DEP SPECIFICATION

WET H2S REQUIREMENTS FOR DOWNSTREAM

PRESSURE VESSELS AND PIPING

DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.

February 2011

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING PRACTICE

DEM1

© 2011 Shell Group of companies

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, published or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior
written permission of the copyright owner or Shell Global Solutions International BV.
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
February 2011Page 2

PREFACE

DEP (Design and Engineering Practice) publications reflect the views, at the time of publication, of Shell Global
Solutions International B.V. (Shell GSI) and, in some cases, of other Shell Companies.
These views are based on the experience acquired during involvement with the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of processing units and facilities. Where deemed appropriate DEPs are based on, or reference
international, regional, national and industry standards.
The objective is to set the recommended standard for good design and engineering practice to be applied by Shell
companies in oil and gas production, oil refining, gas handling, gasification, chemical processing, or any other such
facility, and thereby to help achieve maximum technical and economic benefit from standardization.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to Shell companies for their consideration and decision to
implement. This is of particular importance where DEPs may not cover every requirement or diversity of condition at
each locality. The system of DEPs is expected to be sufficiently flexible to allow individual Operating Units to adapt the
information set forth in DEPs to their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use DEPs, they shall be solely responsible for such use, including the
quality of their work and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In particular, for those
requirements not specifically covered, the Principal will typically expect them to follow those design and engineering
practices that will achieve at least the same level of integrity as reflected in the DEPs. If in doubt, the Contractor or
Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting from his own responsibility, consult the Principal.
The right to obtain and to use DEPs is restricted, and is typically granted by Shell GSI (and in some cases by other Shell
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1) Operating Units having a Service Agreement with Shell GSI or another Shell Company. The use of DEPs by
these Operating Units is subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the relevant Service Agreement.
2) Other parties who are authorised to use DEPs subject to appropriate contractual arrangements (whether as part
of a Service Agreement or otherwise).
3) Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with users referred to under 1) or 2)
which requires that tenders for projects, materials supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said
users comply with the relevant standards.
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disclaims any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury or death) suffered by any company or
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All administrative queries should be directed to the DEP Administrator in Shell GSI.
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
February 2011Page 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................... 4
1.1 SCOPE...................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS..........4
1.3 DEFINITIONS............................................................................................................ 5
1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES............................................................................................ 6
1.5 COMMENTS ON THIS DEP......................................................................................6
1.6 DUAL UNITS............................................................................................................. 6
2. REQUIREMENTS FOR CARBON STELL PRESSURE VESSELS AND
PIPING IN WET H2S SERVICE................................................................................7
2.1 GENERAL................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 DEFINITION OF WET H2S SERVICE, SUSCEPTIBILITY TO WET H2S...................7
2.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS..................................................................................10
2.4 PRESSURE VESSELS - REQUIREMENTS FOR SSC POTENTIAL......................13
2.5 PRESSURE VESSELS - REQUIREMENTS FOR HIC/SOHIC POTENTIAL...........14
2.6 PRESSURE VESSELS - REQUIREMENTS FOR CARBONATE CRACKING
POTENTIAL............................................................................................................. 17
2.7 PIPING – SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS..................................................................18
3. OTHER METALLIC MATERIALS............................................................................20
3.1 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................... 20
3.2 ALLOY STEEL, CAST IRON AND DUCTILE IRON.................................................20
3.3 ALLOYED STEELS AND NON FERROUS MATERIAL...........................................20
4. FABRICATION REQUIREMENTS, BOLTING, PLATING, COATINGS, AND
DIFFUSION PROCESSES, SPECIAL COMPONENTS, VALVES,
COMPRESSORS AND PUMPS..............................................................................21
4.1 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................... 21
5. REFERENCES........................................................................................................ 22

APPENDICES
APPENDIX A ENHANCED PWHT REQUIREMENTS..........................................................25
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February 2011Page 4

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 SCOPE
This new DEP specifies requirements and gives recommendations for the selection and
qualification of cracking resistant metallic materials for service in wet H 2S containing
environments for downstream based equipment and piping systems. It also specifies the
requirements and gives recommendations for the selection and qualification of metallic
material exposed to condition that may lead to carbonate stress corrosion cracking (wet
H2S service is often associated to high pH streams containing carbonate and cyanides).
This DEP addresses all mechanisms of cracking that can be caused by H 2S and
Carbonate, including:
 Sulphide stress cracking
 Hydrogen induced cracking and stepwise cracking
 Stress-oriented hydrogen induced cracking
 Carbonate cracking
Excluded from the scope of this DEP are:
 Hydrogen charging cracking in non-wet H2S environments
 Other alkaline stress corrosion cracking mechanisms (e.g. Caustic Stress
Cracking)
 Amine Stress Cracking
 Loss of material (mass loss) corrosion or localized corrosion
This DEP replaces the requirements of the following former DEP appendices:
 Appendix IX of DEP 31.22.20.31-Gen.; Pressure Vessels (ASME)
 Appendix 4 of DEP 31.22.10.32-Gen.; Pressure Vessels (PD 5500)
 Appendix 4 of DEP 31.22.11.32-Gen.; Pressure Vessels (EN 13445)
 Appendix IX of DEP 31.22.31.31-Gen.; Pressure Vessels (GB 150).
 Appendix 10.6 of DEP 31.38.01.11-Gen. (Piping General Requirements).
This DEP is also based on NACE MR0103.
This DEP contains mandatory requirements to mitigate process safety risks in accordance
with Design Engineering Manual DEM 1 – Application of Technical Standards.

1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Unless otherwise authorised by Shell GSI, the distribution of this DEP is confined to Shell
companies and, where necessary, to Contractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers nominated
by them. Any authorised access to DEPs does not for that reason constitute an
authorization to any documents, data or information to which the DEPs may refer.
This DEP is intended for use in facilities related to oil refining, chemical processing,
gasification, distribution and supply/marketing. This DEP may also be applied in other
similar facilities.
When DEPs are applied, a Management of Change (MOC) process should be
implemented; this is of particular importance when existing facilities are to be modified.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements could be more
stringent than in this DEP, the Contractor shall determine by careful scrutiny which of the
requirements are the more stringent and which combination of requirements will be
acceptable with regards to the safety, environmental, economic and legal aspects. In all
cases the Contractor shall inform the Principal of any deviation from the requirements of
this DEP which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or local
regulations. The Principal may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned, the objective
being to obtain agreement to follow this DEP as closely as possible.
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February 2011Page 5

1.3 DEFINITIONS
1.3.1 General definitions
The Contractor is the party that carries out all or part of the design, engineering,
procurement, construction, commissioning or management of a project or operation of a
facility. The Principal may undertake all or part of the duties of the Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party that manufactures or supplies equipment and
services to perform the duties specified by the Contractor.
The Principal is the party that initiates the project and ultimately pays for it. The Principal
may also include an agent or consultant authorised to act for, and on behalf of, the
Principal.
The word shall indicates a requirement.
The capitalised term SHALL [PS] indicates a process safety requirement.
The word should indicates a recommendation.
1.3.2 Specific definitions
Term Definition
ASCC Alkaline Stress Corrosion Cracking
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
AWS American Welding Institute
CE Carbon Equivalent
CEN Europeam Comitee for Standardization
[CNFree] Free cyanide in aqueous solution = HCNaq + CN-
FCAW Flux Core Arc Welding
[H2S] Total Sulphide in aqueous solution = H 2Saq + HS- + S2-
HAZ Heat Affected Zone
HB Hardness Brinell (hardness brinell with a carbide ball indenter according
ASTM E 10 is noted HBW)
HIC Hydrogen Induced Cracking
HV Hardness Vickers
NACE National Association of Corrosion Engineers
PWHT Post Weld Heat Treatment
SOHIC Stress Oriented Hydrogen Induced Cracking
SSC Sulfide Stress Cracking
TMCP Thermal/Mechanical Controled Process
WFMT Wet Fluorestcent Magnetic Test
WPQT Welding Process Qualification Test

1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES
Where cross-references to other parts of this DEP are made, the referenced section
number is shown in brackets. Other documents referenced by this DEP are listed in (11).
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February 2011Page 6

1.5 COMMENTS ON THIS DEP

Comments on this DEP may be sent to the Administrator at standards@shell.com, using
the DEP Feedback Form. The DEP Feedback Form can be found on the main page of
“DEPs on the Web”, available through the Global Technical Standards web portal
http://sww.shell.com/standards and on the main page of the DEPs DVD-ROM.

1.6 DUAL UNITS

In this DEP, the International System of units (SI) shall be understood to prevail over US
Customary (USC) units. USC units are provided in brackets following the SI units for
information.
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2. REQUIREMENTS FOR CARBON STELL PRESSURE VESSELS AND PIPING IN WET H2S
SERVICE

2.1 GENERAL
All carbon steel pressure vessels and piping operating in downstream applications and
exposed to process streams that result in potential cracking mechanisms caused by wet
H2S service environment, shall be designed and fabricated in accordance with the
requirements of this DEP.

2.2 DEFINITION OF WET H2S SERVICE, SUSCEPTIBILITY TO WET H2S

2.2.1 General
"Wet H2S" service is the term commonly used for refinery and gas plant (downstream)
environments containing water and H2S (plus other corrosives or contaminants). The term
“sour service” is also used.
The approach to materials selection and testing has been standardised and is described in
the applicable sections of this DEP.
The materials selection, testing, and PWHT requirements SHALL [PS] be based upon an
assessment of the severity of the environment and susceptibility of materials to each
potential damage mechanism anticipated or experienced, as defined in this DEP.
2.2.2 Definition – H2S content, cyanide content, carbonate content
The ‘H2S content of water’ in the context of this DEP shall be understood to mean the sum
of the dissolved (molecular) H2S, bisulphide ion (HS-1), and sulphide ion (S-2) concentrations
in the water phase, that result from the presence of H 2S in the process system.
The ‘cyanide content of water’ shall be understood to mean the concentration of ‘free’
cyanide [CNFree], expressed in ppmw, in the sour water that results from the presence of
HCN and CN- in the process stream.
The carbonate ion (CO3-2) concentration used to determine the susceptibility to carbonate
cracking shall be understood to mean the actual carbonate ion concentration.
2.2.3 Susceptibility to cracking and severity categories
2.2.3.1 General
Carbon steel susceptibility to each different cracking mechanism is determined based on
the process environment (Water, [H2S], [CNFree], CO32-) and material properties (chemistry,
mechanical properties, and thermal history)
2.2.3.2 Process severity category
Four severity categories are defined for each mechanism for the purposes of setting the
material and fabrication requirements. These categories are Negligible, Low, Moderate and
High severity.
Tables 1a, 1b and 1c shall be used to assess the severity of the process environment as
applicable to the type of damage mechanism being considered. When using these tables,
the environment being considered should be present during normal operations. Short-term
upsets should only be considered if the damage mechanism anticipated or experienced is
also likely to occur in the short term (e.g. sulphide stress cracking).
Potential mechanisms are not exclusive, i.e. if there is more than one mechanism active,
the materials and PWHT requirements may have to be combined to address the severity of
more than one environment.
If this DEP is used to specify replacement of any in-service equipment (or equipment in a
directly comparable service) and the in-service equipment has been damaged by significant
hydrogen blistering and/or HIC, the replacement equipment should be assessed as being in
a “Moderate” or “High” Severity environment. Equipment that has experienced SOHIC
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
February 2011Page 8

should be assessed as a “High” Severity environment. In such cases, the materials

engineer of the Principal shall be consulted.
In high pH streams containing significant levels of sulphide and carbonate ions, measures
shall be taken to prevent carbonate cracking, which is a form of alkaline stress corrosion
cracking (ASCC).
The severity category assigned to each equipment shall be subject to the approval of the
Principal's materials engineer.
2.2.3.3 Additional mitigation measures
For carbon steel vessels and piping, additional mitigation measures, such as injection of
polysulphide or inhibitors may be required; the materials engineer of the Principal shall be
consulted.
2.2.3.4 Process Severity to SSC
If there is no free water present then the material is not considered susceptible to SSC.
However, if water is likely to be present during start-up/shutdown or transient conditions,
the environmental conditions during these transient periods should be assessed for
sulphide cracking and material controls should be specified accordingly.
The environmental severity for SSC shall be assessed in accordance with Table 1a.

Table 1a SSC severity categories

Sulphide content of water

Cyanide content [mg/kg (ppmw)]
pH of water [mg/kg (ppmw)] <2 2 to 49 50 to 1000 > 1000
(Note 1)
SEVERITY CATEGORY

<4.0 (Notes 2,3) Low Moderate High High

4.0 to 5.4 (Notes 2,4) Negligible Low Moderate High

5.5 to 7.5 (Notes 2,4) Negligible Low Low Moderate

7.6 to 7.9 < 50 (Note 4) Negligible Low Moderate High

7.6 to 7.9  50 (Note 3) Low Moderate High High

> 8.0 < 20 (Note 4) Negligible Low Moderate High

> 8.0  20 (Note 3) Low Moderate High High

NOTES: 1. If the cyanide level cannot be established during design or from experience, the materials engineer
of the Principal shall be consulted for an assessment based upon the type of process unit, feed,
water wash practices, etc.
2. The level of cyanide has no significance at pH 7.5 and below.
3. Process conditions outside these ranges should be further assessed for Hydrogen blistering, HIC
and SOHIC for piping (section 2.7), according 2.2.3.5 table 1b
4. Process conditions in these ranges do not need further assessment for Hydrogen blistering HIC and
SOHIC for piping (section 2.7)

2.2.3.5 Process Severity to Hydrogen blistering, HIC and SOHIC

If there is no free water likely to be present, then the material is not considered susceptible
to hydrogen blistering, HIC or SOHIC.
If water is likely to be present, the environmental severity for blistering, HIC and SOHIC
shall be assessed in accordance with Table 1b.
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TABLE 1b Hydrogen blistering, HIC and SOHIC severity categories

Sulphide content of water

Cyanide content [mg/kg (ppmw)]
pH of water [mg/kg (ppmw)] <2 2 to 49 50 to 1000 > 1000
(Note 1)
SEVERITY CATEGORY

<4.0 (Note 2) Low Moderate Moderate Moderate

4.0 to 7.5 (Note 2) Negligible Low Low Moderate

7.6 to 7.9 < 50 Negligible Low Moderate Moderate

7.6 to 7.9  50 Low Moderate Moderate High

> 8.0 < 20 Negligible Low Moderate Moderate

> 8.0  20 Low Moderate High High

NOTES: 1. If the cyanide level cannot be established during design or from experience, the materials engineer
of the Principal shall be consulted for an assessment based upon the type of process unit, feed,
water wash practices, etc.
2. The level of cyanide has no significance at pH 7.5 and below.

2.2.3.6 Process severity to carbonate stress cracking (as experienced in “Wet H2S” environment)
If there is no free water likely to be present or the water phase contains less than 50 mg/kg
H2S, then the material is not considered susceptible to carbonate cracking.

If there is free water likely to be present with more than 50 mg/kg (ppmw) H 2S at a pH of
7.6 or greater, then Table 1c should be used to determine the severity category for
carbonate stress corrosion cracking.

Table 1c Carbonate cracking severity categories

CO3= CONTENT of WATER

[mg/kg (ppmw)]
pH of water
< 10 10 to 100 100 to 400 400 to 1000 > 1000

SEVERITY CATEGORY

< 7.6 Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible

7.6 to 8.3 Negligible Negligible Low Low Moderate

8.4 to 8.9 Negligible Low Low Moderate High

> 9.0 Negligible Low Moderate High High

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2.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

2.3.1 General
The requirements in this DEP shall be applied in addition to other requirements in the
applicable pressure vessel or piping DEP:
 DEP 31.22.20.31-Gen.; Pressure Vessels (ASME Section VIII);
 DEP 31.22.10.32-Gen.; Pressure Vessels (PD 5500);
 DEP 31.22.11.32-Gen.; Unfired Pressure Vessels (EN 13445:2009);
 DEP 31.22.31.31-Gen.; Pressure Vessels (Chinese Code GB 150).
 DEP 31.38.01.11-Gen.; Piping – General Requirements.
The materials/corrosion engineer of the Principal shall be consulted prior to final selection
of all requirements.
2.3.2 Carbon Steel Materials
All carbon steel materials SHALL [PS] be in accordance with the chemistry, mechanical
properties and heat treatment requirements of NACE MR0103, as modified by this DEP.
All materials shall be supplied in the normalised condition. Normalising shall be carried out
as a separate heat treatment. In order to meet severe impact test requirements, delivery
condition of plates N+AC+T may be considered.The acceptability of hot-finished material
shall be subject to the approval of the Principal.
2.3.2.1 Plate.
All plates shall comply with Q345R, ASME SA-516 or EN 10028-3 as modified herein; see
also NACE Publication 8X194.
2.3.2.1.1 Chemistry
Chemical composition (product analysis) shall meet the requirements of Table 2, unless the
standard material specification is more restrictive.

Table 2 General material chemistry requirements

SINGLE ELEMENTS: MAXIMUM %

Carbon (C) 0.20
Sulfur (S) 0.01
MULTIPLE ELEMENTS:
Vanadium (V) + Niobium (Nb) 0.03
CARBON EQUIVALENT (CE):
(Notes 1, 2)
t  50 mm (2 in) 0.43
50 mm (2 in) < t  200 mm (4 in) 0.45
t > 200 mm (4 in) 0.48
NOTES: 1. Carbon Equivalent (CE) shall be calculated by the following formula:

2. The micro-alloying elements boron (B), titanium (Ti), niobium (Nb) and
vanadium (V) shall not be intentionally added to the steel unless the Principal
has given prior approval. Chemical analysis results and carbon equivalent shall
be reported in a material test report (MTR).
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
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2.3.2.1.2 Mechanical properties

All plates shall have a tensile strength of less than 585 MPa (85,000 psi).
2.3.2.1.3 Through-Thickness Testing
All plates 25 mm (1 in) and thicker shall meet the through-thickness testing requirements of
ASTM A 770. Supplement requirement S3 is invoked with a minimum area reduction of
35% required.
Alternatively, HIC tested plate in accordance with section 2.5 is acceptable.
2.3.2.1.4 Examination
All plate shall be subjected to an ultrasonic lamination check in accordance with EN 10160,
quality classes S2 (plate) E3 (Edge), or ASME SA-578, acceptance Level A,
(ASME SA-578 Supplementary requirement S1 shall be applied) or JB 4730, whichever
specification / norm is applied.
2.3.2.2 Forgings
Forgings shall be in accordance with ASME SA-105N, 20 (subgroup JB/T 4726), ASME SA-
266, 16MnD, (JB/T 4727) ASME SA-350-LF2 or ASME SA-765, with the following
restrictions:

Carbon 0.25 % maximum

CE 0.43 maximum

2.3.2.3 Seamless pipe

Seamless pipe shall be in accordance with 20G (subgroup GB 5310), ASME SA-106 Grade
B or ASME SA-333 Grade 6, with the following restrictions:

Carbon 0.23 % maximum

CE 0.43 maximum

2.3.2.4 Welded pipe and fittings

Fittings shall be in accordance with ASME SA 234 WPB or WPC. Generally, only seamless
pipe and fittings should be used for vessel nozzles. Base materials shall be in accordance
with the above specifications for forging or pipe, as applicable. Where this is impractical,
welded pipe and fittings may be used and shall be manufactured from plate complying with
section 2.3.2.1 of this DEP. Such fittings shall be welded by means of welding procedures
qualified in accordance to section 2.3.4 of this DEP.
2.3.3 Design
If the pressure vessel category is General Service, slip-on flanges shall not be permitted.
Stiffening rings and tray support rings shall be attached with full penetration welds.
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
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2.3.4 Welding and hardness requirements

2.3.4.1 Welding procedure qualification
Material purchased for the contract, or equivalent material (i.e., specification, grade, CE
and chemistry controls), SHALL [PS] be used for all welding procedure qualification tests
(WPQTs).
In addition to the standard mechanical tests, each WPQT shall include a macro section and
hardness traverses in accordance with EN 1043-1. No part of the weld, HAZ or base metal
shall exceed 248 HV 10. WPQT hardness testing shall be performed by the Vickers
method.
NOTE: The weld metal deposit shall not contain more than 1.00 % nickel.

2.3.4.2 Production Welds

The following shall be implemented:
a) Transverse weld hardness testing of production welds on the pressure vessel shall
be carried out using a portable Vickers or Rockwell tester in accordance with ASTM
E 110 or by another method capable of detecting a hard HAZ in a reliable and
repeatable manner (e.g., Equotip, Microdur or other equivalent if approved by the
Principal).
b) Whenever possible, hardness tests shall be made on the inside (process-contacted
side) of the vessel.
c) Hardness tests shall be made on properly ground surfaces.
d) On heat-treated vessels, hardness testing shall be carried out after PWHT.
e) One set of hardness measurements shall be carried out for each welding procedure
qualification applied and for each 10 m (32.81 ft) of finished weld (with a minimum
of one test).
f) For each set of hardness measurements required, the average of three
measurements on the weld and on each HAZ shall be reported.
g) No part of the weld, HAZ or base metal shall exceed 248 HV 10.
h) If approved by the Principal, hardness testing of the weld metal and base metal may
be carried out using the Brinell test method. In such cases, the weld or base metal
shall not exceed 200 HB.
2.3.4.3 Weld joint requirements
Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) SHALL [PS] not be used for pressure boundary or welds
attaching parts to the pressure boundary.
Filler material with tensile strength greater than 585 MPa (85,000 psi) SHALL [PS] not be
used.
All welds exposed to the process shall be ground smooth (not flush). The toe of the welds
shall be ground to remove undercut and to form a smooth transition into the adjacent base
steel to ensure proper non-destructive examination.
All arc strikes and areas where temporary attachments have been welded shall be ground
smooth.
2.3.5 Fabrication Examination
Wet Fluorescent Magnetic Particle (WFMT) examination is required as follows:
 All process contacting sides of pressure containment and attachment welds
 All arc strikes and locations where temporary attachments have been removed and
ground smooth.
 Prior to and following PWHT.
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2.3.6 Post Weld Heat Treatment

All vessels in moderate or high severity service SHALL [PS] be given PWHT unless
otherwise specified by the Principal.
Application of PWHT for low severity service should be considered, especially when using
materials with a specified minimum tensile strength greater than 414 MPa (60 ksi).
Application of PWHT for low severity service SHALL [PS] be performed when using
materials with a minimum specified tensile strength of 485 MPa (70 ksi) or greater.
Where PWHT is required in accordance with this DEP, this shall apply to all shop and field
welds.
If PWHT is required by the Principal, the soak time shall be 1 h/in nominal thickness with a
minimum hold time of 1 h at a minimum temperature of 610°C (1125°F). The maximum
PWHT time, temperature and permissible range shall be governed by the service
conditions, requirements set forth by the Principal, the design code requirements and the
material properties as guaranteed by the material Supplier.
Mechanical properties of materials tested after a simulated PWHT shall meet the minimum
strength requirements for the material grade.

2.4 PRESSURE VESSELS - REQUIREMENTS FOR SSC POTENTIAL

Table 3 shall be followed for all vessels in SSC services.

Table 3 General requirements summary for SSC services

SEVERITY CATEGORY
REQUIREMENT
TYPE NEGLIGIBLE LOW MODERATE HIGH

Materials DEP DEP Section 2.3.2 Section 2.3.2

requirements requirements
are optional are optional
Design DEP DEP Section 2.3.3 Section 2.3.3
requirements requirements
are optional are optional
Welding DEP DEP Section 2.3.4 Section 2.3.4
requirements requirements
are optional are optional
Pre-PWHT DEP DEP Section 2.3.5 Section 2.3.5
Examination requirements requirements
are optional are optional
PWHT DEP Section Section 2.3.6 Section 2.3.6
requirements 2.3.6.1/2
are optional
Post-PWHT DEP DEP Section 2.3.5 Section 2.3.5
Examination requirements requirements
are optional are optional
Testing No additional No additional No additional No additional
requirements requirements requirements requirements
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2.5 PRESSURE VESSELS - REQUIREMENTS FOR HIC/SOHIC POTENTIAL

2.5.1 General
Table 4 shall be followed for all vessels in HIC/SOHIC services

Table 4 General requirements summary for HIC/SOHIC services

REQUIREMENT SEVERITY CATEGORY

TYPE
NEGLIGIBLE LOW MODERATE HIGH

Materials DEP DEP Section 2.3.2 Section 2.3.2

requirements requirements Section 2.5.2 Section 2.5.2
are optional are optional
Design DEP Section 2.3.3 Section 2.3.3 Section 2.3.3
requirements
are optional
Welding DEP Section 2.3.4 Section 2.3.4 Section 2.3.4
requirements
are optional
Pre-PWHT DEP DEP Section 2.3.5 Section 2.3.5
Examination requirements requirements
are optional are optional
PWHT DEP Section 2.3.6 Section 2.3.6 Section 2.3.6
requirements
are optional
Post-PWHT DEP DEP Section 2.3.5 Section 2.3.5
Examination requirements requirements
are optional are optional
Testing DEP DEP Section 2.5.3 Section 2.5.3
requirements requirements Section 2.5.4
are optional are optional

2.5.2 Materials
ASME SA-841 TMCP steel may be considered but shall only be used with the approval of
the Principal.
2.5.2.1 High Severity services
Clad/weld overlay material SHALL [PS] be used for all vessels in high severity service. The
following requirements shall also apply.
Use of alloy cladding/weld overlay should also be considered for other than high severity
services, but the cost impact can make this prohibitive.
The use of alloy cladding and/or weld overlay shall be specified by the Corrosion and
Materials Specialist, based on several factors, including severity of hydrogen charging,
consequence of failure of the equipment, and specified design class.
When alloy cladding and/or weld overlay is specified, the base material specifications of
section 2.3 should be used, but the additional requirements for chemistry (2.5.2.2.1), testing
(2.5.3 and 2.5.4) and PWHT (2.3.5 and 2.3.6) are not required.
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
February 2011Page 15

2.5.2.2 Moderate Severity services

2.5.2.2.1 Chemical composition
Chemical composition (product analysis) for vessels in moderate severity service
SHALL [PS] be in accordance with Table 5, except where the standard material
specification or the appropriate limit specified in Table 1 of ASME SA-20, is more restrictive:

Table 5 Additional chemistry requirements for HIC services

SINGLE ELEMENTS: MAXIMUM %

Manganese (Mn) 1.30

Phosphorous (P) 0.010
Sulphur (S) 0.0020
Silicon (Si) 0.40
Copper (Cu) 0.40
Nickel (Ni) 0.40
Chromium (Cr) 0.30
Molybdenum (Mo) 0.12
Vanadium (V) 0.020
Niobium (Nb) 0.020
Titanium (Ti) 0.020
Boron (B) 0.0010

MULTIPLE ELEMENTS:

Cr + Mo 0.30
Ni + Cu + Cr + Mo 0.80

2.5.2.2.2 Heat Treatment

Heat treatments other than normalising (such as quench and tempering (Q+T) or
thermal/mechanical controlled process (TMCP)), used to improve microstructure
homogeneity and enhance HIC resistance, and may be applied only with the approval of
the Principal.
2.5.2.2.3 Manufacturing Process
The steel shall be vacuum-treated, fully deoxidised, desulphurised and dephosphorised.
The manufacturing/rolling process shall be such that a homogeneous microstructure is
obtained. Calcium treatment shall be applied for inclusion shape control, except that it need
not be applied to plate with very low sulphur levels (below 0.001%). The calcium content
should not exceed 3 times the sulphur content. Alternative methods of inclusion shape
control shall be subject to the approval of the Principal.
2.5.2.2.4 For new equipment, internal coating such as organic coatings, thermal spray, ceramics, shall not be
used as a primary barrier to hydrogen charging. The use of internal coatings for maintenance or life
extension purpose shall be subject to the approval of the Principal.
2.5.3 HIC testing
2.5.3.1 Test procedures and reporting
Testing and reporting shall be in accordance with DEP 30.10.02.16-Gen
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
February 2011Page 16

2.5.3.2 Acceptance criteria

Acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with DEP 30.10.02.16-Gen unless more
stringent criteria are specifically required by the principal’s materials engineer.
For applications with high consequences of failure, the materials engineer may consider
more stringent HIC testing acceptance criteria if alternative material selection such as alloy
cladding is not considered appropriate.
2.5.4 SSC and SOHIC Testing
2.5.4.1 Test Method
Sulfide Stress Cracking tests shall be required for manufacturing procedure qualification of
new equipment if the plate manufacturer/constructor cannot give evidence of the suitability
for wet H2S service of the raw material/manufacturing procedure. Three specimens shall be
taken transverse to the weld. Testing shall be carried out at value ≥ of the actual service
stress using the 4-point bend method (internal surface in tension) accordingly EFC 16,
Appendix 2, test solution A, EFC 16 annex 3, shall be used adjusted to a starting pH 3.5. 1
bara (pure) H2S shall be used. The distance between the inner supports shall be equal to or
greater than the width of the weld plus 50mm (25 mm each side of the weld).
Unless otherwise agreed with the principal, the specimen thickness shall be actual
thickness or 15 mm, whichever is the less, and the specimen width shall be ≥ 20 mm. The
applied stress shall be verified by the direct application of strain gauges.
Uppon common aggrement between the principal, the plate manufacturer and the
constructor, alternative methods such as those specified table B1 of ISO 15156-2 may be
agreed with the plate manufacturer/constructor.
In addition, all SSC test specimens which meet the acceptance criteria of 2.5.4.2 are to be
evaluated for resistance to SOHIC in accordance with ISO 15156-2, annex B, clause
B.4.2.3.
2.5.4.2 Acceptance Criteria
The SSC acceptance criteria shall meet the requirements of ISO 15156-2 Annex B, clause
B.4.2.3. There is no acceptance for SOHIC.
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
February 2011Page 17

2.6 PRESSURE VESSELS - REQUIREMENTS FOR CARBONATE CRACKING POTENTIAL

2.6.1 Table 6 shall be followed for all vessels in carbonate cracking services.

Table 6 General requirements summary for carbonate cracking services

REQUIREMENT SEVERITY CATEGORY

TYPE
NEGLIGIBLE LOW MODERATE HIGH

Materials No additional Section 2.3.2 Section 2.3.2 Section 2.3.2

requirements
Design No additional Section 2.3.3 Section 2.3.3 Section 2.3.3
requirements
Welding No additional Section 2.3.4 Section 2.3.4 Section 2.3.4
requirements
Pre-PWHT No additional Section 2.3.5 Section 2.3.5 Section 2.3.5
Examination requirements
PWHT No additional Section 2.6.2 Section 2.6.2 Section 2.6.2
requirements
Post-PWHT No additional Section 2.3.5 Section 2.3.5 Section 2.3.5
Examination requirements
Testing No additional No additional No additional No additional
requirements requirements requirements requirements

2.6.2 Enhanced PWHT

All vessels in low, moderate or high severity carbonate cracking service shall be given
enhanced PWHT unless otherwise specified by the Principal.
If enhanced PWHT is required in accordance with this DEP, this SHALL [PS] apply to all
shop and field welds.
If enhanced PWHT is required by this DEP or by the Principal, the minimum heat treatment
temperature shall be 650°C (1200°F) with a hold time of one hour per 25 mm (1 in) of
thickness, with a minimum of one hour.
For pressure vessels receiving PWHT only on the welded joints (i.e. not placed completely
in a furnace) the requirements of Annex A shall be met.
If the base material mechanical properties can not be granted further enhanced PWHT or if
the local rules do not allow performing it, clad or weld overlay SHALL [PS] be used, When
alloy cladding and/or weld overlay is specified, the base material specifications of section
2.3 should be used, but the additional requirements for chemistry (2.5.2.2.1), testing (2.5.3
and 2.5.4) and PWHT (2.6.2) are not required.
Alternatively, the HB width may be selected from AWS D10.10, Tables 3, 4 or 5 as
applicable for shells and nozzles with an outside diameter of no more than 900 mm (36 in).
a) The HB and a 230 mm (9 in) minimum run out on both sides of the HB should be
insulated using at least 50 mm (2 in) thick insulation blankets.
b) The maximum temperature drop from the edge of the SB to the edge of the HB
should be ½ of the temperature at the edge of the SB (i.e. axial temperature
control).
c) The number and location of thermocouples shall be approved by the Principal. See
also AWS D10.10, Figures 12 to 15.
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
February 2011Page 18

The maximum PWHT time, temperature and permissible range shall also be governed by
the service conditions, requirements set forth by the Principal, the design code
requirements and the material properties as guaranteed by the material supplier.
Mechanical properties of materials tested after a simulated PWHT shall meet the minimum
strength requirements for the material grade.

2.7 PIPING – SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

2.7.1 General
Exemption has been developed for piping systems in SSC/HSC services that may be used
to avoid both the PWHT requirement and hardness testing requirements for carbon steel
piping.
2.7.2 Specific requirements piping

Table 7 “Wet H2S” Service piping material and PWHT requirements

POTENTIAL SEVERITY CATEGORY

MECHANISM(s)
(see 2.2.3.1) NEGLIGIBLE LOW MODERATE HIGH

MATERIALS AND PWHT REQUIREMENTS

SSC No additional Select a normal "Moderate sour" "Moderate sour"

requirements carbon steel service service
(Table 1a)
piping class, requirements requirements
with no (see 2.7.2.2) (see 2.7.2.2)
additional
requirements

Hydrogen Not applicable Not Applicable "Moderate sour" "High Sour”

blistering, HIC service service
and SOHIC requirements requirements
(Table 1b) (see 2.7.2.2) (see 2.7.2.1)

Carbonate No additional "Moderate sour" "Moderate sour" "Moderate sour"

Cracking requirements service service service
requirements requirements requirements
(Table 1c)
(see 2.7.2.2) (see 2.7.2.2) (see 2.7.2.2)
+ PWHT + PWHT
(see 2.7.2.3) (see 2.7.2.3)

2.7.2.1 For “High Sour” service, the piping classes are identified by the word “Sour” in the title box.
These piping classes SHALL [PS] satisfy the following:
Seamless carbon steel pipe with low sulphur content (0.010% maximum);
If welded carbon steel pipe and fittings are used they SHALL [PS] be made from HIC-tested
plate;
Valves complying with NACE MR103;
Valves trim: AISI 316 + Stellite;
Sour bolting (ASTM A 193-B7M and ASTM A 194-2HM) comply with NACE MR0103.
Additional mitigation measures, if any, comply with 2.2.3.2.
2.7.2.2 For “Moderate Sour” service, the piping classes SHALL [PS] satisfy the following:
Seamless carbon steel pipe (ASTM A 106 Grade B or ASTM A 333 Grade 6);
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
February 2011Page 19

Seamless carbon steel fittings (ASTM A 234-WPB or ASTM A 420-WPL6)

If welded carbon steel pipe and fittings are used they SHALL [PS] be made from HIC-tested
plate;
Valves complying with NACE MR0103;
Valves trim: AISI 316 + Stellite;
Normal bolting (ASTM A 193-B7 and ASTM A 194-2H), flanges SHALL [PS] not be
insulated.
2.7.2.3 PWHT indicates a requirement for post weld heat treatment of all shop and field piping
welds, according 2.6.2. All welded piping products require PWHT or normalization of the
weld seam during manufacturing.
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
February 2011Page 20

3. OTHER METALLIC MATERIALS

3.1 INTRODUCTION
According to NACE MR0103, metallic materials are classified is several material groups
(NACE MR0103 Table 1 – “Road Map”).
All these alloys may be suitable in “Wet H 2S service” providing they meet to the following
requirements.

3.2 ALLOY STEEL, CAST IRON AND DUCTILE IRON

This section covers the sections 2.1 and 2.2 of NACE MR0103, with the exception of
carbon steel.
3.2.1 Material Requirements
NACE MR0103 requirements shall apply for refining and downstream processes and
equipment, alternatively the DEP 30.10.02.15-Gen, PART III Amendments and
supplements to ISO-15156-2 may be applied at the discretion of the principal.

3.3 ALLOYED STEELS AND NON FERROUS MATERIAL

This section covers the sections 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 of
NACE MR0103
3.3.1 Material Requirements
3.3.1.1 General
NACE MR0103 requirements shall apply for refining and downstream processes and
equipment, alternatively the DEP 30.10.02.15-Gen, PART IV Amendments and
supplements to ISO-15156-3 may be applied at the discretion of the principal.
3.3.1.2 Titanium alloys
Titanium alloys SHALL [PS] be avoided in “Wet H 2S service” at temperature greater than
80°C (176°F)
Titanium alloys SHALL [PS] be galvanically insulated from materials which can create a
electrical couple with titanium.
3.3.1.3 Aluminum alloys
Aluminum alloys SHALL [PS] be avoided in process stream outside the pH range about 4.0
to 8.5.
3.3.1.4 Copper alloys
The condition for use of copper alloys in process streams containing free NH 3, amines,
sulphides shall be reviewed by the material and corrosion engineer of the principal
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
February 2011Page 21

4. FABRICATION REQUIREMENTS, BOLTING, PLATING, COATINGS, AND DIFFUSION

PROCESSES, SPECIAL COMPONENTS, VALVES, COMPRESSORS AND PUMPS

4.1 INTRODUCTION
This section covers the sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of NACE MR0103
4.1.1 Requirements
4.1.1.1 General
NACE MR0103 requirements shall apply for refining and downstream processes and
equipment, otherwise specified by the principal.
4.1.1.2 Pumps
Additionally material selected for pumps exposed to ‘Wet H 2S service” SHALL [PS] meet
the requirements of the DEP 31.29.02.30-Gen
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
February 2011Page 22

5. REFERENCES

In this DEP, reference is made to the following publications:

NOTES: 1. Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used,
together with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
2. The DEPs and most referenced external standards are available to Shell staff on the SWW (Shell
Wide Web) at http://sww.shell.com/standards/.

SHELL STANDARDS
Material for use in H2S-containing environments DEP 30.10.02.15-Gen
(amendments and supplements to ISO 15156)
Hydrogen Induced Cracking Sensitivity Test DEP 30.10.02.16-Gen
(Amendments/Supplements to NACE TM0284)
Pressure Vessels (Amendment/Supplement PD 5500 DEP 31.22.10.32-Gen
Unfired Pressure Vessels (Amendment/Supplement DEP 31.22.11.32-Gen
to EN 13445)
Pressure Vessels (Based on ASME Section DEP 31.22.20.31-Gen
VIII,Division 1 and Division 2)
Pressure Vessels (Based on GB 150) DEP 31.22.31.31-Gen
Centrifugal Pumps (Amendment/Supplement to DEP 31.29.02.30-Gen
ISO 13709-2003)
Piping – General Requirements DEP 31.38.01.11-Gen
Piping Classes – Refining DEP 31.38.01.12-Gen

AMERICAN STANDARDS

ASME STANDARDS

Specification for General Requirements for Steel SA-20

Plates for Pressure Vessels

Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon SA-516

Steel, for Moderate- and Lower-Temperature Service

Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic SA-578

Examination of Rolled Steel Plates for Special
Applications

Specification for Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels, SA-841

Produced by Thermo-Mechanical Control Process
(TMCP)
Issued by: ASME International
ASME International
Three Park Avenue M/S 10E
New York
NY 10016-5990
USA

ASTM STANDARDS

Specification for seamless carbon steel for high A 106

temperature service
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
February 2011Page 23

Specification for alloy-steel and stainless steel A 193

bolting material for high temperature service

Specification for carbon and alloy steel nuts for bolts A 194
for high-pressure and high-temperature service

Standard specification for forged or rolled alloy-steel A 234

and alloy steel for moderate and high temperature
service

Specification for seamless and welded steel pipe for A 333

low temperature service

Standard specification for piping fittings of wrought A 420

carbon steel and alloy steel for low temperature
service

Standard Test Method for Indentation Hardness of E 110

Metallic Materials by Portable Hardness Testers

Standard Practice for Assessing the Degree of E 1268

Banding or Orientation of Microstructures

Standard specification for non ferrous nuts for F 467

general use (metric)

St Standard specification for non ferrous bolts, hex F 468

cap screws, and studs for general use (metric)
Issued by:
American Society for Testing and Materials
1916 Race St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
USA

AWS STANDARDS

Recommended Practices for Local Heating of Welds D10.10

in Piping and Tubing - 3rd Edition
Issued by:
American Welding Society
550 N.W. LeJeune Road.
Miami, FL 33126
USA

NACE STANDARDS

Materials Resistant to Sulfide Stress Cracking in NACE MR0103

Corrosive Petroleum Refining Environments

Material and Fabrication Practices for New Pressure NACE Pub

Vessels Used in Wet H2S Refinery Services 8X194

Laboratory Testing of Metal for Resistance to Sulfide NACE TM0177

Stress Cracking and Stress Corrosion Cracking in
H2S Environment

Evaluation of Pipeline and Pressure Vessel Steels NACE TM0284

For Resistance to Hydrogen-Induced Cracking
Issued by:NACE
NACE International,
1440 South Creek Dr. Houston, Texas 77084-4906
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
February 2011Page 24

CEN STANDARDS

Steel forgings for pressure purposes - Part 2 : ferritic and martensitic EN 10222-2
steels with specified elevated temperature properties

Flat products made of steels for pressure purposes - Part 3: EN 10028-3

Weldable fine grain steels, normalized

Ultrasonic testing of steel flat product of thickness equal or greater EN 10160

than 6 mm (reflection method)

Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials - Hardness testing - EN 1043-1

Part 1: Hardness test on arc welded joints
Issued by; CEN
European Comitee for Standardization
rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels
Belgium

CHINESE STANDARDS

Steel Pressure Vessels GB 150

Seamless tubes and pipes for High Pressure Boiler GB 5310
Carbon and Low-alloy steel forging for pressure JB 4726
vessels
Low-alloy steel forging for low temperature pressure JB 4727
vessels
NDE of Pressure Equipment JB 4730
Issued by; Standardization Administration of the Peoples Republic of China
Nr 9, Madian Donglu Haidan, District Beijing
100088, China

EFC STANDARDS
Guidelines for Material Requirements for Carbon Steel and Low Alloy EFC-16
steels for H2S containing Environment in Oil and Gas Production
Issued by; Maney Publishing on the behalf of institute of Materials, ISBN-1-902653-
54-8
Prepared by the working party on Corrosion in Oil and Gas Production (EUROCORR)

ISO STANDARDS
Petroleum and natural gas industries – Material for use in H 2S 15156-2
containing environments in oil and gas production – Part 2: cracking-
resistant carbon and low alloy steels, and the use of cast irons
Issued by; International Organization for Standardization
1, Rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
 DEP 30.10.02.17-Gen.
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APPENDIX A ENHANCED PWHT REQUIREMENTS

A.1 PRESSURE VESSELS AND PIPING RECEIVING PWHT ONLY ON THE WELDED
JOINTS
a) The minimum soak band (SB) width shall be 25 mm (1 in) beyond the weldment on
each side or 1.5 times the metal thickness on each side of weld, whichever is less.
b) The minimum heating band (HB) width shall be the larger of the following:
i) HB1 = (SB + 4 * (Rt)1/2)+ 50 mm (2 in)
ii) HB2 = (3 * {[(OD2 – ID2) / 2] + (ID) * (SB)} / OD) + 50 mm (2 in)
where:
OD = outside diameter of the component being heat treated
ID = inside diameter of the component being heat treated
SB = Soak Band width in accordance with (b) above
R = radius of component being heat treated
t = actual thickness of component being heat treated
NOTE: The HB is the surface area where the heater is applied.