PRE-COMMISIONING ACTIVITIES

HYDROSTATIC TESTING

CONTRACTOR shall prepare a detailed plan and procedure for filling, hydro testing and dewatering and submit it to Saudi Aramco for approval 48 days prior to commencing any hydrostatic
testing activity.
Hydrostatic test water will be abstracted in a controlled manner from significant water sources.
The CONTRACTOR is responsible for obtaining the required hydrostatic test water. For treatment
of hydro test water and layup refer to SAES-A-007.
Prior to abstraction of hydrostatic test water from a source, a water quality analysis will be
conducted to confirm its quality. Water quality shall meet the requirements of SAES-A-007.
It may be necessary for the CONTRACTOR to use chemicals for the control of corrosion in the
water filled pipeline. Consequently, the correct dosage/application of the chemicals and
subsequent re-treatment of transferred water can be critical to the management of hydrostatic
test water. Water analysis shall be conducted at abstraction locations as close as practically
possible to the date of commencement of water fill to enable identification of correct dosage
levels.
Treatment of hydro test water shall be in accordance with SAESA-007 section, 5.
The CONTRACTOR will prepare a detailed dewatering procedure and submit to Saudi Aramco
for approval, 48 days prior to starting any dewatering activities. The procedure shall be in
accordance with Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure SAEP327-Disposal of Wastewater from
Cleaning, Flushing and Dewatering Pipelines and Vessels. Comply with the requirements of GI
2.102 for Pressure Testing Safely.
If the line is not commissioned within 30 days from the date the water filled in, then the pipeline
shall be laid up in accordance with SAES-A-007. Lay-up procedures for pipelines under the
responsibility of Pipelines Department shall be approved, prior to hydro test by the General
Supervisor, Pipelines Technical Services Division (PTSD) and by the Manager of the concerned
area as per SAES-A-007, Para. 5.2.1.
Marl lined, temporary evaporation ponds may be constructed, as required, in accordance with
Figure 1 contained in SAEP-327 for dewatering the Pipeline if required. Contractor shall erect
temporary fencing and warning signs. Guards will be posted as necessary to secure the pond
from animals and dwellers. The security measures will remain in effect until the water has
evaporated.
Hydro test water shall be disposed of in accordance with the requirements of SAEP-327 and
SAES-A-103. Pipeline drains shall be designed as per SA standard drawing AA-036886 as
required.

CLEANING AND GAUGING

Saudi Aramco standards require every string of pipeline to be cleaned and gauged on the side of the
ditch prior to lowering and tie-in. The CONTRACTOR shall, also, run scrapers with magnets through
the pipeline to ensure the pipeline is free of any metallic debris. The CONTRACTOR shall obtain the
approval of SAPMT/ PIU (Project Inspection Unit) for the internal cleaning and gauging procedure.

CHEMICAL CLEANING of the pipeline shall be as per the following phases:

Phase-1: Gel Pick up Debris
Phase-2: Drying the pipeline
Phase-3: Diesel/High-low IV Surfactant Pick up cleaning
FILLING

The CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for identifying the hydrostatic test water source and
obtaining Saudi Aramco approval of the source and its quality. This shall include the option of
drilling new wells, providing pumps and tanks, making connections to the pipeline and filling the
pipeline.
The cost of drilling wells (if required), providing pumps, equipment, materials and/or
transportation of water to fill the pipeline shall be included in the CONTRACT Lump Sum Price.
Chemicals shall be injected as required to insure that proper concentrations of oxygen scavenger
are maintained as per SAES-A-007.
TESTING
Test pressure shall be in accordance with the requirements of Saudi Aramco Engineering
Standard SAES-L-150: Pressure Testing of Plant Piping and Pipelines and SAES-A-007:
Hydrostatic Testing Fluids and Lay-Up Procedures. The basic criteria for the pressure limits
shall be 90% of the Specified Minimum Yield Strength (SMYS) of the pipe at the high point and
not to exceed 100% of the SMYS at the low point of the section under test.
Valves shall be tested separately for Body & Seat tests. Valves shall be tested per the
requirements of SAES-L-108.
A detailed plan and procedure for filling, hydrostatic testing, dewatering and drying of the
pipelines shall be prepared by the Contractor and submitted to Saudi Aramco, or its
Representative, for approval 48 days prior to commencing any hydrostatic testing activity.
The hydrostatic test shall be performed prior to installation of mainline valves. Valves shall be
tested separately in accordance with SAES-L-108. Tie-in welds that are not hydrostatic tested will
be 100% X-ray in lieu of Hydrostatic test. Prior approval shall be sought from Saudi Aramco for
tie-in welds, which are not hydrostatic-tested.
CONTRACTOR shall hydro test and dewater all pipelines and other valve station piping, laterals
and valves in accordance with Saudi Aramco Standards.
All pipeline scrapers, scraper cups, scraper tracking devices and other material or equipment
required for filling, hydrostatic testing, dewatering, and commissioning shall be furnished by the
Contractor.
After successful hydrostatic testing the pipeline will be ready for service. 2.10.6
DEWATERING
The CONTRACTOR shall dewater the pipeline in accordance with SAEP327: Disposal of Waste
Water from Cleaning, Flushing and Dewatering Pipelines and Vessels. The contractor shall
prepare a water disposal plan and submit it to Saudi Aramco for approval prior to start of filling.
CONTRACTOR will construct marl lined temporary evaporation pond(s) in accordance
with SAEP-327 if required. Temporary fencing and post guards shall be installed as
required to secure the disposal pit(s). The security measures shall remain in place until
the water has evaporated. Upon completion of the T&I work, Contractor shall demolish
the temporary drain ponds and restore the area to its original condition. The number, size
and location of ponds shall be determined by the contractor and included in the water
disposal plan. All piping required for the dewatering system shall be Contractor supplied.