey
26. LAB (Off. Spec.) Oxide red with 1 light grey
27. N-PARAFFIN Oxide red with 1 blue band
Page 162 of 187

28. HEAVY ALKYLATE Oxide red with 1 red band
29. BLOW DOWN, VAPOUR LINE Off White / Aluminium with 1-Brown band
30. BLOW DOWN Off White / Aluminium with 2 brown bands
31. A.T.F. Leaf brown with 1 white band
32. TOULENE Leaf brown with 1 yellow band
33. BENZENE Leaf brown with 1 green band
34. LAB PRODUCT Leaf brown with 1 blue band
35. FUEL OIL Black with 1 yellow band
36. FUEL OIL (aromatic rich) Black with 2 yellow bands
37. ASPHALT Black with 1 white band
38. SLOP & WASTE OILS Black with 1 orange band
39. SLOP AROMATIC Black with 2 orange bands
CHEMICAL LINES (UNINSULATED)
40. TRI-SODIUM PHOSPHATE Canary yellow with 1 violet band
Page 163 of 187

41. CAUSTIC SODA Canary yellow with 1 black band
42. SODIUM CHLORIDE Canary yellow with 1 white band
43. AMMONIA Canary yellow with 1 blue band
44. CORROSION INHIBITOR Canary yellow with 1 Aluminium band
45. HEXAMETA PHOSPHATE Canary yellow with 2 black band
46. ACID LINES Golden yellow with 1 red band
47. RICH AMINE Canary yellow with 2 blue bands
48. LEAN AMINE Canary yellow with 3 blue bands
49. SOLVENT Canary yellow with 1 green band
50. LCS Canary yellow with 1 smoke grey
WATER LINES (UNINSULATED)
51. RAW WATER Sky blue with 1 black band
52. INDUSTRIAL WATER Sky blue with 2 signal red bands
53. TREATED WATER Sky blue with 1 oxide red band
Page 164 of 187

54. DRINKING WATER Sky blue with 1 green band
55. COOLING WATER Sky blue with 1 light brown band
56. SERVICE WATER Sky blue with 1 signal red band
57. TEMPERED WATER Sky blue with 2 green bands
58. DM WATER Sky blue with 1 Aluminium band
59. DM WATER ABOVE 150 0F Sky blue with 2 black bands
60. SOUR WATER Sky blue with 2 yellow bands
61. STRIPPED WATER Sky blue with 2 blue bands
62. ETP TREATED WATER Sky blue with 2 oxide red bands
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM (ABOVE GROUND)

FIRE WATER, FOAM &
63. Post office red
EXTINGUISHERS
AIR & OTHER GAS LINES (UNINSULATED)
64. SERVICE AIR Sea green with 1 signal red band
Page 165 of 187

65. INSTRUMENT AIR Sea green with 1 black band
66. NITROGEN Sea green with 1 orange band
67. FREON Sea green with 1 yellow band
68. CHLORINE Canary yellow with 1 oxide red band
69. SO2 Canary yellow with 2 white band
70. H2S Orange with 2 red oxide bands
71. Gas (Fuel) Orange with 1 Aluminium band
72. GAS (Sour) Orange with 2 Aluminium band
73. GAS (Sweet) Orange with 2 signal red band
74. HYDROGEN Orange with 1 light green band
STEAM & CONDENSATE LINES (UNINSULATED)
75. HP STEAM Off white / Aluminium with 1 yellow band
76. MP STEAM Off white / Aluminium with 1 red band
77. MLP STEAM Off white / Aluminium with 1 orange band
Page 166 of 187

78. LP STEAM Off white / Aluminium with 1 green band
79. CONDENSATE Sky blue with 1 white band
80. CONDENSATE ABOVE 150 0F Sky blue with 3 oxide red bands
81. BFW Sky blue with 2 gulf red bands
Note: For all insulated steam lines, the colour coding shall be followed as given for uninsulated lines with the specified
length of colour bands.
INSULATED HYDROCARBON PIPING

1 black ground colour with 1 yellow band in
82. IFO SUPPLY
centre
1 black ground colour with 1 green band in
83. IFO RETURN
centre
1 black ground colour with 1 red band in
84. HPS
centre
1 black ground colour with 2 red band in
85. BITUMEN
centre
1 black ground colour with 1 brown band in
86. CLO
centre
1 black ground colour with 2 brown band in
87. VB TAR
centre
1 black ground colour with 1 blue band in
88. VR AM (BITUMEN / VBU FEED)
centre
Page 167 of 187

1 black ground colour with 2 blue band in
89. VR BH
centre
1 black ground colour with 1 white band in
90. VAC. SLOP
centre
1 black ground colour with 1 orange band in
91. SLOP
centre
1 dark admiralty grey ground colour with 1 red
92. CRUDE SWEET
band in centre
1 dark admiralty grey ground colour with 1
93. CRUDE SOUR
orange band in centre
1 oxide red ground colour with 1 steel grey
94. VGO / HCU FEED
band in centre
1 oxide red ground colour with 2 steel grey
95. OHCU BOTTOM / FCCU FEED
band in centre
UNINSULATED EQUIPMENT, TANKS & STRUCTURES
96. HEATER STRUCTURE Steel grey
97. HEATER CASING Heat resisting Aluminium
98. VESSELS & COLUMNS Aluminium
99. HYDROGEN BULLETS Pink
100. LPG VESSELS Red Oxide
101. SO2 VESSEL Canary Yellow
Page 168 of 187

102. HEAT EXCHANGERS Heat resisting Aluminium
103. FO TANK & HOT TANKS Black
104. ALL OTHER TANKS Aluminium / off white
105. CAUSTIC / AMINE / ACID TANKS Golden Yellow
106. SOUR WATER Sky Blue

OUTER SURFACE IN BOILER
107. Heat resisting Aluminium
HOUSE
108. COMPRESSORS & BLOWERS Dark Admiralty Grey
109. PUMPS Navy Blue
110. MOTORS & SWITCH GEAR Bluish Green
111. HAND RAILING Signal Red
112. STAIRCASE, LADDER & WALKWAYS Black

LOAD LIFTING EQUIPMENT &
113. Leaf Brown
MONO RAILS ETC.
114. GENERAL STRUCTURE Black
PIPES & FITTINGS OF ALLOY STEEL & SS MATERIAL IN STORES (REFER
ARTICLE 5.0)
115. IBR Signal red
Page 169 of 187

116. 9Cr - 1Mo Verdigris green
117. 5Cr - ½Mo Satin blue
118. 2¼ Cr - 1Mo Aircraft yellow
119. 1¼Cr - ½Mo Traffic yellow
120. SS-304 Dark blue grey
121. SS-316 Dark violet
122. SS- 321 Navy blue
SAFETY COLOUR SCHEMES
123. DANGEROUS OBSTRUCTION Black & alert orange bands

DANGEROUS OR EXPOSED PARTS
124. Alert orange
OF MACHINERY
Page 170 of 187

Painting for Civil Defence requirements:
(i) The following items shall be painted for camouflaging, as per specific site requirement of Defence.
a) All columns
b) All tanks in offsites
c) Large vessels
d) Spheres
(ii) Two coats of selected finish paint as per defence requirement shall be applied in a particular pattern as per (iii) and as per
the instructions of the Engineer-in-Charge.
(iii) Method of camouflaging:
a) Disruptive painting for camouflaging shall be done in three colours in the ratio of 5:3:2 (all matt finish)
Dark Green Light Green Dark Medium Brown

5: 3: 2
b) The patches should be asymmetrical and irregular.

c) The patches should be inclined at 300C to 600C to the horizontal.
d) The patches should be continuous where two surfaces meet at an angle and the patches should be coincide with
corners.
e) Slits and holes shall be painted in dark shades.
f) Width of patches should be 1 to 2 meters.
Page 171 of 187

Annexure –VI
STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR CORROSION PROTECTION OF WRAPPING COATING & TAPE COATING OF UNDER
GROUND STEEL PIPELINES
1. SCOPE
This specification covers the requirement for materials, surface preparation, application, inspection, repairs and handling for
external corrosion protection tape coating, in situ. of underground steel pipelines with service temperature upto 60 0C using.
Coaltar based tape coating materials conforming to AWWA C-203 (1991)
2. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
The latest edition of the following standards and documents shall apply
2.1 AWWA C-203 (1991): Coal tar protective coatings and linings for steel water pipelines.
2.2 Doc:MTD 24 (3624) BIS: Draft Indian Standard specification for coaltar based Anticorrosion tape for protection of
underground mild steel pipeline.
2.3 SIS05-5900 “Pictorial surface preparation standard for painting steel surface”. Or ISO-8501-1988
2.4 SSPC-SP Steel structure painting council surface preparation specifications:
SSPC-SPI Solvent cleaning
SSPC-SP3 Power tool cleaning
SSPC-SP10 Near white metal blast cleaning
High voltage test conform to NACE standard RP-02-74
3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Equipments and accessories required for tape coating shall be in good operating conditions at least for
completion of the coating job. Adequacy of equipments and accessories shall be approved by the Engineer-in-
charge.
3.2 Necessary arrangements for power supply and other utilities shall be made for the completion of the job.
3.3 Necessary testing and inspection facilities as required by this standard shall be developed at site and shall be approved
by the Engineer-in-charge.
Page 172 of 187

3.4 Protective tapes and other materials brought to site shall be as per the specifications of this standard and should be
approved by the Engineer-in-Charge.
Field and laboratory tests as given in this standard shall be carried out for each batch of primer and tape.
3.5 All work shall be carried out in accordance with this specification and shall be phase wise approved by the Engineer-in-
Charge. Any working procedure computed from this specification shall be approved in advance by the Engineer-in-
Charge.
3.6 Manufacturers recommended supervisor and skilled applicator shall be engaged by the contractor for application,
inspection and quality assurance.
3.7 Manufacturers shall possess copy of reference documents and test procedure appearing in this standard.
4. DOCUMENTATION
The following documentation is required:
4.1 A written quality plan with procedures for qualification trials and for the actual work.
The quality plan shall include a time table for the various activities with a description of coating materials to be used,
their application qualification of personnel involved in the work, responsibilities and lines of communications, details of
equipment and their calibration, proposed hold points for company’s inspection and endorsement and the detailed
procedures for the testing and inspection.
4.2 Daily progress reports with details on weather conditions, particulars of application, e.g. blast cleaning, number of wraps
and type of materials applied, anomalies and progress of work versus programme.
4.3 Documented evidence that the requirements of this specification have been met, during production trials as well as
during the work.
Page 173 of 187

4. The documentation shall include
 Results of comparison of surface cleanliness, surface profile on blast cleaned surface, Tape coating thickness, holiday
detection and adhesion tests.
 Particulars of surface preparation, priming and tape application
 Details of non-compliance, rejects and repairs
 Types of testing equipments and calibration
 Code and batch numbers of coating materials used
Field tests on primers and tape coat
5. MATERIALS
5.1 General Requirements
5.1.1 Manufacturer’s test certificates shall be produced and examined by the Engineer-in-charge for all materials, proposed
to be used for tape coating as per this standard.
5.1.2 All materials brought to site for tape coating shall be suitably marked and identifiable with the following information
 Manufacturer’s name
 Type of material and code
 Batch number
 Date of manufacturing/expiry
 Technical data sheet for each type of material
 Self life
 Manufacturer’s Quality Control test certificates with actual results of each batch
5.1.3 Materials without manufacturer’s test certificates and identification marks shall not be accepted and used.
5.1.4 Test certificate from competent Govt. laboratory on the properties of materials quoted by the manufacturer in the
technical data sheet shall also be submitted alongwith the Technical Data Sheet of the products.
5.1.5 Each batch of primer and tape shall be tested in the field by the procedure as given in this standard. Engineer-in-
charge will review the field test data before use of the materials.
5.1.6 All coating materials shall be properly preserved to prevent damage or deterioration.
Page 174 of 187

5.1.7 All coaltar primer containers shall be tightly sealed when not in use and no primer whose date has expired shall be
used coating & wrapping purpose. Before expiry of date, this should be brought to the notice of Site
Engineer/Engineer Incharge
5.1.8 The procured material for coat and wrap shall conform to specification as given below / as specified in the tender. The
contractor shall ensure compliance of the technical specification and shall submit the relevant data for the selected
make of coat and wrap material in the above format for approval of engineer in charge before procurement.
5.2 Characteristics and Functional Requirements of coating materials
5.2.1Coal tar tapes:
The coating material shall conform to section 8 of AWWA C 203-91 standard “Coal tar protective coatings and linings for
steel water pipelines-enamel and tape – Hot applied.”
Following are the salient features of coaltar tape coating materials.
5.2.1.1 Primer :
The primer shall be type B as specified in AWWA C-203 (1991) section. Following are the main characteristics:
Type Fast arying, synthetic chlorinated rubber-synthetic plasticizer-solvent based. Contractor to
furnish manufacturers catalogue.
Drying time 5-15 mts.Test method ASTM D 1640-83/89
Flash point > 230C ASTM D93-90/D3941-90
Volatile matter (105- 75 : ASTM D2369-90
1100C) per cent by mass
Viscosity on FORD UP 35-60 secs. ASTM D1200-88
NO. 44mm nozzle 230C
DFT 25 microns/coat/min.
Coverage (Theoritical) 8-12 M2/Lit/Coat
Coverage (Practical) @ 5-6 M2/Lit/Coat ASTM D344-89
25 microns DFT coat
Application properties By power driven machine / brush/Spray should produce an effective bond between metal and
subsequent coaltar tape
Adhesion test The primer shall be tested after applying Tape coating as per AWWAC-203 (1991)
Page 175 of 187

5.2.1.2 Coal Tar Tape:
The tape shall be coal-tar component supported on fabric of organic or inorganic Fiber's.
(a) Raw Coal Tar Pitch:The coal tar (hard pitch) component shall be produced from coal that has a minimum heating value
of 13000 BtU/Ib (7.223x106 cal/kg) on a moisture and mineral matter free basis (ASTM D 388) and that has been carbonized
in a slot-type coke even at a temperature of not less than 900 0C. The coal tar (hard pitch) shall have the following salient
properties:
Softening point 0C 65 Min. 121 ASTM D36-86
Max.
Specific gravity 1.30  0.05 ASTM D 71-94
Ash content 0.5% Max. ASTM D 2415-66(1991)
Physical state Solid at ambient temperature
(b) Fabric:
Type : The fabric shall be a thin, flexible, uniform mat or tissue composed of glass fibers in an open structure bonded with a
suitable resinous inert material compatible with coal tar.
Weight (min) g/m2 40
Thickness (min.) mm 0.3
Note (1) Manufacturer’s test data in the laboratory are required for the above properties on the materials supplied.
(c) Physical properties of coaltar tape:
Property Requirement Test Method
Min. Max.
Service - 60
temperature 0C
Tape thickness 2.0 2.5 Section 8.11.3 of AWWA C-203
mm
Weight average 1.25 ASTM D146
kg/sq.m/mm
Page 176 of 187

Breaking strength 0.7 AWWA C-203 10.3.1.2.5
in longitudinal
direction kN/m
Adhesion To pass test as per BIS, DOC, MTD 24(3624) or 8.11.2 of AWWA C-203
Insoluble content 95% minimum (By SMMS-EIL procedure)
% by wt. In
petroleum ether
Width of tape Contractor to furnish details
Requirement of As per AWWAC C-203 (1991) & contractor to furnish catalogue
surface
preparation
(d) Physical Properties of Coal Tar Component in finish tape:
Property Requirement Test method
Min. Max
Softening point– 65 121 ASTM D 36-86
0
C
Penetration at 3 20 AWWA C-203 See 8.11.5(OR) ASTM D-5
.1
25C/100g/10
mm/5 sec
Filler % 20 30 ASTM D 2415 or AWWA C-203 See 8.11.6
(e) Other requirement
Type of Contractor to specify
application
(Hot / Cold)
Compound Plasticised coal tar compound conforming to AWWA C 203 standard.
Reinforcement Synthetic Substrate.
Temperature Vendor to furnish details
range for
application
Page 177 of 187

Resistance to Shall meet the stipulations of B.S. 4164 – 1987 std.
cathodic Contractor to furnish the support documents.
disbonding
6. Surface preparation:
- All oil, grease on the pipe metal surface shall be thoroughly removed by flushing with a suitable solvent (such as xylene
or 1.1.1 trichloroethylene) and wiping with clean rags. The solvent cleaning shall be as per SSPC-SP-1. If required
detergent cleaning shall be done before or after solvent cleaning.
- The degreased pipe metal surface shall be blast cleaned to Sa 2 ½ of SIS-05-5900 OR SSPC-SP-10. With a surface
profile of 30-50 microns depth. Blasted surface that rusts before priming shall be cleaned by wire brushing or shall be
reblasted. Priming shall be done within 4 hours of completion of blast cleaning. Otherwise total reblasting may be
necessary.
Surface preparation:
 Blast cleaning equipment for nozzle type, size, safety gauges, working condition, pressure at the tip of the gun
 Abrassive type, hardness to provide required profile size and cleanliness
 Measurement of surface profile and comparing cleanliness with Visual standards of ISO 8501 – 1988
Measurement of pitting depth area of pitted portion. Inspection of weld filling and grinding and patch plate welding, welding of
replaced pipe, if any.
Checking of condition of concrete saddles. Rubber padding and end seals wherever required.
Page 178 of 187

7. Application of primer:
One coat of primer shall be applied immediately on blast-cleaned surface by brush or spray to achieve complete wetting of
the surface as recommended by the manufacturer. In case the surface is wet during application of primer the surface should
be made dry. The primer shall be allowed to become touch dry prior to tape application. The same manufacturer shall furnish
primer and tape.
Primer should not be applied if the humility is above 80%.
- Inspection of primer after application:
 Checking for drying time to be touch dry, tack free drying and hard drying of primer
 DFT shall be checked on metal panel separately.
 Care must be taken to inspect proper application of primer at weld joints and areas adjacent to fittings.
 All primed pipe which have been exposed to whether for more than 48 hours after priming or become "dead" shall be
reprimed after cleaning the surface.
8. Tape coating system and application:
Preparation Of Coaltar Enamel
- Coaltar enamel shall be protected from weather and contamination with water, dirt or other foreign materials. Enamel
shall be broken up into small pieces and stacked on a clean platform free from above said materials before being placed
into the melting kettle.
- The enamel pieces shall be heated in the kettle and brought to the application temperature conforming to. AWWAC
203/66/Manufacturer’s specification. Accurate thermometers shall be used on the dope kettle and positioned so as to
accurately determine the maximum temperature to which the enamel is heated. Kettles shall not be permitted to act as
continuous enamel supply source by adding unmelted enamel during the time such kettles are in use, but shall be
completely emptied of one charge before the next charge of enamel is added.
- Enamel shall be condemned and dumped as unfit for use when in the judgement of Site Engineer, it has become
damaged by overheating or by continuous heating.
- The application of coating materials on the pipe shall be at temperature recommended by the enamel manufacturer or
AWWA C 203/66 specification.
Page 179 of 187

- First, an even coat of the enamel 2.5 mm(3/32”) thick(Minimum) shall be applied over the surface of the primed pipe. The
coating may be done by hot coaltar enamel over the pipe by buckets, gunny rag manipulated back and forth to coat the
bottom of the pipe may be used, thus ensuring complete coverage of the surface, followed by a fiber glass wrap, spirally
wound tight around the pipe. This shall be carried out by experienced persons only.
- A second coat of hot enamel 2.5 mm(3/32”) thick will then be applied followed by fiber glass which will be spirally wound
around the pipe. No wrinkle on the fiberglass is permitted. The ends of the fiberglass shall be secured to the pipe with hot
enamel. A third thin coat of hot enamel, followed by Kraft paper (outer wrap) shall then be applied. Care must be taken to
ensure that overlap of wrapping is at least 19mm and does not exceed 25 mm.
Application Method:
- The tape shall be wrap in accordance with the manufacturer recommendation in a manner that shall meet adhesion and
holiday detection requirements specified in AWWA C 203-91 standard.
- Before application of tape coat (Hot and Cold) it shall be ensured by the contractor that the pipe surface is cleaned by
sand blast cleaning to a degree specified by the manufacturer and primed with primer material, which shall ensure and
effective bond between substrate and de-coating. The primer shall be allowed to dry to touch prior to tape application.
- In hot and cold application of the coal tar tape the inside layer shall be applied on the pipe. The plastic separator shall be
removed.
- In case Hot application the tape while being enrolled is to be warmed up by a blow lamp or a gas flame. The heating on
the surface to wrapped shall be done to a degree as specified in the instruction manual of the manufacturer. In case cold
application any pre wrapping coat ,if specified by the manufacturer, is also to be applied.
9. INSPECTION AND TESTING FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE:
- All coating shall be inspected visually by Site Engineer while being applied. Visual inspection for uniformity without any
wrinkles and irregularities and overlapping width as per specifications. Before the piping is buried into the trench the coat
and wrap shall be inspected by electrical holiday detector which will detect holidays, pinholes, defects etc. The Contractor
shall provide the holiday detector in good working order.
- All the coal tar enamel coating shall be tested for Holidays and breaks in the coatings and test Voltages shall conform to
NACE Standard RP-02-74 as per latest code specified as under:
Page 180 of 187

- The maximum testing voltage for a particular coating thickness shall be given here under:
-
Out side pipe Coating thickness Test Voltages
dia (inch) Mills
Less than 1” 16 5000

1 31 7000
2 62 9800
3 84 12100
4 125 14000
5 156 15000
6 188 17100
10” 100 17100
16” 500 28000
18” 625 31000
20” 625 31000
24” 750 35000
- The coated pipes including field joint coating shall be visually inspected for cracks, trapped air, uniformity, damage etc.
Any repair arising out of visual inspection will be decided by Engineer-in-charge.
Page 181 of 187

 Measurement of pipe thickness.
 Adhesion test as per AWWA-C-203 (1991) inclusive of the following steps.
- Adhesion tests shall be made to determine the proper bond between the tape and the primed pipe. One test per section
(of upto 10 meter length) shall be carried out initially afterwards adhesion test is to be done as per the advise of
ENGINEER IN CHARGE. Repair required due to adhesion testing shall be decided by the Engineer-in-Charge.
- Temperature of the tape and pipe to be tested shall be between 10 0C and 270C. If required cold water shall be poured
over the test area to bring down the temperature to with in the above range.
- A test shall be selected where the tape is smooth for 152 mm in the longitudinal direction of the pipe.
- Two knife cuts of 152 mm long and 51 mm apart shall be made through the tape.
- A flat blade shall be used to pry up 51 mm of the fabric.
- The 51 mm flap of fabric shall be grasped firmly in one hand and shall be pulled with a quick motion in the direction of the
remaining 102 mm of the 152 mm knife cut.
- The adhesion is satisfactory if (I) the tape tears at the point of stripping or (II) the fabric strips from the underlying tape
component, leaving no more than 10% or less of the primer or bare metal exposed.
- Adhesion between tape to tape can be tested following similar procedure as above. However, this should preferably be
done on a test panel.
MEASUREMENT OF COATING THICKNESS
- Coating thickness of the coated pipes shall be measured at the beginning of coating operation to ensure proper
thickness.
- Thickness has to be measured with a caliper with caliper surfaces of at least 20 mm diameter, on 5 tape pieces with an
edge length of at least 50 mm taken from 5 different coils. The measuring pressure should 0.5N/m2. The measuring
accuracy should be within 0.1 mm.
- All holidays, pinholes, torn wrap, abraded or mutilated spots in the coat and wrap operations shall be immediately
repaired. The original coating and wrapping shall be cleaned away and the good edges of the original coating shall be
beveled or clipped to ensure satisfactory application. The damaged area shall be thoroughly cleaned before recoating. All
the Holiday test should pass stipulations as per Section 8.9 of AWWA C-203 (1991) std. and contractor to furnish support
documents.
Page 182 of 187

Annexure-VII
A sample of Isometric of Pipeline Circuit & Data Record Cards
Page 183 of 187

HISTORY CARD
Format 16.3
Equipment Unit
Date Description Sign.
Form No. 2
Page 184 of 187

DATA RECORD CARD
Format 16.4
UNIT
Insp. Description Size Sched. Material. Org. Disc.
Point Thk Limit
Page 185 of 187

17.0 REFERENCES
1. API -1104 : Welding Pipelines

2. API-1107 : Recommended pipelines
maintenance welding practices.
3. API 5L : Line Pipe.
4. ANSI – B – 31.3 : Chemical Plant and Petroleum
Refinery Piping.
5. ANSI – B – 31.4 : Liquid Petroleum Transportation
Piping System
6. ANSI – B – 36.10 : Welded & Seamless Wrought Steel
Pipe
7. ANSI – B – 16.5 : Pipe flanges and flanged fittings,
steel metal alloy and other special
alloys
8. ANSI – B – 16.9 : Factory made wrought steel butt-
welding fittings.
9. ANSI – B – 16.11 : Forged steel fittings socket welding
and threaded
10. Piping Hand Book : By Crocker & King
11. ASTM Standards : Section – I Volume 01.01 Steel
Piping, Tubing and Fittings,
12. NACE RP – 01 – 69 : Recommended practice. Control of
ext, corrosion on underground or
submerged metallic piping system
13. BS C. P. – 1021 : Cathodic Protection
14. NACE RP – 01 – 70 : Protection of Austenitic stainless
steel from polythionic acid S. C. C.
during shutdown of Refinery
Equipment
15. Design Engineering : Design Engineering Practices on
Practices on Refinery Refinery Piping prepared by CHT
Piping
16. Quality Assurance Plan : Prepared by Project, HQ, June ‘03
Manual
17. Project Commissioning : Prepared by Panipat Refinery and
Experience M&I
18. Guidelines for : Prepared by HQ
Commissioning of New
Projects/ Facilities
19. ANSI – B31.1 : Power Piping
20. IBR : Indian Boiler Regulation
21. ANSI B.18.2.1 : Bolts and Nuts
22. ASME/ ANSI B.18.2.2 : Valves/ Flanges
23. Gasket : Chemical Engineering Hand Book
: Perry’s Piping hand book-king &
crocker

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Page 1 of 187

Sl. No. Topics Page No.

This manual covers the minimum requirements for inspection on pipes

Special emphasis was given on the quality assurance requirements in

A pressure tight cylinder used to carry a fluid or to transmit a fluid

Pipe manufactured in different sizes & thicknesses are commonly

Tubing is similar to pipe but it is manufactured in different sizes of

3.1 ELECTRIC RESISTANCE WELDED PIPE (ERW)

Pipe produced in individual lengths or in continuous lengths from coiled

Care must be taken during procurement of ERW pipes as regards the

3.2 FURNACE BUTT WELDED PIPE

i Furnace Butt-Welded Pipe (Bell Welded)

Pipe produced in individual lengths from cut-length skelp having its

ii Furnace Butt-Welded Pipe (Continuous Welded)

Pipe produced in continuous lengths from coiled skelp and joint

3.3 ELECTRIC FUSION WELDED PIPE (EFSW)

Pipe having a longitudinal or spiral butt joint wherein coalescence is

3.4 SUBMERGED ARC WELDED PIPE (SAW)

Pipe having a longitudinal or spiral butt joint produced by at least two

3.6 SPIRAL WELDED PIPE

3.7 SEAMLESS PIPES

Pipe produced by piercing a billet followed by rolling or drawing or both.

3.8 CENTRIFUGALLY CAST PIPES

Pipe formed from the solidification of molten metal in a rotating mold.

3.9 STATICALLY CAST PIPE

Pipe formed by the solidification of molten metal in a sand mould.

3.10 CEMENT LINED PIPE

This specification defines the basis to be used in selecting the piping

The codes and standards followed in selecting the piping Materials:

i) Petroleum Refinery piping  ANSI – B.31.3

The primary objective in materials selection is the achievement of

Materials selection for achievement of metallurgical stability shall be

The basis of material selection shall be as under:

The following are the general guidelines to be considered while

a) Alloy steel piping / stainless steel piping – 15 years life.

ii) Design Temperature

The design temperature of the fluid in the piping is generally

iii) Design Pressure

iv) Corrosion Allowance

The corrosion allowance shall be selected on the basis of the fluid

v) Service of the System

Service of the system is the medium, the system shall handle

Medium handled occasionally (life during shutdown and re-

Economics of the material cost shall also to be considered in the

vii) Effect of Environmental condition

Effort shall be made to select material suiting well to the medium

4.3 GUIDELINES FOR MATERIAL SELECTION

4.3.1 Exposure at high temperature (above 232 0C)

a) Materials selected for high temperature exposure shall be economic

 Overstress in the elastic range

b) For corrosion and general oxidation wastage operating temperature

d) Where hydrogen will be a constituent of hot process stream, a

As can be seen in the Nelson Curve the use of carbon ½ Mo steel

e) Carbon molybdenum steel is generally used in steam services.

f) The use of 12% Cr or higher ferritic Cr steels for pressure

g) Where austenitic stainless steels are selected and there might be a

a) Materials selected for exposure to ambient and intermediate

b) Material selected for service conductive to hydrogen blistering, shall

c) Where austenitic stainless steels are selected, a titanium or