Engineering Procedure

SAEP-501 26 June 2010

Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals
Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents

1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations…………………….... 2
3 Applicable Documents................................... 2
4 Definitions....................................................... 4
5 Instructions..................................................... 8
6 Responsibilities.............................................. 9
7 Qualification of New DRA Chemicals…….... 11
8 Approved DRA Chemicals................…........ 12
9 Quality Assurance and Quality Control
(QA/QC)/P&CSD and R&DC....................... 13
10 DRA Applications and Limitations................ 17
11 Purchase of First-Fill DRA Chemicals
by Project Management Teams................... 18
12 Procurement (See Figure 1)................…..... 19
13 DRA Chemical Vendors....................…........ 19
14 DRA Working Sub-Group...…...................... 21

Figure 1 – DRA Selection Protocol....................... 22

Previous Issue: New Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015

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Primary contact: Nasr, Nazar Abdulmohsen on 966-3-8734638

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2010. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

1 Scope

This Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure (SAEP) provides guidelines for the
minimum technical requirements to ensure a consistent approach to qualify and approve
DRA manufacturers/suppliers and their products. In addition, this procedure provides
guidelines for the acceptable use of DRA for various pipeline applications within Saudi
Aramco. It provides Saudi Aramco DRA user organizations, manufacturers/suppliers,
local agents and contractors with guidelines describing the requirements to qualify,
approve and accept DRA suppliers and purchase of DRA products for conducting field
tests and use in pipeline projects and/or in de-bottlenecking existing pipeline systems.

This procedure also establishes requirements for selection, quality assurance, quality
control, and first-fill purchase of DRA chemicals in Materials Service Group (MSG)
148400. This document does not address other chemicals, such as drilling chemicals,
water treatment chemicals, chemicals used in refinery processes, or oilfield chemicals
addressed in SAES-A-205.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

2.1 Any conflicts between this document and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Engineering Procedures (SAEPs) and/or Standards (SAESs) and/or industry
standards, codes, and forms shall be resolved in writing through the Manager of
Process & Control Systems Department (P&CSD) of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this procedure in writing to the Company, who
shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302 and forward such requests to
the Manager of Process & Control Systems Department of Saudi Aramco,
Dhahran.

3 Applicable Documents

To ensure compliance with the appropriate Saudi Aramco and International Standards
and Codes for flow assurance in pipelines, the following Engineering Standards,
Procedures, Practices and Reports shall be referenced (or used) in conjunction with
DRA studies and applications:

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-20 Equipment Inspection Schedule
SAEP-31 Corporate Equipment and Spare Parts Data
Requirements

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

SAEP-119 Preparation of Saudi Aramco Materials System

Specifications
SAEP-133 Instructions for Development of “Regulated
Vendor List” Engineering Standard
SAEP-134 Preparation of Saudi Aramco Engineering
Procedures
SAEP-301 Instructions for Establishing and Maintaining
Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirements
SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a
Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement
SAEP-3101 Equipment and Spare Parts Data Requirements
for Contractor Procured Equipment

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-A-205 Oilfield Chemicals
SAES-B-067 Safety Identification and Safety Colors
SAES-D-100 Design Criteria of Atmospheric and Low-Pressure
Tanks
SAES-D-109 Design of Small Tanks
SAES-G-005 Centrifugal Pumps
SAES-G-006 Positive Displacement Pumps – Controlled
Volume
SAES-L-132 Material Selection of Piping Systems
SAES-L-310 Design of Plant Piping
SAES-L-410 Design of Pipelines
SAES-O-125 Internal Tank Cleaning

Saudi Aramco Best Practice

SABP-A-015 Chemical Injection Systems

Saudi Aramco Engineering Reports

P&CSD-T-0691/07 Evaluation of Pipeline Drag Reducing Agent
(DRA) Final Report by DRA Evaluation
Committee, December 2007

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

Saudi Aramco Forms

Form 1149 Used for Materials Cataloging (New SAMS Item)

Supply Chain Management Manual

CU05.02 Material Master
CU 18.05 Claims for Substandard Materials

4 Definitions

AVL: is an abbreviation for “Approved Vendor List”. It is a list of the suppliers

approved for doing business with Saudi Aramco. The AVL is usually created by
procurement or sourcing and engineering personnel using a variety of criteria such as
technology, functional fit of the product, financial stability, and past performance of the
supplier. Refer to Supply Chain Management glossary key terms, abbreviations, and
acronyms used throughout the Materials Supply (MS) and customers departments.
DRA AVL shall be decided by the DRAWSG (see definitions of DRA and DRAWSG
below).

CQAU: Chemical Quality Assurance Unit of R&DC.

Delivery Samples: are obtained from every shipment for Quality Control (QC) testing.
If the actual delivery sample compares to the pre-delivery sample within prescribed
limits of product specifications, it is approved by the Chemical Quality Assurance Unit
of R&DC and released for field delivery. See definitions below for Pre-Delivery
Samples and for Retained Standard Sample.

DPC: Delivery Point Center

DRA: is an abbreviation for Drag Reducing Agent/Additive. It is a chemical that is

composed of of long chains of very high molecular weight polymers suspended in a
carrier fluid used in fluid-transporting-pipelines to reduce pipeline frictional
losses/pressure drop for the purpose of increasing pipeline flow rate and/or decreasing
pipeline operating pressure. DRA is considered a specialty chemical and not a
commodity like other oilfield chemicals (OFCs).

DRA Evaluation Committee: is a committee chaired by Process & Control Systems

Department (P&CSD) of Engineering Services (ES) with members from cross
functional Saudi Aramco departments (refer to Section 14 of this document). The
committee was formed by P&CSD in 2005 for the purpose of evaluating and qualifying
DRA vendors/manufacturers/suppliers and their products before adding vendors to the
Saudi Aramco Approved Vendor List (AVL). DRA vendor evaluation includes
surveys, questionnaires, laboratory testing of DRA samples, visits to vendor
headquarters, laboratories, plants, their customers’ sites and review of DRA field test
performance. This committee shall be replaced with the DRA Working Sub-Group

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

(DRAWSG) of the Flow Assurance Chemicals Working Group (FACWG). Refer to the
definitions of FACWG and DRAWSG below.

EPA: United States’ Environment Protection Agency.

ES: Engineering Services business line in Saudi Aramco.

Flow Assurance Chemicals (FACs): specialty chemicals in MSG 148400 used in

hydrocarbon (e.g., stabilized or unstabilized oil, refined products) transporting pipes and
pipelines to assure successfull and economical transport of hydrocarbons from source
points (e.g. reservoir, wells, separating plants) to destination points (e.g., terminals, tank
frams, refineries, bulk plants). These chemicals include drag reducing additives
(DRAs), hydrate inhibitors (HI) such as kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs) and
conventional hydrate inhibitors such as methanol/MEG/TEG.

Flow Assurance Chemicals Standards Committee (FACSC): is a committee

established and approved by the Chief Engineer of ES and chaired by P&CSD to be
responsible for the FAC standards and procedures such as this DRA Procedure and KHI
Procedure (Refer to definition of KHI below).

Flow Assurance Chemicals Working Group (FACWG): a group responsible for

reviewing all aspects of FAC selection and procurement. Its charter is to ensure the cost
effective purchase and service performance of FACs through appropriate specifications
and QA/QC procedures. FACWG consists of two sub-groups. One sub-group is
responsible for DRA and is called DRA Working Sub-Group (DRAWSG). The second
sub-group is responsible for Hydrate Inhibitors (HI) and is called HI Working Sub-
Group (HIWSG).

FA RSA: is an abbreviation for “Flow Assurance Responsible Standardization Agent”.

It is an RSA for specialty product chemicals defined above as FACs assigned by
Engineering Services/P&CSD, the responsible agency, with the concurrence of
Materials Standardization of Projects & Strategic Purchasing Department/Operations
Services, to be the technical authority on issues related to flow assurance chemicals.
FA RSA consists of two RSAs (a primary RSA and an alternate RSA) who are
members of the Flow Assurance Chemicals Standards Committee (FACSC).

GPD: Gallons per Day.

HI: Hydrate Inhibitor; a generic term for chemicals that prevent the formation of
hydrates.

KHI: Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitor; a special type of hydrate inhibitors that is used with
low dosage and enables the pipelines to operate under sub-cooled flowing conditions. It
is polymeric in nature. It inhibits hydrate formation by delaying rather than preventing
the nucleation and growth of hydrate crystals.

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

Laboratory Screening: the process of testing a large number of chemicals for the
purpose of identifying the most promising chemical or group of chemicals for rigorous
and complete laboratory testing.

Laboratory Testing: the evaluation of chemicals to identify chemicals suitable for

plant trials.

LSTK: Lump Sum Turn-Key. A project that the design, procurement, and
construction are done by the contractor.

MRP Controller: Materials Requirement Planning Controller. A position in

Operations Purchasing and Inventory Control Department with the responsibility for
controlling inventory for 9CAT materials. (This includes forecasting inventory
requirements and releasing requisitions for 9CAT articles.)

MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet.

MSG 148400 MRP Controller: The analyst, along with Purchasing, who is
responsible for implementing and maintaining the issue restriction system and the
phase-in/phase-out of new chemicals.

Oilfield Chemicals (OFCs): oilfield chemicals in MSG 147000 used primarily,

although not exclusively, in oil and gas producing operations. These chemicals are
demulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, and biocides. DRAs and KHIs are
not under the OFCs.

Performance Factor: a number assigned to a DRA chemical and provided to

Purchasing to develop commercial bids. It is calculated as the ratio of the required
treatment rate of a DRA, determined during plant trials, to the treatment rate of the
chemical exhibiting the lowest effective treatment rate. For example, to obtain a certain
percentage (%) increase in flow rate (or % decrease in pressure), the minimum required
treatment rate for DRA chemical A is 5 ppm (or say 100 GPD), and 7.5 ppm (or say
150 GPD) for DRA chemical B. Then A has the smaller effective dosing rate and a
performance factor of 5/5 (100/100) or 1.0, while B has a performance factor of 7.5/5
(150/100), or 1.5. So A has a better performance than B. If the bidding price of A is
$10/gallon and price of B is $7/gallon, then A wins the bid (1 x 10 = 10 < 1.5 x 7 =
10.5). But, if price of B is $6/gallon, then B wins (1 x 10 = 10 > 1.5 x 6 = 9).
Considering the required amount of DRA and available limited DRA storage at the end-
user site, chemical A could be the technically feasible choice, though B is economically
better than A.

Performance factors for DRAs are developed from field trials, unlike performance
factors for some other chemicals such as corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors and
biocides which are determined by laboratory tests done by R&DC or by an independent
organization. Note that the Performance Factor is not a fixed number for a DRA

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

product to be used in all pipelines\services. Therefore, a specific DRA performance

factor should be generated for each pipeline\system based on either the field trial of the
DRA, the estimated DRA performance report of the DRA contractor or proper
comparison of the system (pipeline length, pipeline size, product\service and terrain)
done by the plant\pipeline engineer.”

Phase-in/Phase-out: Terms used in purchase agreement administration for

adding/deleting. Refer, for instance, to Supply Chain Management Manual - Materials
Control Edition MC 11.02.

Plant Trial (also called a "field trial" or “field test”): the use of a DRA chemical in
a plant/pipeline, to establish its effectiveness and performance factor as well as its
performance curve. A plant or field trial runs for a limited time. The trial period should
be agreed upon among plant or field engineers, the DRA vendor and DRAWSG, prior
to initiation of the trial.

PLC: Programmable Logic Controller.

PMT: Project Management Team

ppm: parts per million (by volume as referred to by DRA vendors), a quantitative
measure of DRA concentration.

Pre-delivery Samples: are taken by laboratory personnel from the plant trial shipment
of a DRA prior to delivery. Pre-delivery samples are required for all new DRA
chemicals; these become the standard for QA/QC benchmark testing of future
shipments.

QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control): In the context of this document, QA

generally includes P&CSD, CSD, Standardization, and FA RSA functions, as well as
matters relating to selection, screening, performance testing, and trials of FACs. QC is
addressed primarily by the testing of delivery samples.

Qualification Testing: is testing in accordance with Section 7 to determine if a

candidate DRA chemical can be used to treat a process stream more effectively than or
as effectively as with the DRA chemical(s) currently in use.

R&DC or R&D Center: the Research and Development Center, a department of ES.

Retained Standard Sample: a sample of each MSG 148400 chemical currently in use
by Saudi Aramco to be taken from the first delivery of each chemical at the beginning
of a new year. This sample is to be compared with the pre-delivery sample in physical
properties and in laboratory performance. If the results are comparable then the
retained standard sample will be used. The retained standard sample is replaced each
year.

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

RSA: Responsible Standardization Agent.

SAES: Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard.

SAMSS: Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification.

Standardization Engineer – DRA Chemicals: the engineer from Materials

Standardization Division/Projects & Strategic Purchasing Department responsible for
the cataloging of new DRA chemicals in MSG 148400, and the maintenance of the
Materials Supply Inventory catalog.

5 Instructions

5.1 General Requirements

5.1.1 PMT and operating departments shall follow and apply this Engineering
Procedure to the engineering design contractor, DRA vendors/bidders
and their local agents involved in DRA activities for Saudi Aramco.

5.1.2 The DRA vendor and engineering design contractor/vendor local agent
shall fully comply with this procedure when performing DRA-related
activities for Saudi Aramco.

5.1.3 DRA vendors and their products will have to be evaluated, tested, and
approved by the DRAWSG prior to the DRA application within Saudi
Aramco facilities. The evaluation process includes several steps and the
process is governed by an evaluation criteria. A very important step in
the evaluation is the field/trial test for the DRA chemical. Refer to
Section 7 (Qualification of New DRA Chemicals) and Section 13 (DRA
Chemical Vendors) below.

5.2 Field/Trial Test Preparation and Completion Procedure and Responsibility

5.2.1 Qualified DRA vendors (who are in the Saudi Aramco DRA RVL)
should perform simulation study to predict their product performance,
and present it to proponent and to DRAWSG prior to the field test.

Saudi Aramco (Proponents, Pipelines and OSPAS) shall provide the

DRA supplier and/or local agent and/or contractor conducting the field
test with the required pipeline operating data prior to conducting the
DRA study and/or field test.

5.2.2 The DRA supplier and/or local agent and/or contractor conducting the
field test shall submit a proposal to Saudi Aramco (P&CSD, Proponent,
Pipelines, OSPAS and DRAWSG) with the detailed required site,

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

equipment, material and operational preparations along with a detailed

test protocol from start to finish of the field test.

5.2.3 The DRA vendors shall make a presentation to the interested proponent
department and to DRAWSG about the test procedure, duration, safety,
and potential operational impacts.

5.2.4 Saudi Aramco (DRAWSG and Proponent Department) shall review and
approve the submitted field test procedure prior to commencement of the
field test.

5.2.5 Saudi Aramco (DRAWSG and Proponent Department) shall facilitate the
DRA supplier and/or local agent and/or contractor conducting the field
test to bring the required crew, equipment and material to the test site.

5.2.6 OSPAS shall provide baseline flow conditions prior to the field test, and
forward the pressure, flow, temperature at various points of the pipeline
to field test engineers.

5.2.7 R&DC shall collect the fluid sample at the agreed pre-defined varied
DRA dosage at the end of the line for further test.

5.2.8 At the completion of a DRA study and/or a DRA field trial/test, the
engineering design contractor/DRA vendor/local agent shall submit an
electronic copy of the study and field test final report with complete
supporting documents to Proponent and to DRAWSG.

6 Responsibilities

6.1 FA RSA

The FA RSA is consulted by the Materials Standardization Division and

proponents on matters of materials standardization, stock simplification, and
source development for DRA chemicals. He is also to be consulted on QA/QC
procedures and the cataloging of new DRA chemicals in MSG 148400. The FA
RSA has all of the responsibilities listed in Supply Chain Management Manual
(SCMM) Customer Edition CU 05.02 plus those contained in this SAES.
Note: Currently, CU 05.02 includes RSA for OFCs. Similarly, FA RSA will have to be
added. The FA RSA consists of two specialists from P&CSD engineers; one is
for DRA (Primary RSA) and the other one is for KHI (Alternate RSA) as per
direction of P&CSD Manager. Refer to definitions of FA RSA above.
SCMM CU 05.02 can be accessed through the link
http://sharek.aramco.com.sa/orgs/30002047/30018765/30006608/SCM%20Pro
cedures/Customer/CU05.02.htm.

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
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Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

6.2 Process & Control Systems Department (P&CSD)

6.2.1 The single point contact for consultation and procedures/standards issues
related to the use of DRA chemicals for new projects. If requested,
P&CSD will coordinate screening and testing of DRA chemicals for
field engineers through the FA RSA.

6.2.2 Maintains DRA control standards and specifications, including this

procedure.

6.3 Research & Development Center (R&DC)

The primary organization for screening, testing and reporting test results of
DRA samples in coordination with FA RSA of P&CSD.

6.4 Materials Standardization Engineer

Engineer from Materials Standardization of Projects & Strategic Purchasing

Department/Operations Services who is responsible for cataloging and catalog
maintenance of DRA chemicals. Consults with the FA RSA/P&CSD on issues
referenced in this procedure and on other DRA-related technical matters.

6.5 MSG 148400 MRP Controller

Responsible for implementing and maintaining the issue restriction system and
the phase-in/phase-out of new DRA chemicals.

6.6 Flow Assurance Chemicals Working Group (FACWG).

Establishes appropriate and realistic specifications and QA/QC procedures for

FACs to enable the cost effective purchase by operating units. The group is also
involved in developing and revising DRA and HI chemicals standards and
procedures. Refer to the definition of FACWG, above.

6.7 Operations Engineering Units

Responsible for field/plant trials of FACs, tracking of use, determination of

competitive equivalents, technical qualification for use, and determination of
performance factors in coordination with FACWG and FA RSA.

6.8 Project Management

Responsible for first-time fill of FAC tanks. Work with Operations, Operations
Engineering, Purchasing, CQAU/R&DC) and P&CSD/FA RSA to ensure that
suitable and cost effective chemicals are specified and purchased for the project.

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

6.9 Purchasing Department, Buyer of DRA Chemicals in MSG 148400

Single point contact with vendors and users for all commercial considerations.
Develops competitive bids and notifies Operations and Operations Engineering
of the most cost effective chemicals for use.

7 Qualification of New DRA Chemicals

7.1 Protocol for the Selection and Qualification of New DRA Chemicals (Figure 1.)

7.1.1 Sample Submission

The FA RSA shall restrict the number of samples to a maximum of two

DRA products per vendor for each potential application. The DRA
vendor shall supply the samples with an official vendor written
document of their DRA product basic contents, including the contents of
magnesium, phosphorus and silicon.

7.1.2 Testing Protocol

7.1.2.1 Testing shall be carried out using parameters closely simulating

field conditions, as agreed in writing among the coordinating
engineer, the end-user, and the appropriate testing laboratory.
A copy of the test protocol shall be provided to the FA RSA.

7.1.2.2 In addition to establishing the physical properties of a DRA

chemical by the Chemical Quality Assurance Unit, R&DC,
Dhahran, an appropriate selection, "the Test Protocol", from
the following methods to determine relevant parameters shall
be performed by the laboratory unit designated in paragraph
6.3 above, following agreement with the requesting
organization:

Tests can include, but are not limited to, the following:
i) No harm test
ii) Physical properties (e.g., suspension, solubility, acidity,
precipitation on walls or bottom of flasks)
iii) Contamination (e.g., silicon, magnesium or phosphorus
content)

7.1.2.3 In all cases, other tests may also be deemed suitable, and can
be included in the testing protocol at the discretion of the
testing Laboratory Unit, P&CSD, CSD, or the proponent
Operations Engineering organization.

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

7.2 Plant or Field Trial Samples

7.2.1 QA/QC samples shall be obtained for all new DRA chemicals.

7.2.2 The vendor shall route the plant trial chemical shipment to the Chemical
Quality Assurance Unit for collection of the pre-delivery sample, at least
5 working days prior to the start of the plant or field trial.

7.2.3 The Chemical Quality Assurance Unit shall retain all samples of DRA
chemicals qualified for use by a successful plant trial until the FA RSA
authorizes disposal. This will normally occur only after the FACWG
officially certifies a DRA chemical obsolete.

8 Approved DRA Chemicals

8.1 If a DRA chemical successfully passes the evaluation criteria and a plant/field
trial and the responsible plant engineer considers it a candidate for regular use,
the responsible proponent engineer shall notify his area representative (or the
FA RSA) to the DRAWSG in writing, with a copy to Purchasing, that it has
successfully passed the test and confirming that cataloging has been requested.
The notification and the request for cataloging shall contain the results of the
plant/field trial and the performance factor generated from that trial. All
correspondence with the DRAWSG should be attached to the appropriate Saudi
Aramco 1149 form.

8.2 The FA RSA shall maintain an up-to-date list of all approved DRA chemicals
and keep the MRP Controller, the Standardization Engineer, and the Buyer
informed of the approved DRA chemicals.

8.3 A DRA product can be added to the list of approved DRA chemicals after the
DRAWSG and FA RSA are notified in writing that the product has successfully
passed field tests in a Pipeline/Producing/Distribution facility. It shall be the
responsibility of the DRAWSG to request the FA RSA and the Buyer to add the
DRA chemical to the list, and to notify the FACWG members of the addition for
consideration of use in other Pipelines/Producing/Distribution departments.
Whenever the DRAWSG identifies the use of a DRA chemical in other
facilities, the FA RSA and the Buyer shall be notified.

8.4 The DRAWSG shall review the list of approved DRA chemicals no less than
once a year; identify new catalog items with recommendations for cataloging
action; and identify obsolete products with recommendations for their removal
from SAMS.

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
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Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

9 Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)/P&CSD and R&DC

9.1 QA/QC Testing

The P&CSD Upstream Process Engineering Division and the R&DC Chemical
Quality Assurance Unit/Materials Sciences Division are responsible for the
QA/QC testing of every delivery of DRA chemicals in MSG 148400.

9.2 Performance Testing on Delivery Samples and/or Field Test

Additional testing shall be lead by P&CSD and performed by the R&DC on

randomly picked shipments of DRA chemicals as follows:

9.2.1 DRA Vendor Test

DRA vendor shall supply R&DC with a sample or more of their DRA
finished product. R&DC shall test the sample and report test results as
passing, not passing, or requires more testing (refer to some generic
DRA specifications below in Section 9.2.2 of this document). A DRA
field test shall not take place before passing the lab test and passing the
evaluation of vendor responses to FACWG questionnaires. A DRA field
test is mandatory if the DRA application on a specific fluid pipeline
service is new to Saudi Aramco in the sense that it has never been tested
before on a similar pipeline service (e.g., testing DRA in NGL or water
injection pipelines). Before a field test is conducted, a confirmation
from DRA vendor, R&DC and an acceptance from the Saudi Aramco
shipping/receiving facility are required that the injected DRA has no
negative impact on neither process (e.g., change of product spec) nor
process equipment (e.g., plugging deposits) at the receiving plant.

Prior to field test, the vendor shall provide Saudi Aramco (FA RSA and
proponent) with a simulation study report to estimate DRA dosage/rate
and performance on the specific pipeline service under specific operating
conditions.

After the field test completion, the DRA vendor shall also provide Saudi
Aramco (FA RSA and proponent) with the field test results and DRA
performance curve in an electronic-format report.

9.2.2 DRA Specifications

DRA specifications, as categorized in the subsections below, might

differ based on the DRA vendor/manufacturer and the type of application
the DRA is used in.

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
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Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

9.2.2.1 General Properties

- Very long chain high molecular weight polymer
- Non-Newtonian Viscosity
- Non-flashable in the medium of application
- Freezing point at 0°C or lower
- Boiling point at 100°C or higher
- Non-gel emulsion/suspension or slurry type
- Dissolves but does not react with the fluid of application
- Carrier/solution does not react with the DRA or medium of
application.

9.2.2.2 Handling
- Operates in a broad range of ambient temperature variations
from near 0°C to 50°C
- Stable emulsion
- May require intermittent agitation before use
- May require unloading pump to transfer the DRA to the
permanent storage tank
- As DRA permanent storage tank can be used for different
DRA products from different DRA vendors, utility water
connection to the DRA tank will be required to for cleaning
purposes and flushing before a different DRA product is
stored.
- May require insulating the unloading pipe and associated
pipes within the system including the suction and the
discharge of the injection pump
- May require recycle pump for mixing the DRA chemical
- Does not require heating or heat-tracing
- May require air-conditioned/cool storage (20°C – 30°C)
- Does not require pressurized vessels

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Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

- Shelf life of 6 months or more and according to DRA vendor

instructions (e.g., periodic agitation/mixing and/or cooling)
- Insulated containers with a capacity of 25 to 5,000 US gallon

9.2.2.3 Performance

Performance is measured by drag reduction percentage versus

DRA ppm concentration. Depending on the medium of
application, the drag reduction percentage will be based on the
vendor proven and/or field test performance curves.

A performance factor for each DRA chemical shall be

established in a field trial/test for each pipelines\service. A
field trial in each major pipeline system is also necessary to
establish a performance factor for each DRA chemical
associated with the particular pipeline application.

9.2.2.4 Safety and Environment

- Non-hazardous and meet EPA and/or SAES
- Non-flammable
- Non-toxic and meet EPA and/or SAES
- Proven not to change a chemical/refining processes or
product specification
- Proven not to harm engines/valves/pumps/equipment
- DRA end user shall refer to the DRA vendor MSDS prior to
handling any DRA product.

9.2.4.5 Injection Skid

- Operable with different types of DRA from different DRA
vendors/suppliers, unless accepted by the Proponent
- Small size pumps (not exceeding 2,500 GPM capacity)
- Injection pumps maximum discharge pressure must be
higher than the operating pressure of the pipeline at the
injection location.
- The injection skid must be equipped with a stand-by
injection pump.

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
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Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

- May require shedding the injection skid to maintain the

temperature
- Equipped with flow meters meeting SAES.
- Could be equipped with PLC.
- Storage tanks are insulated and equipped with steering
device and product level sensors.
- The DRA injection system (e.g., tanks, pumps, nozzles,
valves, material) shall comply with Saudi Aramco Chemical
Injection Best Practice SABP-A-015.

9.3 Requests for testing can be initiated by P&CSD, Materials Standardization

Organization, Operations Engineering Organizations, Producing Operations,
OSPAS, or the DRAWSG through the FA RSA.

9.4 Actions upon Failure of the QC Tests

9.4.1 In the event that a routine delivery sample of a DRA chemical fails QC
testing, stipulated additional testing shall be carried out upon request of
FA RSA and/or R&DC/appropriate testing lab.

9.4.2 In the event that a randomly taken sample of DRA chemical should fail
the additional tests, field tests shall not be carried out.

9.4.3 The end user, Purchasing, Standardization, and the FA RSA shall be
informed of all failures. End user shall then comply with FA RSA
recommendations.

9.4.4 The FA RSA shall inform the vendor and Purchasing of out-of-
specification DRA chemicals.

9.4.5 Repeated failures of a DRA chemical to pass routine QC tests shall result
in the vendor being notified that this particular chemical shall not be
issued from Saudi Aramco system, until such time as the product passes
all re-testing. If the DRA chemical does not pass QC re-tests, the FA
RSA shall notify Materials Control Department to initiate the action to
remove the chemical from SAMS.

9.5 Delivery

Delivery to the DPC shall proceed only after the appropriate QA/QC tests are
finished and the material is certified as suitable for use.

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

10 DRA Applications and Limitations

10.1 DRA in Grass-root Pipeline Projects

A grass-root or new pipeline shall not be designed based on the use of DRA to
achieve the design flow rate.

10.2 DRA in a Capacity Increase/Expansion Project of an Existing Pipeline System

DRA could be considered in the design of a pipeline system expansion/capacity

increase projects of an already existing pipeline system whenever proven
technically and economically feasible.

10.3 DRA in Crude Pipelines

Before use of DRA in stabilized or un-stabilized crude (e.g., Arab Heavy “AH”,
Arab Medium “AM”, Arab Light “AL”, Arab Extra Light “AXL” or Arab Super
Light “ASL”) pipelines, the DRA vendor shall provide the DRAWSG with
simulation and calculation results to predict DRA product performance and
present them to the proponent/DRAWSG, who shall provide the crude data (e.g.,
physical properties, gas/oil ratio “GOR”, water cut) and operational data of the
pipeline service to be tested before the DRA vendor performs his calculation and
prediction. Field test of the DRA product will follow the vendor
calculation/simulation and presentation and shall be decided by the DRAWSG
and proponent.

10.4 DRA in Condensate Pipelines

In condensate pipelines, the DRA vendor shall provide the DRAWSG with
simulation and calculation results to predict the DRA product performance.
The DRA vendor shall present such results to the proponent/DRAWSG.
Field test of the DRA product will follow the vendor calculation/simulation
and presentation and shall be decided by the DRAWSG and proponent.

10.5 DRA in NGL Pipelines

Use of DRA in NGL pipelines shall be subject to R&DC/appropriate testing lab

no harm tests to confirm “no harms” to engines and/or receiving process
equipment and facilities before conducting the field tests. Upon passing the lab
test, the DRA product shall be subject to a field test before applying it for
pipeline normal operation. A documented confirmation from the DRA vendor
shall be submitted to the FA RSA. DRA vendor simulation/calculation and
presentation to the DRAWSG shall be conducted before the field test is decided
as described in 10.3 and 10.4 above.

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

10.6 DRA in Water Injection Pipelines

Use of DRA in water injection pipelines shall be subject to R&DC/appropriate

testing lab no harm tests to confirm “no harms” to water injection
pumps/equipment and/or receiving reservoir facilities and/or reservoir formation
before conducting the field tests. Upon passing the lab test, the DRA product
shall be subject to field testing before applying it for pipeline normal operation.
A documented confirmation from DRA vendor shall be submitted to FA RSA.
DRA vendor simulation/calculation and presentation to DRAWSG shall be
conducted before the field test is decided as described in 10.3 and 10.4 above.

10.7 DRA in Jet Fuel Pipelines

DRA samples for use in jet fuel could be tested in the R&DC laboratories only
but shall not be field tested or used in jet fuel service pipelines. If the jet fuel (or
the kerosene used for jet fuel) is batched with other DRA treated refined or
hydrocarbon products such as diesel or gasoline, then the multi-product pipeline
shall be flushed and cleaned with jet fuel (or kerosene) or with non-DRA treated
refined product (non-DRA treated diesel or gasoline) from any traces of
contamination of DRA and/or other products before sending the jet fuel
(kerosene) batch.

10.8 DRA in Gasoline Pipelines

More than 15 ppm DRA polymer in gasoline pipelines requires R&DC approval.
DRA vendor/supplier shall confirm (by an official document signed by the DRA
vendor/supplier) to R&DC and to DRAWSG the polymer concentration in the
DRA solution. The 15 ppm concentration limit is cumulative which means that
all the DRA injected in the same pipeline at various locations (in case of
multiple pump stations) should be added together and not to exceed 15 ppm.

10.9 DRA in Diesel Pipelines

More than 15 ppm DRA polymer in diesel pipelines requires R&DC approval.
DRA vendor/supplier shall confirm (by an official document signed by the DRA
vendor/supplier) to R&DC and to DRAWSG the polymer concentration in the
DRA solution. The 15 ppm concentration limit is cumulative which means that
all the DRA injected in the same pipeline at various locations (in case of
multiple pump stations) should be added together and not to exceed 15 ppm.

11 Purchase of First-Fill DRA Chemicals by Project Management Teams

11.1 In capital projects where FACs in MSG 148400 such as DRA chemicals are to
be used, the LSTK contractor shall be responsible for the following:

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

 The purchase of the "first fill" of all such chemicals, and coordination with
CQAU for QA/QC requirements.
 For ensuring the cleanliness and mechanical operation of the chemical
injection systems as designed.

11.2 The selection of the DRA chemical(s) shall be the responsibility of the
proponent organization, with the concurrence of P&CSD/UPED, and
Purchasing.

11.3 PMT shall provide the operating organization, P&CSD/UPED, and Purchasing
with a letter requesting that DRA chemical vendors submit candidate DRA
chemicals for testing in the various process streams of any new facility. This
letter shall be issued as soon as possible during project construction, but in no
case later than 18 months prior to the originally identified project startup date.

12 Procurement (See Figure 1)

12.1 Figure 1 shall be used as the protocol to follow in the procurement process for
DRA chemicals in MSG 148400.

12.2 Contact the FA RSA/P&CSD and the Standardization Engineer/Materilas

Standardization Division/Projects & Strategic Purchasing Department of
Operations Serivces to resolve technical issues related to Standardization.
The FA RSA may give written approval for substitution of DRA chemicals with
equivalent characteristics and performance. Deviations that do not provide
equivalent performance require waiver approval in accordance with SAEP-302
before issuance of a Purchase Order. For deviations identified after a Purchase
Order is issued, the waiver approval is required prior to shipment.

12.3 Contact the Purchasing Department Buyer for DRA chemicals in MSG 148400
to resolve problems with delivery from vendors.

12.4 Contact the CQAU/R&DC and FA RSA to address QA/QC problems.

12.5 Contact MSG 148400 MRP Controller to resolve issue restriction and phase-
in/phase-out procedures.

13 DRA Chemical Vendors

13.1 Vendor Qualification

A DRA vendor shall be subject to (but not limited to) the following evaluation
protocol before being considered for qualification:

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

13.1.1 Vendor presentation to DRAWSG,

13.1.2 Responses to the DRA questionnaire developed by the DRAWSG,

13.1.3 No harm test of vendor DRA product sample(s) by Saudi Aramco

R&DC/appropriate testing laboratory,

13.1.4 DRAWSG visit to vendor’s DRA manufacuring facilities and their

Customers,

13.1.5 Field trial test of DRA product on the intended Saudi Aramco pipeline,

13.1.6 Approval of DRAWSG.

13.2 Approved Vendor List (AVL)

Consult the Purchasing Department Buyer for DRA chemicals in MSG 148400
for this information.

Currently, the following DRA companies and agents have been approved by the
FACWG/DRAWSG (previously known as DRA Evaluation Committee) and are
included in the MSG 148400 Purchasing system.

DRA AVL

DRA Vendor DRA Vendor Local Agent

ConocoPhillips Specialty Products, Inc. Zamil Group
Baker Hughes/Baker Petrolite Haitam
FlowChem Qahtani & Sons
CPTDC STISCO

This AVL is not fixed and can change (increased or decreased approved DRA
vendors) depending on the number of added/deleted of qualified/disqualified
vendors. The AVL shall be updated by the DRAWSG, approved and added by
FACSC in the nearest next version of this procedure.

13.3 Vendor Test Data

The vendor shall provide, at the request of Saudi Aramco (e.g., Proponent,
R&DC, DRAWSG or FA RSA) independent laboratory test data, internal
laboratory test data, or field case histories to support his claims for the
performance of any DRA product that he may request Saudi Aramco to evaluate
for its use.

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

14 DRA Working Sub-Group (DRAWSG) of the Flow Assurance Chemicals

Working Group (FACWG)

Name Tel. # Department

Nazar A. Al-Nasr 873-4638 Process & Control Systems (P&CSD)
Mahmood A. Al-Rasheed 873-0674 (P&CSD)
Ivan C. Cruz 876-0253
Consulting Services (CSD)
Maslat S. Waranbi 876-0279
Hadi M. Al-Dossary, OFC RSA 876-7079 Research & Development Center (R&DC)
Daniel C. Longstaff 872-3876 R&DC
Pipelines Technical Support
Ammar M. Altaf 874-1482
(PTSD/Pipelines)
Mohammad M. Al-Shaalan 874-3135 Oil Supply Planning & Scheduling (OSPAS)
Ahmad S. Al- Khaldi 578-3668 Shaybah Producing
N. A. Producing
S. A. Producing
Waleed A. Abubakr ER Distribution
CR Distribution
WR Distribution
Turki M. Al-Azib 874-1827 Operations Purchasing & Inventory Control
Bandar Al-Woshayyeh 874-0568
Projects & Strategic Purchasing (P&SPD)
Harichandra Sanmugam 874-0634
Jie Lu 873-7132 Facilities Planning (FPD)

The membership of the DRAWSG will vary from time to time at the discretion of the
Chairman and Saudi Aramco Management. In addition to the FA RSA/P&CSD (who is
sometimes the Chairman as well), there should be at least one representative from each
of the following departments: Pipelines, Eastern Region Distribution, Central Region
Distribution, Western Region Distribution, Northern Area Producing, Southern Area
Producing, Shaybah Producing, Consulting Services (CSD), Purchasing, and Facilities
Planning (FPD). This DRAWSG will replace the current DRA Evaluation Committee.

Revision summary
26 June 2010 New Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure.

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Document Responsibility: Flow Assurance Standards Committee SAEP-501
Issue Date: 26 June 2010
Next Planned Update: 26 June 2015 Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) Chemicals

Figure 1 – DRA Selection Protocol

Vendor proposes DRA Chemicals Saudi Aramco identifies the need

for use to the FA RSA/P&CSD for DRA

Identifying organization contacts

FA RSA polls field/plant for the FA RSA in writing to request
need of the DRA DRA product submission from
vendors

FA RSA contacts DRA Vendors

DRA vendor provides samples to

R&DC via the FA RSA

R&DC performs analytical lab R&DC and coordinating engineer

testing agree on test protocol

R&DC notifies engineer and FA

RSA/P&CSD of lab test results
Physical parameters are
established for future testing

Coordinating engineer and FA

RSA/P&CSD obtains proponent
agreement to conduct plant/field
test

Vendor submits field test

procedure to FA RSA, Proponent
and OSPAS

FA RSA, Proponent/Plants and

OSPAS approve and schedule
test procedure

Conduct field test with the DRA

chemical

Purchasing develops agreement DRAWSG and Proponent

with DRAWSG-approved review/approve report, evaluate test Vendor submits test report to FA
vendors on approved DRA results and determine DRA acceptance RSA and Proponent
chemicals performance index/factor

Proponent prepares 1149 form

and submit to Material Control
Dept.

Standardization catalogues DRA

product into SAMS

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