End user report
As valves operators , end users develop their own standards and regulations to ensure their valves are complying with international best practices as well as raise the bar for the required minimum of optimum design versus product quality to ensure they are ready to operate and function .
By Mohanned Waleed Tarabzouni , Saudi Aramco
End user valve design specifications
Valves are significant components of an operating facility where isolation is required . They require to be carefully selected and specified to be suitable for its intended function and purpose . This includes complying at least with the listed international standards and best practices in addition to developing internal codes or specifications to suit each organization ’ s application and systems .
Design specifications
As a major energy company , Aramco has a structured internal set of standards , procedures and forms to serve as minimum requirements for specifying valves . These codes regulate specifications that addresses many aspects including but not limited to :
• Design
• Service
• Material selection
• Testing
• Inspection
The requirements of which these developed codes vary for the service , application and facility function . Several factors dictate case by case requirements that evaluate pressure , temperature , fluid type and other risk factors .
• Clean dry gases can be equipped with soft seated valves with double block and bleed features .
• Gas flare systems shall have only gate , ball or triple offset butterfly valves only .
• Isolation valves shall be fire tested and design verified .
• Any drain or vent shall be capped with a plug or blind .
• Pig trap main valves shall be of DIB-2 seat configuration and of through-conduit gate or ball valves only .
• Additionally , trim material for pig trap valves shall be duplex stainless steel with seat pockets overlaid with Inconel 625 .
• Blowdown or kicker applications shall have lubricated plug valves .
• Instrument isolation valves shall be of API 602 gate valves .
The above listed shows a small number of several guidelines and requirements for service specifications listed as internal company standards . These are being revised , updated and upgraded based on lessons learned and projects
Service Requirements
Service specific requirements mandated in Aramco ’ s codes include application such as sour hydrocarbons , high temperatures , corrosive brine products and so forth . To give a brief about these requirements , these include the following :
• Subsea or underwater valves shall be of ball design and of class 300 as minimum with ring joint connection .
Regular wellheads examination is important work toward the low emission arrival of crude oil to the surface . Image courtesy of Saudi Aramco .
16 Valve World March 2024 www . valve-world . net