Saep 20

Engineering Procedure
SAEP-20 1 August 2019

Equipment Inspection Schedule
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
Contents
1 Scope .................................................................. 2
2 References .......................................................... 2
3 Definitions and Abbreviations .............................. 4
4 Instructions .......................................................... 7
5 Responsibilities .................................................. 20
6 Records ............................................................. 22
Revision Summary ................................................... 23
Appendix A - EIS Revision/Extension

Processing Procedure ....................... 24
Appendix B - Equipment EIS Review
Summary Sheet ................................. 26
Appendix C - EIS Extension Request ....................... 27
Appendix D - EIS in SAIF System ............................ 28
Attachment I - Instructions for Completing
EIS Form in SAIF ............................... 33
Previous Issue: 2 July 2017 Next Planned Update: 2 July 2020

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 33
Contact: Lodhi, Zeeshan F. (lodhizf) on phone +966-13-8804518
©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved.
Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-20
Issue Date: 1 August 2019
Next Planned Update: 2 July 2020 Equipment Inspection Schedule
1 Scope
This SAEP outlines the minimum requirements for establishing and revising Equipment
Inspection Schedules (EISs). This SAEP covers:
1.1 The inspection and testing requirements for Static, Mobile and miscellaneous
pressure containing equipment.
1.2 The inspection requirements for Community and Operation Support Facilities,
as outlined in SAEP-309.
1.3 The external inspection of General Equipment (rotating, electrical, building,

structure, civil, etc.).
Exclusion:
This procedure does not cover requirements for Preventive Maintenance (PM) programs
for rotating, electrical, instrumentation, and digital equipment.
2 References
The procedures covered by this document shall comply with the latest edition of the
references listed below, unless otherwise noted:
2.1 Saudi Aramco References
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-122 Project Records
SAEP-302 Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement
SAEP-308 Operation Inspection Unit Reviews
SAEP-309 Inspection of Community and Operations Support
Facilities
SAEP-319 Pressure Relief Valves-Routine Test, Inspection,
Quality Assurance, and Regulation
SAEP-325 Inspection Requirements for Pressurized Equipment
SAEP-334 Retrieval, Certification, and Submittal of Saudi
Aramco Engineering and Vendor Drawings
SAEP-335 Boiler Condition Assessment
SAEP-343 Risk-based Inspection for In-plant Static Equipment
and Piping
©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved. Page 2 of 33

SAEP-378 Electrical Inspection Requirements

SAEP-384 In-service Inspection Requirements for RTR Pipe
SAEP-1135 On-stream Inspection Administration
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-A-005 Safety Instruction Sheet
SAES-D-100 Design Criteria of Atmospheric and Low-pressure
Tanks
SAES-D-108 Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction of Storage
Tanks
SAES-H-001 Coating Selection and Application Requirements for
Industrial Plants and Equipment
SAES-J-600 Pressure Relief Devices
Saudi Aramco Inspection Procedures

00-SAIP-11 In-service Inspection Requirements of Subsea Assets
00-SAIP-75 External Visual Inspection Procedure
01-SAIP-06 Inspection of SSSP Underground Storage Caverns
Saudi Aramco Engineering Reports

SAER-2365 Saudi Aramco Mothball Manual
SAER-7676 Evaluation of Texas Tower Vertical Exchangers
Inspection at Ras Tanura Refinery
Saudi Aramco General Instruction

GI-0002.600 Plant Unit Acceptance after T&I Shutdown
Saudi Aramco Inspection Document

Schedule Q Quality Requirements
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards
National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors

NB 23 National Board of Inspection Code
American Petroleum Institute

API STD 510 Pressure Vessel Inspection Code: In-service
Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration

API STD 530 Calculation of Heater Tube Thickness in Petroleum

Refineries
API STD 570 Piping Inspection Code – In-service Inspection,
Rating, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems
API STD 650 Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage
API STD 653 Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction
API RP 572 Inspection Practices for Pressure Vessels
API RP 573 Inspection of Fired Boilers and Heaters
API RP 574 Inspection Practices for Piping System Components
API RP 580 Risk Based Inspection
API RP 581 Risk Based Inspection Technology - Resource
Document
3 Definitions and Abbreviations
3.1 Definitions
Community Facilities: As per SAEP-309.
Corrosion Allowance: Corrosion allowance is equal to the actual wall

thickness minus the retirement or minimum wall thickness. This measurement
may be different than the 'specified corrosion allowance' found on the SIS
prepared in accordance with SAES-A-005 or other equipment drawings,
prepared during the original design.
Equipment Inspection Schedule (EIS): EIS is a record that documents

inspection intervals and inspection procedures of initial and subsequent T&I's
and OSI for equipment within Saudi Aramco facilities.
General Equipment: General Equipment is equipment other than static

equipment which includes rotating equipment, electrical equipment, building,
structure, civil, etc.
I-T&I Interval: The “I-T&I” interval is the initial interval between new or
rebuilt equipment commissioning and the first T&I overhaul.
Loading Arms: A flexible system of rigid piping connected through swivel

joints to facilitate loading or unloading of petroleum products or liquefied gas
from static facility to mobile equipment and vice versa.
Loading Bays: A facility where loading or unloading of petroleum products

takes place.

Major Pieces of Equipment: For purposes of External Inspection, major

pieces of equipment shall be interpreted as all equipment listed on the EIS
drawings including interconnecting piping and items listed under the General
Section.
Manned Platform: A platform where operating or maintenance personnel are

normally found for at least one full shift each working day. Wellhead platforms
are not considered to be manned platforms. Tie-in platforms not bridge-connected
to other manned platforms are not considered to be manned platforms.
Mobile Equipment: Equipment that is capable of moving or of being moved

readily from one place to another in order to transport materials and petroleum
products, such as tankers / re-fuelers.
New-Technology Equipment: It refers to equipment that are new to Saudi

Aramco and lacks materials performance confidence.
Operation Support Facilities: As per SAEP-309.
Other offshore Structures: Structures other than manned and unmanned

platforms (dolphins, piers, trestles, etc.).
Parallel Equipment: Equipment units of identical construction that see the same
process fluid conditions (i.e., if the flow branches out equally and is thereby
shared proportionately by each unit) are referred to as parallel equipment.
Performance Alert: Performance Alert, Class 0, is the service class of

equipment that requires more attention and intense monitoring than the next
service class, Class 1, which is based on corrosion rate only. Examples are
equipment with known history of problems that require special monitoring such
as cracking, blistering, severe corrosion, and severe fouling.
Riser: That part of a submarine pipeline that is situated between the connecting
flange at the seabed nearest to the platform and the first flange above water level.
Splash Zone: Area of a structure that is frequently wetted due to waves and
tidal variations.
Standard Equipment: It refers to equipment that has a known material

performance history due to similar applications documented in Saudi Aramco
and the industry.
Static Equipment: Equipment that is not designed with rotating parts to propel
process fluids, but rather is designed to contain, process, transport, and control
fluids. Examples are columns, drums, vessels, boilers, heat exchangers,
furnaces, flares, reactors, regenerators, tanks, scraper traps, piping, etc.

Submarine Pipelines: All lines used for the transportation of fluids and/or
gases, installed on or below the sea bed between an offshore facility and the
demarcation point onshore or another offshore facility.
T&I Interval: The T&I interval is the time between scheduled T&I equipment
downtimes. “Month” is the unit of time used for “intervals” in this document.
The T&I interval will start upon completion of the T&I Acceptance Report per
GI-0002.600 (Plant/Unit Acceptance after T&I Shutdown).
T&I: The scheduled maintenance of the plant/structure to ensure its mechanical

integrity for safe operation. This is primarily accomplished by comprehensive
inspection and testing activities.
Underwater Inspection Survey: Underwater Inspection Survey is conducted to

provide the information necessary to evaluate the asset condition. It is conducted
to evaluate the adequacy of corrosion protection system and to detect, measure,
and record any deterioration, anomalies or defects that affect the structural
integrity. It shall be conducted by skilled and qualified divers or/ and by means of
ROV under the supervision of qualified personnel. Underwater Inspection Survey
shall be conducted in accordance to 00-SAIP-11 requirements.
3.2 Abbreviations
AST Atmospheric Storage Tanks
CML Condition Monitoring Locations
EIS Equipment Inspection Schedule
GI General Instruction
ID Inspection Department
IEU Inspection Engineering Unit (of the Inspection Department)
ITSD Inspection Department Technical Support Division
NDT Nondestructive Testing
OE Operational Excellence
OIU Operation Inspection Unit
OSI On-Stream Inspection
ROV Remotely Operated Vehicles
RBI Risk-Based Inspection
SAEP Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure
SAES Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard
SAIP Saudi Aramco Inspection Procedure

SAIF SAP Application for Inspection of Facilities

SIS Safety Instructions Sheet
T&I Testing and Inspection
4 Instructions
4.1 General
4.1.1 The EIS for new projects shall be submitted for final approval 90 days
prior to mechanical completion. The approved EIS shall be included in
the Inspection records along with the project documentation and
uploaded in SAIF.
4.1.2 Development of the EIS shall be in accordance with the applicable

documents listed in Section 2.
4.1.3 All EIS revision requests in SAIF must display each equipment together
with its associated inspection intervals (i.e., External, OSI and internal).
Instructions for completing EIS forms are given in the Attachment I.
4.1.4 A Saudi Aramco Drawing Number shall be assigned to each EIS Form.
Refer to SAEP-334.
4.1.5 The approved EIS shall be also uploaded into Saudi Aramco I-Plant
program.
4.2 Equipment Assignment
4.2.1 EIS shall be prepared for internal, external, and On-Stream inspection of
static equipment using the required SAIF template.
4.2.2 EIS shall include external inspection requirements for all equipment
inside the plant area.
4.2.3 EIS for the inspection of General Equipment used in the community and
operation support facilities shall be prepared as per SAEP-309
requirements.
4.3 EIS Listing by Plant and Equipment
4.3.1 The EIS form in SAIF shall identify the equipment by type, number and
name as required by SAIF. A separate EIS series, identified by a single
drawing number, shall be developed for each plant.
4.3.2 Equipment shall be grouped in each EIS series according to type such as

general, columns, vessels, exchangers, furnaces, piping, etc. Lists of all

these equipment shall be maintained by each proponent inspection unit.
4.3.3 Equipment shall be listed in numerical order for each group in the EIS
Equipment Column.
4.3.4 General section shall include external inspection of miscellaneous

electrical equipment, civil structures, and buildings, etc. These equipment
shall be itemized and referenced in the EIS, however individual items shall
be listed in SAIF.
4.3.5 Equipment in parallel service shall be identified in the EIS and be cross-
referenced to its parallel counterparts.
4.3.6 SAIF shall be used to generate and update EIS per the requirements of
this procedure.
4.4 Initial T&I Interval Assignment
Each equipment in EIS list in SAIF shall be assigned an initial inspection

interval (referred as Cycle Offset in SAIF).
4.4.1 New plants or facilities involving technology, process, or equipment new

to Saudi Aramco, shall be assigned an I-T&I interval of 12-24 months
(based on Corrosion Class as per Table I) after first start up. All other
newly built plants or facilities shall be assigned an I-T&I interval of
24 months (maximum) as shown in Table I. The purpose of setting
I-T&I interval is to inspect equipment internally for expected or
unexpected corrosion, fouling, possible construction debris, internal
coating/lining deterioration, effect of chemical injection, mechanical
damage and to establish baseline data and to determine the subsequent
intervals. I-T&I interval shall not be influenced by material selection
and/or design considerations.
4.4.2 I-T&I intervals shall be assigned to all newly commissioned and rebuilt
equipment including storage tanks. The interval shall be of a sufficient
duration to determine the next operating interval. It is required to check
internal coating condition, any unforeseen problems and to determine
subsequent T&I intervals. I-T&I interval for the storage tanks may be
combined with the first regular T&I.
I-T&I for the cavern tanks shall have the interval as per 01-SAIP-06.
4.4.3 I-T&I may be extended for the process equipment with catalyst or
desiccant material life longer than the I-T&I (i.e., where the removal

may degrade catalyst or desiccant material), provided the following

conditions are fulfilled:
4.4.3.1 NDT can be conducted in lieu of internal inspection provided

to be acceptable to the Inspection Department via a letter
signed by the Operating Facility Manager. A minimum of 10%
of the shell area and 10% of the welds covering the catalyst
shall be inspected. In addition, 10% of the equipment total
surface area shall be performed on the top head and bottom
sections (including all nozzles) of the vessel. If any defects are
found, the inspection scope shall be increased to 100% of the
surface area. Any defect detected shall be sized by an
appropriate advanced NDT technique and a fitness-for-service
assessment shall be carried out to establish an appropriate
duration before the internal I-T&I.
4.4.3.2 An extension request shall be submitted to the Superintendent

ITSD through SAIF along with the inspection results and the
fitness for service evaluation. Maximum extension of the
I-T&I shall not exceed 60 months (5 years) from the date of
commissioning.
4.5 I-T&I and T&I Interval Basis
Maximum permissible I-T&I and T&I intervals shall be based on equipment and
service conditions or operating experience. I-T&I and T&I intervals shall be
determined by applying the following factors:
4.5.1 T&I Intervals Based on Remaining Life
This criteria is only applicable to regular T&I intervals. Remaining

equipment life is based on the existing corrosion allowance divided by
OSI generated corrosion rates, i.e., either Short term or Long term
whichever is greater. For example, 3 mpy average corrosion rate would
require a 0.06 inch extra metal thickness to last twenty years.
The T&I interval shall be no more than one half of the calculated
remaining equipment life or ten (10) years, whichever is less.
However, the maximum inspection interval for specific equipment is
listed in Table II.
4.5.2 Service Criteria
Table I shows the maximum Initial T&I (I-T&I) and subsequent T&I
intervals for Standard and New Technology equipment. Both I-T&I and
subsequent T&I intervals shall be based on the expected corrosion rates

(i.e., both external and internal corrosion rates must be considered).

The maximum initial and subsequent T&I intervals for Standard and
New Technology equipment shall not exceed the intervals given in
Table I.
Table I - Maximum T&I Intervals versus Corrosion Service

Corrosion Service Initial T&I Interval (Months) (5) Subsequent (1)
Corrosion Rate (CR) Standard New Technology T&I Intervals
Class
in mpy Equipment Equipment (Months)
0
CR ≥ 15 12 12 30
Performance Alert (2)
1
6 ≤ CR < 15 12-24 12 60
Corrosive Service
2
3 ≤ CR < 6 24 12-24 120 (3) (4)
Mild Corrosive Service
3
CR < 3 24 12-24 120 (3) (4)
Low Corrosive Service
Notes:
(1) Subsequent T&I intervals shall be determined based on corrosion rates and remaining life and shall not exceed
those listed for the specific equipment listed in Table II of this SAEP.
(2) "PERFORMANCE ALERT" (Class 0) refers to special material or process conditions, to address problems such
as de-aerator cracking, stress-relief-waived weld repairs, molecular sieve plugging, etc. Also, Class 0 refers to
problems that require special monitoring such as for cracking, blistering, oxidation, creep, fatigue, fouling, and
localized corrosion/erosion attack sites.
(3) When equipment integrity depends upon internal coating integrity or is in Corrosion Class 1, as determined by
area Operations Inspection, the maximum T&I interval shall be 60 months unless agreed and documented by
Inspection Department, CSD and proponent, or alternatively an RBI study recommends a different interval.
(4) Equipment with internal critical coatings that are in mild corrosive service (Corrosion Service Class 2 or 3), as
determined by area Operations Inspection, should have their T&I intervals based on anticipated coating life.
(5) Initial T&I Intervals do not apply to storage tanks unless some chemical compound with an unknown corrosion
rate is to be stored.
4.5.3 Corrosion Rate
Corrosion rate variations caused by abnormal operating conditions such

as process upsets and wet lay-ups, can subject equipment to
unexpectedly high corrosion or fouling. During process upsets, localized
corrosion attack rates can be over a hundred times greater than during
regular process conditions. All process and outage problems shall be
documented and reviewed by the facility's Operations Inspection Unit for
possible changes in T&I intervals. Wet lay-up time shall be added to the
operating time when determining the total equipment run-length for
scheduling T&I's. Steam lay-up shall be considered wet lay-up.

4.5.4 Materials
Overall performance of alloys, internal coatings, liners, cladding,

catalyst, sieves, anodes, etc., shall be reviewed by concerned Plant
Inspection Units to determine the future Plant T&I's.
4.5.5 T&I History
The internal Inspection findings during T&I provide the accurate basis
for determining the new T&I interval. Also, the operational and repair
history of equipment, under similar process conditions, should be
reviewed to determine new T&I interval.
4.5.6 On-Stream Inspection (OSI) Performance
External UT thickness results can be used to increase or decrease T&I

intervals. OSI can be conducted at any time, but maximum OSI program
intervals shall follow requirements set in SAEP-1135.
4.5.7 Parallel Equipment
When one plant has parallel equipment (e.g., process trains, exchanger
banks with identical design, service, and operating conditions) where an
initial internal inspection (I-T&I) has been performed on all equipment
as outlined in this SAEP and SAIF; then, the following adjustments may
be considered to T&I schedules:
a) During initial inspection, if the internal condition (e.g., corrosion
and erosion patterns and locations) is found similar on all parallel
equipment, a different train or piece of equipment shall be selected
for inspection in subsequent T&I. For parallel or similar equipment,
Inspection results of one will be considered representative of all.
b) Select for inspection the equipment having experienced the most
severe service or the most service time since the last internal
inspection.
c) A extension request shall be submitted for all parallel equipment not
opened for T&I. A process flow diagram shall be attached to each
extension request to show how the equipment is parallel.
d) No parallel equipment units shall be allowed to skip more than two
scheduled T&Is.
Commentary Note:
The equipment susceptible to damage mechanisms such as cracking,

shall be excluded.

4.5.8 Maximum T&I Intervals
Based on Saudi Aramco experience and practice, certain equipment

types are subject to maximum T&I intervals as in Table II.
Table II - Maximum T&I intervals

Maximum T&I Intervals
Equipment
(Months) (1)
Air Receivers, Portable 36 / 72 (2)
Air Receivers, Stationary 60 / 120 (2)
Small Surge Drums (3) 120
Large Air Surge Drums 60 / 120 (2)
Boilers, Fired 24
Boilers, Unfired 36 / 60 (4)
Boilers Stacks 120
Deaerators 24 / 48 (5)
Flare Tips and Stacks 60
Furnaces, Fired and Stacks 60
Hydrogen Reformer Furnaces 48
GOSP Desalters and Dehydrators 60 / 84 (2)
GOSP Traps, Dry Crude 120
GOSP Traps, Wet Crude 60 / 84 (2)
Isomax and Hydrotreater Reactors
48
Associated Equipment and Piping
Fluid Catalytic Cracker Reactor and Regenerator Associated Equipment
36
and Piping
Mobile container / re-fueler 36
Miscellaneous pressure containing equipment in drilling operations 36
Platformer/Catalytic Reformer Reactors Associated Equipment and Piping 48
Process Vessels, Pipelines, Associated Equipment and Piping in
60 (6,7 & 8)
Corrosive Service
Process Vessels, Pipelines, Associated Equipment and Piping in Mild
120 (7,8)
Corrosive Service
Pressure vessels internal (on loading bay) 60
In-Plant Buried Piping or Road Crossing Pipe 60
Portable Equipment - (9)
Relief Valves - (10)
RLPG Piping 60
Mothballed Equipment - see SAER-2365 99 (11)
Storage Tanks and RLPG tanks at 2.5 psig and less, including water 120 (12)

Maximum T&I Intervals

Equipment
(Months) (1)
Storage Tanks, Refrigerated-Double Wall, at less than 2.5 psig (17 kPa) 240
Storage Tanks, Cavern type 170
Parallel Equipment See Section 4.5.7
(13)
Community and Operation Support Facilities
(14)
Miscellaneous Equipment associated with critical rotating equipment
(15)
Specialty equipment (such as Texas Tower, etc.)
Lift Stations 120 (16)
Sulfur pits 60 (16)
(17)
Non-metallic pipe / piping
Notes:
(1) The selected T&I intervals may be less than the indicated maximums, but shall not be greater unless
supported by an RBI study. Refer to Section 4.8 for extensions.
(2) The longer interval is acceptable if an ultrasonic OSI survey (for pitting) is conducted within 12 months before
the start of the scheduled interval.
(3) Small air surge drums have a capacity of four cubic feet (30 gallons or 114 liters) or less.
(4) The longer T&I Interval is acceptable for ASME SEC VIII vessels only when redundant PZVs and switchover
(diverter) valves are provided per SAES-J-600, and PZV testing is provided per SAEP-319.
(5) Deaerator inspection, repair, and subsequent T&I intervals shall all be in accordance with SAEP-325.
(6) Corrosive Service - those vessels, etc., who are in Corrosion Class 0 or 1, or whose corrosion rates are in
excess of 6 mpy, or that are in wet (free water), sour (>50 ppm H2S in the water phase) service.
(7) All piping / pipelines shall be T&I'd at scheduled intervals by one or more of the following procedures or
methods: UT (includes the OSI program), radiography, instrumented scraper or in-line Inspection, approved
specialized NDT test holes or a revalidation hydrotesting program.
(8) Buried and tape wrapped pipelines that are susceptible to SCC shall be revalidated using hydrotest or an NDT
method, approved by the Inspection Department for detection of SCC, every five years.
(9) Portable equipment such as portable air compressors, PDU's, boilers, etc., shall be given either a T&I or PM
depending upon the frequency of use.
(10) T&I intervals for relief valves are presented in SAEP-319.
(11) The 99 months interval for mothballed equipment shall indicate no T&I (internal inspection) or OSI is required
until the equipment is de-mothballed and re-commissioned.
(12) T&I interval can be extended to 15 years upon satisfaction of paragraph 4.10.2.2 requirements.
Operating facility must seek P&CSD Custody Measurement Unit calibration concurrence for T&I extensions for
royalty and custody storage tanks exceeding 15 years.
(13) As per inspection requirements given in SAEP-309.
(14) Shall be inspected as per respective PM schedule.
(15) For Texas tower heat exchangers longer than 25 meters, NDT and Inspection recommendations specified in
SAER-7676 can be applied in-lieu of T&I. Initiate a waiver for advanced NDT in-lieu of T&I, where the
equipment could be damaged during handling for T&I.
(16) Perform Visual Inspection during the T&I.
(17) Follow SAEP-384 for the inspection intervals and extent of inspection.

4.6 External Inspection
All the external inspection (i.e., mechanical, electrical, civil, subsea, offshore
equipment inspections, etc.) shall be conducted as per the requirements of the
relevant procedures and the results shall be entered in the SAIF system.
4.6.1 Mechanical Inspection
Intervals for conducting external mechanical inspections shall depend

on its classification as onshore or offshore as per the definition in
SAES-H-001.
Mechanical equipment in facilities that are classified as onshore shall be

externally inspected every 24 months while equipment in locations that
are classified as offshore (marine) shall be externally inspected annually.
It is preferred to perform this inspection while the vessel is in operation.
External inspections for equipment listed on the EIS shall be performed
and documented in SAIF and inspection records using a checklist as
per 00-SAIP-75.
4.6.2 Electrical and Civil Inspection
External electrical inspections shall be performed as per requirements of

SAEP-378.
External civil inspections shall be performed annually and entered in for

all locations classified as marine or that is washed down with brackish
water.
Plants classified as onshore and have sweet water wash down can utilize
a 24-month external civil inspection interval.
External electrical inspection of loading arms and loading bays shall be

performed at an interval of 12 months while structural inspection shall be
carried out at an interval of 24 months.
Inspection of pipe to soil interface shall be performed at an interval of

60 months (5 years) for verification of continuous corrosion control.
Community and Operations Support Facilities shall be inspected as per

SAEP-309 requirements.
4.6.4 Offshore Assets Inspection
Above-water external inspection shall be conducted annually and shall

include the splash zone area, above sea level, and exposed pipeline risers.

Underwater inspection survey shall be conducted as followings:

a) Platform Structures classified as manned platform shall be inspected
at maximum intervals of 60 months.
b) Platform Structures classified as unmanned platform shall be
inspected at maximum intervals of 120 months.
c) Other offshore structures (dolphins, piers, trestles, etc.) shall be
classified by the proponent organization as manned or unmanned as
per criteria defined in Section 3.1 above. The inspection interval
shall be set accordingly.
d) Submarine pipelines shall be inspected at a maximum interval of
96 months.
Baseline underwater inspection shall be conducted to determine the

as-installed condition of the subsea assets and initiate inspection records.
The scope of work for the baseline inspection includes general visual
inspection to check for structural integrity, corrosion protection system
(i.e., Coating and CP functionality), condition of any installed
appurtenances and any structural damage.
The records of baseline inspection shall document any structural defects

such as free span, scour, flooded member, and pipeline crossing along
with any evaluations or corrective actions made towards the identified
defects. The baseline inspection records shall be submitted to the OIU of
the proponent organization as part of project records per SAEP-122.
Initial underwater inspection survey shall be made for all subsea assets
within the 12-24 months after the date of commissioning the offshore
facility.
4.7 Risk-Based Inspection
The RBI assessment may be used to establish the appropriate inspection

intervals for internal, on-stream, and external inspections, as well as inspection
and testing intervals for pressure-relieving devices. The RBI assessment may
allow previously established inspection intervals to be exceeded from limits
specified in Section 4.5 above.
4.8 Inspection Plans
An inspection plan shall be established for all the static equipment and pressure-
relieving devices. A brief description of required inspection techniques shall be
entered into inspection plan for each equipment. In addition, applicable company

procedures, standards, industry recommended practices and locally developed

procedures and instructions shall be referenced. Important equipment problems
shall be documented along with special inspection steps. Typical problems that
shall be documented are unexpectedly high corrosion attack, cracking, blistering,
etc., found in internal areas during previous T&I. Other significant information
would be problems found on similar equipment that may have an impact on
inspection scheduling or the way inspection is to be conducted.
4.9 Original EIS Approval and Distribution
The original EIS shall be approved by the proponent Department Manager or his
designee after review and concurrence by the proponent operations organization
and the Manager of Inspection Department or his designee. This SAEP,
Inspection document “Schedule Q”, and SAEP-122 provide guidelines for EIS
approval and distribution process.
The approved EIS shall be transmitted to the SAO Proponent via the Project
Record Distribution System (checklist). This information is required no later
than 30 days prior to the mechanical completion phase of the plant or facility.
A copy of each approved EIS shall be provided to the Inspection Technical
Support Division (ITSD) of the Inspection Department.
4.10 T&I Extension
Equipment under Saudi Aramco operations shall be T&I’ed as per their

approved EIS, otherwise the equipment shall be considered overdue for T&I.
However, for situations where the T&I extensions are approved by satisfying
this SAEP, the equipment shall be considered as approved overdue.
T&I extension requests (other than parallel equipment) can be processed any
number of times until the next T&I cycle provided the asset meets all integrity
requirements and valid justification is available. For parallel equipment,
extension limits shall follow 4.5.7 (d).
4.10.1 Discretionary T&I Extension
For flexibility in scheduling, T&I intervals specified on the approved

EIS may be extended at the discretion of the facilities' Department
Manager. Such extension shall be considered as a tolerance and shall not
exceed three months, or one month for each year of the interval,
whichever is greater. Discretionary EIS Extension shall be thoroughly
reviewed by respective OIU as per the criteria given in 4.10.2.1.
Distribution of the approved T&I extension form shall follow SAIF
workflow. Such approval shall be obtained prior to publishing the T&I
schedule that reflects the extension for the affected equipment.

Operating Department Manager approval is required for discretionary

extensions, provided approval is obtained before the EIS due date.
4.10.2 T&I Extension exceeding Discretionary Period
If desired extension period exceeds the equipment's tolerance period then

an extension request shall be processed per this SAEP. Tolerance
extensions shall be based only on the approved EISs. Extension requests
shall include the tolerance period since the tolerance is automatically
cancelled once an extension is processed. The following approval /
letters are required through SAIF system for extension approval from ID:
 Operating Department Manager Letter, if extension request
(i.e., initial submission) is received by ID less than 2 months
(i.e., within EIS period) before the approved EIS due date.
 Admin Area Head concurrence, if extension request (i.e., initial
submission) is received by ID after the approved EIS due date OR
expiry of discretionary tolerance period.
Concurrence from the Manager of OSPAS is required for Extension
requests citing 'at the request of OSPAS'.
4.10.2.1 Documentation Requirements
An extension request along with justification shall be submitted

through SAIF once all the supporting documentation is
complete. The applicable supporting documents listed in
Appendix C shall be attached to SAIF T&I extension request.
ID might request addition supporting documents during
extension review.
4.10.2.2 Additional Requirements for Storage Tanks T&I Extension

A) For tanks diameter ≥ 150 ft (45.7 m), provide a recent tank
bottom external settlement survey.
B) Tank EIS extension requests exceeding 12 months,
including the allowable tolerance, must be supported by
one of the following; (tank bottom plate evaluation or
safeguard):
i) Recent Acoustic Emission evaluation (conducted
within the last 6 months).
ii) Release Prevention and Leak Detection System as per
SAES-D-100 or SAES-D-108. This option is only
valid for the initial T&I following the installation of

the system and excludes riveted tanks.

iii) RBI Evaluation recommending T&I extension.
iv) Online Tank Inspection System for tank bottom or any
advanced NDT approved by ID that is capable of
assessing tank bottom condition
C) The maximum T&I interval with T&I extension shall not
exceed 15 years.
4.10.2.3 Additional Requirements for Boilers
Extension requests for boilers may be supported by data

collected from a Boiler Condition Assessment (BCA)
performed as per SAEP-335, “Boiler Condition Assessment.”
4.10.2.4 If an equipment could not be inspected during the planned

T&I, it shall be considered as overdue and an extension request
shall be initiated through SAIF as per Section 4.10.2.
Extension requests are subject to review, concurrence, and

approval requirements mentioned in Section 4.12 of this SAEP,
in addition to LPD concurrence.
Commentary Note:
For EIS Deviation requests with multiple equipment, it is

recommended to group all attachments pertaining to a
particular equipment into a zipped file named as the Equipment
Tag and attach with the workflow.
4.11 EIS Revision
4.11.1 General
T&I intervals and inspection procedures specified on the original EIS

shall be based on experience with comparable equipment in similar
service. Due to effects of in-service operation, deterioration type and
rate could be significantly different from those originally predicted.
This usually results in the need to revise the EIS to reflect the actual
operating conditions.
An internal inspection shall be made prior to placing equipment in a

more severe service. The OSI and T&I information provided in the
original EIS shall be used as a guideline. When sufficient operation and
inspection data becomes available that suggests the approved schedule
should be changed, the responsible area Inspection Unit shall submit a

recommendation to Operations for an EIS revision. If Operations

concurs, the Inspection Unit shall submit the proposed EIS revision
request to ID along with applicable supporting documents for review and
approval in accordance with this SAEP.
When a total plant facility is dismantled or all equipment is removed /

abandoned due to end of useful life, the plant's EIS drawing shall be
cancelled per SAEP-334. The reason for cancelling the drawing shall be
noted in the revision block on the EIS drawing and copies of both the
cancelled EIS and the approved cancellation order shall be sent to the
Inspection Department's Operations Inspection Division.
4.11.2 EIS revisions are required when:

a. When corrosion rates dictate a longer or shorter T&I interval for any
piece of equipment.
b. When an equipment is demothballed or a new equipment is added to
an existing plant.
c. When an equipment is mothballed/abandoned or permanently
removed from a plant.
d. When existing equipment is not included in the current approved
EIS.
e. When a Risk Based Inspection (RBI) study, per SAEP-343,
recommended a revision on the existing EIS.
Commentary Note:
Any questions on EIS Revisions should be directed to the Operations

Inspection Division of the Inspection Department.
4.12 Concurrence and Approval
EIS extension or revision requests, with attached documents that justify the
proposed revision, shall be submitted for the concurrence or approval to the
responsible individuals or their designees in the order given in Appendix D3.2.
Unacceptable extension or revision requests shall be signed by the Operation

Inspection Division and returned to the initiator with comments and
recommendations identified.
The administration of approved EIS Revisions shall be in accordance with this

SAEP and SAEP-334.

5 Responsibilities
5.1 Project Management

a) Prepare the original EIS for equipment built/rebuilt by project management.
b) Determine EIS intervals based on knowledge of materials and process,
designer or vendor advice and knowledge of inspection interval of similar
equipment.
c) Ensure that initial EIS is prepared, distributed through SAIF system for
approval according to all requirements of this SAEP.
d) Conduct a baseline underwater inspection survey for newly built offshore
pipelines and platforms to determine as-installed condition and initiate
inspection records.
e) Ensure that baseline survey records are submitted to the OIU of the
proponent organization as part of project records per SAEP-122.
The records shall be submitted immediately after survey completion.
5.2 Operations/Proponent
5.2.1 Operations Inspection Unit

a) Prepare the original EIS for equipment built by maintenance and/or
for equipment operating without original EIS.
b) Review and adjust T&I intervals as needed. The Operations
Inspection Supervisor shall obtain assistance from the facility's
corrosion and operations engineers.
c) Concur with the original EIS prepared by Project Management.
d) Prepare EIS template and upload in SAIF. Trigger the workflow
for EIS approval in SAIF. Provide support documentations,
review, and concur with EIS extension requests.
e) Initiate / prepare EIS revision.
Commentary Note:
The OIU shall assign an Inspection Engineer / Sr. Inspector to

prepare for EIS revision / extension documents.
f) Address EIS documents to Operation Inspection Division of

Inspection Department.
g) Follow-up and expedite EIS revision and/ or EIS extension
requests.

h) Maintain files for the original EIS's, EIS revisions, and EIS
extensions.
i) Monitor compliance with the approved EIS's and issue monthly
non-compliance report to the plant management.
j) Prepare the annual T&I summary report and upload in the SAIF
system.
k) Thoroughly review discretionary T&I extensions as per the criteria
given in 4.10.2.
5.2.2 Operations Engineering

a) Review and concur with the original and revisions of all EIS's.
b) Initiate, review, and concur with EIS extension requests.
5.2.3 T&I Planning Group

a) Initiate / review and concur the discretionary T&I extension.
b) Prepare annual T&I schedule based on approved EIS's and update
on monthly basis.
5.2.4 Operations/ Proponent Management

a) Review and approve all the original EIS's.
b) Review and concur all EIS extension requests.
c) Concur with discretionary T&I extension.
5.3 Area Loss Prevention Supervisor
Review and concur all proposed EIS extension requests according to this SAEP.
Unacceptable requests shall be returned to the initiator with recommended
changes or reasons for rejection.
5.4 Inspection Engineering Unit (IEU) of the Inspection Department

a) Review EIS revision and extension requests and concur with acceptable
requests. Unacceptable requests shall be returned to the initiator with
reasons for rejection. The IEU reviewer should make a T&I summary sheet
per each equipment type (Attachment Appendix B).
b) Provide support for the preparation of initial EIS.

6 Records
Records shall be established, protected, segregated, labeled, and maintained, for each
major equipment, either physically or electronically. Any data available online,
e.g., iPlant, SAIF is excluded from this requirement. All records shall be retained in
compliance with Saudi Aramco Records Retention Manual. The records should be
categorized in following sections:
6.1 Equipment
The equipment file/folder shall contain the following record as minimums:

file/folder index, equipment inspection schedule (original EIS's, EIS revisions,
and EIS extensions), last external and internal inspection reports, critical coating
reports, welding report including post weld heat treatment (PWHT), hydrotest
reports, leak test reports, T&I deviation request, NDT reports, NDT in lieu of
hydrotest form, final closure form, T&I acceptance reports, and repair reports.
6.2 Piping
This file/folder shall contain information for on plot piping including hydrotest
reports, external inspection reports, repair reports, NDT reports, any survey, etc.
6.3 Pipelines
This file/folder shall contain information such as; cathodic protection, coating,
external inspections, repairs, NDT, surveys, etc.
6.4 Shutdowns
This file/folder shall contain documentation relating to shutdowns, (i.e., pre and
post T&I report, work scope, plant surveys, active worksheet, cathodic
protection, civil, coating, and any miscellaneous inspection data relating to
shutdowns).
6.5 General
This file shall contain general letters, plant survey, waivers, active worksheet,
electrical/plumbing/civil inspection reports, plant inspection index data, codes
and standards and miscellaneous inspection data where no file category exists.

Revision Summary
7 September 2011 Major revision.
4 February 2016 Minor revision to address recommendations from the “Fire Investigation Report of Al-Jebel
Complex at Udhailiyah Camp”.
30 May 2016 Minor revision to add in-Service Inspection Requirements and intervals of Subsea Assets.
8 September 2016 Major revision to align the process with SAIF program, optimize I-T&I and T&I intervals,
enhance documentation requirements, and clarify approval process.
2 July 2017 Major revision to address SAIF requirements in this procedure and address the acoustic
emission requirement for tank bottom inspection.
1 August 2019 Editorial revision to add the title of SAER-7676 in the references section.

Appendix A
EIS Revision/Extension Processing Procedure
A-1. Instructions
The objective of this appendix is to guide the proponents to prepare requirements for
processing EIS, EIS revision/extension. This includes the submittal of listed documents
and completing check list in the attachment Appendix C to ensure the proponent has
provided all requirements. Requests without complete documents shall be rejected.
A-2. Filling of EIS Initial, Revision and Extension Forms
A-2.1 EIS-Initial and Revision: Fill in the EIS form in SAIF as per instructions given
in Attachment I.
A-2.2 EIS-Extension: Fill in the form in SAIF for the EIS extension request. Fill in
both the contact details and the cost sections. Include the reason for extension
and valid justification for the request.
A-2.3 List of supporting documents for EIS, EIS Revision/Extension requests:

a. Up-to-date process flow diagram
b. Latest revision of Equipment Inspection Schedule
c. Current and historical OSI data
d. Copy of most recent External Inspection finding
e. Last three post T&I reports
A-3. Responsibility
A-3.1 The completed request shall be routed as per the signatory sequence.
A-3.2 The proponent shall forward the request with a covering letter including contact
details of proponent’s primary contact person (address and telephone number).
A-3.3 The proponent shall forward a copy of the approved documents to Inspection
Engineering Unit Supervisor.
Commentary Note:
The requested information shall be provided within 5 working days from the date
of request.

Flow Chart for EIS / Revision / Extension
EIS / EIS Revision / EIS Extension

Request Procedure through SAIF
EIS Initial / Revision EIS Extension
Fill requisite form Fill extension request

through SAIF through SAIF
Reason for Revision Reason for Extension

(e.g., RBI study, repairs, etc.) Valid justification
1. Up-to -date process flow diagram.

2. Latest revision of equipment schedule.
3. Current and historical OSI data
4. Copy of most recent External Inspection finding
5. Last three post T&I reports Incomplete docs
Complete the check list

Get the concurrence
Forward an approved copy to IEU Non compliance

Appendix B
Equipment EIS Review Summary Sheet
Equipment (Vessels, Exchangers, Tanks, Flares, Basins, Pipelines, etc.)
Extension Revision Plant: ------------------- Date: ------------------
Description
Inspection Comments
of Revision Inspection Damage
Equipment Findings /NDT on the EIS
or Extension dates Mechanism
methods Review
in Months
D-050-Slug Condition
Catcher Drum Coating damage acceptable
Service date: / mechanical for Revision.
2004 Minor coating damage UT
1977 while cleaning.
Service: Re-coated
T&I Interval
Hydrocarbon
Des. Coating damage
Press/Temp: / mechanical
2001 Minor coating damage UT
230 psig/200F while cleaning.
Corrosion rate: Re-coated
3.4 mpy
Remaining Life:
1996 Good UT None
40

Appendix C
EIS Extension Request
List of Documents and Requirements Checklist
Plant Name: ________________________ Equipment #: _____________________________
Sr. # Subject Attached Remarks
1 T&I Extension justification
2 Previous EIS Revision and/or discretionary extension (if applicable)
3 Plant Manager’s or VP’s request letter (if applicable)
4 Up-to-date process flow diagram
5 Latest revision of SAIF generated EIS
6 Current and historical SAIF Generated OSI data

Copy of most recent external inspection report and findings
7
(Inspection must be conducted within the last 6 months)
8 Copy of last 3 post T&I report (signed or approved in SAIF)
9 Tank settlement Report (if applicable)
10 Concurrence of OSPAS Manager (if applicable)

Documentary evidence to support requested deviation date for
example:
 Planned timeline in case of internal constraints (such as parallel
11
equipment/train not available, etc.)
 Official material delivery notification in case of materials
unavailability
12 RBI Report (if applicable)
13 RBI Validation Form (if applicable)
14 Tank bottom plates evaluation or safeguard (paragraph 4.10.2.2)
15 SIS Sheet for each equipment
16 Latest 3 Cathodic Protection survey reports (if applicable)
17 Boiler Condition Assessment Report (if available)
18 Copy of implemented MOCs since last T&I? (If applicable)
19 Associated Relief Valve (without isolation) extension approval
20 Breakdown of cost savings (T&I and Business Interruption)
21 Recent operating history, including IOW exceedances (if available)
Note: EIS requests with incomplete documentation shall be rejected.
Reviewed by: _________________________ Signature: _________________________

Appendix D - EIS in SAIF System
D1. ESTABLISHMENT OF EIS IN SAIF SYSTEM

D2. REVISION OF EIS IN SAIF SYSTEM

D3. SAIF TUTORIALS - Testing and Inspection Process
D3.1 EXTENSION OF EIS IN SAIF SYSTEM

D3.2 WORKFLOW APPROVAL SCENARIOS
SEQUENCE POSITION
Case 1 (Discretionary T&I)
1. T&I Supervisor
2. Inspection Unit Supervisor
3. Operations Engineering Supervisor
4. Engineering Superintendent
5. Operations Superintendent
6. Manager (Operations)
Case 2 (T&I Extension Approval with OSPAS)
3. Operations Foreman
5. OSPAS Division Head
6. OSPAS Manager
1. IEU/EIS Coordinator
2. Inspection Engineering Unit Supervisor
3. Operations Inspection Division - Superintendent
4. Area Loss Prevention Supervisor
5. Loss Prevention Superintendent
6. Manager (Inspection Department)
Case 3 (T&I Extension Approval without OSPAS)

SEQUENCE POSITION
Case 4 (T&I Extension Approval with OSPAS after Tolerance)
5. OSPAS Division Head
6. OSPAS Manager
14. Admin Area Head
Case 5 (T&I Extension Approval without OSPAS after Tolerance)
5. Admin Area Head

Attachment I
Instructions for Completing EIS Form in SAIF
Instructions for filling in the EIS Form in SAIF as per this procedure.
IA. Equipment
This column shall list the letter designating equipment type, equipment number, and
description (e.g., C-101, Contactor); this listing shall be in accordance with this SAEP
and each Plant Master Equipment List.
IB. Inspection Interval-Months

a) OSI - This column shall contain maximum initial OSI intervals for all new major
equipment items based on estimated corrosion rates and corresponding interval as
defined in SAEP-1135. After establishing corrosion rates, the EIS drawings shall
be revised to reflect the appropriate maximum OSI interval that corresponds to
actual corrosion rates per SAEP-1135.
b) 1st T&I - This column shall be filled in only when an “Initial T&I (I-T&I)” is to
be performed on the equipment. Do not fill out this column when follow up T&Is
have been performed. The number of months between equipment commissioning
and the start of the I-T&I shall be entered in this column per information found in
“Table I.”
c) T&I - This column shall list the number of months between subsequent T&Is in
accordance with those requirements as listed in “Maximum T&I Intervals”.
IC. Inspection Procedure
This column shall contain brief inspection procedures, inspection techniques and a
reference to applicable codes, standards and procedures.
ID. SAIF Roles required to process extension request:
Existing New Classification -

SAP Role Name (Base) Criticality
Classification Sensitivity
QM:OID:SAIF01:INSPECTOR Medium General Business Use Low
QM:OID:SAIF04:INSP_PLAN Medium General Business Use Low
QM:OID:SAIF22:MAINT_WFA Restricted Confidential Medium
QM:OID:SAIF26:DEVIAT_REQ Medium General Business Use Medium
QM:OID:SAIF28:DISPLAYUSER Medium General Business Use Low

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Engineering Procedure

SAEP-20 1 August 2019

Appendix A - EIS Revision/Extension

Previous Issue: 2 July 2017 Next Planned Update: 2 July 2020

©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved.

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

1.3 The external inspection of General Equipment (rotating, electrical, building,

2.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved. Page 2 of 33

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

SAEP-378 Electrical Inspection Requirements

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

Saudi Aramco Inspection Procedures

Saudi Aramco Engineering Reports

Saudi Aramco General Instruction

Saudi Aramco Inspection Document

2.2 Industry Codes and Standards

National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors

American Petroleum Institute

©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved. Page 3 of 33

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

API STD 530 Calculation of Heater Tube Thickness in Petroleum

3 Definitions and Abbreviations

Community Facilities: As per SAEP-309.

Corrosion Allowance: Corrosion allowance is equal to the actual wall

Equipment Inspection Schedule (EIS): EIS is a record that documents

General Equipment: General Equipment is equipment other than static

Loading Arms: A flexible system of rigid piping connected through swivel

Loading Bays: A facility where loading or unloading of petroleum products

©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved. Page 4 of 33

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Major Pieces of Equipment: For purposes of External Inspection, major

Manned Platform: A platform where operating or maintenance personnel are

Mobile Equipment: Equipment that is capable of moving or of being moved

New-Technology Equipment: It refers to equipment that are new to Saudi

Operation Support Facilities: As per SAEP-309.

Other offshore Structures: Structures other than manned and unmanned

Performance Alert: Performance Alert, Class 0, is the service class of

Standard Equipment: It refers to equipment that has a known material

©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved. Page 5 of 33

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

T&I: The scheduled maintenance of the plant/structure to ensure its mechanical

Underwater Inspection Survey: Underwater Inspection Survey is conducted to

©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved. Page 6 of 33

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

SAIF SAP Application for Inspection of Facilities

4.1.2 Development of the EIS shall be in accordance with the applicable

4.2 Equipment Assignment

4.3 EIS Listing by Plant and Equipment

©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved. Page 7 of 33

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

general, columns, vessels, exchangers, furnaces, piping, etc. Lists of all

4.3.4 General section shall include external inspection of miscellaneous

4.4 Initial T&I Interval Assignment