TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

PROCESS
PROCESS-TO-INSTRUMENT
INSTRUMENT VALVES

MESC SPE 77/170

February 2016

MESC SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT

This document is restricted. Neither the whole nor any part of this document may be disclosed to any third party without the prior written consent of Shell Global
Solutions International B.V., The Netherlands. The copyright of this
this document is vested in this company. All rights reserved. Neither the whole nor any part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical,
mechanical, reprographic, recording or otherwise)
oth
without the prior written consent of the copyright owner.

MESC SPE 77/170

February 2016
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PREFACE
MESC (Materials and Equipment Standards and Code) SPE documents reflect the views, at the time of publication, of:
Shell Global Solutions International B.V. (Shell GSI)
and/or
Shell International Exploration and Production B.V. (SIEP)
and/or
other Shell Service Companies.
They are based on the experience acquired during their involvement with the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of processing units and facilities, and they are supplemented with the experience of Shell Operating Units.
Where appropriate they are based on, or reference is made to, international, regional, national and industry standards.
The objective is to set the recommended standard for good design and engineering practice applied by Shell companies
operating an oil refinery, gas handling installation, chemical plant, oil and gas production facility, or any other such
facility, and thereby to achieve maximum technical and economic benefit from standardization.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to Shell companies for their consideration and decision to
implement. This is of particular importance where MESC SPEs may not cover every requirement or diversity of condition
at each locality. The system of MESC SPEs is expected to be sufficiently flexible to allow individual Operating Units to
adapt the information set forth in MESC SPEs to their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use MESC SPEs they shall be solely responsible for the quality of work
and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In particular, for those requirements not
specifically covered, the Principal will expect them to follow those practices, which will achieve the same level of
integrity as reflected in the MESC SPEs. If in doubt, the Contractor or Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting
from his own responsibility, consult the Principal or its technical advisor.
The right to use MESC SPEs is granted by Shell GSI, in most cases under Service Agreements primarily with Shell
companies and other companies receiving technical advice and services from Shell GSI or another Shell Service
Company. Consequently, three categories of users of MESC SPEs can be distinguished:
1)

Operating Units having a Service Agreement with Shell GSI or other Shell Service Company. The use of MESC
SPEs by these Operating Units is subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the relevant Service
Agreement.

2)

Other parties who are authorized to use MESC SPEs subject to appropriate contractual arrangements (whether
as part of a Service Agreement or otherwise).

3)

Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with users referred to under 1) or 2)

which requires that tenders for projects, materials supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said
users comply with the relevant standards.

Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with users, Shell GSI
disclaims any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury or death) suffered by any company or
person whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the use, application or implementation of any MESC SPE,
combination of MESC SPEs or any part thereof, even if it is wholly or partly caused by negligence on the part of Shell
GSI or other Shell Service Company. The benefit of this disclaimer shall inure in all respects to Shell GSI and/or any
Shell Service Company, or companies affiliated to these companies, that may issue MESC SPEs or require the use of
MESC SPEs.
Without prejudice to any specific terms in respect of confidentiality under relevant contractual arrangements, MESC
SPEs shall not, without the prior written consent of Shell GSI, be disclosed by users to any company or person
whomsoever and the MESC SPEs shall be used exclusively for the purpose for which they have been provided to the
user. They shall be returned after use, including any copies, which shall only be made by users with the express prior
written consent of Shell GSI. The copyright of MESC SPEs vests in Shell GSI. Users shall arrange for MESC SPEs to
be held in safe custody and Shell GSI may at any time require information satisfactory to them in order to ascertain how
users implement this requirement.
All administrative queries should be directed to the MESC SPE Administrator in Shell GSI.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 4
SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 4
DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS ......... 4
DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................. 4
CHANGES SINCE PREVIOUS EDITION ................................................................... 4
COMMENTS ON THIS MESC SPE ............................................................................ 4

PART II
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
2.12
2.13

REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................................... 5
VALVES GENERAL .................................................................................................... 5
FLANGE DESIGN ....................................................................................................... 5
INSTRUMENT CONNECTIONS ................................................................................. 6
SCREWED COMPONENTS ....................................................................................... 6
BENDING MOMENTS ................................................................................................ 6
BALL VALVE CAVITY RELIEF ................................................................................... 7
PROCESS GLOBE/NEEDLE TYPE VALVE REQUIREMENTS ................................ 7
SECONDARY GLOBE/NEEDLE TYPE VALVE REQUIREMENTS ........................... 7
MATERIALS ................................................................................................................ 8
MARKING ................................................................................................................... 8
INSPECTION AND TESTING ..................................................................................... 8
PAINTING, PRESERVATION, SHIPPING AND STORAGE ...................................... 9
DRAWINGS Figure 1,2 & 3..................................................................................... 10

PART III

REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 13

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February 2016
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PART I INTRODUCTION
1.1

SCOPE
This MESC SPE specifies requirements for process to instrument valve units, either single
or double block with or without bleed valves for connecting process to pressure gauges or
instrument impulse lines.
Process/instrument valves with soft-seated ball valves can be used to 150 C (300 F) in
potentially clogging service. Slimline monoflanges with metal-seated globe valves can be
used in clean service up to 150 C (300 F).
This MESC SPE shall apply in addition to the applicable MESC Buying Description,
purchase order or requisition sheet.

1.2

DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Unless otherwise authorised by Shell GSI, the distribution of this MESC SPE is confined to
Shell companies and, where necessary, to Contractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers
nominated by them.
This MESC SPE is intended for use in oil refineries, chemical plants, gas plants, exploration
and production facilities and supply/distribution installations.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements may be more
stringent than in this MESC SPE the Contractor shall determine by careful scrutiny which of
the requirements are the more stringent and which combination of requirements will be
acceptable with regards to safety, environmental, economic and legal aspects. In all cases
the Contractor shall inform the Principal of any deviation from the requirements of this
MESC SPE which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or
local regulations. The Principal may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned, the
objective being to obtain agreement to follow this MESC SPE as closely as possible.

1.3

DEFINITIONS
The Contractor is the party that carries out all or part of the design, engineering,
procurement, construction, commissioning or management of a project, or operation or
maintenance of a facility. The Principal may undertake all or part of the duties of the
Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party that manufactures or supplies equipment and
services to perform the duties specified by the Contractor.
The Principal is the party that initiates the project and ultimately pays for its design and
construction. The Principal will generally specify the technical requirements. The Principal
may also include an agent or consultant authorised to act for, and on behalf of, the
Principal.
The word shall indicates a requirement.
The word should indicates a recommendation.

1.4

CHANGES SINCE PREVIOUS EDITION

The previous edition of this MESC SPE was dated February 2015. Added slotted bolt
details for DN 20 (NPS ) flanged ends. Clarified that Valve Body Minimum Wall
Thickness shall be suitable for Class 2500, regardless of body flange drilling pattern.

1.5

COMMENTS ON THIS MESC SPE

Comments on this MESC SPE may be sent to the MESC SPE Administrator at
MESC@shell.com . Shell staff may also post comments on this MESC SPE on the Surface
Global Network (SGN) under the Standards folder.

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PART II REQUIREMENTS
2.1

VALVES GENERAL
The first block valve coming from the process side shall be either a ball or globe "needle"
type valve of process design.
NOTE:

The reference to "needle" is not intended to indicate that the valve is a true fine-control needle valve
it is a term used in the Instrument Engineering discipline for small, fine-threaded globe valves. The
closure member is a conical disc or ball. In MESC specifications, these valves are identified as slimline
globe plug/ball valves.
Figure 2 illustrates a typical monoflange floating ball Process-to-Instrument valve.
Figure 3 illustrates a typical slimline globe plug/ball valve.

All ball valves shall meet the design requirements of ISO 17292 and MESC SPE 77/110
The first globe/needle type valve shall meet the design requirements specified in 2.7.
Secondary globe/needle type needle valves shall meet the design requirements specified in
2.8.
The face to end or face to face dimension of all process to instrument valves shall be to the
manufacturers standard.
The body construction shall be one piece.
The body design shall be in accordance with ASME B16.34.
Valve Body Minimum Wall Thickness shall be suitable for Class 2500, regardless of
body flange drilling pattern specified in 2.2.
In order to allow application of valves manufactured with ASTM A182 GRADE F 316 body
material (Group 2.2 Material) in Carbon Steel Piping Classes without de-rating, these
valves shall be designed to also accommodate the PressureTemperature Ratings for
Group 1.2 materials.
Consequences in terms of minimum wall thickness shall be anticipated.
Forged bodies shall be forged close to the final shape.
Valves containing polymeric or elastomeric materials shall be of a fire-tested design and
certified in accordance with ISO 10497, BS 6755-2, or API 6FA.
The valve bonnets or levers shall be colour coded as follows:
- Block-Isolation Valves: blue
- Bleed-Vent Valves: red
Single and double block and bleed valves shall provide the function of single block and
double block by plugging the bleed connection. Bleed ports with 1/2 in (F)G threads shall
have the compression fitting side of the adapter fitting (see Figure 1) plugged.
2.2

FLANGE DESIGN
The flange shall be generally in accordance with ASME B16.34 (paragraph 6.2.2.).
In order to allow application of valves manufactured with ASTM A182 GRADE F 316 body
material (Group 2.2 Material) in Carbon Steel Piping Classes without de-rating, these
flanges shall be designed to also accommodate the (ASME B16.34) PressureTemperature
Ratings for Group 1.2 materials.
DN 15 (NPS 1/2) flanges for connecting to Class 150, Class 300 or Class 600 process
piping flanges shall be furnished with 5/8 in wide radially slotted bolt holes with a Pitch
Circle Diameter (PCD) of 60.3 mm (2.38 in) and a PCD of 66.7 mm (2.62 in).
DN 15 (NPS 1/2) flanges for connecting to Class 900, Class 1500 or Class 2500 process
piping flanges shall be furnished with 7/8 in wide radially slotted bolt holes with a PCD of
82.6 mm (3.25 in) and a PCD of 88.9 mm (3.50 in).
DN 20 (NPS 3/4) flanges for connecting to Class 900, Class 1500 or Class 2500
process piping flanges shall be furnished with 7/8 in wide radially slotted bolt holes
with a PCD of 88.9 mm (3.50 in) and a PCD of 95.2 mm (3.75 in).

MESC SPE 77/170

February 2016
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Other inlet flanges shall be drilled in accordance with ASME B16.5 or tapped and fitted with
studding suitable for connection to the process piping connection flange. Valves having an
outlet flange shall also meet these requirements.
If studs are fitted to tapped holes the minimum protruding length from the raised face shall
be in accordance with the table below. Studs shall be positively locked in position.
Nominal
size (DN)

15
20
25
40
50

Class
150
32 mm
38 mm
38 mm
38 mm
44 mm

Class
300
38 mm
44 mm
44 mm
51 mm
51 mm

Minimum stud protusion

mm
Class
Classes
600
900 and 1500
44 mm
57 mm
51 mm
63 mm
51 mm
70 mm
57 mm
76 mm
57 mm
76 mm

Class
2500
64 mm
70 mm
76 mm
89 mm
95 mm

If slimline monoflange valves are specified with flanged/flanged ends, the following shall
also apply:
- To enable removal of the blind flange with the mono flange valve staying in place, the
mono flange valve shall be provided with full thread engagement studs screwed in the
body and positively locked in position with pins.

2.3

INSTRUMENT CONNECTIONS
The Instrument and bleed connections shall be specified as one of the following:
Size, outlet/bleed

Type of end connection

Specification

1/2 in (F)NPT

Threaded

ASME B1.20.1

1/2 in (F)G

Threaded

In accordance with Figure 1,

complete with adapter fitting
of the same material as the
body

(1/2 in (F)BSP)

The body shall be machined around the connection with a diameter of 27 mm (0,
+0.2) mm.
The minimum port size for monoflange floating ball valves shall be 7 mm (0.28 in).
The port size for slimline globe, plug/ball valves shall be 5 mm (0.2 in).
All threaded ports shall be fitted with blanking plugs of the same material as the body. Plug
must be able to permanently sustain the full pressure rating of the valve.The plugs shall be
suitably sealed
When the blanketing plug is left on the valve, it is considered a valve without a bleed.
2.4

SCREWED COMPONENTS
All threaded/screwed valves in the body shall be positively locked in position.

2.5

BENDING MOMENTS
For purposes of design, the following bending moments by the outlet pipe or instrument
shall be taken into account
Outlet DN (NPS)
< 25 (1)
25 to 50 (1 to 2) inclusive

Bending moment (Nm)

175
1000

MESC SPE 77/170

February 2016
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2.6

BALL VALVE CAVITY RELIEF

If a body cavity relief is specified:

2.7

The body cavity relief shall be a pressure equalising hole with a diameter of at least
3 mm (0.12 in), drilled in the closure member outside the seat facing area. The
pressure relief hole shall connect the valve body cavity to the High Pressure (HP) side
of the closure member when this is in the closed position.

The maintenance manual shall show how the closure member must be assembled.

PROCESS GLOBE/NEEDLE TYPE VALVE REQUIREMENTS

The design shall be outside screw and yoke, with bolted bonnet.
The bonnet bolting shall have four bolts sized to meet the requirements of ASME VIII and
ASME B16.34.
The bonnet static seal shall be fully contained; metal-to-metal contact shall be made
between the bonnet and body.
The gland shall be loaded by two bolts, which are independent of the bonnet bolting.
The means of stem disk attachment shall be such that the disk (stem end) is free to
articulate in order to permit alignment with the seat. The means of disk to stem assembly
attachment shall be positively secured to prevent loosening due to fluid or piping induced
vibration.
The bonnet and stem shall incorporate internal back seating for emergency stem sealing
and stem blow out protection.
The stem shall be suitably supported and have clearances designed, such that with all
anticipated side loads it does not make rubbing contact with the adjacent static metallic
components (bonnet, gland ring etc), which may lead to galling.
The stem thread shall be suitably protected from the environment.
Body and bonnet wall thicknesses shall meet the requirements of ASME B16.34.
The pressure temperature rating for the valve shall be to ASME B16.34.

2.8

SECONDARY GLOBE/NEEDLE TYPE VALVE REQUIREMENTS

Valves incorporating screwed bonnets shall have seals both in and outboard of the thread
to protect the thread from both the process medium and the environment. The thread length
shall meet the design requirements of ASME B16.34.
The bonnet shall be mechanically locked to eliminate loosening by a device, which is
securely fixed to the body.
The means of stem disk attachment shall be such that the disk (stem end) is free to
articulate in order to permit alignment with the seat. The means of disk to stem assembly
attachment shall be positively secured to prevent loosening due to fluid or piping induced
vibration.
The bonnet and stem shall incorporate integral back seating for emergency stem sealing
and stem blow out protection.
The stem shall be suitably supported and have clearances designed, such that with all
anticipated side loads it does not make rubbing contact with the adjacent static metallic
components (bonnet, gland ring etc), which may lead to galling.
The stem thread shall be outboard of the stem packing and shall be suitably protected from
the environment.
The gland shall be adjustable and capable of being securely locked in position.
Body and bonnet wall thicknesses shall meet the requirements of ASME B16.34.
The pressure temperature rating for the valve shall be to ASME B16.34.

MESC SPE 77/170

February 2016
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If the requisition specifies a bleed valve with anti-tamper facility, the valve spindle shall be
supplied with a (5 mm 5 mm) square operating end. The key guide on the valve shall
have an internal diameter of between 11.2 mm and 11.5 mm.
2.9

MATERIALS
Materials shall be as specified in the MESC buying description to ASTM or UNS (unified
numbering system) standards.
Equivalent materials to other national standards may only be used after approval by the
Principal.
Bolting and other valve components shall not be galvanised or cadmium plated.
If compliance with ISO 15156/NACE MR0175 is specified, it shall apply to process wetted
parts, parts within the pressure envelope, and bolting.

2.10

MARKING
The valve shall have the purchase requisition number clearly marked or tagged.
The class rating, body material and the nominal size shall also be marked on the valve
body.
Identification plate marking shall include:
-

the manufacturer's type or figure number

pressure rating designation, Class or PN

manufacturers identification number

maximum pressure at 38 C

limiting temperature and associated pressure, if applicable

limiting differential pressure and associated temperature, if applicable

trim identification

pipe thread identification, NPT or BSP

Both metric and USC units. Body / bonnet castings and forging shall have the charge or
heat number and heat treatment batch cast or stamped in the material.
For double-flanged ball valves assemblies with cavity relief, the high-pressure side shall be
clearly marked HP.
2.11

INSPECTION AND TESTING

GENERAL
Hydrostatic pressure testing shall be performed on the completely assembled valve.
No device shall be used in testing the valve that will reduce the stress in the body. Prior to
the start of the test, each individual valve shall be operated through one complete
open/close cycle. If leakage is found, corrective action may be taken to eliminate the
leakage and the test repeated at the discretion of the Principal, otherwise the test shall be
abandoned.
HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE TEST
The valve body, closure and back seat shall be hydrostatic pressure tested in accordance
with ISO 5208. During the hydrostatic body pressure test the valve shall be in the half open
position.
Test fluid shall be fresh water containing a corrosion inhibitor.
-

The chloride content of test water in contact with austenitic and duplex stainless steel
wetted components of valves shall not exceed 30 g/g (30 ppm by mass).
All valves shall be drained immediately after the test and shall be thoroughly dried
immediately after draining.

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The minimum test duration for the body test, each seat/back seat test shall differ from
ISO 5208 as follows:
Body test
120 s

Seat test
Metal seat

Soft seat

60 s

60 s

Back seat test

60 s

The maximum allowable leakage rates for closure tests shall be in accordance with
ISO 5208 Rate A.
2.12

PAINTING, PRESERVATION, SHIPPING AND STORAGE

The valve internals shall be thoroughly cleaned and dried and the surfaces shall be free
from:
-

hydrostatic test fluids,

cleaning agents,

adhered scale, weld spatter, loose particles or fibres,

organic substances, e.g. grease, oil, paint and sealant.

Painting or coating shall be applied to the manufacturer's standard.

High alloy steel, nickel and nickel/copper alloy valves shall not be painted.
Gate and globe valves shall be shipped with the closure members in the closed position,
ball valves shall be open.
Prior to dispatch/shipment the valve internals shall be thoroughly cleaned and dried and the
surfaces shall be free from test fluids, cleaning agents, loose particles and organic
substances. Valves shall be properly preserved, fitted with end caps or flange protectors,
placed on an adequate surface and packaged to ensure protection against damage,
ingress of moisture, rainfall and dirt during outdoor storage for at least one year.
Flange protectors in direct contact with flange faces shall not be of a porous (e.g., wood)
material.
2.13

CERTIFICATION
In addition to the certification requirements specified in MESC SPE 77/302, the finished
valve shall have a certificate in accordance with ISO 10474, type 2.1 or EN 10204 type 2.1,
demonstrating that it complies with all requirements of ASME B16.34.

2.14

DRAWINGS Figure 1,2 & 3

Figure 1

Parallel treaded port connection

Figure 2

Typical Monoflange Floating Ball double block and bleed

(flange with slotted holes)

Outlet connection
Slotted Holes

Secondary
Isolate Ball valve

Primary Isolation
Ball valve

Vent valve

MESC SPE 77/170

February 2016
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Figure 3

Typical Monoflange Slimline Globe, Plug/Ball Type double block and

bleed (flange with slotted holes)
Primary
Isolate
Needle valve
Slotted Holes
Vent valve

Outlet connection
Bleed connection
SecondaryIsolate
Needle valve

MESC SPE 77/170

February 2016
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PART III

REFERENCES

In this MESC SPE, reference is made to the following publications:

NOTES:
1. Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together with any
amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
2. Most of the referenced external standards are available to Shell staff on the SWW (Shell Wide Web) at
http://sww.shell.com/standards.

SHELL STANDARDS
Ball valves to ISO 17292

MESC SPE 77/110

AMERICAN STANDARDS
Specification for fire test for valves

API 6FA

Testing of Valves - Fire Type-testing Requirements

- Fifth Edition

API 607

Issued by:
American Petroleum Institute
Publications and Distribution Section
1220 L Street Northwest
Washington DC 20005
USA

Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch)

ASME B1.20.1

Valves Flanged, Threaded and Welding End

ASME B16.34

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Rules for

construction of pressure vessels

ASME VIII

Issued by:
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME International
Three Park Avenue, M/S 10E
New York, NY 10016, USA

Standard material requirements; Metals for sulphide

stress cracking and stress corrosion cracking resistance
in sour oilfield environments.

NACE MR0175

Issued by:
NACE International
P.O. Box 218340
Houston, Texas 77218
USA

BRITISH STANDARDS
Pipe Threads for Tubes and Fittings Where PressureTight Joints Are Not Made on the Threads (Metric
Dimensions)

BS 2779

Testing of valves Part 2: Specification for fire type

testing requirements

BS 6755-2

Issued by:
British Standards Institution
389 Chiswick High Road
London W4 4AL, UK

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Industrial valves - Pressure testing of metallic valves

ISO 5208

Testing of valves Fire type testing requirements

ISO 10497

MESC SPE 77/170

February 2016
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Petroleum and natural gas industries
Materials for use in H2S-containing
environments in oil and gas
production

ISO 15156

Metal ball valves for petroleum, petrochemical and allied

industries

ISO 17292

Issued by:
ISO Central Secretariat
1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse
Case postale 56
CH-1211 Genve 20
Switzerland
Copies can also be obtained from national standards organizations.