Petroleum Development Oman L.L.C.

Specification for the Design, Operation, Maintenance and

Inspection of Pipeline Block Valve Stations
(SP-1032)

Document ID SP-1032

Document Type Standard

Security Unrestricted

Discipline Pipeline Engineering

Owner UEL – Pipelines Corporate Functional Discipline Head

Issue Date Sep 2015

Revision 4.1

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 BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

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Specification for BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

i Document Authorisation

Authorised For Issue

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Specification for BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

ii Revision History
The following is a brief summary of the 4 most recent revisions to this document. Details of
all revisions prior to these are held on file by the issuing department.

Revision No. Date Author Scope / Remarks

Updated the BVS pit requirements
4.1 Sep 2015 UEL
Revised to reflect -
4 July 2014 Hilal Kindi
1. Changed bypass valve to full bore.
Badar Habsi 2. Deleted CRA weld overlay material
requirement for piping
Rayees Khalfay
3. Buried flanged BVS not permitted
4. Standards reference list updated
Revised to reflect the:
3 Sept 2011 Wim Vranck
1) Change in operating philosophy for
Sultan Al-Owaisi BVS in crude oil pipelines
2) Change in design for the liquid
pipeline BVSs
3) Materials for the BVS pipings and
valves.
4) Added sections related to BVS
operation, maintenance and
inspection as to integrate all issues
related to BVS in one integrated
specification.
2 October 1998 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 known as ERD-38-03, now

known as SP-1032
1 June 1993 Updated and re-typed

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Specification for BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I DOCUMENT AUTHORISATION ....................................................................................... III

1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................1
1.1 PURPOSE .....................................................................................................................................1
2 SCOPE ...............................................................................................................................1
2.1 BLOCK VALVE STATION PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHY .........................................................1
2.2 BLOCK VALVE STATION LIFE CYCLE .......................................................................................2
2.2.1 DESIGN .................................................................................................................................2
2.2.1.1 DESIGN CODE ............................................................................................................................... 2
2.2.1.2 DESIGN FACTOR ........................................................................................................................... 2
2.2.1.3 DESIGN PRESSURE ...................................................................................................................... 2
2.2.1.4 DESIGN TEMPERATURE ............................................................................................................... 2
2.2.1.5 DESIGN VELOCITIES ..................................................................................................................... 3
2.2.2 BLOCK VALVE STATION COMPONENTS ...........................................................................3
2.2.2.1 PIPEWORK ..................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2.2.2 VALVES........................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2.2.3 BRANCH CONNECTIONS .............................................................................................................. 4
2.2.2.4 OTHER COMPONENTS ................................................................................................................. 5
2.2.2.4.5 COATING .................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.2.4.6 LAYOUT ...................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.2.4.7 LOCATION .................................................................................................................................. 6
2.2.3 MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS ...............................................................................................6
2.2.3.1 GENERAL ....................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.3.2 PIPE ................................................................................................................................................ 6
2.2.3.3 VALVES........................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.3.4 FLANGES ........................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2.3.5 FITTINGS ........................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2.4 OPERATION ..........................................................................................................................7
2.2.5 MAINTENANCE/INSPECTION ..............................................................................................7
2.4 RELATED BUSINESS CONTROL DOCUMENTS .......................................................................8
2.5 REVIEW AND IMPROVEMENT ....................................................................................................9
2.6 PERIOD OF VALIDITY..................................................................................................................9
2.7 STEP OUT AND APPROVAL .......................................................................................................9
FIGURES ................................................................................................................................10
APPENDIX A ..........................................................................................................................12
GLOSSARY OF TERMS, DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................... 12
USER COMMENT FORM ..................................................................................................................... 13

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Specification for BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 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). It also gives guidance on operation,
maintenance and inspection of Pipeline Block Valve Stations.

2 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.
The boundary of a block valve station is 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.

2.1 BLOCK VALVE STATION PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHY

The main purpose of a BVS is to provide a means of isolating a section of a pipeline to:

• Minimise loss of product in the event of a pipeline failure

• To facilitate repairs.
• Facilitate operational flexibility in a looped pipeline system.

Minimise loss of product:

- In case of a pipeline rupture, the content of a pipeline will drain during the period that
pumps are still running, adjacent BVS are closed and the hydrostatic head in the
ruptured section is reduced to ambient. The spillage flow for a rupture is usually so
large that pumps will be shut down quickly but the majority of the line will be drained
by the time, the BVS have been reached by personnel to close them
- In case of a pipeline small leak, the time to detection will take longer and the time to
drain a section can be days. A BVS would then be able to isolate sections to allow
for a reduced hydrostatic head and ability to install a emergency repair clamp earlier

Emergency repair clamps can be installed on pinhole leaks provided that the remaining
pressure in the line is less than 700 kPa. This is a general guideline only. Should the
maximum hydrostatic head in a pipeline be lower than 700 kPa, there is thus no reason to
install a BVS for facilitating emergency repair.

Criteria for deciding whether block valve stations are required, their spacing and location
shall be based on a QRA study, in line with ASME B31.8 section 846.1.1.

The study shall take into account:

- All past MOL lines leaks have been associated with BVS and accessories.
- SOGL lines have not experienced any leaks.
- There has not been a pipeline rupture in the MOL. (A large leak occurred in the early
80’s due to external corrosion on the 30” Fahud-Nahada line.)
- There is very limited third party activity involving excavation near PDO lines in our
concession area. Outside the concession area, there is a rigorous Right Of Way
inspection program in place to prevent unauthorised third party activities near PDO
lines
- QRA’s on existing MOL lines indicate that having no BVS is in most cases the
ALARP solution
- BVS should be of utmost simplicity as experience indicates that eventually, integrity
problems occur with accessories, valves, flanges, dead legs, piping, and this long
before the integrity of the pipeline is an issue.

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Specification for BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

- MOL/SOGL system does not have any leak monitoring system which can aid in
faster response time to leaks.

The design philosophy is thus:

- Limit the number of BVS to a minimum, based on QRA study. Where necessary, a
deviation from the Codes shall be raised.
- Make design of BVS as simple as possible
- Do not install a permanent bypass on manually operated BVS for liquid lines as this
will lead to internal corrosion. Keep and properly preserve prefabricated bypass
ready at site, together with supports. This will allow for quick installation in case the
main line BVS would get stuck in the closed position.
- In gas lines the bypass shall be installed

2.2 BLOCK VALVE STATION LIFE CYCLE

2.2.1 DESIGN
2.2.1.1 DESIGN CODE
As per SP-1211 section 2.1, Company’s pipelines are designed based on fluid category as
per ASME B31.4 / 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
1,2
the design codes ASME/ANSI B31.4 section 434.8.6, and B31.8 Appendix I .
1
NOTE: T D , 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.

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 Table 1 of SP-1211.

2.2.1.3 DESIGN PRESSURE

The design pressure of the BVS shall be equal to that 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.

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Specification for BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

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(a) and 1(b) for liquid lines and Figure 2 for gas lines.

2.2.2.1 PIPEWORK
2.2.2.1.1 Bypass Line
The minimum diameter of the bypass line should be sized in line with velocity limitations, as
mentioned in section 2.2.1.5. 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.
• Excessive vibration during pigging

Oil lines:
A bypass line shall not be installed permanently for liquid lines as dead legs would occur.
The bypass can be made and stored onsite:
- Adequately protected externally: pipeline coating/ painting.
- Adequately protected internally: full coverage coating and hard cover dust caps
Pipe supports will be fabricated and kept on site, ready for installation.
- Sufficient gaskets and stud bolts are to be available in emergency stock.

The take off from the main line shall be via a vertical pipe with a flanged valve to prevent
stagnant water in contact with the pipe wall.

Gas lines
A bypass can be installed with the off take in the vertical position. The bypass valves should
be normally closed. Ensure that the bypass section is free water after hydrotesting.

2.2.2.1.2 Drain Line

Liquid lines without Automated BVS: Drain points should not be provided.
Liquid lines with Automated BVS: Drain points shall be provided as shown in Figure 1 (b)
Gas lines: Drain points should not be provided.

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.

2.2.2.2 VALVES
For toxic services, the block valve (2.2.2.2.1), 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).

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Specification for BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

When valves are flanged, bolts shall be tightened in a controlled manner using hydraulic bolt
tensioning equipment, as outlined in SP-2020.

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.

2.2.2.2.1 Block Valves

The block valve shall be a full bore ball valve to allow pigging of the line and in line with SP-
1201. The mainline isolation valve should be welded type. However if the valve is flanged
type then it shall be installed in a pit.

2.2.2.2.2 Check Valves

Check valves shall not be used for BVS. If there is a requirement for isolation line sections,
BVS can be used, if need be provided with remote actuation.

2.2.2.2.3 Bypass Valves

The bypass valves shall be full bore ball valves. The valve shall be installed to enable flow to
bypass the block valve. However, these valves will be in closed position with a blind
installed.

2.2.2.2.4 Throttle Valve: for gas lines only

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 bi-
directional type to allow effective flow control in either directions shown in Figure 2. This
valve shall be flanged into the bypass line.

2.2.2.2.5 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.

For liquid lines with an automated BVS and bypass permanently in place, a thermal relief
may be required, unless full flow relief valves are installed

For liquid lines with manual BVS, the bypass is not permanently installed so a thermal relief
is not required.

Thermal relief valves are not required for gas lines

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.

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Specification for BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

Branch connections shall be avoided where possible; where required, the connection should
be in the12 o’clock position.

2.2.2.4 OTHER COMPONENTS

2.2.2.4.1 Pressure Indicator Connections
Pressure indicator connections should normally not be installed on manually operated BVS
for liquid lines. For automated BVS, the indicators should be installed on the bypass line to
enable above ground installation.

In addition, pressure indicator connections shall be installed on both sides of the throttle
valve (gas lines).

2.2.2.4.2 Temperature Indicator

Temperature indicators are not required. Gaslines shall be designed for the lowest
temperature during depressurising.

2.2.2.4.3 Pig Signallers

Pig signallers of the intrusive type shall not be installed on a BVS. Only space for non
intrusive signallers installation shall be provided.

2.2.2.4.4 Supports
Supports, wherever possible, shall be designed in accordance with GU-629 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.

2.2.2.4.5 COATING
All components of the BVS installed above & below ground shall be coated in accordance
with SP-1246.

2.2.2.4.6 LAYOUT
The BVS shall be graded and fenced in accordance with SP-1279.

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

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 is not required unless there are special security situations.

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.

For main line block valves installed in a valve pit, there shall be no extension for drain,
sealant lines etc from valve to above ground. At least 500 mm clearance from valve body to
pit bottom, shall be maintained in the pit. Valve pit shall be sized such that at least 1500 mm
clear space is available from mainline OD (outside diameter) to pit wall on either side of
pipeline. (i.e. pipeline is centered in the pit). Actuator (Hydraulic) and the two bypass valves
shall be above grade level penetrating thru the pit cover. For liquid lines, bypass spool shall

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Specification for BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

have at 6 o’clock and 12 o’clock positions two 2” connections with blind flange (without valve
– which shall be installed by Pipeline Maintenance team later when spool is to be installed).

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

• Spacing requirements as given in the design code;

• Elevation differences and hydrostatic head
• Terrain features, e.g.wadis, population density; BVS shall be located in reasonably flat
terrain for easy access. BVS shall not be located in wadis or areas where flood is
expected.
• Leak sizes (rupture, large leak, pinhole leak) 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.
• BVS shall be located away from any existing facilities at a distance based on QRA
recommendations.

The objective is to minimise the number of BVS on a pipeline, supported by risk analysis
based on ALARP approach. It should be noted that sometimes other considerations such as
public image or external stakeholder concerns may override a QRA decision.

2.2.3 MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

2.2.3.1 GENERAL
Materials shall be in line with the project MSR. 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
5°C, 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 29°C. 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.

2.2.3.2 PIPE
The design lifetime for the bypass piping should equal the pipeline design life. Therefore,
material selection is critically important. Pipe with the same nominal diameter as the pipeline
shall be in accordance with the mainline linepipe specification DEP 31.40.20.37

For the bypass piping that is blinded, nitrogen purged and stored at site, however, carbon
steel is acceptable under the condition that a preservative coating must be applied to the
inside of the spool. Based on prior experience with stored piping it is expected that the
carbon steel piping will be internally flow coated, as this treatment gives excellent results.

2.2.3.3 VALVES
The importance of purchasing high quality valves for these BVS’s can hardly be overstated.
Therefore, it is recommended that the valve bodies along with the ball and trunion be

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Specification for BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

constructed as per SP-1201 using corrosion resistant alloys (CRA). The valve bodies shall be
carbon steel with a 3 mm (total thickness) welded overlay of alloy 625, laid down in two
passes, for the internal wetted parts. The trim for the valves shall be alloy 625. The valve
manufacturer shall submit a procedure detailing how it is proposed to apply CRA to all
openings in the valve body (drain, vent, sealant injection, etc.). Manual gear operators will
be sufficient, as per section 2.2.7 of SP 1201. The drain valves shall be solid alloy 625.

2.2.3.4 FLANGES
Flanges shall be procured in accordance with DEP 31.40.21.34 (Pipeline Flanges).

2.2.3.5 FITTINGS
The tees that connect the bypass lines with the main line shall be purchased in accordance
with DEP 31.40.21.30-Gen (Pipeline Fittings) and shall meet the sour service requirements
as per SP-2041.

2.2.4 OPERATION
A BVS will only be operated in case of:
- Emergency due to leak/rupture in an adjacent section
- Requirement to reroute flow to a parallel pipeline
- Depressurization of gas pipelines
- Draining for repairs.

2.2.5 MAINTENANCE/INSPECTION
For BVS maintenance procedure, please refer to PR-2120.

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2.4 RELATED BUSINESS CONTROL DOCUMENTS

This Specification contains references to the following documents:

PDO Title
GU-629 Guideline for Application and Selection of Standard Pipe Supports
PR-2120 BVS maintenance procedure
SP-1200 Specification for the Procurement of Pipeline Check Valves
SP-1201 Specification for the Procurement of Pipeline Ball Valves
SP-1211 Onshore Pipeline Engineering
SP-1246 Painting and Coating Systems for Oil and Gas Facilities
SP-1279 Civil and Building Construction Specification
SP-2020 Specification for flange connections bolt torquing and tensioning
SP-2041 Specification for crack resistant materials in H2S containing
environments
SP-2061 Functional Technical Directorates - Technical Authority System
SIEP
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 the operation of on/off valves in protective
functions.
DEP 31.38.01.15 EP Piping Classes
DEP 31.40.00.10 Pipeline Engineering
DEP 31.40.20.37 Linepipe for critical service
DEP 31.40.20.33 Line Pipe Induction Bends
DEP 31.40.21.30 Pipeline Fittings
DEP 70.08.10.11 Mechanical and electrical maintenance equipment and tools
DEP 80.45.10.10 Design of pressure relief, 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
ISO 3183 / API 5L Petroleum and natural gas industries - Steel pipe for pipeline
transportation systems / 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
ISO 15590 part 1,2,3 Petroleum and Natural gas industries – Induction bends, fittings, and

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Specification for BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

flanges for pipeline transportation systems.

NACE MR 01-75/ Petroleum and Natural gas industries – Materials for use in H2S
ISO 15156 containing environments in Oil and Gas production – Part 1,2,3

Make sure this is the latest issue of this Specification. Refer to the wall chart GU-611 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.

2.5 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.

2.6 PERIOD OF VALIDITY

N/A

2.7 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 SP-2061. 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.

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Specification for BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

FIGURES
Figure 1 (a): Block Valve Station Layout for Liquid Pipelines

Liquid Pipelines Block valve station configuration

Manual operation only

(Spool piece for temporary

bypass piping blinded and
stored at site.)

20 NC 20 NC

Figure 1 (b):Block Valve Station Layout for Liquid Pipelines

Liquid Pipelines Block valve station configuration

Suitable for remote operation

RV

RV
PI PG PG

Slope 1:50
NC
(typ)
2”-D 2”-D

20 NO 20 NO

”
Future piping modifications
for BVS automation

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Specification for BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

Figure 2: Block Valve Station Layout for Gas Pipelines

Gas Pipelines Block valve station configuration

PG PG

NC

20 NC 20 NC

Note – the sketches are guidelines only.

• DBB shall be provided as per SP-1125 requirements.

• Flare / vent connections shall be provided on bypass for gas lines (section 2.2.2.1.3)

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Specification for BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

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:

• 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.

A.3 ACRONYMS
The following abbreviations or acronyms are used:

ALARP As Low as Reasonably Practicable

ANSI American National Standards Institute
API American Petroleum Institute
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
BVS Block Valve Station
CFDH Corporate Functional Discipline Head
DCS Document Control Section
DEP Design and Engineering Practice
HIC Hydrogen Induced Cracking
ID Inside Diameter
MAOP Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure
MESC Materials and Equipment Standards and Code
MOL Main Oil Line System
MSR Material selection report
NC Normally closed
NO Normally open
PDO Petroleum Development Oman LLC
PG Pressure gauge
PI Pressure indicator
QRA Quantitative risk assessment
ROW Right of Way
SI International system of units
SIEP Shell International Exploration and Production BV
SOGL South Oman Gas Line System
SP Specifications

SP-1032 Page 12 Sep 2015

Specification for BVS Design-Operation-Maintenance Revision 4.1

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SP-1032 Specification for the Design of Pipeline Block Valve Stations

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SP-1032 Page 13 Sep 2015