Petroleum Development Oman L.L.C.

UNRESTRICTED
October 1998

Document ID : SP-1032
Filing key :

Specification for the Design of

Pipeline Block Valve Stations

Keywords: PIPELINE, BLOCK VALVE, BYPASS

This document is the property of Petroleum Development Oman, LLC. Neither the whole
nor any part of this document may be disclosed to others or reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means (electronic, mechanical,
reprographic recording or otherwise) without prior written consent of the owner.

Specification for the Design of

Pipeline Block Valve Stations

Revision 2

AUTHORISED FOR ISSUE 31/10/98

Signed: ..
Wim van Leeuwen
Corporate Functional Discipline Head for Pipelines
OIP (UEL)

Date:

The following is a brief summary of the four most recent revisions to this document. Details
of all revisions prior to these are held on file by the issuing department.
Revision
0
1
2

Date
Oct 1992
June 1993
October 1998

Description
Updated and retyped
Revised to reflect the:
1) Possibility to design block valve stations for any design
pressure;
2) Preference to install flanged block valves for non-toxic
services.
3) Deletion of requirement to install thermal relief valves on gas
pipeline block valve station bypass lines;
4) Possibility to install tight shut-off, high performance butterfly
valves instead of ball or through conduit gate valves in the
block valve station bypass lines for pressures ANSI class 900;
5) Possibility to install double block and bleed mono-block
(slimline) valves for pressure gauge isolation;
6) Latest length of intelligent pigs used in determining distance of
pig signallers from block valve.
Formerly know as ERD-38-03, now known as SP-1032

SP-1032

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Specification for the Design of

Pipeline Block Valve Stations

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1

INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................1
1.1
1.2
1.3

PURPOSE................................................................................................................. 1
CHANGES TO THE SPECIFICATION......................................................................1
WARRANTY.............................................................................................................. 1

SCOPE...............................................................................................................2
2.1
BLOCK VALVE STATION DEFINITION.....................................................................2
2.2
BLOCK VALVE STATION LIFE CYCLE.....................................................................2
2.2.1
DESIGN............................................................................................................. 2
2.2.1.1
2.2.1.2
2.2.1.3
2.2.1.4
2.2.1.5

2.2.2

DESIGN CODE.............................................................................................................2
DESIGN FACTOR.........................................................................................................2
DESIGN PRESSURE....................................................................................................3
DESIGN TEMPERATURE.............................................................................................3
DESIGN VELOCITIES..................................................................................................3

BLOCK VALVE STATION COMPONENTS........................................................3

2.2.2.1 PIPEWORK................................................................................................................... 3
2.2.2.1.1 Bypass Line............................................................................................................3
2.2.2.1.2 Drain Line................................................................................................................3
2.2.2.1.3 Flare/Vent Line........................................................................................................3
2.2.2.2 VALVES.........................................................................................................................4
2.2.2.2.1 Block Valves............................................................................................................4
2.2.2.2.2 Check Valves...........................................................................................................4
2.2.2.2.3 Bypass Valves.........................................................................................................5
2.2.2.2.4 Throttle Valve..........................................................................................................5
2.2.2.2.5 Drain Valves............................................................................................................5
2.2.2.2.6 Relief Valves...........................................................................................................5
2.2.2.3 BRANCH CONNECTIONS...........................................................................................5
2.2.2.4 OTHER COMPONENTS...............................................................................................5
2.2.2.2.1 Pressure Indicator Connections.............................................................................5
2.2.2.2.2 Temperature Indicator.............................................................................................6
2.2.2.2.3 Pig Signallers..........................................................................................................6
2.2.2.2.4 Supports.................................................................................................................. 6
2.2.2.5 COATING...................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.2.6 LAYOUT........................................................................................................................6
2.2.2.7 LOCATION....................................................................................................................7

2.2.3
2.2.3.1
2.2.3.2
2.2.2.3
2.2.3.4
2.2.2.5

MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS............................................................................7
GENERAL.....................................................................................................................7
PIPE.............................................................................................................................. 7
VALVES.........................................................................................................................8
FLANGES..................................................................................................................... 8
FITTINGS......................................................................................................................8

2.2.2
OPERATION...................................................................................................... 8
2.2.3
MAINTENANCE/INSPECTION..........................................................................8
2.2.4
DISPOSAL......................................................................................................... 8
2.3
PERFORMANCE LEVELS/INDICATORS.................................................................8
2.4
PERFORMANCE MONITORING..............................................................................8
2.5
RELATED BUSINESS CONTROL DOCUMENTS....................................................9
2.6
REVIEW AND IMPROVEMENT..............................................................................10
2.7
PERIOD OF VALIDITY............................................................................................10
2.8
STEP OUT AND APPROVAL..................................................................................10

TABLES................................................................................................................... 11
FIGURES................................................................................................................. 12
APPENDIX A........................................................................................................... 13
GLOSSARY OF TERMS, DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS.....................................13

USER COMMENT FORM........................................................................................14

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Specification for the Design of

Pipeline Block Valve Stations

1
1.1

Revision 2

INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide a common design basis for the piping within the
areas of a block valve station (BVS), for oil and gas transmission pipelines with a diameter
ranging from 4" (100mm) to 48" (1200mm).
1.2

CHANGES TO THE SPECIFICATION

The document has been updated to reflect the:

1) Possibility to design block valve stations for any design pressure;
2) Possibility to install flanged block valves for non-toxic services.
3) Deletion of requirement to install thermal relief valves on gas pipeline block valve
station bypass lines;
4) Possibility to install tight shut-off, high performance butterfly valves instead of ball or
through conduit gate valves in the block valve station bypass lines for pressures ANSI
class 900;
5) Possibility to install double block and bleed mono-block (slimline) valves for pressure
gauge isolation;
6) Latest length of intelligent pigs used in determining distance of pig signallers from block
valve.
1.3

WARRANTY

N/A

SP-1032

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Specification for the Design of

Pipeline Block Valve Stations

SCOPE

This document covers the basic requirements for the piping design within the areas of a
block valve station (BVS), for oil and gas transmission pipelines with a diameter ranging
from 4" (100mm) to 48" (1200mm). It is written in the context of liquid, gas and multi-phase
hydrocarbon fluids, but may be applicable to other fluids and diameters greater than 48
inch.
Criteria for deciding whether block valve stations are required are excluded from the scope
of this document. These criteria are listed in DEP 31.40.00.10 and ASME/ANSI B31.4
(434.15.2) and ASME/ANSI B31.8 (846.11).
2.1

BLOCK VALVE STATION DEFINITION

The boundaries of a block valve station are the fenced-in plot above a pipeline block valve.
The design of the block valve station is such that it can be used either in liquid or gas
service. The main purpose of a pipeline BVS is to provide a means of isolating a section of
a pipeline to:

Minimise loss of product and all related hazards in the event of a pipeline failure;
Improve the possibilities for pipeline maintenance and repair;
Facilitate operational flexibility in a looped pipeline system.

In addition, a BVS should also allow for:

Periodic checking of the block valve operation without interrupting the flow in the
pipeline;
Pressurising, depressurising, venting/draining and purging a single pipeline section;
Equalising pressure in two adjacent sections prior to opening the block valve.

2.2

BLOCK VALVE STATION LIFE CYCLE

2.2.1

DESIGN

2.2.1.1

DESIGN CODE

Company's oil pipelines are designed in accordance with ASME/ANSI B31.4, whereas
Company's gas lines are designed in accordance with ASME/ANSI B31.8.
A BVS, including above ground pipework, shall be designed according to the same code as
the pipeline.
Wall thickness transitions shall meet the welding configuration requirements as specified in
the design codes ASME/ANSI B31.4 and B31.8 (Ref. 434.6 and Appendix I (Figure 15,
respectively) 1,2.
NOTE:

TD, the minimum thickness for design pressures, shall not be greater than 1.5t, where t is the nominal
wall thickness of the thinner pipe.
2
Pipes with a wall thickness less than 4.8 mm shall not be used.

The distance between welds for fittings and branch connections shall be at least one
pipeline diameter, but not less than 300 mm.
2.2.1.2

DESIGN FACTOR

For pipelines designed with a hoop stress design factor higher than 0.6, the block valve
stations shall be designed with a design factor of 0.6, to increase safety margins.
For pipelines designed with a factor of less than 0.6, the block valve stations shall be
designed with a factor equal to that of the pipeline.

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Pipeline Block Valve Stations

Revision 2

This design factor shall be applied to the pipework within the boundaries of the fenced-in
block valve station plot.
The above approach is in accordance with Section 4.3 of DEP 31.40.00.10 and has the
advantage that conversion of an oil pipeline to a Class 1 gas pipeline can in practice be
done without any modifications to the block valve stations.
2.2.1.3

DESIGN PRESSURE

The design pressure of the BVS shall be equal to that of the pipeline. The MAOP of the
BVS shall be de-rated in line with any de-rating of the MAOP of the pipeline.
2.2.1.4

DESIGN TEMPERATURE

The maximum and minimum design temperature of the buried pipeline within the BVS shall
be the same as for the buried pipeline outside the BVS. For above ground pipework within
the BVS, the design temperatures shall be the same as for the pipeline pig traps. However,
calculations shall be made to determine the minimum operating temperature in the bypass
line due to throttling.
2.2.1.5

DESIGN VELOCITIES

For piping in intermittent service acceptable maximum velocities are 8 m/s in the case of oil
and 40 m/s in the case of gas. For every design it shall be checked that the velocities do
not exceed designated maxima and that piping pressure drops are not excessive or within
allowable pressure drops as stated in the basis of design or design premise (2.2.2.1.1).
2.2.2

BLOCK VALVE STATION COMPONENTS

Reference is made to Figure 1.

2.2.2.1
2.2.2.1.1

PIPEWORK
Bypass Line

The minimum diameter of the bypass line shall be approximately one third of the pipeline
diameter. The design shall take due account of the following:

Avoidance of hydrates due to excessive pressure drops;

Acceptable noise levels;
Possibility of future connections with pump stations, loop lines, etc, in which case the
bypass line diameter may need to be increased.

A spool piece shall be included in the bypass line to allow for future connections.
The horizontal parts of the bypass line shall be sloped (1:100) towards the pipeline.
2.2.2.1.2

Drain Line

Drain points shall be provided near the bypass valves to drain liquid accumulated in the
bypass line. Consideration shall be given to the construction of drain pits where it is
envisaged that the amount of liquid to be drained is too large to capture in small containers.
2.2.2.1.3

Flare/Vent Line

For pipelines in gas service, flare/vent connections shall be provided on the bypass lines to
blow down the intermediate sections between block valves in case of an emergency.

SP-1032

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2.2.2.2

Specification for the Design of

Pipeline Block Valve Stations

VALVES

For toxic services, the block valve (2.2.2.2.1), check valve (2.2.2.2.2, including the
additional drain valve) and bypass valves (2.2.2.2.3) shall be welded into the pipeline. For
non-toxic services, the valves should have flanged ends in preference to weld ends unless
the elimination of potential leak paths is more important than maintainability and
replaceability. Consideration should be given to the difficulties with the installation of raised
face gaskets for larger flanged valves (raised faced gaskets are specified for all pressure
classes <ANSI class 1500).
When valves are flanged, bolts shall be tightened in a controlled manner using hydraulic bolt
tensioning equipment, as outlined in Appendix 4 of DEP 70.08.10.11.
Where valves are purchased with pup pieces attached by the valve manufacturer, then
attachments, e.g. weldolets for instruments shall either be installed by the valve
manufacturer before pressure testing of the valve assembly, or in the field on adjacent
pipework. Welding of attachments to the pup piece in the field is not permitted.
The requirement for double block and bleed isolation philosophy shall be as outlined in EP95-0000 (0230):
a) all systems in ANSI class 900 and above
b) toxic service (with H2S toxic threshold reduced from 1000 ppm to 500 ppm)
c) systems containing FLASHING LIQUIDS above ANSI class 300 (i.e. at ANSI class 600
and above). "Flashing liquid" for this was defined as category A fluids as per IP Code
Part 15 Appendix B.

2.2.2.2.1

Block Valves

The block valve shall be a full bore ball valve or a through conduit gate valve 3 to maintain
piggability. Flanged block valves shall be installed above ground. Construction of pits is not
recommended, because of the tendency for pits to fill with water and sand. All bends
necessary for the transition of the pipeline from below ground to above ground shall either
be 5D induction bends as per DEP 31.40.20.33 or 20D field bends, depending on the size of
the pipeline. Block valves that are welded in should preferably be installed below ground.
Note

2.2.2.2.2

Through conduit gate valves may be slab gate or expanding gate type.

Check Valves

In the case of an oil pipeline the use of a check valve should be considered in combination
with a block valve. In order to determine the exact requirements for a check valve, a study
shall be performed for each individual case taking into account the following:

Elevation differences;
Terrain features;
Pipeline capacity;
BVS spacing;
Possible drainage losses due to a leak;
Possibility of reverse flow;
Type of check valve to be used.

To facilitate removing its top cover, check valves shall always be installed between the block
valve and the upstream tee connecting the pipeline with the bypass line.
When a check valve is installed, a 2" (50mm) bleed/vacuum drain connection shall be
installed between the block valve and the check valve.

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Specification for the Design of

Pipeline Block Valve Stations
2.2.2.2.3

Revision 2

Bypass Valves

The bypass valves shall be either:

reduced bore ball valves, or

tight shut-off, high performance butterfly valves for pressure classes ANSI class 900 4,
or
gate valves 5.

The valves shall be installed to enable flow to bypass the block valve when this is closed.
NOTE:

2.2.2.2.4

The terms "tight shut-off" and "high performance" in relation to butterfly valves are terms used by the
manufacturers and mean "metal seated, zero leakage as per API 6D" and "double or triple off-set",
respectively. The valves shall be of the flange/wafer/flange type. Consideration shall be given to the
installation of butterfly valves with body end-to-end dimensions in accordance with API6D to facilitate change
out with ball valves or gate valves.
The bypass valve does not have to be full bore, but if the block valve is installed above ground, the bypass
valve may be subject to pipeline debris in which case a through conduit gate valve should be used if a gate
valve is to be installed.

Throttle Valve

The throttle valve shall be a globe or suitable control valve depending on the size. This
valve is installed for flow control during pressurisation of a pipeline section. The valve shall
be able to open on full differential pressure and shall be sized accordingly.
The throttle valve does not need to be a tight shut-off valve, but shall preferably be of a bidirectional type to allow effective flow control in either direction. If this is not the case then a
reversible spool piece shall be used, as shown in Figure 1. This valve shall be flanged into
the bypass line.
2.2.2.2.5

Drain Valves

The drain valves shall be reduced-bore ball valves or tight shut-off butterfly valves.
These valves shall be flanged into the drain line.
2.2.2.2.6

Relief Valves

Thermal relief valves shall be installed where the shut in pressure could exceed the design
pressure as a result of thermal expansion of static fluid. Thermal relief valves are not
normally required for gas lines but they shall be installed on liquid lines on the bypass line
between the throttle valve and each of the bypass valves.
The relief valve capacity and setting shall comply with the pipeline design code
(ASME/ANSI B31.4 or B31.8) and DEP 80.45.10.10.
2.2.2.3

BRANCH CONNECTIONS

The diameter of all branch connections shall be at least 2" (50mm). The connection of
bypass lines to the mainline shall always be piggable tees i.e., not weldolets.
2.2.2.4
2.2.2.2.1

OTHER COMPONENTS
Pressure Indicator Connections

Pressure indicator connections shall be installed on both sides of the block valve. The
connection shall be on the bypass line rather than the pipeline itself to enable above ground
installation.

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Specification for the Design of

Pipeline Block Valve Stations

In addition, pressure indicator connections shall be installed on both sides of the throttle
valve. If the block valve and bypass valves are flanged (2.2.2.2), the instrument
connections shall include a 2" flanged double block and bleed mono-block (slimline) valve.
If the block valve and bypass valves are welded (2.2.2.2), the instrument connection shall
include:

a 2" (50mm) welded reduced bore ball valve on the block valve side of the bypass
valves, and
a 2" (50mm) flanged double block and bleed mono-block (slimline) valve on the throttle
valve side of the bypass valve.

2.2.2.2.2

Temperature Indicator

It is recommended to install a temperature indicator downstream of the throttle valve for

lines in gas service where low temperatures may be experienced.
2.2.2.2.3

Pig Signallers

Pig signallers of the intrusive type shall be installed upstream and downstream of the
mainline block valve. Battery operated "pingers" may be used to locate the pigs during a
pigging operation, but shall not be used to replace the mechanical intrusive pig signallers.
The pig signallers shall be in accordance with DEP 31.40.21.33. They shall include isolation
valves to isolate the pig signaller from the pipeline and shall be supplied with a portable
jacking tool for safe lifting of the transfer mechanism complete with the trigger through the
isolating valve with the main pipeline under pressure.
The distance from the downstream pig signaller to the mainline block valve shall be at least
the length of the maximum length intelligent pig to be used, as indicated in Table 1. The
upstream pig signaller shall be installed as close to the block valve as possible, but the
distance from this pig signaller to the block valve shall not exceed the length of the
maximum length intelligent pig to be used.
Block valve stations are the most likely places for pigs to become stuck. Pig signallers
situated at the correct distance from the block valve will indicate whether the BVS can still
be closed if and when required. Furthermore, a pig signaller is a positive indication of (last
point of) passage, giving a starting point to look from in the event a pig gets stuck.
2.2.2.2.4

Supports

Supports, wherever possible, shall be designed in accordance with ERD-28-03 and they
shall be designed to carry the weight of the above ground section of the bypass line filled
with water.
The supports shall be electrically isolated from the above ground piping.
2.2.2.5

COATING

All components of the BVS installed above ground shall be coated in accordance with PCS1 of ERD-48-01. Components of the BVS installed below ground shall be coated in
accordance with PCS-2 of ERD-48-01.
2.2.2.6

LAYOUT

The BVS shall be graded and fenced in accordance with ERD-17-01.

Under normal circumstances the bypass line shall be on the opposite side of the pipeline
from the ROW access road.

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Specification for the Design of

Pipeline Block Valve Stations

Revision 2

The BVS shall have at least two gates on opposite sides of the compound. One gate shall
be for light vehicle/truck access and the other to provide an alternative emergency escape
route for personnel.
Installation of fixed area lighting should be considered.
On either side of the block valve and on the pipeline side of the bypass valves sufficient
pipe length shall be included for valve replacement by a hot tap stoppling operation. The
length required is the length of an equal split tee plus 200 mm.
2.2.2.7

LOCATION

A study shall be carried out for each individual pipeline to determine the location of each
BVS. This shall take into account:

Construction of BVS above grade level or below grade level in dedicated pit;
Spacing requirements as given in the design code;
Elevation differences;
Terrain features, e.g.wadis;
Pipe line capacity;
Leak sizes and related probability;
Time required before a BVS can be reached;
Convenient access from black top or graded roads;
Convenient access to mains electrical supplies if required;
Possibility of third party interference.

2.2.3

MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

2.2.3.1

GENERAL

Materials shall generally be in accordance with a Piping Class with a pressure rating equal to
or greater than the pipeline design pressure. However, mainline items shall be compatible
with the mainline linepipe with respect to weldability, wall thickness/material grade transitions
and dimensions. Dimensional considerations include actual internal diameter, ovality and
wall thickness transition taper angles (2.2.1.1).
Calculations shall be made to determine the minimum operating temperature in the bypass
line due to throttling. In case this temperature is below the minimum design temperature of
5C, the material selection given below shall be reviewed to assure its suitability. It should
be noted that the ASME/ANSI B31.4 and B31.8 codes are limited to systems operating
above minus 30C. Reference is made to DEP 30.10.02.31 for guidance and requirements
relating to materials in low temperature service. Although transmission pipelines are
excluded from its scope it may be relevant for some of the BVS components.
A summary of the material requirements is given in Table 2.
2.2.3.2

PIPE

Pipe with the same nominal diameter as the pipeline shall be in accordance with the
mainline linepipe specification DEP 31.40.20.30 or DEP 31.40.20.31. All the other piping
shall be procured either in accordance with the mainline linepipe specification, API 5L, or
MESC 74 Specifications 74/001 or 74/002 which are based on API 5L B and ASTM A106 B,
respectively.

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2.2.2.3

Specification for the Design of

Pipeline Block Valve Stations

VALVES

Ball valves and check valves shall be procured in accordance with SP-1033. Gate valves
and butterfly valves shall be procured in accordance with MESC 77 Specifications 77/131
and 77/134, respectively. Special attention shall be given to the compatibility of any weld
end pup pieces (2.2.2.2) with the mainline pipe. Thermal relief valves shall be procured in
accordance with MESC 77 Specification 77/135.
Valves, 16 inch and larger, shall be provided with a hydraulic actuator in addition to a
handwheel or handpump. Hydraulic systems for remote operation of shut-off valves shall be
in accordance with DEP 31.36.10.30. The hydraulic power pack shall not to be operated by
process gas. Valves, 4 inch up to and including 14 inch, shall, unless remote operation is
preferred, be provided with manual gear operation only.
2.2.3.4

FLANGES

Flanges shall be procured in accordance with MESC 76 buying specification 76/002 (based
on MSS SP-44 or ANSI B16.5) or in some cases MSS SP-44 alone. ANSI B16.5 covers up
to 24" diameter. MSS SP-44 covers 12" diameter and above and has been developed
specifically for pipelines: it includes steel grades up to F70 for use with thin wall high grade
linepipe.
2.2.2.5

FITTINGS

The tees that connect the bypass lines with the main line and all elbows shall be purchased
in accordance with MSS SP-75 or MESC 76 buying specification 76/003 (non sour service)
or DEP 31.40.21.30 (sour service). Similarly to flanges, as noted above, the MESC buying
specification is limited to 24" diameter and also limits steel grade. Therefore MSS SP-75
should be used for large diameters and high grade applications.
The tees shall be compatible with the mainline pipe with respect to dimensions for pigging
and also the bevel end configuration constraints in the design codes. All other fittings
(weldolets etc.) shall be procured in accordance with a MESC 76 Specification 76/003.
Note: Specifications for Piping Classes (and associated MESC buying descriptions) are based on ASME/ANSI B31.3
requirements. They will satisfy B31.4/31.8 requirements in most cases, normally with greater wall thickness
because of lower allowable stress levels. However, care should be taken with transitions to high strength
materials, i.e. higher than X52 or Y52 grades as detailed in the above mentioned MSS specifications.

2.2.2

OPERATION

N/A
2.2.3

MAINTENANCE/INSPECTION

N/A
2.2.4

DISPOSAL

N/A
2.3

PERFORMANCE LEVELS/INDICATORS

N/A
2.4

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

N/A

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Specification for the Design of

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2.5

Revision 2

RELATED BUSINESS CONTROL DOCUMENTS

This Specification contains references to the following documents:

PDO
ERD-00-02

Technical Authority System

ERD-17-01

Civil and Building Construction Specification

ERD-28-03

Application and Selection of Standard Pipe Supports

ERD-38-01

PDO Piping Classes

ERD-48-01

Painting and Coating Systems for Oil and Gas Facilities

SP-1033

Specification for the Procurement of Pipeline Ball Valves and Check

Valves

SIEP
EP-95-0000

EP HSE Manual

DEP 30.10.02.31

Metallic Materials - Requirements for equipment for low temperature

service and for equipment containing liquefied gas or lethal substances

DEP 31.36.10.30

Hydraulic Systems for Remote Operation of Shut-off Valves

DEP 31.38.01.15

EP Piping Classes

DEP 31.40.00.10

Pipeline Engineering

DEP 31.40.20.30

Line Pipe for Use in Oil and Gas Operations under Non-Sour Conditions

DEP 31.40.20.31

Line Pipe for Use in Oil and Gas Operations under Sour Conditions

DEP 31.40.20.33

Line Pipe Induction Bends

DEP 31.40.21.30

Pipeline Fittings (Amendments/Supplements to MSS SP-75)

DEP 31.40.21.33

Pig Signallers: Intrusive Type

DEP 70.08.10.11

Equipment and Tools for Maintenance and Inspection - Part 2, Amended

by DEP Circular Nos. 22/93 and 27/94

DEP 80.45.10.10

Pressure Relief, Emergency Depressurising and Flare and Vent

Systems

International
ASME/ANSI B16.5

Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings

ASME/ANSI B31.3

Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping

ASME/ANSI B31.4

Liquid Transportation systems for Hydro carbons, Liquid Petroleum Gas,

Anhydrous Ammonia and Alcohols

ASME/ANSI B31.8

Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems

API 5L

Specification for Line Pipe

API 6D

Specification for Pipeline Valves (Steel Gate, Plug, Ball and Check
Valves)

ISO 31

Quantities and Units

ISO 1000

SI Units and Recommendations for the use of their multiples and of

certain other units

MSS SP-44

Steel Pipeline Flanges

MSS SP-75

Specification for High Test Wrought Butt Welding Fittings

SP-1032

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Specification for the Design of

Pipeline Block Valve Stations

Make sure this is the latest issue of this Specification. Refer to the wall chart ERD-00-01 for
the last issue date.
Where this Specification refers to DEPs and International Standards, it refers to the issues
that were in-use when the author wrote this Specification. Exceptions are references to
specific issues. If you use DEPs or International Standards with this Procedure, make sure
you use the correct issues.
Where cross references to other parts of this Specification are made, the referenced section
number is shown in brackets.
2.6

REVIEW AND IMPROVEMENT

This Specification shall not be changed without approval from the CFDH. Only the
Custodian, the Corporate Functional Discipline Head (CFDH) who owns this Specification,
can give approval for changes. The CFDH for this particular Specification is the Pipelines
CFDH, UEL. If you think the Specification is not correct, write your comments on a copy of
the User Comment Form. The form is the last page of this Specification. Send the copy
with your comments and personal details to DCS. This Specification will be updated once
every three years.
2.7

PERIOD OF VALIDITY

N/A
2.8

STEP OUT AND APPROVAL

The user shall obtain written approval from the appropriate technical authority within the
Company for any deviation from the requirements of this Specification. The appropriate
technical authorities are set out in ERD-00-02. All conflicts between the requirements of this
Specification, related specifications, procedures, guidelines, standards and codes shall be
referred to the Company for clarification before proceeding with the work.

31/08/15

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Specification for the Design of

Pipeline Block Valve Stations

Revision 2

TABLES
Table 1: Required Distance Downstream Pig Signaller - Block Valve
Pipeline Diameter
(inches)

Approximate
Maximum Length
of Inspection Tool
(mm)

Minimum Distance
Downstream Pig
Signaller -Block
Valve (mm)

3100

3600

3900

4400

4400

4900

10

4300

4800

12

4300

4800

16

5100

5600

18

5100

5600

20

5100

5600

24

5700

6200

28

5800

6300

30

6000

6500

32

6600

7100

36

6600

7100

38

6600

7100

40

6600

7100

42

6600

7100

48

6600

7100

The maximum pig lengths have been selected by comparison of maximum pig lengths from
British Gas, Tuboscope and Pipetronix.
Table 2: Material Requirements for BVS Components
Component
Pipe
Valves
Ball
Check
Gate
Butterfly
Relief
Flanges
Fittings

SP-1032

Service
Non Sour
DEP 31.40.20.30, API 5L, or
MESC SPE 74/001

MESC SPE 77/131

MESC SPE 77/134
MESC SPE 77/135
MSS SP-44 or
MESC SPE 76/002
MSS SP-75 or
MESC SPE 76/003

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Sour
DEP 31.40.20.31, API 5L, or
MESC SPE 74/002 +74/125

MESC SPE 77/131 +

MESC SPE 77/134 +
MESC SPE 77/135 +
MSS SP-44 or
MESC SPE 76/002 +
DEP 31.40.21.30

74/125
74/125
74/125
74/125

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Revision 2

Specification for the Design of

Pipeline Block Valve Stations

FIGURES
Figure 1:Block Valve Station Layout

R e lie f v a lv e s
o n ly r e q u ir e d o n liq u id lin e s

V e n t/F la r e C o n n e c t io n s f o r
g a s lin e s o n ly

PG

PG

BY
PA

XI

SS
LIN
E

PG

PG

L (1)
TH
RO
VA TTL
LV E
E

(1)

L
MA
Se
e

Ta
ble

IN

BL
O

XI

CK
VA
LV
E

FL
DIR OW
EC
TIO

C h e c k v a lv e a n d a d d it io n a l d r a in
v a lv e s h o u ld o n ly b e c o n s id e r e d
f o r liq u id lin e s

N o te s :

SS
PA
BY LVE
VA

GR
AD
E

LIN
E

(1 )

B lo c k V a lv e is s h o w n b u r ie d f o r s im p lic it y
E q u a l d is t a n c e s " L " t o a llo w f o r r e v e r s in g o f t h e
s p o o l/th r o tt le v a lv e if th e t h r o ttle v a lv e is o f th e n o n
b i- d ir e c tio n a l t y p e .
(3 )
A ll v a lv e s a r e d e p ic t e d a s b a ll v a lv e s f o r
s im p lic ity .
(4 )
V a lv e s o n t h e p ip e lin e s id e a r e a ll s h o w n w e ld e d
f o r s im p lic ity .
(2 )

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SP-1032

Specification for the Design of

Pipeline Block Valve Stations

Revision 2

APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY OF TERMS, DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
A.1

LANGUAGE AND UNITS OF MEASUREMENT

You shall use the English language and the International System (SI) units of measurement in all
documents and drawings; refer to ISO 31 and ISO 1000. Where the SI unit is a conversion of a
manufactured dimension, the SI units shall be put after the original dimension in brackets. For
example, for linepipe where the manufactured dimensions are in inches, 2" (50mm) pipe.
A.2

STANDARD DEFINITIONS

The list that follows tells you the meaning of some words in all Procedures and Specifications:

A.3

Company: Petroleum Development Oman LLC.

Principal: The person or organisation that specifies the requirements in a contract and
pays the contractors and vendors for their services, materials and equipment.
Contractor: The person or organisation that supplies the company with services.
Vendor: The person or organisation that supplies the company with materials and/or
equipment.
Discipline: A specific set of technical knowledge and skills.
Corporate Functional Discipline Head (CFDH): The person responsible for a discipline in
the Company. The CFDH approves the Procedures and Specifications that apply to his
discipline.
User: The person or organisation that reads, and uses the information, in this Procedure.
Shall: tells you that you must obey an instruction.
Should: tells you what the principal recommends.
May: tells you a possible procedure.
ACRONYMS

The following abbreviations or acronyms are used:

ANSI:
API:
ASME:
ASTM:
BVS:
CFDH:
DCS:
DEP:
ERD:
HIC:
ID:
MAOP:
MESC:
MSS:
PDO:
ROW:
SIEP:

SP-1032

American National Standards Institute.

American Petroleum Institute.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
American Society for Testing and Materials
Block Valve Station.
Corporate Functional Discipline Head.
Document Control Section.
Design and Engineering Practice
Engineering Reference Document.
Hydrogen Induced Cracking.
Inside Diameter.
Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure.
Materials and Equipment Standards and Code
Manufacturers Standardisation Society.
Petroleum Development Oman LLC.
Right of Way.
Shell International Exploration and Production BV.

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Revision 2

Specification for the Design of

Pipeline Block Valve Stations

USER COMMENT FORM

User Comment Form
If you find something that is incorrect, ambiguous or could be better in a Specification,
write your comments and suggestions on this form. Send the form to the Document
Control Section (DCS). They make a record of your comment and send the form to the
correct CFDH. The form has spaces for your personal details. This lets DCS or the CFDH
ask you about your comments and tell you about the decision.
Specification
Title
Issue Date:
Details
Number:
Page Number:

Heading Number:

Figure Number:

Comments:

Suggestions:

Users personal details

Name:

Ref.
Ind.:

Signature:

Date:
Phone:

Document Control Section Actions

Comment
Date:
Number:
Recd.:
CFDH Actions
Recd.
Decision:
Date:
Reject:
Accept, revise at next issue:
Accept, issue temporary
amendment
Comments:

Originator
Advised:

31/08/15

Date:

Inits.:

CFDH
Ref. Ind.:
To CFDH:
Inits.:

Ref.
Ind.:

Document
Control
Section
Advised:

Page 14

Date:

Date:

Inits.:

SP-1032