Materials System Specification

04-SAMSS-051 17 April 2016

Ball Valves, API SPEC 6D
Document Responsibility: Valves Standards Committee

Contents
I Scope............................................................ 2
II Conflicts and Deviations................................ 2
III References.................................................... 2
IV Notes to Purchaser........................................ 3
V Modifications to API SPEC 6D...................... 4

Appendix A......................................................... 10
Appendix B......................................................... 11

Previous Issue: 11 October 2010 Next Planned Update: 17 April 2019

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Contact: Meehan, Martin Finbar (meehanmf) on +966-13-8809668

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2016. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Valves Standards Committee 04-SAMSS-051
Issue Date: 17 April 2016
Next Planned Update: 17 April 2019 Ball Valves, API SPEC 6D

I Scope

This Specification along with the Purchase Order covers the minimum requirements for
soft-seated, steel, flanged and butt-weld end, trunnion-supported ball valves in nominal
pipe sizes (NPS) 2 inch and larger for ASME Classes 150 through 2500; and floating
ball valves up to and including NPS 4 inch in ASME Classes 150 and 300.

Unless otherwise specified, valves covered by this Specification shall be suitable for
wet, sour liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon services from -18 to 120°C. For Low
Temperature Service from -19°C to -45°C, 04-SAMSS-003 shall be applied.

Additional requirements for the following special services are covered in the following
Appendices:
 Appendix A: Metal Seated Valves
 Appendix B: Subsea Service

II Conflicts and Deviations

A. Any conflicts between this specification and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs), Engineering Standards (SAESs),
Standard Drawings (SASDs), or industry standards, codes, and forms shall be
resolved in writing by the Company or Buyer Representative through the Valves
Standards Committee Chairman (VSCC), Consulting Services Department, of
Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

B. Direct all requests to deviate from this specification in writing to the Company or
Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Valves Standards Committee Chairman (VSCC),
Consulting Services Department, of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

III References

Material or equipment supplied to this specification shall comply with the latest edition
of the references listed below unless otherwise noted:

A. Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

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

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Document Responsibility: Valves Standards Committee 04-SAMSS-051
Issue Date: 17 April 2016
Next Planned Update: 17 April 2019 Ball Valves, API SPEC 6D

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

04-SAMSS-003 Additional Requirements for Low Temperature Valves
04-SAMSS-035 General Requirements for Valves
04-SAMSS-048 Valve Inspection and Testing Requirements

Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets

SA-6233-1 Valve Data Sheet

B. Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute

API SPEC 6D Specification for Pipeline and Piping Valves
API SPEC 6D SS Specification for subsea Pipeline Valves
API STD 598 Valve Inspection and Testing
API STD 602 Compact Steel Gate Valves

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASME B16.34 Valves - Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End
ASME SEC VIII Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

National Association of Corrosion Engineers/International Standardization

Organization
NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries –
Materials for Use in H2S Containing
Environments in Oil and Gas Production

IV Notes to Purchaser

Form SA-6233-1, Valve Data Sheet shall be filled out in accordance to 04-SAMSS-035.
In addition to the valve requirements specified in this SAMSS or approved
modifications, the following information, at minimum, shall be considered and included
in purchase requisitions/orders as applicable:
1. Valve size
2. Pressure class
3. Ends (flanged w/raised face or ring joint, or welding ends)

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Document Responsibility: Valves Standards Committee 04-SAMSS-051
Issue Date: 17 April 2016
Next Planned Update: 17 April 2019 Ball Valves, API SPEC 6D

Commentary Note:

Refer to 04-SAMSS-035 and Saudi Aramco's Standard Drawings for flanged valves
larger than NPS 24.

4. Face-to-face dimensions, if non-standard

5. Operation requirements (gear or power operator)
Commentary Note:

Manufacturer should be advised to provide a stem of sufficient length if it is

anticipated that the valve may be retrofitted with an electrical actuator.

6. Above ground or buried service (specify burial depth) or insulated service

7. Seating, if other than soft type (see appendices)
8. Orientation of installed valve, if other than stem-vertical
9. Special internal or external coatings
10. Other than standard wet sour hydrocarbon services
11. Valves shall meet the applicable requirements of 04-SAMSS-035
12. For hot tap operations (specify min. bore required)
13. Specify trim materials option
14. Floating ball design, if required
15. Low or high temperature service
Commentary Note:

Form SA-6233-1, Valve Data Sheet, (refer to 04-SAMSS-035), shall be filled out by
the Purchaser when ordering non-stock valves.

V Modifications to API SPEC 6D, Specification for Pipeline and Piping Valves

The following paragraph numbers refer to API SPEC 6D, Twenty-Fourth Edition,
August 2014, which is part of this specification. The text in each paragraph is an
addition, exception, modification, or deletion to API SPEC 6D as noted. Paragraph
numbers not appearing in API SPEC 6D are new paragraphs to be inserted in numerical
order.

Section 4 – Valve Types and Configurations

(Addition) Valve must be of proven design. New designs shall be approved

by the VSCC.

4.1.3 (Addition) In addition to the illustrated body styles, a two piece split body
design with bolted flanged joints is acceptable.

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Document Responsibility: Valves Standards Committee 04-SAMSS-051
Issue Date: 17 April 2016
Next Planned Update: 17 April 2019 Ball Valves, API SPEC 6D

(Addition) Unless otherwise specified in the Purchase Requisition/Order,

valves shall be furnished trunnion-supported, full bore, long pattern, in either
split body or top entry body styles. Two piece fully welded body design is
only acceptable when specified.

(Addition) The ball “closure member” shall be a substantially solid one-piece

casting or forging.

(Addition) Unless otherwise specified ball valve must be a bidirectional

design.

(Addition) Trunnion-supported valves shall be designed to provide “double

block and bleed” service.

(Addition) The seats shall be designed to ensure positive sealing at low

differential pressures.

(Addition) Stem sealing shall be of proven design and materials, and it shall
be achieved with a minimum of inner and outer seal elements or with stem
packing that can be tightened under pressure by means of a mechanically
loaded gland. If inner and outer seal elements are used, either the outer seal
shall be replaceable with the valve in service or a means of injecting sealant
between the seals shall be provided.

Section 5 – Design

(Addition) Valves shall meet the applicable requirements of 04-SAMSS-035.

5.1 Design Standards and Calculations

(Addition) Valves shall meet the applicable requirements of 04-SAMSS-035.

(Addition) All valves shall have minimum wall thicknesses in accordance

with latest revision of ASME B16.34, Table 3. Wall thicknesses for valves
not included in ASME B16.34 Table 3 shall be determined by linear
interpolation or extrapolation.

(Addition) The design of body joints, except for the body end flanges, shall
be in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII
Division I.

(Addition) additional loads (such as external loads, tensions, bending

moments, actuators weights and torque) shall be incorporated in the design
requirements.

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Document Responsibility: Valves Standards Committee 04-SAMSS-051
Issue Date: 17 April 2016
Next Planned Update: 17 April 2019 Ball Valves, API SPEC 6D

5.2 Pressure and Temperature Rating

(Exception) All parts shall be suitable for continuous service at the

maximum operating pressure rating through 120°C or the maximum design
temperature, whichever is higher.

5.4 Face-to-face and End-to-end Dimensions

(Addition) When top entry valves are furnished in pressure classes 150 and
300, the face-to-face and end-to-end dimensions shall follow the same
dimensions of valves with pressure class 600.

(Addition) Valves sizes not covered in API 6D, ASME B16.10, or in the
above paragraph shall be to in accordance with manufacturer's standard face
to face dimensions and shall be agreed upon with the purchaser.

5.7 Valve Ends

(Addition) Flanges (both body connections and/or valve ends) shall be

integral with the valve body. In cases where this is not practical, forged
flanges may be welded with full penetration welding provided prior approval
by Valves Standards Committee Chairman (VSCC).

5.7.1 (Addition) End flanges and associated flange facings shall be in accordance
with 04-SAMSS-035.

5.7.2 (Addition) Welding ends shall be in accordance with 04-SAMSS-035.

5.8 Valve Cavity Pressure Relief

(Addition) Valves shall be designed to be internally self-relieving. A relief/

equalizing hole drilled in the ball or vent hole on ball or seat (to upstream or
downstream line) is not permitted.

5.10 Injection Points

(Addition) Trunnion-supported valves, NPS 8 inch and larger, shall have a

seat sealant injection system or other secondary means to achieve a seal in
emergency cases.

5.12 Drain, Vent, and Sealant Valves

(Addition) Trunnion-supported valves, NPS 8 inch and larger, shall be

provided with body vent and drain API STD 602 gate valves. Other valve
types shall be specifically approved by the Valves Standards Committee
Chairman (VSCC).

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Document Responsibility: Valves Standards Committee 04-SAMSS-051
Issue Date: 17 April 2016
Next Planned Update: 17 April 2019 Ball Valves, API SPEC 6D

The drain and vent valves shall be fitted to the main valve body with NPT
threaded connections which shall be subsequently seal welded. Sizes shall
comply with 04-SAMSS-035 requirements. The drain and vent valves shall
be fitted with HEX head NPT threaded plugs.

5.18 Actuator, Operators, and Stem Extensions

(Addition) Gear operators shall be provided on valves in the following sizes

and classes:

ANSI Pressure Class NPS (inch)

150 6 and larger

300 4 and larger
400 and above 3 and larger

(Addition) For operator requirements, refer to 04-SAMSS-035.

5.19 Lifting

(Addition) Valves with a weight of 250 kg and greater shall be fitted with
lifting lugs/eyes.

5.20.2 Allowable Stresses

(Addition) The weakest point of the drive train, including the stem shall be
outside the valves pressure containing boundaries. Calculations shall be
made available taking into consideration that the smallest cross-sectional
area of the stem is capable of providing the required strength to operate the
valve at all extreme design conditions.

5.22 Fire Type-testing

(Addition) Valves shall be qualified “fire-safe” in accordance with

ISO 10497, BS 6755-2, API 607 or API 6FA”. Fire safe validation testing
shall be witnessed and endorsed by a qualified independent third party
inspection agency.

Section 6 – Material

6.3 Service Compatibility

(Addition) Manufacturer shall advise if selected materials including trim,

seat, body, soft inserts and elastomers are incompatible with the intended
service conditions.

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Document Responsibility: Valves Standards Committee 04-SAMSS-051
Issue Date: 17 April 2016
Next Planned Update: 17 April 2019 Ball Valves, API SPEC 6D

(Addition) Unless otherwise specified, all parts, welds and heat-affected

zones of welds exposed to line fluids shall meet the hardness and heat
treatment requirements as specified in NACE MR0175 or ISO 15156.
This includes materials under overlays, platings or coatings. A component
shall be heat treated following the application of an overlay, or coating, if
necessary, to bring the condition and properties of the heat affected zone into
compliance with NACE MR0175 or ISO 15156.

6.4 Forged Parts

(Addition) Cast material is not allowed for valve stem or seat rings.
Stem shall be made of one piece, no welding is accepted.

(Addition) Balls shall be forged for pressure class 900 or higher.

6.9 Drain Connections

(Addition) All wetted parts such as vents and drains as well as fittings and
other accessories shall comply with the requirements of 04-SAMSS-035.

6.11 (Addition) Minimum Materials Requirement

 Carbon steel Trims including the seat ring, stem, and ball shall be
Electroless nickel plating ENP (with a minimum thickness of 75 µm).
 Unless otherwise specified, for NPS 8 inch and larger valves. Critical
areas such as seat pockets, stem seal housing and other dynamic seal areas
shall be overlaid with corrosion resistant material at least equal to the trim
material of the main valve, and shall be AISI 316L SS as a minimum.
 All sliding, rotating, screwed components and plugs shall have sufficient
differential harnesses and surface finishes ensuring prevention of galling.
 Bearings shall be self-lubricated type and shall have corrosion resistance
equal or better than the valve bore sealing mechanism parts.

6.12 (Addition) Non Metallic Parts (Non-metallic inserts and seals)

 All materials shall be suitable for continuous service at the maximum
operating pressure rating through a temperature range of -18°C to 120°C,
unless wider temperature limits are specified.
 Higher temperature ranges of soft insert materials can be evaluated and
accepted.
 Nitrile rubber, SBR, Neoprene, and EPDM shall not be used.
Elastomers should not be used as seat insert materials.

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Document Responsibility: Valves Standards Committee 04-SAMSS-051
Issue Date: 17 April 2016
Next Planned Update: 17 April 2019 Ball Valves, API SPEC 6D

 For higher temperature ranges, materials shall be suitable for continuous

exposure at the service conditions and ratings specified. Any variation,
including temperature limitations for soft-seal parts, shall be accept by
the Valves Standards Committee Chairman (VSCC).
 Seals for valves in services containing gas shall resist explosive
decompression. O-Ring cross sectional diameter shall be less than 7 mm
and qualified for the service.
 Viton of all grades shall not be used for methanol fluid operating services.

Section 7 – Welding

7.6 Repair of Welds

(Addition) Weld repairs is not permitted on stem or trim component.

Weld repairs are allowed on cladded surfaces. Major weld repairs on
wrought structure require company approval.

Section 8 – Quality Control Requirements

(Addition) See 04-SAMSS-035 and 04-SAMSS-048 for additional

requirements.

Section 9 – Pressure Testing

(Addition) See 04-SAMSS-035 and 04-SAMSS-048 for additional

requirements.

Section 10 – Coating/Painting

(Addition) See 04-SAMSS-035 and 04-SAMSS-048 for additional

requirements.

Section 11 – Marking

(Addition) See 04-SAMSS-035 for additional requirements.

Section 12 – Preparation for Shipment

(Addition) Refer to 04-SAMSS-035 for additional requirements.

Revision Summary
17 April 2016 Major revision to reaffirm the requirements to meet company needs and to align this material
system specification with the international standard API STD 6D latest edition.

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Document Responsibility: Valves Standards Committee 04-SAMSS-051
Issue Date: 17 April 2016
Next Planned Update: 17 April 2019 Ball Valves, API SPEC 6D

Appendix A

Additional requirements for metal seated valves:

1) Temperature range shall be from -18 to 400°C, unless otherwise specified

2) For metal seated valves (regardless of the temperature limits), Finite Element
Analysis (FEA) must be performed to insure ball and seat as well as seat and body
interfaces can give the optimum outcome under all given conditions. Reports of the
FEA shall be made available upon requests.

3) The requirement to meet NACE MR0175 or ISO 15156 is not mandatory for valves
supplied to this Appendix unless specified in the Purchase Order.

4) Ball and seat rings shall be overlaid with (Stellite 6), tungsten carbide, chromium
carbide or other suitable hardfacings. Technical design package shall be made
available upon request for evaluation and approval by the Valves Standards
Committee Chairman (VSCC).

5) Ball and seat rings shall be overlaid with (Stellite 6), tungsten carbide, chromium
carbide or other suitable hardfacings. Technical design package shall be made
available upon request for evaluation and approval by the VSCC.

6) If the service is considered corrosive, suitable CRA materials shall be applied on the
base materials of the ball, unless the base material is considered CRA.

7) Bearing material shall be as follow:

Temperature range Up to 250°C Up to 300°C 300 and up

base material Inconel
base material F316/L
625 or F316/L plus
Bearing Material plus tungsten carbide Stellite 6
with chromium
overlay
carbide overlay

Vendor shall submit alternative proposals for review and approval by the VSCC.

8) Stem packing shall be graphite of proven design arrangement other proposals subject
to the VSCC approval.

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Document Responsibility: Valves Standards Committee 04-SAMSS-051
Issue Date: 17 April 2016
Next Planned Update: 17 April 2019 Ball Valves, API SPEC 6D

Appendix B

Additional requirements for valves in subsea services.

1) All requirements of API 6D SS shall be followed as applicable.

2) Valve with all of its sealing arrangements shall be of field proven designs, used on a
similar subsea application, and prior qualification testing. Design calculations shall
be made available upon request for evaluations. Manufacturer shall indicate any
deviation from previously qualified valves, and submit all supporting documentation
(design codes, test results, etc.) for company acceptance.

3) The bottom of the body cavity of the valve shall be filled with grease to preclude
entrapment of water after field hydrotest. The grease is to be lithium-based with
additional corrosion inhibitor and EP additives, Shell Alvania EP-2 or equal.

4) Flanged connections shall be sealed with fluoro-elastomer O-ring seals.

5) Unless otherwise specified, the operator shall be suitable for operating at a minimum
water depth of 60 m.

6) End Flanges for class rating of 300 # and above shall be ring joint, unless otherwise
specified.

7) A pressure-balancing device shall be provided between operator/cavity and the

surrounding water to compensate for pressure variations caused by water depths and
to prevent seawater entry.

8) A pressure-relief valve shall be installed in the operator/cavity to prevent over-

pressurizing if there is any stem leakage.

9) Drains and vents shall be plugged and seal welded.

10) Unless otherwise specified, for alloy steel valves, CRA weld overlay should be
applied on all seals areas (dynamic and static) and related contact faces (if not already
in SS or CRA solid material).

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