STANDARDS

NORSOK STANDARDS

M-001 Materials selection

NORSOK M-001: Materials Selection standard, which is a key document in the Norwegian petroleum industry for ensuring safe and cost-effective material use in offshore and onshore facilities:

🔧 Purpose and Scope

NORSOK M-001 provides guidance and requirements for:
- Material selection
- Corrosion protection
- Corrosion control
- Design limitations for materials
- Qualification of materials and manufacturers
It applies to hydrocarbon production and processing facilities, including:
- Fixed offshore installations
- Subsea production systems
- Onshore terminals (excluding civil/structural works)
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🧪 Key Principles

Designed for a minimum 20-year design life.
Emphasizes corrosion evaluation and environment-specific material selection.
Covers:
- Weld overlays
- Chemical treatments
- Corrosion monitoring
- Dissimilar metal connections

🏗️ Applications Covered

Drilling equipment
Well completion systems
Structural materials
Topside facilities
Subsea flowlines and pipelines
Chains and mooring lines for floating units

📋 Design Limitations

Specifies limitations for:
- Structural materials
- Pressure-retaining materials
- Polymeric materials

🏭 Qualification Requirements

Material qualification and manufacturer qualification are mandatory.
Includes familiarization programs for fabrication contractors.

📘 Relation to Other Standards

Complements international standards like ISO 21457.
References other NORSOK standards such as:
- M-501 (Surface preparation and protective coating)
- M-630 (Material Data Sheets)
- M-650 (Qualification of manufacturers)

The checklist for material selection based on the NORSOK M-001 standard. This can be used during design, procurement, and engineering reviews for offshore and onshore oil & gas facilities:

✅ NORSOK M-001 Material Selection Checklist

1. General Requirements

[ ] Confirm design life (typically ≥ 20 years).
[ ] Define service environment (e.g., topside, subsea, sour service).
[ ] Identify applicable NORSOK standards (e.g., M-501, M-630, M-650).
[ ] Ensure compliance with ISO 21457 where applicable.

2. Corrosion Assessment

[ ] Evaluate internal and external corrosion mechanisms.
[ ] Determine corrosion rates and mitigation strategies.
[ ] Consider CO₂, H₂S, chlorides, temperature, and pressure effects.
[ ] Assess need for corrosion allowance or corrosion-resistant alloys (CRA).

3. Material Selection

[ ] Select materials based on:
- Mechanical properties
- Corrosion resistance
- Weldability
- Availability and cost
[ ] Avoid galvanic corrosion (check dissimilar metal compatibility).
[ ] Use qualified materials per NORSOK M-630 (MDSs).
[ ] For polymers and composites, verify chemical and thermal compatibility.

4. Welding and Fabrication

[ ] Confirm weldability of selected materials.
[ ] Ensure weld overlays or cladding are qualified (per M-601/M-650).
[ ] Review fabrication tolerances and heat treatment requirements.

5. Surface Protection

[ ] Apply protective coatings per NORSOK M-501.
[ ] Consider cathodic protection for submerged or buried components.
[ ] Ensure surface prep and coating systems are compatible with service.

6. Qualification and Documentation

[ ] Verify manufacturer qualifications (NORSOK M-650).
[ ] Ensure material certificates and traceability.
[ ] Review test reports (mechanical, corrosion, impact, etc.).
[ ] Maintain material selection report (MSR) for project documentation.

7. Special Considerations

[ ] For sour service: comply with ISO 15156 / NACE MR0175.
[ ] For subsea: assess pressure, temperature, and insulation needs.
[ ] For fire exposure: consider fire-resistant materials or coatings.

M-004 Piping and equipment insulation

The summary of the NORSOK M-004:2018 – Piping and Equipment Insulation standard, which outlines the minimum requirements for insulation systems used in offshore and onshore oil & gas installations:

🧱 Scope

Applies to pipes, vessels, tanks, valves, flanges, instrument tubing, and penetrations.
Covers thermal insulation, personnel protection, fire protection, and acoustic insulation.
Not applicable to subsea installations, HVAC systems, or refractory insulation[1].

🧪 Qualification Requirements

Personnel:
- Insulation fitters, supervisors, QC personnel must be qualified.
Insulation systems:
- Must be qualified for specific classes:
- Class 5/F: Fire insulation
- Class 6, 7, 8: Acoustic insulation
Requires:
- Insulation Procedure Specification (IPS)
- Drawings for penetration seals
- Inspection and Test Plan (ITP)

🧰 Materials and Components

Insulation materials: Must meet environmental and performance requirements.
Cladding:
- Metallic (e.g., stainless steel)
- Non-metallic (e.g., GRP)
Accessories:
- Aluminium foils, sealing tapes, gaskets, perforated guards, etc.
Sealing of penetrations and vapour barriers are critical for performance.

📐 Design Engineering

Insulation Classes:
- Class 1: Heat conservation
- Class 2: Personnel protection
- Class 3: Cold conservation
- Class 4: Anti-condensation
- Class 5/F: Fire protection
- Class 6–8: Acoustic insulation
- Class 9: Freeze protection
Combination of classes is allowed (e.g., thermal + fire + acoustic).
Thickness calculation methods are provided for each class.

🛠️ Installation and Inspection

Covers:
- Workmanship standards
- Piping and vessel insulation
- Cladding installation
- Flange and valve insulation
- Drainage and vapour barrier integrity
- Non-contact insulation
- Instrument insulation
Inspection includes visual checks, thickness verification, and sealing integrity.

📄 Annexes

Annex A: Key insulation data
Annex B: Qualification of new products
Annex C: Site test piece
Annex D: Material Data Sheets (MDSs)

References

[1] NORSOK - M-004 - Piping and equipment insulation | GlobalSpec

[2] NORSOK M-004:2018 Piping & Equipment Insulation Standard

The checklist for insulation based on the NORSOK M-004: Piping and Equipment Insulation standard. This can be used during design, procurement, installation, and inspection phases:

✅ NORSOK M-004 Insulation Checklist

1. General Requirements

[ ] Confirm insulation is required (thermal, fire, acoustic, personnel protection, etc.).
[ ] Identify applicable insulation class (1 to 9).
[ ] Ensure insulation system is qualified for the intended class.
[ ] Verify insulation is not applied to subsea or HVAC systems (excluded by M-004).

2. Design and Engineering

[ ] Select insulation material suitable for:
- Temperature range
- Fire resistance
- Acoustic performance
- Mechanical strength
[ ] Confirm insulation thickness meets design requirements.
[ ] Ensure compatibility with cladding (metallic or non-metallic).
[ ] Include vapour barriers and drainage where required.
[ ] Avoid thermal bridges and ensure continuity of insulation.

3. Documentation

[ ] Insulation Procedure Specification (IPS) prepared and approved.
[ ] Drawings for insulation and penetration seals available.
[ ] Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) developed.
[ ] Material Data Sheets (MDSs) for insulation and cladding reviewed.

4. Installation

[ ] Verify insulation fitters and supervisors are qualified.
[ ] Check surface preparation before insulation (clean, dry, primed if needed).
[ ] Confirm correct installation of:
- Insulation material
- Vapour barriers
- Cladding
- Sealing of joints and penetrations
[ ] Ensure insulation is protected from water ingress and mechanical damage.

5. Inspection and Testing

[ ] Visual inspection of insulation coverage and finish.
[ ] Thickness measurement of insulation layers.
[ ] Check for proper sealing at flanges, valves, and penetrations.
[ ] Verify drainage paths and vapour barrier integrity.
[ ] Conduct site test piece if required (Annex C).

6. Special Considerations

[ ] For fire insulation (Class 5/F): use tested and approved systems.
[ ] For acoustic insulation (Classes 6–8): verify acoustic performance.
[ ] For cold insulation (Class 3): ensure vapour barrier is continuous and sealed.
[ ] For personnel protection (Class 2): confirm surface temperature limits.

M-101 Structural steel fabrication

The NORSOK M-101:2024 standard titled "Structural Steel Fabrication" outlines the requirements for the fabrication and inspection of offshore steel structures. Here's a structured summary of the key points from the official document:

🏗️ Scope

Applies to offshore steel structures with:
- SMYS < 500 MPa
- Minimum design temperatures:
- −10 °C (non-Arctic)
- −20 °C (Arctic 1)
- −30 °C (Arctic 2)
- −40 °C (Arctic 3)
Covers:
- Jackets
- Topside modules
- FPSO structures
- Subsea production systems
- Minor structural components
Design life: up to 50 years

🔧 Key Updates in 2024 Edition

Revised CTOD test requirements
Enhanced weld production testing
Manual UT cross-checking for Category A welds
PAUT (Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing) requirements added
New annexes:
- Annex H: Execution of bolted connections
- Annex I: Calibration test for preloaded bolting assemblies

📎 Annexes

Normative: Annex C, D, E, G, H, I
Informative: Annex A, B, F

🔍 Referenced Standards

Includes references to:

EN ISO 9606 (welder qualification)
EN ISO 15614 (welding procedure qualification)
EN ISO 9712 (NDT personnel qualification)
EN 1090-2, BS 7910, ASTM G48, and many others

References

[1] NORSOK M-101:2024 | Viewer

M-102 Structural aluminium fabrication

The summary of the NORSOK M-102: Structural Aluminium Fabrication standard, based on the official documentation[1]:

🏗️ Scope

Specifies requirements for fabrication and inspection of aluminium structures used in offshore installations.
Applies to:
- Rolled sheet, strip, and plate
- Extrusions
- Cold drawn rod, bar, and tube

🔧 Key Focus Areas

Welding Procedures
- Qualification of welding procedures and operators
- Friction Stir Welding (FSW) procedures (referencing ISO 25239 series)
- Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and Welding Procedure Approval Record (WPAR)
Fabrication Requirements
- Preparation for welding
- Welding consumables
- Preheat and interpass temperature control
- Grinding and surface preparation for coatings
Production Testing
- Mechanical testing of welds
- Visual and non-destructive testing (NDT)
- Acceptance criteria for weld quality
Tolerances and Repairs
- Fabrication tolerances for aluminium structures
- Repair procedures for weld defects and distortion

📎 Referenced Standards

NORSOK M-121: Aluminium structural material (alloy selection and MDSs)
EN 1090-3: Execution of aluminium structures
EN ISO 25239: Friction stir welding of aluminium
NORSOK N-001: Integrity of offshore structures

References

[1] NORSOK - M-102 - Structural aluminium fabrication | GlobalSpec

Here’s a practical checklist for aluminium structural fabrication based on the NORSOK M-102 standard. This is useful for engineering, QA/QC, and fabrication teams working on offshore aluminium structures:

✅ NORSOK M-102 Aluminium Fabrication Checklist

1. General Requirements

[ ] Confirm structure is within scope (offshore aluminium, not subsea or HVAC).
[ ] Identify applicable aluminium alloys (refer to NORSOK M-121).
[ ] Ensure design complies with EN 1090-3 and NORSOK N-001.

2. Material Control

[ ] Verify material certificates (chemical, mechanical properties).
[ ] Confirm traceability of all aluminium components.
[ ] Check compatibility of dissimilar metals (avoid galvanic corrosion).

3. Welding Procedures

[ ] Qualified Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) available.
[ ] Welding Procedure Qualification Record (WPQR) approved.
[ ] Welders qualified per EN ISO 9606-2 (aluminium).
[ ] For Friction Stir Welding (FSW), procedures per ISO 25239.

4. Fabrication Process

[ ] Surface preparation done (clean, oxide-free).
[ ] Preheat and interpass temperature controlled.
[ ] Use approved welding consumables and filler materials.
[ ] Avoid excessive heat input and distortion.

5. Inspection and Testing

[ ] Visual inspection of all welds.
[ ] NDT methods (e.g., radiography, ultrasonic) applied as per class.
[ ] Mechanical testing (tensile, bend, hardness) for procedure qualification.
[ ] Dimensional checks and fabrication tolerances verified.

6. Repairs and Corrections

[ ] Repair procedures documented and approved.
[ ] Re-welding and grinding done per standard.
[ ] Post-repair inspection completed.

7. Documentation

[ ] All WPS, WPQR, welder certificates, and inspection reports archived.
[ ] Final fabrication dossier compiled for handover.

M-120 Material data sheets for structural steel

The summary of the NORSOK M-120: Material Data Sheets for Structural Steel standard (Rev. 3, Dec. 2000)

🏗️ Purpose and Scope

Provides a collection of Material Data Sheets (MDS) for structural steel used in offshore structures.
Specifies grades, standards, and technical requirements for:
- Plates and sections
- Hot-finished and cold-formed tubulars
- Rolled sections and seamless/welded tubulars

📋 Key Features

Based on prEN 10225 (Oct 2000 edition) and other EN standards.
Each MDS includes:
- Steel grade and product type
- Delivery condition and heat treatment
- Chemical composition
- Mechanical properties (tensile, impact)
- Dimensional tolerances
- NDT requirements
- Surface protection (e.g., Rustgrade A or B per ISO 8501-1)
- Certification (e.g., EN 10204 Type 3.1B)

🧾 Examples of MDS Entries

MDS No.	Steel Grade(s)	Product Type	Standard	Quality Level
Y01	S235JRG2, S275JR, S355J0	Plates & Sections	EN 10025	IV
Y05	S355NL, S355ML	Plates & Sections	EN 10113	III
Y06	S355G1+N	Hot-finished tubulars	prEN 10225	III
Y07	S355NH	Hot-finished tubulars	EN 10210	III
Y08	S355MLH	Cold-formed tubulars	EN 10219	III
Y15–Y70	S420–S500 series	Plates, tubulars, rolled sections	prEN 10225	I–II

📌 Selection Criteria

Limit the number of steel grades per project to a practical minimum.
Choose grades based on:
- Structural requirements
- Weldability
- Availability
- Cost-effectiveness

📘 Notes

M-120 complements NORSOK M-101 (fabrication) and M-630 (general MDS).
Fabrication tolerances in M-101 may be stricter than manufacturing tolerances in M-120.

References

[1] NORSOK Material Data Sheets for Structural Steel - studylib.net

Here’s a practical checklist for using NORSOK M-120: Material Data Sheets (MDS) for Structural Steel. This is especially useful during material selection, procurement, and QA/QC phases in offshore projects:

✅ NORSOK M-120 Checklist – Structural Steel MDS

1. Material Selection

[ ] Select steel grade(s) from M-120 MDS list (e.g., Y01, Y05, Y06, etc.).
[ ] Confirm compatibility with design code (e.g., EN 10025, prEN 10225).
[ ] Ensure steel grade meets required Steel Quality Level (SQL) for the application.
[ ] Limit number of grades used in the project for efficiency and traceability.

2. Technical Requirements

[ ] Verify chemical composition matches MDS requirements.
[ ] Confirm mechanical properties (yield strength, tensile strength, elongation).
[ ] Check impact toughness (Charpy V-notch) at design temperature.
[ ] Ensure delivery condition (e.g., normalized, TMCP, quenched & tempered) is as per MDS.

3. Dimensional and Tolerance Checks

[ ] Confirm product type (plate, tubular, section) matches MDS.
[ ] Verify dimensional tolerances per referenced EN standard.
[ ] Check flatness, straightness, and thickness tolerances.

4. Surface Condition

[ ] Surface condition must meet Rustgrade A or B (ISO 8501-1).
[ ] No lamination, rust pitting, or surface defects beyond acceptable limits.

5. Certification and Documentation

[ ] Material certificate type: EN 10204 Type 3.1B or equivalent.
[ ] Heat number and traceability clearly marked on all items.
[ ] Review and archive MDS, mill certificates, and inspection reports.

6. Weldability and Fabrication

[ ] Confirm steel grade is weldable with available procedures.
[ ] Check preheat and PWHT requirements if applicable.
[ ] Ensure compatibility with NORSOK M-101 fabrication requirements.

M-121 Aluminium structural material

Here’s a summary of the NORSOK M-121: Aluminium Structural Material standard (Rev. 2, 2015)[1]:

🏗️ Purpose and Scope

Provides recommendations for the selection of aluminium alloys, tempers, and Material Data Sheets (MDS) for use in aluminium structures, especially in offshore environments.
The MDSs are included in the annexes of the standard.

📋 Key Features

Focuses on wrought aluminium alloys (e.g., sheet, strip, plate, extrusions, rods, bars, tubes).
Covers:
- Alloy selection based on mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and weldability.
- Temper designation (e.g., T6, O, H112) for structural performance.
- Weld filler material compatibility.
Supports design and fabrication in accordance with:
- NORSOK M-102 (Structural aluminium fabrication)
- EN 1999-1-1 (Eurocode 9) – Design of aluminium structures
- EN 485 series – Aluminium product specifications
- EN 10204 – Inspection document types

📎 Referenced Standards

EN 485-1, 2, 3: Technical conditions, mechanical properties, and tolerances for aluminium products.
EN 1999-1-1: General rules for aluminium structural design.
EN 10204: Defines inspection document types (e.g., 3.1, 3.2 certificates).

🔍 Applications

Offshore platforms
Marine structures
Lightweight topside modules
Architectural components in offshore environments

References

[1] NORSOK - M-121 - Aluminium structural material | GlobalSpec

Here’s a practical checklist for aluminium material selection based on the NORSOK M-121 standard. This is especially useful for engineers, designers, and procurement teams working on offshore aluminium structures:

✅ NORSOK M-121 Aluminium Material Selection Checklist

1. General Requirements

[ ] Confirm the application is within the scope (offshore structural use).
[ ] Refer to NORSOK M-102 for fabrication compatibility.
[ ] Ensure compliance with EN 1999-1-1 (Eurocode 9) for structural design.

2. Material Selection

[ ] Select appropriate alloy group (e.g., 5xxx or 6xxx series).
[ ] Choose correct temper (e.g., T6, O, H112) based on mechanical and forming needs.
[ ] Verify corrosion resistance for the intended environment (e.g., marine exposure).
[ ] Confirm weldability of selected alloy and compatibility with filler material.

3. Mechanical Properties

[ ] Check yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation meet design requirements.
[ ] Ensure impact resistance is acceptable for the operating temperature range.
[ ] Review fatigue performance if applicable (e.g., for dynamic loads).

4. Dimensional and Product Form

[ ] Confirm product form: plate, sheet, extrusion, rod, bar, or tube.
[ ] Verify dimensional tolerances per EN 485-3 or relevant EN standard.
[ ] Ensure surface finish and flatness meet project specifications.

5. Certification and Traceability

[ ] Require EN 10204 Type 3.1 or 3.2 material certificates.
[ ] Confirm traceability from mill to final component.
[ ] Archive MDS and certificates for QA/QC documentation.

6. Special Considerations

[ ] For fire exposure, verify alloy performance under elevated temperatures.
[ ] For painted or coated surfaces, ensure compatibility with surface treatments.
[ ] For dissimilar metal joints, assess galvanic corrosion risk and mitigation.

M-122 Cast structural steel

The structured summary of the NORSOK M-122: Cast Structural Steel standard, based on available references and industry usage:

🏗️ Purpose and Scope

Defines technical delivery requirements and qualification criteria for cast structural steel used in offshore structures.
Applicable where Steel Quality Level (SQL) I or II is required[1].

🧾 Key Requirements

1. Foundry Qualification

Foundries must be qualified to produce castings per NORSOK M-122.
Qualification includes:
- Heat treatment procedures
- NDT capabilities
- Weld repair procedures
- Documentation and traceability

2. Material Grades

Commonly used grade: Structural Steel Grade 420.
Castings typically produced via sand casting or similar methods[2].

3. Heat Treatment

Normalizing, quenching, tempering, and PWHT must follow approved procedures.
Example: SAFAS uses procedures like TT07 Rev.2 for heat treatment[2].

4. Weld Repairs

Minor defects: WPS 1157
Major defects: WPS 1158 or WPS 1159
Weld repairs must be qualified and documented.

5. Testing and Inspection

NDT methods: RT, UT, MT, PT as applicable.
Mechanical testing includes tensile, impact, and hardness tests.
Test pieces must meet qualified thickness and weight ranges.

6. Certification

Materials must be certified per EN 10204 Type 3.1 or 3.2.
Markings and traceability must be maintained throughout production.

References

[1] NORSOK M-122 - Standards Store

[2] SAFAS

Here’s a practical checklist for cast structural steel based on the NORSOK M-122 standard. This is especially useful for procurement, QA/QC, and fabrication teams working with offshore castings:

✅ NORSOK M-122 Cast Structural Steel Checklist

1. Foundry Qualification

[ ] Foundry is qualified per NORSOK M-122 requirements.
[ ] Heat treatment procedures are documented and approved.
[ ] Weld repair procedures (minor and major) are qualified.
[ ] NDT capabilities and personnel are certified.

2. Material Selection

[ ] Cast steel grade selected (e.g., Grade 420) matches design requirements.
[ ] Casting method (e.g., sand casting) is suitable for component geometry and service.
[ ] Steel Quality Level (SQL) I or II confirmed for application.

3. Heat Treatment

[ ] Heat treatment procedure (e.g., normalizing, quenching, tempering) approved.
[ ] Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) applied where required.
[ ] Heat treatment records maintained for each batch.

4. Weld Repairs

[ ] Minor defects repaired using qualified WPS (e.g., WPS 1157).
[ ] Major defects repaired using WPS 1158 or WPS 1159.
[ ] Weld repairs inspected and documented.

5. Testing and Inspection

[ ] Visual inspection of castings completed.
[ ] NDT methods applied (RT, UT, MT, PT) as per defect class.
[ ] Mechanical testing performed:
- Tensile
- Impact (Charpy)
- Hardness
[ ] Test pieces representative of casting thickness and geometry.

6. Certification and Documentation

[ ] Material certificates per EN 10204 Type 3.1 or 3.2 provided.
[ ] Castings marked with heat number and traceable ID.
[ ] All inspection and test records archived.

7. Dimensional and Surface Checks

[ ] Dimensional tolerances verified against drawings.
[ ] Surface finish free from unacceptable defects (e.g., porosity, cracks).
[ ] Machining allowances and critical surfaces checked.

M-123 Forged structural steel

M-501 Surface preparation and protective coating

M-503 Cathodic protection

M-506 CO2 corrosion rate calculation model

M-601 Welding and inspection of piping

M-630 Material data sheets and element data sheets for piping

N-001 Integrity of offshore structures

N-003 Actions and action effects

N-004 Design of offshore structures

N-005 In-service integrity management of structures and marine systems

N-006 Assessment of structural integrity for existing offshore load-bearing structures

P-002 Process system design

R-001 Mechanical equipment

R-002 Lifting equipment

R-003 Safe use of lifting equipment

1-001 Field instrumentation

1-002 Safety and automation system (SAS)

L-001 Piping and valves

L-002 Piping system layout, design and structural analysis

L-003 Piping details

L-004 Piping fabrication, installation, flushing and testing

L-005 Compact flanged connections

H-002 Sanitary systems

H-003 Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)

S-001 Technical safety

S-002 Working environment

S-003 Environmental care

T-101 Telecom systems

T-003 Telecom systems for mobile offshore units

E-001 Electrical systems

C-001 Living quarters area

C-002 Architectural components and equipment

C-004 Helicopter decks on offshore installations

U-001 Subsea production systems

U-009 Life extention for subsea systems

U-100 Manned underwater operations

U-101 Diving respiratory equipment

U-102 Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) services

U-103 Petroleum related manned underwate operations inshore

D-001 Drilling facilities

D-002 Well intervention equipment

D-007 Well testing systems

D-010 Well integrity in drilling and well operations

1-106 Fiscal metering systems for hydrocarbon liquid and gas

Z-001 Documentation for operation (DFO)

Z-CR-002 Component identification system

Z-DP-002 Coding system

Z-003 Technical information flow requirements

Z-004 CAD symbol libraries

Z-005 2D-CAD drawing standard

Z-006 Preservation

Z-007 Mechanical completion and commissioning

Z-008 Risk based maintenance and consequence classification

Z-013 Risk and emergency preparedness assessment

Z-015 Temporary equipment

Z-018 Supplier's documentation of equipment