Engineering Standard
SAES-A-206
9 April 2020
Positive Material Identification
Document Responsibility: Materials Engineering Standards Committee
Contents
Summary of Changes .............................................. 2
1 Scope ................................................................. 4
2 Conflicts and Deviations ..................................... 4
3 References ......................................................... 4
4 Terminology........................................................ 5
5 Requirements ..................................................... 6
6 Responsibilities .................................................. 8
7 Verification Coverage ......................................... 8
8 Methods ........................................................... 12
9 Acceptance Criteria .......................................... 13
10 Rejection Procedures ....................................... 13
11 Records and Reports ....................................... 14
12 Marking and Color Coding ................................ 15
Document History .................................................. 18
Previous Revision: 5 May 2019
Contact: MUAILISM
Next Revision: 5 May 2024
Page 1 of 18
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Document Responsibility: Materials Engineering Standards Committee
Publish Date: 9 April 2020
Next Revision: 5 May 2024
SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
Summary of Changes
Paragraph
Change Type
1
1
Modification
2
1.1
Modification/Addition
3
1.2
Addition
Clarified the purpose of the standard.
4
1.3
Addition
Clarified the scope of application of this standard.
5
1.4
Addition
Clarified the end users intended under the scope of this
SAES.
6
1.5
Addition
Emphasis on MTRs, marking and traceability.
7
3
Deletion
Removed reference to SAES-W-019
8
4
Addition
Added “Responsible Inspection Organization”.
9
4
Deletion
Removed “SAMS: Saudi Aramco Material System”.
10
5.1.1
Deletion
Deleted but the requirements were indicated in the scope,
paragraph 1.3 and 1.4.
11
5.1.2
Deletion
Deleted but the requirements were indicated in the scope,
paragraph 1.5.
12
5.1.1
Addition
Emphasis on QC, conformance testing and traceability.
13
5.1.3
Addition
Control of welding procedure.
14
5.1.4
Deletion
No CSD recommendation is required to conduct
retroactive PMI testing.
15
5.2.1
Exceptions
Modification
16
5.2.1 Note
Editorial
17
5.2.2
Editorial
18
6.1 / 6.2
Modification
19
6.3
Addition
Responsible Inspection Organization responsibilities.
20
6.4
Addition
Manufacturer responsibilities.
21
6.5
Addition
PMI application responsibilities.
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Technical Change
Scope was re-arranged and clarified.
Added “operationally-important components”
Replaced the Materials Engineering Committee review by
quality control requirements.
Spelled out SSC.
-
Corrected “SAMS” to read “SAMSS”.
Added “175-Form”.
Replaced “representative” with “Responsible Inspection
Organization”.
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SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
Paragraph
Change Type
Technical Change
22
6.6
Addition
Saudi Aramco Inspector responsibilities.
23
6.7
Addition
Manufacturer PMI operators training responsibilities.
24
7.1
Modification
Added “Operationally-Important Components”.
-
25
Modification
Table 1
-
Moved all alloy requirements to table 2.
Added requirements for internally cladded
components.
Added API 570 “Class 3” Services”.
Added “ASME B31.3 Category D Service”.
Re-write the table to maintain standard
terminology.
Added examples.
Added clarifications.
Added Ferritic and Martensitic SS.
Added clarification for Aluminum Alloys.
Added clarification for Copper Alloys.
Removed registered alloy names from the note
section.
26
Table 2
Modification
27
7.6
Modification
28
8
Deletion
29
9.2
Modification/ Editorial
30
9.4
Deletion
31
9.5
Modification
32
13
Deletion
33
14
Modification
Renumbered the whole section from 14 to 13.
34
14.1.3
Modification
Deleted the material selection requirements for 300 series
stainless as this is irrelevant to this standard.
35
14.1.5
Editorial
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Added “Special”.
All requirements in section 8 “procedures” were reviewed
and moved to section 6 “responsibilities”.
- Clarification about PMI testing techniques.
- Commentary note was added.
- 9.2.1 XRF.
- 9.2.2 OES.
- Arranged requirements.
Eliminate confusion.
Editorial change to match API RB 578 terminology.
All requirements in section 13 “inspection” were reviewed
and moved to section 6 “responsibilities”.
New paragraph number for an existing requirement.
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1
SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
Scope
This standard defines the minimum mandatory requirements for positive material
identification (PMI) of pressure-retaining alloys and operationally-important components.
This includes, but not limited to, pipes, fittings, flanges, bolting, welds, weld overlays
and cladding. It aims to minimize the risk of component failure and release of
hazardous/toxic liquids and vapors.
The requirements in this standard are intended to:
a) Ensure that the nominal composition of the alloy components and associated welds
have been correctly supplied and installed as specified.
b) Prevent mix-up of materials and/or welding consumables during dispatching by
manufacturers and during fabrication or assembly at the shop or site.
c) Be an integrated part of a Quality Control (QC) system by manufacturers, fabricators,
construction contractors and maintenance activities.
The requirements in this standard shall apply to both new, repair or replacement alloy
components.
The requirements in this standard shall apply to materials and equipment manufacturers,
shop and field fabrication and plant maintenance activities.
The testing methods outlined in this standard are not intended to establish the complete
conformance of a material to its specification. Also, it is not intended to replace or
substitute the original material or welding consumable Material Test Records (MTR).
Unidentified pressure retaining alloys or critical components that are not marked,
untraceable or without MTR shall not be covered by this standard.
Where applicable, this standard shall be attached to and made a part of invitations to bid
and purchase orders.
Note: Although this document addresses PMI requirements for pressure-retaining alloy material
components, provisions are also given for carbon steels and non-pressure alloy
material/operationally-important components under certain conditions.
2
Conflicts and Deviations
Any conflicts between this document and other applicable Mandatory Saudi Aramco
Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be addressed to the EK&RD Coordinator.
Any deviation from the requirements herein shall follow internal company procedure
SAEP-302.
3
References
The selection of materials, design, construction, maintenance, and repair of plant
equipment covered by this standard shall comply with the latest edition of the references
listed below, unless otherwise noted.
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3.1
SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
Saudi Aramco Documents
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures
SAEP-302
Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards
SAES-W-014
Weld Overlays and Welding of Clad Materials
Saudi Aramco Inspection & Testing Requirements
175-320300
3.2
Positive Material Identification (PMI)
Industry Codes and Standards
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME SEC II
ASME B16.20
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section II: Parts A, B and C
Metallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges: Ring-Joint, Spiral-Wound,
and Jacketed
ASME B31.3
Process Piping
American Society for Testing and Materials
ASTM A193
Standard Specification for Alloy-Steel and Stainless Steel
Bolting Materials for High-Temperature Service
ASTM A751
Standard Methods, Practices and Terminology for Chemical
Analysis of Steel Products
Pipe Fabrication Institute
PFI ES-22
Recommended Practice for Color Coding of Piping Materials
4
Terminology
4.1
Acronyms
PWHT
PMI
SAMSS
4.2
Post-Weld Heat Treatment
Positive Material Identification
Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification
Definitions
Alloy Material: Any metal (including filler metals for welding alloy materials)
containing alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, or molybdenum that are
intentionally added to enhance mechanical or physical properties and/or corrosion
resistance. Alloy materials do not include high-strength microalloyed steels and impacttested carbon steels.
Manufacturer: The company responsible for the plant or shop manufacturing of
pressured equipment or commodities that are within the scope of this standard.
Fabricator: The company, organization or agency responsible for the shop and/or field
fabrication or assembly of piping and pressured equipment within the scope of this
standard.
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SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
Lot: Same batch of particular components - the same supplier, type of component, size,
rating, material, etc. and from the same shipment.
Material Specifications: ASME SEC II, Parts A, B and C, or the relevant ASTM, or
any other material specification.
Nonpressure Components: Items that are not part of the pressure-retaining envelope
and, therefore, do not affect the pressure retaining capacity of pressured components.
PWHT: Post-Weld Heat Treatment
PMI: Positive Material Identification – Verification that the nominal chemical
composition of an alloy material is as specified and ordered. The term applies to
programs, processes, procedures and tests in accordance with this standard.
PMI Testing: Any physical evaluation or test of a material, meeting the requirements of
this standard, to confirm that the material which has been or will be placed into service is
consistent with the selected or specified alloy material.
Pressure-Retaining Components: Components acting as pressure envelope or
boundary; breach of this envelope or boundary would lead to loss of containment and
discharge of process fluids. Examples include, but not limited to, product forms used for
the fabrication of pressured piping and equipment such as shells, heads, tubesheets,
nozzles, tubes, flange bolting, some types of gaskets, forgings, flanges, individual pipe
lengths and fittings (tees, elbows, reducers, special pipe components), drains, vents,
plugs, valve bodies and bonnets, pressure relief/safety valves, pressure-retaining welds,
pump casings, weld overlays/cladding, expansion joints, bellows, injection quills and
thermowells.
Saudi Aramco Inspector: The person or company authorized by Saudi Aramco
Inspection Department to verify implementation of the requirements of this standard.
Responsible Inspection Organization: The entity that is authorized by Saudi Aramco
and is responsible to carry out inspection activities including the implementation of the
requirements of this standard. This could include SA Operation Inspection, SA Project
Inspection, SA Vendor Inspection or an authorized third party inspection representative.
5
Requirements
5.1
General Requirements
5.1.1
5.1.2
5.1.3
Manufacturing quality control (QC) is an important requirement. This
includes conformance testing and materials traceability to be controlled by the
manufacturer or supplier of raw material or loose components. PMI and QC
are not substitutional, yet they complete each other.
PMI testing shall be performed at a point in time that ensures proper alloy
materials have been used in the fabrication of an identifiable assembly.
Usually, this is during fabrication or immediately prior to fabrication.
MTRs and welding with an approved welding procedure shall not be
considered as alternatives to PMI testing and the requirements of this
standard.
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SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
Note: Construction and fabrication quality control is vital and PMI is a very important
part of total quality control.
5.2
Exemptions
5.2.1
Unless specifically required in the purchase order or material catalog
description or SAMSS, the following components and materials are exempt
from PMI:
1.
Non-pressure components
2.
Components made from carbon steel or cast iron and filler metal for
welding carbon steel, except as noted below.
Exceptions:
During the engineering review of a project proposal, to preclude alloy
substitutions, selected PMI requirements may be adopted for certain
carbon steel components and weldments by special quality control
requirements. Factors to be considered include the following:
•
Wet sour service
•
The potential for mixing of carbon steel and alloy components
and filler metals at the job site
•
The potential for catastrophic failure
•
Other related provisions in the project Quality Plan
Note: Incorrect installation of low-alloy materials or welds in place of carbon
steels in components in wet sour service has been experienced. As
these components are not in principle subject to PWHT, there is the
potential for high hardness levels in the low-alloy material with the
subsequent risk of Sulfide Stress Cracking.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Rotating equipment internals and auxiliary/associated seal/lube
oil/cooling water/steam equipment and piping.
Piping components in ASME B31.3 Category D Service or
equivalent.
Instrumentation tubing, instrumentation fittings and all
instrumentation fitted with isolation double block and bleed valves.
Heat tracing tubing
Steam traps
Strainers
API 570 Class 3 Services:
a.
Services that are flammable but do not significantly vaporize
when they leak and are not located in high-activity areas.
b.
Services that are potentially harmful to human tissue but are
located in remote areas.
c.
Examples of Class 3 service include but are not necessarily
limited to those containing the following:
i. Distillate and product lines to and from storage and loading
ii. Tank farm piping
iii. Off-site acids and caustics
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5.2.2
SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
When specified in a project design document, purchase order, SAMSS or 175Form, PMI shall be required for operationally-important non-pressure
components.
Note: Examples of important non-pressure components could include, but not be
limited to, column trays (refer Section 7.2), internal attachment welds, valve internals
or trim, thermowells and certain load-bearing supports, e.g. fired heater tube
supports/tubesheets/hangers.
6
Responsibilities
6.1
For all new projects, Project Management or their designated Responsible Inspection
Organization shall be responsible for ensuring that proper PMI scope, programs and
procedures are developed per this standard and PMI testing is performed by the
manufacturer, fabricator or contractor, as applicable, prior to equipment or piping
installation and start-up. Project Management is normally supported by Project
Inspection and Vendor Inspection.
For existing facilities, the plant manager or his designated Responsible Inspection
Organization, e.g., Plant Inspection, shall be responsible for ensuring that a PMI program
is developed and implemented based on this standard.
6.2
Note: Facilities should acquire their own PMI equipment. For major PMI activities, local Saudi
Aramco approved service providers may be contracted.
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
7
For applicable purchases, materials shall be subject to inspection by the Responsible
Inspection Organization in accordance with Saudi Aramco Inspection & Testing
Requirement 175-320300 and relevant SAMSS and 175-forms.
The manufacturer or the fabricator, as applicable, shall implement a written PMI Procedure,
covering testing and reporting, which shall be made available to the Saudi Aramco Inspector
for review, acceptance and verification of implementation.
The manufacturer or the fabricator, as applicable, shall ensure that PMI is performed
prior to completion of fabrication, in the shop or at the site, for welds and for fieldassembled items not previously PMI-tested.
The Saudi Aramco Inspector shall have the option to witness any or all of the PMI
testing. The fabrication status schedule shall be submitted to Inspection two weeks
before the fabrication.
Each manufacturer and each fabricator shall use only trained, qualified and experienced
operators to perform PMI activities. Operator records confirming such training,
qualification and experience shall be made available for the representative inspection
organization review and approval.
Verification Coverage
A listing of materials and components requiring PMI verification is given in Table 1.
7.1
The PMI program covers the following:
•
Alloy materials.
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SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
•
7.2
Shop and field-fabricated pressure-retaining components (base metal, welds,
and cladding).
• New materials used for repair or replacement of pressure-retaining
components.
• Operationally-important components.
One hundred percent (100%) PMI testing shall be performed on all pressure components
and welds of alloy materials, within the scope of this standard, with the following
exceptions:
Exceptions:
1) Tubes for shell/tube and air-cooled heat exchangers and fired steam boilers:
10 tubes or 10%, whichever is greater, from every heat number shall be selected at
random and tested prior to installation. This testing frequency shall also apply to any
replacement tubes. Note the rejection procedures in Section 11.
2) Alloy flange bolting may be verified by random 5% PMI testing if the project Quality Plan
contains specific provisions for color coding, segregation and visual inspection that are
acceptable to Project Inspection and the proponent organization. The project inspector
may implement up to 100% PMI testing of alloy bolting any time he determines that other
quality procedures are not adequate or are not being implemented.
3) For column trays and internals, PMI shall be performed on 10 trays/internals or 10% of
each type, whichever is greater. For attachment welds associated with trays/internals,
coverage shall be the same as trays/internals. For bolting associated with trays/internals,
PMI shall be carried out on 2% of the bolting if the project Quality Plan contains specific
provisions for color coding, segregation and visual inspection that are acceptable to
Project Inspection and the proponent organization. The project inspector, at his
discretion, may implement up to 100% PMI testing of alloy bolting any time he
determines that other quality procedures are inadequate or are not being implemented.
4) For fired heater tube supports/tubesheets/hangers, PMI shall be performed on 10% basis
of each heat number for each size and type of these components.
5) For fittings and flanges, PMI shall be performed on 10% basis on each heat number for
each size and type of these components.
7.3
7.4
PMI testing of weld metal shall be subjected to the same coverage as for the base
material.
The required number of PMI tests shall be as follows:
1) One test for each pressure-retaining component. If an assembly contains a number
of components (parts), one test is required for each component (part).
2) One test for each pressure-retaining weld and weld repair, in addition to filler metal
testing (Paragraph 7.7).
Note: A strict filler metal control program is vital. Only the proper welding rods for the
current welding shall be allowed at the welding site.
Table 1: Positive Material Identification Program
#
Item
1
Alloy Pipes, Flanges, Fittings
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Verification
Required
Reference
Sections
Yes
4, 7.2
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#
Item
SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
Verification
Required
Reference
Sections
2
Internally Cladded Pipes, Flanges And Fittings
Yes
4, 7.2
3
Alloy Valves and Pressure Relief/Safety Valves
(Bodies, Bonnets and Internals/Trim)
Yes
4, 5.2.2, 7.2
4
Alloy Pump Casings
Yes
4, 7.2
5
Alloy Drains, Vents, Plugs
Yes
4, 7.2
6
Instrumentation
No
5.2.1
Spiral-wound
No
4
Ring Joint (Pressure Energized)
Yes
4
9
Flexitallic
No
4
10
Metal Clad
Yes
4
7
8
Gaskets
11
Bolting
Yes
4, 7.2
12
Vessels, Heat Exchangers, Forgings
Yes
4, 7.2
13
Chemical Injection Quills
Yes
4, 7.2
14
Thermowells
Yes
4, 7.2
15
Furnace Tube/Supports/Hangers/Tubesheets/Fittings
Yes
4, 5.2.2, 7.2
16
Column Trays/Internals
Yes
7.2
17
Strainers
No
5.2.1
18
Steam Traps
No
5.2.1
19
Heat Tracing Tubing
No
5.2.1
20
API 570 “Class 3” Services
No
5.2
21
ASME B31.3 Category D Service
No
5.2
7.5
The elements of the basic alloy materials to be verified shall be in accordance with Table
2.
Table 2: Elements to be verified for Basic Alloys
Basic Alloy
Carbon Steels
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Elements to be Verified
Usually no PMI is required with the
exception of the cases shown in paragraph
5.2.1
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SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
Chrome-Molybdenum Materials
e.g. Gr11, Gr22… Gr 9.
Cr and Mo.
Chrome-Molybdenum-Vanadium
Materials
e.g. Gr. 22v
Cr, Mo and V.
Ferritic and Martensitic Stainless
Steels
e.g. 405, 410, and 13 Cr.
Cr only.
Austenitic Stainless Steels and
Duplex Stainless Steels.
e.g. 304, 316, 317, Nitronic-50,
XM-19, 904L, 6MO, 2205, 2507… etc.
Cr, Ni and Mo.
Carbon shall be verified if low, high carbon
grade or dual grade was specified, such as
316L, 316H or 316/316L.
Stabilized Stainless Steels
e.g. 321 and 347.
Cr, Ni, Mo, and Ti or Nb (Cb).
Nickel-based Alloys and other HighAlloys
e.g. Alloys 400, 600, 800, 825, 625,
C4, C22 and C276.
Ni, Cr, Mo, V, Nb (Cb), Cu and W.
Carbon shall be verified if special carbon
grade was specified, such as alloy 800H or
800HT.
Hard-facing
Chromium, Nickel, Cobalt, Tungsten, and
Iron
Aluminum Alloys
Usually no PMI is required. Only if critical
application or to prevent potential mix-up.
Copper Alloys
Usually no PMI is required. Only if critical
application or to prevent potential mix-up.
7.6
For special alloys not listed in Table 2, the Chairman of the Materials Engineering
Standards Committee shall be consulted.
7.7
PMI Testing of Welding Consumables
7.7.1
7.7.2
7.7.3
Electrodes shall be properly stored and segregated in the store, shop or ovens
to avoid mix-up. Separate ovens are required for different welding
consumable types. The fabricator shall ensure that adequate inventory control
is established to account for all consumables checked-out.
One consumable from each lot shall be PMI-tested. The remainder of the lot
shall be compared to the identified consumable to verify that the markings of
the electrodes/wires are correct.
PMI testing of weld metal (e.g., deposited or undiluted weld “buttons”) is an
acceptable alternative to PMI testing of an electrode or wire sample provided
it is conducted immediately prior to welding or during the welding process.
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SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
Note: Some weld rods have the alloying elements contained in the flux, and do not
meet the alloy specification until welded.
7.7.4
In cases where PMI testing of the completed weld is not possible because of
geometry (e.g., small fillet welds and narrow root beads), PMI testing of filler
metal lots and visual inspection of electrodes as described in 7.7.2 and 7.7.3 is
an acceptable substitute for testing of the completed weld.
8
Methods
8.1
The instruments and methods used for PMI testing shall be suitable for identifying the
material by quantitative measurement of the major alloying elements required in the
applicable material specification or welding procedure specification.
PMI testing techniques include:
8.2.1
The primary acceptable method is X-ray emission analysis, also known as Xray fluorescence (XRF) analysis with a calibrated portable instrument.
Because of inherent limitations of some XRF analyzers, it is not possible to
detect all elements. Elements lighter than sulfur (S) cannot be detected by
these tools. Therefore, this technique cannot be used to detect carbon (C).
8.2
Note: XRF technique cannot distinguish between low/high carbon stainless
steels grades; e.g. 316, 316L and 316H stainless steel grades.
Unintentional mix-up and weld joining between these alloys could result in
sensitization in the 316 or 316H grades that could lead to failure of the
component and leak or loss of containment.
8.2.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
An optical emission spectrograph (OES) may be used to check for all the
required elements, including carbon. This technique is almost capable of
identifying and conform any alloy nominal composition. This is the
recommended technique to confirm the carbon content in stainless steels.
Any burn damage resulting from the usage of the emission spectrograph shall
be removed by grinding. A hot work permit may be required before using this
equipment.
8.2.3
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is not an approved PMI
option by this standard.
As an alternative, a chemical analysis of samples cut out from the pieces requiring PMI,
in accordance with one of the methods in ASTM A751, may be used to check for the
alloying elements required by this standard.
Prior to commencing PMI testing, instrument operators shall be qualified to operate
approved equipment on a representative sample of the alloy materials with 100% correct
assessment as the performance criteria. The instrument operator shall work from a written
procedure and shall have been trained to use the instrument in accordance with that
procedure. Training shall be documented.
The person(s) performing PMI testing shall calibrate and/or verify the test equipment
performance as specified by the equipment manufacturer. Calibration/verification shall be
carried out using certified standards of the same alloy family. The PMI test procedure
shall specify the frequency interval for this calibration/verification. If calibration
procedures are not provided by the equipment manufacturer, they shall be established by
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8.6
8.7
8.8
SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
the owner/user. Typically, these procedures shall include calibration/verification using
certified standards.
If sample removal is used, a written procedure for identification and traceability to
original material is required.
Both inside and outside weld surfaces shall be tested where accessible. PMI testing of
welds shall be done after removal of slag and/or oxide from the weld surface. See also
7.7.3.
The surface to be analyzed shall be clean bare metal, free of grease or oil, with a surface
finish as specified by the instrument manufacturer.
Note: Generally a fresh 60 grit finish and flat surface are required for optical emission
spectrometry, while no minimum surface finish is required for portable XRF analysis, only that the
surface be clean bare metal.
9
Acceptance Criteria
9.1
For acceptance, it must be demonstrated that materials contain the amounts of alloying
elements within the standard ASTM/ASME chemistry ranges. Alloys shall be acceptable
if the alloying elements are each within ±10% of the specified range of values.
Welds with consumables that match, or nearly match, the base metal composition shall be
within ±12.5% of the ranges given in ASME SEC IIC for each element.
For weld overlays, the chemistry on the surface of overlays shall be in accordance with
SAES-W-014.
For dissimilar metal alloy welds (other than weld overlays), the effects of dilution from
the different base metals and the filler metal shall be taken into account for determining
the nominal as-deposited weld metal composition.
9.2
9.3
9.4
10
Rejection Procedures
10.1
If the PMI testing results fall outside the acceptable range using a method described in
Section 9, the manufacturer or the fabricator, as applicable, has the option to conduct a
more accurate analysis at his own expense to determine the component acceptance such
as obtaining a chemical analysis performed by an independent testing laboratory. The
alternative test method or independent laboratory must be acceptable to the Saudi
Aramco Inspector. The results of the more accurate test method or independent chemical
analysis shall govern.
If any component or weld is found unacceptable, it shall be replaced and the replacement
shall be alloy verified in accordance with this standard.
Procedures shall be in place to ensure that rejected components are segregated and
properly identified by color-coding to prevent reuse.
If one of the tubes for heat exchangers and boilers is found unacceptable, all remaining
tubes of the particular alloy shall be tested for the individual equipment. This also
applies to the weld metal.
All rejected tubes shall be replaced and 100% of the replacement tubes shall be PMItested in accordance with this standard.
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
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11
Records and Reports
11.1
Shop Fabrication Records
11.1.1
11.1.2
11.1.3
11.1.4
11.1.5
11.2
Positive Material Identification
A detailed recording/logging procedure shall be prepared by the manufacturer
or shop fabricator.
The log shall identify each component and weld corresponding to an
individual equipment item or piping spool and shall include the equipment or
spool number and purchase order number.
The log shall identify all components and welds that have been alloy-verified
and the results of testing.
Test results shall include measured percentages of alloying elements for
components that were accepted or rejected.
The manufacturer shall prepare a detailed PMI map of the pressured
equipment or commodity being fabricated. The map shall show the alloy
material specification of each alloy component and the extent of PMI required
in accordance with this standard.
Field Fabrication Records
11.2.1
11.2.2
11.2.3
11.3
SAES-A-206
At least two weeks prior to the commencement of fabrication, the field
fabricator shall establish and present to the Saudi Aramco Inspector for review
the proposed testing, logging, identification and final installation procedures
for all components requiring PMI testing onsite (such as fabricated pressured
equipment, piping, valves and welds).
Shop-fabricated alloy pressure equipment or piping assemblies that have been
alloy verified by the shop fabricator need not be re-verified in the field.
However, the field fabricator shall have available, for review, the shop
fabricator's report of PMI testing. Material certificates are not allowable
substitutes for PMI testing reports.
The field fabricator shall prepare a detailed PMI map of the piping and other
commodities being fabricated. The map shall show the alloy material
specification of each alloy component and the extent of PMI required in
accordance with this standard.
Final Report
11.3.1
11.3.2
Prior to final acceptance of alloy pressured equipment or piping, the
manufacturer or fabricator, as applicable, shall prepare a complete PMI
Testing Report containing all relevant data. For pressured equipment, the PMI
Testing Report shall be included as part of the Equipment Data Book and the
QA/QC Dossier.
The PMI Testing Report shall be reviewed by the Saudi Aramco Inspector
prior to final acceptance. An example template for this report is given in
Table 3.
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12
Marking and Color Coding
12.1
Verification Marking
12.1.1
12.1.2
12.1.3
12.1.4
12.1.5
12.2
SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
Paint marking shall be done with water-insoluble material that contains no
substances that harmfully affect the metal at ambient or elevated temperatures.
In particular, the marking material shall be free of lead, sulfur, zinc, cadmium,
mercury, chlorine or other halogens.
All components and welds that are found unacceptable shall be marked
immediately with a circled red “X” pending resolution in accordance with
Section 11.
All verified materials with an acceptable analysis shall be marked with the
letters “PMI” using a certified low-stress stamp (these use a series of rounded
dots or a rounded indenter to form the letters). Alternatively, a vibrating
“pencil” may be used. The marking shall be placed as follows:
Pipe: One mark, 75 mm from one end on the outer surface of the pipe. This
marking shall be in addition to the requirements of PFI ES-22.
Welds: Adjacent to the welder's mark on the weld. Welds on tubes for heat
transfer equipment shall be marked by either stenciling or vibro-etching on the
tubesheet.
Fittings and Forgings: Adjacent to the manufacturer's markings.
Valves: Adjacent to the valve manufacturer's markings on bodies and other
pressure parts.
Castings: Adjacent to the casting manufacturer's markings and heat numbers.
Plates: 75 mm from one edge, adjacent to manufacturer's markings.
Tubes: Stenciled, 300 mm from each end.
When heat treating is performed after PMI, the identification marking must be
recognizable after heat treatment.
PMI markings shall be transferred to retain material identification when a
plate or pipe is cut. The transfer of PMI markings shall be carried out prior to
material cutting/separation. If this is not possible, then transfer shall be
performed immediately after material cutting/separation.
Color Coding
12.2.1
12.2.2
12.2.3
The color coding system for material identification described herein is
intended to help prevent fabricators from using incorrect alloy material. The
principal purpose of color coding is visual identification during storage and
after the components have been cut for fabrication.
Color coding is not a substitute for PMI testing or other permanent
manufacturers' markings required by ASTM or other specifications.
Permanent manufacturers' markings shall not be obscured by color coding.
Color coding may be done by the material manufacturer or material supplier.
Color coding need not be retained after painting.
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12.2.4
12.2.5
12.2.6
12.2.7
12.2.8
12.2.9
12.2.10
12.2.11
12.2.12
12.2.13
12.2.14
SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
Prior to coding, surfaces shall be clean and free of dirt, loose scale, grease and
oil. Paints used for coding shall be durable, bright and distinctive, and shall
not contain substances that would harmfully affect the material at ambient or
elevated temperatures. In particular, paints shall be free of lead, sulfur, zinc,
cadmium, mercury, chlorine, and other halogens.
Each component shall be coded in accordance with PFI ES-22 and shall have
painted characters indicating the specification number of the material if it is
not permanently marked or tagged according to the applicable material
specification.
Valves, flanges and fittings do not require color coding if these components
are permanently stamped or tagged by the manufacturer. If the materials are
not easily legible, valves, flanges and fittings shall be coded with a stripe of 5
mm minimum width. The color coding on valves should indicate the valve
body material.
ASTM A193 Grade B7 stud bolts do not require color coding if the grade of
the material is stamped on one end of each bolt.
Spiral-wound gaskets shall be color coded in accordance with
ASME B16.20. Sheet type gaskets do not require color coding.
Pipe and Fittings: Each length of pipe and fitting shall have a 5 mm or larger
stripe running full length. One inch NPS and smaller may have a 3 mm stripe
running full length.
Valves: When required, stripe across the body from flange to flange or end to
end.
Flanges: When required, stripe across edge up to hub.
Bolting: When required, stripe around the midpoint of each bolt or stud.
Plate, Sheet, and Strip: Stripe on surface near two perpendicular edges for
entire length.
Tubes and Bars: Stripe entire length.
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SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
Table 3: Positive Material Identification Record Sheet
PURCHASE ORDER NO.:
SUPPLIER OR PMI AGENCY:
SAUDI ARAMCO DRAWING NO.:
PMI PERFORMED BY (NAME & SIGNATURE):
MANUFACTURER OR FABRICATOR’S DRAWING NO.:
PMI APPROVED BY (NAME & SIGNATURE)
LOCATION WHERE PMI PERFORMED:
DATE:
PMI ANALYZER MODEL & SERIAL NO.:
ITEM
NO.
QTY
LINE ITEM
DESCRIPTION
MTL. TYPE,
SIZE, RATING
HEAT
NO.
MATERIAL
MARKED
MATERIAL
VERIFIED
(PMI)
PMI
RESULTS
ACCEPTANCE
CRITERIA
(MIN/MAX)
QTY
ACCEPT
QTY
REJECT
REMARKS
NOTES:
1. Record heat number only when traceability is required
2. Provide name, address and contact details of supplier for rejected material
Page 17 of 18
Document Responsibility: Materials Engineering Standards Committee
Publish Date: 9 April 2020
Next Revision: 5 May 2024
SAES-A-206
Positive Material Identification
Document History
9 April 2020
5 May 2019
1 January 2018
5 May 2016
Editorial revision to remove reference and extend the next revision date as per the updated SAEP-301.
Major revision. Clarify and detail the scope address the clients’ comments.
Editorial revision to modify paragraph 9.4.
Major revision. Enhanced content and improved clarity of the document. Incorporated all applicable
comments from clients while maintaining some alignment to industry standards.
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