API RP 945-2003 (R2020)

This recommended practice discusses environmental cracking problems of carbon steel equipment in amine units. Stress corrosion cracking of stainless steels in amine units is beyond the scope of this document although there have been isolated reports of such problems. This practice does provide guidelines for carbon steel construction materials including their fabrication, inspection, and repair to help assure safe and reliable operation. The steels referred to in this document are defined by the ASTM designation system, or are equivalent materials contained in other recognized codes or standards. Welded construction is considered the primary method of fabricating and joining amine unit equipment. See 3.1 and 3.2 for the definitions of weld and weldment.

This document is based on current engineering practices and insights from recent industry experience. Older amine units may not conform exactly to the information contained in this recommended practice, but this does not imply that such units are operating in an unsafe or unreliable manner. No two amine units are alike, and the need to modify a specific facility depends on its operating, inspection, and maintenance history. Each user company is responsible for safe and reliable unit operation.