TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

ALLOY AND STAINLESS STEEL FORGINGS

(AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO ASTM A 182)

MESC SPE 76/212

May 2010

MESC SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT

This document is restricted. Neither the whole nor any part of this document may be disclosed to any third party without the prior written consent of Shell Global
Solutions International B.V., The Netherlands. The copyright of this document is vested in this company. All rights reserved. Neither the whole nor any part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, reprographic, recording or otherwise)
without the prior written consent of the copyright owner.

MESC SPE 76/212

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PREFACE
MESC (Materials and Equipment Standards and Code) SPE documents reflect the views, at the time of publication, of:
Shell Global Solutions International B.V. (Shell GSI)
and/or
Shell International Exploration and Production B.V. (SIEP)
and/or
other Shell Service Companies.
They are based on the experience acquired during their involvement with the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of processing units and facilities, and they are supplemented with the experience of Shell Operating Units.
Where appropriate they are based on, or reference is made to, international, regional, national and industry standards.
The objective is to set the recommended standard for good design and engineering practice applied by Shell companies
operating an oil refinery, gas handling installation, chemical plant, oil and gas production facility, or any other such
facility, and thereby to 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 MESC SPEs may not cover every requirement or diversity of condition
at each locality. The system of MESC SPEs is expected to be sufficiently flexible to allow individual Operating Units to
adapt the information set forth in MESC SPEs to their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use MESC SPEs they shall be solely responsible for the quality of work
and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In particular, for those requirements not
specifically covered, the Principal will expect them to follow those practices, which will achieve the same level of
integrity as reflected in the MESC SPEs. If in doubt, the Contractor or Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting
from his own responsibility, consult the Principal or its technical advisor.
The right to use MESC SPEs is granted by Shell GSI, in most cases under Service Agreements primarily with Shell
companies and other companies receiving technical advice and services from Shell GSI or another Shell Service
Company. Consequently, three categories of users of MESC SPEs can be distinguished:
1)

Operating Units having a Service Agreement with Shell GSI or other Shell Service Company. The use of MESC
SPEs by these Operating Units is subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the relevant Service
Agreement.

2)

Other parties who are authorized to use MESC SPEs 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.

Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with users, Shell GSI
disclaims any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury or death) suffered by any company or
person whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the use, application or implementation of any MESC SPE,
combination of MESC SPEs or any part thereof, even if it is wholly or partly caused by negligence on the part of Shell
GSI or other Shell Service Company. The benefit of this disclaimer shall inure in all respects to Shell GSI and/or any
Shell Service Company, or companies affiliated to these companies, that may issue MESC SPEs or require the use of
MESC SPEs.
Without prejudice to any specific terms in respect of confidentiality under relevant contractual arrangements, MESC
SPEs shall not, without the prior written consent of Shell GSI, be disclosed by users to any company or person
whomsoever and the MESC SPEs shall be used exclusively for the purpose for which they have been provided to the
user. They shall be returned after use, including any copies, which shall only be made by users with the express prior
written consent of Shell GSI. The copyright of MESC SPEs vests in Shell GSI. Users shall arrange for MESC SPEs to
be held in safe custody and Shell GSI may at any time require information satisfactory to them in order to ascertain how
users implement this requirement.
All administrative queries should be directed to the MESC SPE Administrator in Shell GSI.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 4
SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 4
DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS ......... 4
DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................. 4
CHANGES SINCE PREVIOUS EDITION ................................................................... 4
COMMENTS ON THIS MESC SPE ............................................................................ 5

PART II

AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO ASTM A 182/A 182M - 09a ............................ 6

PART III

REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 11

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PART I INTRODUCTION
1.1

SCOPE
This MESC SPE specifies requirements for alloy and stainless steel forgings.
This specification shall apply in addition to the applicable MESC Buying Description,
purchase order or requisition sheet.
This specification only applies to alloy steel forgings to ASTM A 182, F5 (5Cr-0.5Mo), F9
(9Cr-1Mo), F11 Class 2 (1.25Cr-0.5Mo) and F22 Class 3 (2.25Cr-1Mo), and stainless steel
forgings to ASTM A 182, Grades F304, F304H, F304L, F316, F321, F321H, F347, F44,
F50-F55, F57-F61, F62 and F65-F67.
This specification is written as amendments and supplements to ASTM A 182/A 182M 09a, which are covered in Part II of this MESC SPE. The clause numbering of ASTM A
182/A 182M - 09a has been retained and any amendments are identified as Add, Modify
to read or Delete. Any clauses of ASTM A 182/A 182M - 09a that are not amended or
supplemented by this MESC SPE, shall apply as written.

1.2

DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Unless otherwise authorised by Shell GSI, the distribution of this MESC SPE is confined to
Shell companies and, where necessary, to Contractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers
nominated by them.
This MESC SPE is intended for use in oil refineries, chemical plants, gas plants, exploration
and production facilities and, where applicable, supply/distribution installations.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements may be more
stringent than in this MESC SPE 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 safety, environmental, economic and legal aspects. In all cases
the Contractor shall inform the Principal of any deviation from the requirements of this
MESC SPE 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 MESC SPE as closely as possible.

1.3

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 or
maintenance 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 its design and
construction. The Principal will generally specify the technical requirements. 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 word should indicates a recommendation.

1.4

CHANGES SINCE PREVIOUS EDITION

The previous edition of this SPE is dated October 2008. The main changes are an update
of the requirements for ferritic-austenitic stainless steel grades (F50-F55, F57-F61
and F65-F67) and also to update tempering tolerances for low alloy steel grades.

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1.5

COMMENTS ON THIS MESC SPE

Comments on this MESC SPE may be sent to the MESC SPE Administrator at
standards@shell.com. Shell staff may also post comments on this MESC SPE on the
Surface Global Network (SGN) under the Standards folder.

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PART II AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO ASTM A 182/A 182M - 09a
6.1

Add:
Heat treatment procedures shall be subject to statistical process control to ensure
that the final material properties comply with the material standard and this
specification. The process control data and related periodic quality control checks
shall be documented.

6.2

Add:
Forgings in Grades F5, F9, F11 and F22 shall conform to either of the following
two options:

6.3

1.

The forging shall be supplied in the normalised and tempered condition. The
tempering temperature shall be 740C8C (1365F13F). The tensile
properties shall be in accordance with ASTM A 182 (Class 1 where
applicable).

2.

The forging shall be supplied in the normalised and tempered condition. The
minimum tempering temperature shall be 720C (1330F).
After all processing, one sample from each heat shall undergo three simulated
PWHT cycles at 730C 8C (1345F 14F) with a holding time as per
ASME B31.3 Table 331.1.1 for each cycle. Tensile tests according to ASTM
A182 shall be performed after each cycle. If results from all tests are conform
ASTM A182, all forgings from that heat are accepted.

Add:
Forgings furnished to Grades F44, F62, F304, F304H, F304L, F316, F321, F321H
or F347 shall be solution heat-treated.
If a stabilised heat treatment is specified, forgings shall be given a stabilising heat
treatment in accordance with supplementary requirement S10 within a
temperature range of 870 C to 900 C (1600 F to 1650 F) for 4 hours
subsequent to the solution heat treatment.
Alternatively, the Manufacturer may submit a stabilisation heat treatment
procedure for approval to the Principal, and supplementary requirement S4
(corrosion test) shall apply.

6.4

Add:
Note: Final heat treatment shall be performed after forging and before
machining.

7.1

Add:
For forgings furnished to Grade F316, the following shall apply:

The carbon content shall not exceed 0.03 %.

For forgings furnished to Grade F50-F55, F57-F61 and F65-F67, the ferriticaustenitic stainless steels,the following shall apply:
For 22Cr duplex (ferritic-austenitic) stainless steels, the Pitting Resistance
Equivalent (PREN) shall be 30 or higher and the Mo mass fraction (wMo)
1.5% or higher.
For 25Cr super duplex (ferritic-austenitic) stainless steels, the Pitting
Resistance Equivalent (PREN) shall higher than 40.
The PREN shall be calculated as given in Equation (1):
PREN = wCr + 3.3(wMo + 0.5wW) + 16wN (1)
where

wCr is the mass fraction of chromium in the alloy, expressed as a

percentage mass fraction of the total composition;

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wMo is the mass fraction of molybdenum in the alloy, expressed as a
percentage mass fraction of the total composition;
wW is the mass fraction of tungsten in the alloy, expressed as a
percentage mass fraction of the total composition;
wN is the mass fraction of nitrogen in the alloy, expressed as a
percentage mass fraction of the total composition.
Per lot, one product analysis shall be made. One lot is defined as a group of
fittings of the same type, size, wall thickness, manufactured for one heat of
material and heat treatment batch.
For forgings furnished to Grade F11, the following shall apply:
The chemical composition shall meet the following additional chemical
requirements by heat analysis:
Element
C
P
S
Cu
Ni
X-bar
Max
0.15 % 0.007 % 0.007 % 0.20 % 0.30 %
14
allowed
X-bar shall be calculated with the following formula:

X - bar =

10P + 5Sb + 4Sn + As

100

in which the units of P, Sb, Sn and As are in ppm.

NOTE: If meeting the above requirement leads to unacceptable lead times or cost increase,
F22 material shall be selected. F11 materials not meeting the above requirement shall not be
accepted.

For forgings furnished to Grade F22, the following shall apply:

-

The carbon content shall not exceed 0.14 %.

The phosphorous content shall not exceed 0.010 %.

The sulphur content shall not exceed 0.010 %.

8.1

Add

For all ferritic-austenitic stainless for which no maximum hardness is listed

in Table 3, the maximum acceptable Brinell hardness shall be 310 .

8.5.4

Add

Testing shall be carried out both transverse to the long axis of the forging
and parallel to the long axis of the forging.
Add:

8.6.1

For forgings furnished to Grades F5, F9, F11 or F22, supplementary requirement
S2 shall apply.
8.7.6

Add

Charpy impact testing is required for forgings furnished to Grade F50-F55,

F57-F61 and F65-F67, the ferritic-austenitic stainless steels, in accordance
with ASTM A 370 at a temperature of -50 C [-59 F].
8.7.1, 8.7.2 and 8.7.3 apply. However, the orientation of the long axis of the
impact specimens shall be transverse to the axis of the forging. Longitudinal
samples shall only be used, if transverse samples are not possible. The
specimens shall be taken from mid-wall.
If the heat treated thickness exceeds 25 mm [0.98 in], then the test pieces
taken according to 8.3 should be taken close to mid thickness. In addition,
one set of three test pieces shall be taken close to one side of the heat
treated thickness and another set shall be taken close to the opposite side
of the heat treated thickness.

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Sub-size samples can only be applied if standard 10 mm x 10 mm [0.39 in x
0.39 in] samples are not possible.
The acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with Table 5.
If the heat treated thickness is below 6.5 mm [0.26 in], Charpy impact testing
is not possible. The Principal may require additional microstructural checks.

Table 5

Table 5 Acceptance criteria for Charpy impact testing

Add

Sample size
mm (in)

Test
direction

Minimum
average
impact value

Minimum
single impact
value

Minimum
single shear
area

Transverse

50J*

40 J

50 %

Longitudinal

75 J

60 J

50 %

Transverse

40 J

30J

50 %

Longitudinal

60 J

45J

50 %

Transverse

25 J

20 J

50 %

Longitudinal

38 J

30 J

50 %

10 x 10
(0.39 x 0.39)
10 x 10
(0.39 x 0.39)
10 x 7.5
(0.39 x 0.30
10 x 7.5
(0.39 x 0.30)
10 x 5
(0.39 x 0.20)
10 x 5
(0.39 x 0.20)

* impact energy of 50J at -50C is deemed to meet the ASTM A923 Method B
requirement of 54J at -46 C specified for a superduplex grade.
9.

Modify
to
read

Grain size and microstructure

9.1

Modify
to
read

All austenitic H grades and grade F63 shall be tested for average grain size
by Test Methods E 112.

9.2

Add

The microstructure of forgings furnished to Grades F50-F55, F57-F61 and

F65-F67, the ferritic-austenitic stainless steels,shall be determined.

9.2.1

Add

The microstructure and percentage of ferrite phase shall be determined by

point counting in accordance with ASTM E 562 on one test piece from one
forging representing each lot (One lot is defined as a group of fittings of the
same type, size, wall thickness, manufactured for one heat of material and
heat treatment batch)
The ferrite content shall be in the range of 40 % - 60 %.

9.2.2

Add

The microstructure shall be examined for detrimental phases in accordance

with ASTM A 923 Method A on one test piece from one forging representing
each lot (One lot is defined as a group of fittings of the same type, size, wall
thickness, manufactured for one heat of material and heat treatment batch).
The etching method shall be suitable to reveal inter-metallic phases (such as
sigma phase) and precipitates (such as nitrides).
The microscructure shall classify as unaffected structure as per section 6
of ASTM A 923. The microstructure shall display a uniform ferrite and
austenite phase distribution and shall have no continuous precipitates at the

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grain boundaries. In addition, the sigma phase content shall not exceed 0.5
%, while the total of intermetallic phases shall not exceed 1.0 %. If these
criteria are not met, the forging shall be rejected and each forging of the lot
investigated.
10

Modify
to
read

Corrosion Testing for Austenitic and Ferritic-Austenitic Grades

10.3

Add

Forgings furnished to Grades F44 or F62 shall be subjected to a ferric chloride test
in accordance with ASTM G 48, Method A. The test temperature shall be 50 C
(122 F) and the exposure time shall be 24 hours. The test specimens shall be in
the as-delivered condition. The test shall expose the external and internal
surfaces. No pitting is acceptable at internal or external surfaces at 20 times
magnification. The weight loss shall be < 4.0 g/m (0.013 oz/ft). In addition
supplementary requirement S4 shall apply for these grades.

10.4

Add

Forgings furnished to Grades F50-F55, F57-F61 and F65-F67, the ferriticaustenitic stainless steels, shall be capable of meeting the requirements of
pitting and, if specified, stress corrosion cracking tests.

10.4.1

Add

Pitting corrosion
The material shall be capable of passing the ferric chloride test in
accordance with ASTM G 48, Method A, with the following amendments.
This corrosion test shall be performed for product qualification only. Testing
shall be carried out on one specimen per lot (One lot is defined as a group of
fittings of the same type, size, wall thickness, manufactured for one heat of
material and heat treatment batch) including the internal forging surface.

10.4.2

Add

The test temperature for 22Cr duplex (ferritic-austenitic) stainless steel

shall be 25 C [77 F].
The test temperature for 25Cr superduplex (ferritic-austenitic)
stainless steel shall be 40 C [104 F].

The temperature variation shall not exceed 0.5 C [0.9 F].

The surface finish of the test face shall be as-produced. Cut faces shall
be ground to 1200 grit.

The evaluation of results shall be via weight loss measurement and

macroscopic investigation of the surface. Macrographs obtained by low
magnification microscopy shall be provided.

The acceptance criteria shall be a weight loss < 4.0 g/m and no initiation
of localized corrosion > 0.025 mm at the test face. Note that only
corrosion (e.g. pitting) at the test face counts. If the weight loss is > 4.0
2
g/m and it can be positively identified that this is only due to corrosion
at the cut faces, the test will be invalid. In this case re-testing shall be
carried out on replacement specimens.

Stress Corrosion Cracking

Supplimentary Requirement S3 shall be applicable.
If specified by the Principal, stress corrosion cracking tests in accordance
with ASTM G 38, ASTM G 39 or ISO 15156-3 shall be carried out. Specimens
shall be prepared such that the inner surface of the forging will be loaded at
proof stress and exposed to the test environment in the as-produced
condition. The dimensions of the specimen, test environment and
conditions shall be based on agreement between the Manufacturer and the
Principal.
This test is a production qualification test only.

12.3

Add

The surface of forgings furnished to Grades F44 or F62 shall be white pickled for

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which the procedure shall be subject of approval by the Principal.
Add:

13.1

Repair welding is not allowed for forgings furnished to Grades F44 or F62.
Repair welding is not allowed for forgings furnished to Grades F50-F55, F57F61 and F65-F67 unlesss specifically approved by the principal.
Add:

14.1

For forgings furnished to Grades F5, F9, F11 or F22, supplementary requirement
S55 (magnetic particle) of ASTM A 961 shall apply. Acceptance criteria shall be in
accordance with ASME VIII, Division 1, Appendix 6.
For austenitic stainless steel forgings in ASME rating Class 600 or higher,
supplementary requirement S56 (liquid penetrant) of ASTM A 961 shall apply.
Acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with ASME VIII, Division 1, Appendix 8.
For forgings furnished to Grade F44, F62 or F50-F55, F57-F61 and F65-F67,
supplementary requirement S56 (liquid penetrant) of ASTM A 961 shall apply.
Acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with ASME VIII, Division 1, Appendix 8.
16.3

Add

For austenitic ferritic stainless steels Supplementary Requirement S2 shall

apply.

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PART III REFERENCES
In this MESC SPE, 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. Most of the referenced external standards are available to Shell staff on the SWW (Shell Wide Web) at
http://sww05.europe.shell.com/standards.

SHELL STANDARDS
Flanges to ASME B16.5

MESC SPE 76/100

Flanges to ASME B16.47

MESC SPE 76/101

AMERICAN STANDARDS
Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings NPS 1/2 Through NPS
24 Metric/Inch Standard

ASME B16.5

Large Diameter Steel Flanges NPS 26 Through NPS 60

ASME B16.47

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Rules for

construction of pressure vessels

ASME VIII

Issued by:
American Society of Mechnical Engineers
ASME International
Three Park Avenue, M/S 10E
New York, NY 10016, USA

Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy and

Stainless Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves
and Parts for High-Temperature Service

ASTM A 182

Standard Test Methods for Detecting Detrimental

Intermetallic Phase in Duplex Austenitic/Ferritic Stainless
Steels

ASTM A 923

Standard Specification for Common Requirements for

Steel Flanges, Forged Fittings, Valves, and Parts for
Piping Applications

ASTM A 961

Standard Test Methods for Determining Average Grain

Size

ASTM E 112

Standard Test Method for Determining Volume Fraction

by Systematic Manual Point Count

ASTM E 562

Standard Practice for Making and Using C-Ring StressCorrosion Test Specimens

ASTM G 38

Standard Practice for Preparation and Use of Bent-Beam

Stress-Corrosion Test Specimens

ASTM G 39

Standard Test Methods for Pitting and Crevice Corrosion

Resistance of Stainless Steels and Related Alloys by Use
of Ferric Chloride Solution

ASTM G 48

Issued by:
American Society for Testing and Materials
1916 Race Street, Philadelphia
19103, USA

Petroleum and natural gas industries Materials for use

in H2S-containing environments in oil and gas production
Part 3: Cracking-resistant CRAs (corrosion-resistant
alloys) and other alloys - Second Edition

ISO 15156-3

MESC SPE 76/212

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Issued by:

ISO Central Secretariat

1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse
Case postale 56
CH-1211 Genve 20
Switzerland
Copies can also be obtained from national standards
organizations.