NIOEC-SP-90-04(0)

DOCUMENT CODE NO. OF PAGES: 8

PLAN/PRJ/SUB UNIT PHASE DISCIPLANE DOCUMENT TYPE SERIAL NO. REV. NO. DATE

NIOEC 000 EG TP SP 9004 A0 March, 2015

NATIONAL IRANIAN OIL REFINING & DISTRIBUTION COMPANY

NATIONAL IRANIAN OIL ENGINEERING

& CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

NIOEC SPECIFICATION
FOR

POSITIVE MATERIAL DENTIFICATION

(PMI)

FIRST EDITION

MARCH, 2015

THIS SPECIFICATION IS THE PROPERTY OF NATIONAL IRANIAN OIL ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. IT IS CONFIDENTIAL
AND ALL RIGHTS RESERVED TO THE OWNER. NEITHER WHOLE NOR ANY PART OF THIS DOCUMENT MAY BE DISCLOSED TO ANY
THIRD PARTY, REPRODUCTED, STORED IN ANY RETRIEVAL SYSTEM OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT
THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE NATIONAL IRANIAN OIL ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.
 March, 2015 NIOEC-SP-90-04(0)

IN THE NAME OF GOD

FOREWORD

By their very nature, technical specifications are continuously subject to modifications and
revisions. To strengthen their merit and usefulness, continuous improvements, addendum,
deletion of disparate information and consequently provision of updated revisions are to be
made in order to ascertain that such Specifications meet the current requirements, inclusive
of Iranian Petroleum Standards (IPS) and the recognized and acceptable national and
international Standards, as well as the optimal codes and practices based on the
accumulated in- house know how and plant knowledge and experiences.

However, in reality, due to several reasons, not to mention the complexity of the matter,
the ultimate goal of continuous direct embedment of the required changes on the relevant
Specifications may be far reaching. Therefore, in the interim periods between the officially
issued revisions, the required changes will appear in other documents related to the
engineering and design work of the ongoing projects.

In response to the initiative of the Design Division and Directorate, and considering that
the task of the execution of several important and mega projects for the realization of the
new oil refineries, pipelines and oil terminals as well as improvements of the existing
facilities, has been assigned to NIOEC, it was decided to update the NIOEC Specifications
and to issue new official revisions.

The Design and Engineering Directorate was itself entrusted to carry out this important
task, and as such by forming several special technical committees, working in close co-
operation and cohesion and sharing their expertise and knowledge, the updated and revised
NIOEC Specifications were successfully prepared and compiled.

These Specifications are intended to be used for Oil Refineries, Distribution Depots, Oil
Terminals, Pipelines and Pump Stations within NIOEC projects, and have been proven to
be of high value for such purposes. It must however be appreciated that these
Specifications represent the minimum requirements and shall in no way be interpreted as a
restriction on the use of better procedures, engineering and design practices or materials.

We encourage and highly appreciate the users and other clear sighted and experts to send
their comments on the Specifications to the Design and Engineering Director of NIOEC
for evaluation and approval.
 March, 2015 NIOEC-SP-90-04(0)

REVISION INDEX
REV. REV. REV. REV.
PAGE 1 2 3 4 5 PAGE
1 2 3 4 5 PAGE 1 2 3 4 5 PAGE 1 2 3 4 5
1 26 51 76
2 27 52 77
3 28 53 78
4 29 54 79
5 30 55 80
6 31 56 81
7 32 57 82
8 33 58 83
9 34 59 84
10 35 60 85
11 36 61 86
12 37 62 87
13 38 63 88
14 39 64 89
15 40 65 90
16 41 66 91
17 42 67 92
18 43 68 93
19 44 69 94
20 45 70 95
21 46 71 96
22 47 72 97
23 48 73 98
24 49 74 99
25 50 75 100

NOTES:
1) THIS SHEET IS A RECORD OF ALL REVISIONS TO THIS SPECIFICATION.
2) WHEN APPROVED EACH REVISION SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS A PART OF THE ORIGINAL
DOCUMENT.
3) NUMBER OF PAGES EXCLUDES THIS SHEET AND THE COVER SHEET.

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4
3
2
1
M.KARGAR A.ARMAN
0 March, 2015 R.AMIRHASANI J.KHOSRAVI
NAJAFI MOGHADDAM
REV. DATE PREPARED CHECKED APPROVED AUTHORIZED
 March, 2015 NIOEC-SP-90-04(0)

CONTENTS PAGE NO

1. SCOPE ........................................................................................................................ 2

2. REFERENCES ........................................................................................................... 2

3. UNITS ......................................................................................................................... 2

4. DEFINITIONS and TERMINOLOGY ................................................................... 2

5. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................ 3

6. PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................ 3

7. PMI TEST METHODS ............................................................................................. 4

8. QUALIFICATION of PERSONNEL ....................................................................... 5

9. EXTENT of PMI ........................................................................................................ 5

10. SAMPLING PROCEDURE ...................................................................................... 5

11. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA ..................................................................................... 6

12. COLOR CODING / MARKING .............................................................................. 7

13. RECORD .................................................................................................................... 7

Table : ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS for PMI ................................................................... 8

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1. SCOPE
This specification describes the requirements for the positive material identification (PMI)
for piping system and equipment (other than carbon steel materials) to verify that alloy
materials are of acceptable chemical composition, independent of any certificate and marking
that may exist, and to assure that correct alloy materials are used at the places where
intended.
Deviations from this specification will only be permitted on obtaining written approval
from NIOEC.
Resolution on cases not explicitly stipulated in this Specification, or on cases where
conflicts may arise among the requirements of the referenced/relevant IPS and the
international standards, shall be made through written consent and approval of NIOEC.

2. REFERENCES
The following standards, codes, and specifications, to the extent specified hereinafter, shall
constitute a part of this NIOEC Specification. Latest edition of the undated referenced
documents and the cited edition of the dated references shall apply. The applicability of
changes made to the dated references, after the cited date shall be mutually agreed upon
between NIOEC and the Vendor/Contractor.
API (AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE)
API RP 578 “Material Verification Program for New and Existing Alloy
Piping Systems”
API RP 581 “Risk-Based Inspection Technology”

PFI (PIPE FABRICATION INSTITUTE)

ES-22 “Recommended Practice for Color Coding of Piping
Materials”
ES-42 “Positive Material Identification of Piping Components
Using Portable X-ray Emission Type Test Equipment”

BSI (BRITISH STANDARD INSTITUTION)

BS EN 10204 “Metallic Products-Types of Inspection Documents”

NIOEC SP (NIOEC SPECIFICATIONS)

NIOEC-SP-50-27 “NIOEC Specification for Identification of Piping Material”

3. UNITS
International system of units (SI) shall be used in accordance with NIOEC-SP-00-10,
unless otherwise specified.

4. DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY

This section contains definitions for the terms as they are used in this document.
Lot or Inspection Lot: A group of items or materials of the same type from a common source
from which a sample is to be drawn for examination. An inspection lot does not include items
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from more than one heat.

Lot Size: The number of items available in the inspection lot at the time a representative
sample is selected.
Mill Test Report: A certified document that permits each component to be identified
according to the original heat of material from which it was produced and identifies the
applicable material specification (including documentation of all test results required by
the material specification).
Positive Material Identification (PMI) Testing: Any physical evaluation or test of a
material to confirm that the material which has been or will be placed into service is
consistent with the selected or specified alloy material designated by the Employer/User.
These evaluations or tests may provide either qualitative or quantitative information that is
sufficient to verify the nominal alloy composition.

5. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
5.1. PMI of welds shall be performed prior to performance of any required stress relief or
other post weld heat treatment and non-destructive tests (NDT), to avoid possibility of
rework.
5.2. PMI may be performed by the material manufacturer, fabricator, erector, supplier or
other technically qualified agency. It is the responsibility of the Employer's
representative or third party to ensure that the implementation and conduct of the PMI
program is performed in accordance with written qualified procedure, Employer
requirements and this specification.
5.3. Verification of element percentage is not required if the PMI analyzer is capable of
identifying the specific alloy type. Verification shall include, as a minimum, the
elements listed in Table (1). Where an alloy is not listed in Table (1) and upon
agreement between contractor and Employer shall use the alloy's main elements as the
basis for alloy verification.
5.4. Autogenous (without filler metal) welded pipe and fittings require PMI verification of
only the base metal composition.
5.5. Both method and frequency of calibration and standardization shall be based upon
equipment manufacturer's recommendations.
5.6. Mill or manufacturer ASTM/ASME specification markings shall be checked for
compliance with the documented material description as part of the verification process.
Materials with unacceptable markings or no markings shall be rejected.
5.7. PMI of undiluted deposited weld metal (for example, "buttons") is an acceptable
alternative to PMI of an electrode or wire sample. Testing shall be done prior to
production welding.
5.8. The contractor shall be responsible for segregating unexamined and/or rejected items
and assuring that they are properly identified to prevent their unauthorized use.

6. PROCEDURE
Examinations shall be performed in accordance with written procedure provided by the
contractor. This procedure shall be submitted to Employer/Third Party for review and
approval.
Written procedure will contain, as a minimum, the following information:
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6.1. Name and manufacturer of equipment to be used.

6.2. Description of equipment operating principle.
6.3. Calibration requirements.
6.4. Procedure steps in detail.
6.5. Washing of reagent.
6.6. Control sheet of examination.
6.7. Report form.
6.8. Acceptance criteria.
6.9. Stamping or marking requirements.

7. PMI TEST METHODS

A variety of PMI test methods are available to determine the identity of alloy materials.
The primary methods include portable X-ray fluorescence and portable optical emission
spec-troscopy.

7.1. Portable Optical Emission Spectrometry

An electric arc stimulates atoms in the test sample to emit a characteristic spectrum of light
for each element in the sample. The combined light spectra from different elements are
passed through a light guide to the optical analyzer. In the analyzer, the light is dispersed
into its spectral components, and then measured and evaluated against stored calibration
curves. Under carefully controlled conditions, some instruments can also identify C content.
Similar to X-ray fluorescence devices, results can be reported in either a spectral match or
elemental percentage mode.

7.2. Portable X-ray Fluorescence

There are several variants of portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometers available. The
principle of operation is that one or more gamma ray sources are used to generate a beam of
low energy gamma rays to excite the material under analysis. The material under analysis then
emits a characteristic spectrum of X-rays which may be analyzed both qualitatively and
quantitatively to determine which elements are present and in what quantity. Because of the
inherent limitations of the technique it is not possible to detect all elements. Elements lighter
than sulfur (S) cannot be detected using portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometers. Therefore,
this technique cannot be used to detect carbon (C).
Note: Chemical spot testing may be used as a complement for above-mentioned tests (If
required).The chemical spot test is a qualitative test and typically accomplished by
electrochemically removing a minute amount of surface metal and depositing it onto
moistened filter paper. Reagents dropped onto the paper produce distinct colors that
are indicative of the presence of specific elements in the sample tested. Chemical
spot testing is much slower than the other field PMI test methods and interpretation is
subjective.
The traces of PMI examination shall be taken off not to adversely affect the end use of items.
If reagent used, it shall be washed off with water not to adversely affect to the end use of items
and corrosion.

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8. QUALIFICATION of PERSONNEL
8.1. Personnel performing PMI tests shall have sufficient training, knowledge and experience in
related fields to operate the testing equipment and to make proper evaluations on the
acceptability of the materials tested. Personnel shall be trained, tested, and certified to:
A. Safely use the PMI analyzer(s).
B. Properly apply material specifications such as ASTM and ASME.

8.2. Contractor shall be responsible to conduct all PMI tests under the supervision of Employer
or his appointee. All PMI tests shall perform by qualified personnel who have been certified
in accordance with an approved procedure.
8.3. Personnel qualifications shall be documented and shall be made available to the
Employer/Third Party upon request.

9. EXTENT of PMI
9.1. Materials
This specification shall be applied to the following low alloy / Stainless Steel / high alloy
materials, i.e.:
1) Low alloy steel containing more than 1Cr - 0.5Mo and/or 3.5 Ni
2) Austenitic stainless steel (Type 304/304L, 316/316L, 321/347)
3) Other materials as mentioned in table1.
Elements to be determined during PMI shall be as per Table1.

9.2. Extent of Examination

This specification shall be applied to the pressure containing parts of following items,
including welded joints and components (plates, forgings, nozzles (pipe), flanges, internal
lining, tubes etc) of pressure vessels and piping mentioned below:
1) Equipment
a) Pressure vessels, such as reactors, towers, drums, heat exchangers, air cooled
exchangers
b) Fired heaters (only heater coils)
2) Piping
a) Pipes
b) Fittings
c) Flanges
The welded joints and components shall be tested after fabrication.
For PMI test of tagged items, mill certificates shall cover all bulk items and components
before fabrication.
All parts that are tested in the fabricated form shall be 100% verified.

10. SAMPLING PROCEDURE

10.1. PMI of Equipment at Vendor's Shop
The vendor shall perform PMI examination of the finish weld on at least one point of
each joint inside and outside for all weld joints. When access is not possible to the

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inside weld and/or weld size is small, examination of the outside of a weld only shall be
acceptable.

10.2. PMI of Piping Bulk Materials at Vendor's Shop

10.2.1. The vendor shall perform PMI examination of all samples chosen at random from an
inspection batch. Unless otherwise specified, inspection will be carried out at random
for at least 1 (one) per each heat, minimum 3 points on each length of examined pipe
to be carried out.
10.2.2. If any item from sample is found to be unacceptable, all remainder of that batch and
two subsequent inspection batches shall be performed 20% PMI examination.

10.3. PMI of Welded Joints at Site

10.3.1. After installation on the final location at site, the color code marked on the piping
systems shall be checked and recorded by the Construction Contractor.
10.3.2. Finished groove weld and the base metals of two side of joint, shall be examined on the
one point of each joint up to 8" size and three points of each joint above 8". At least
5% of low alloy steel and at least 10% of stainless steel weld joints shall be tested.
10.3.3. For higher-risk systems, the Employer/Third Party shall consider the need for
employing a higher percentage of examination (up to 100%) rather than random
sampling which may be more appropriate for lower-risk systems.
10.3.4. Finished groove weld of alloy equipment assembled at site shall be examined at least
5% of low alloy steel and at least 10% of stainless steel weld joints.

10.4. PMI of Components at Site

PMI of equipment and its piping components such as pipes, fittings & flanges is not
required at site since PMI examination of these components be done at Vendor's shop.

11. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

11.1. Materials shall contain the amount of alloying elements specified in the applicable
ASME/ASTM specification. Alloy materials, alloy castings and alloy welding filler
materials (tested in their raw form or with the alternative described in Para. 5.8) shall
be acceptable if each of the major alloy elements is detected to have a value no less
than 10% below the minimum value nor more than 10% above the maximum value
specified by the governing material specification/standard.
11.2. Deposited production weld metal deposits shall be within ± 12.5 percent of the ranges
allowed by ASME Section II Part C for each element.
11.3. Acceptance criteria for dissimilar metal alloy welds shall be such that the weld meets
the chemical composition requirements as agreed upon between purchaser and
contractor. The effects of dilution during deposition shall be taken into account for
deposited (diluted) weld metal.
11.4. If any material component or weld is found to be unacceptable, all other represented
materials, components, or welds shall be considered suspect and the following options
are available:
A. Replacing all those represented materials and components with new and tested
components or filler metals (as applicable).

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B. Performing 100 percent examination of the remainder of the represented materials,

components, or welds, and replacing each item that fails the PMI check.

12. COLOR CODING / MARKING

12.1. After PMI acceptance, all pieces and welds shall immediately be marked by means of
roll marking, low stress die stamping, pen, paint marks or ink stamp to denote PMI
conformance (Steel die stamps shall not be used on light-wall -less than 5 mm thick-
alloy material). Marking materials shall be used which are not detrimental to the
materials being marked. The markers shall not contain additives such as metallic
pigments (Al, Pb or Zn), sulfur or chlorides. For color coding / marking, the
requirements of NIOEC-SP-50-27 (NIOEC specification for identification of piping
material) shall be considered.
12.2. Pipe, before cutting, shall be marked near each end and at approximately 3 meters
intervals. Before cutting pipe, markings shall be duplicated at appropriate locations
which might otherwise be obliterated in the cutting process.
12.3. Marking of welds shall be within 50 mm of and parallel to the weld, preferably near the
welder identification marking.
12.4. If the material verification program procedure established by the Employer requires a
visual identification such as color coding or marking, the contractor shall maintain a
record of the alloy material/color code combinations. Pipe Fabrication Institute (PFI)
Standard ES22 is an example of one such system. Materials identification by color
coding is not a substitute for permanent manufacturers' markings required by
applicable ASTM or other materials specifications.

13. RECORD
The vendor or the Construction contractor shall record the results of examination on a
report from which will include following as a minimum, the:
13.1. Name of piping bulk material or welding joint number of piping systems or item
description of equipment.
13.2. Material specification/standard number and grade.
13.3. Mill certification number and heat number of tested material.
13.4. Date and location of examination.
13.5. Method and identification of equipment used.
13.6. Name & signature of person performing examination.
13.7. Number of pieces/welds in lot/sample lot and size.
13.8. Inspection batch size and Number of items examined.
13.9. Chemical composition detected and PMI result (Rejection/Acceptance).
13.10. Signature and name of the representative of the supplier or the Contractor.
13.11. Calibration certificate of the equipment.
13.12. PMI report shall be as per BS EN 10204 type 3.1.C or 3.2. (In the meantime, PMI
shall be witnessed by Employer/Third Party according to inspection and test plan
enclosed in the Material Requisition).

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Table: ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS for PMI

Material Cr Ni Mo Cb Ti Cu W Al Zn
1Cr, 1/2 Mo X X
1-1/4 Cr, 1/2 Mo X X
2-1/4 Cr, 1Mo X X
5Cr, 1/2Mo X X
9Cr, 1Mo X X
11-13cr (Type 410) X
12Cr, 4Ni X X
304 X X X
308 X X X
309 X X X
310 X X X
316 X X X
317 X X X
321 X X X X
347 X X X X
2205 ( Duplex ) X X X
Alloy 20 X X X X X
Alloy C-276 X X X X
Alloy 600 X X X
Alloy 625 X X X X X
Alloy 800 X X X X X
Alloy 825 X X X X
Alloy 400 X X
AL-6XN X X X
904L X X X X
90/10 CuNi X X
70/30 CuNi X X
B466 X X
Monel 400 X X
Aluminum Brass X X X