Materials System Specification

34-SAMSS-821 5 October 2005

Instrument Control Cabinets – Outdoor
Instrumentation Standards Committee Members
Al-Awami. L.H., Chairman
Tuin, R.R., Vice Chairman
Al-Dakhil, T.K.
Al-Dhafeeri, F.T.
Al-Khalifa, A.H.
Al-Madhi, F.A.
Alqaffas, S.A.
Bogusz, Z.J.
Ell, S.T.
Fadley, G.L.
Falkenberg, A.R.
Gawargy, N.E.
Grainger, J.F.
Jumah, Y.A.
Mahmood, B.
Qarni, M.A.
Trembley, R.J.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents

1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations................................. 2
3 References..................................................... 2
4 General Requirements................................... 3
5 Design............................................................ 5
6 Nameplates.................................................... 6
7 Piping............................................................. 6

Previous Issue: 29 May 2002 Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 9
Primary contact: Saeed M. Al-Abeediah on 875-2559
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation 34-SAMSS-821
Issue Date: 5 October 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 Instrument Control Cabinets - Outdoor

1 Scope

This specification defines the minimum requirements for instrument control panels and
cabinets for location in outdoor areas.

Excluded from this specification are control panels provided in packaged equipment
and field instrument junction boxes.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

2.1 Any conflicts between this specification and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs), Engineering Standards (SAESs),
Standard Drawings (SASDs), or Industry Standards, Codes, and Forms shall be
resolved in writing by the Company or Buyer Representative through the
Manager, Process & Control Systems Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this specification in writing to the Company or
Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Manager, Process & Control Systems
Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

2.3 The designation "Commentary" is used to label a sub-paragraph that contains

comments that are explanatory or advisory. These comments are not mandatory,
except to the extent that they explain mandatory requirements contained in this
SAMSS.

3 References

Material or equipment supplied to this specification shall comply with the latest edition
of the references listed below, unless otherwise noted.

All of the requirements of 34-SAMSS-820, Instrument Control Cabinets - Indoors, shall

be adhered to unless superseded by requirements of this specification, 34-SAMSS-821.

3.1 Saudi Aramco Documents

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a
Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification

34-SAMSS-611 Safety Relief Valves Conventional and Balanced
Types

Page 2 of 9
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation 34-SAMSS-821
Issue Date: 5 October 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 Instrument Control Cabinets - Outdoor

34-SAMSS-820 Instrument Control Cabinets - Indoors

Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirement

175-343100 Instrument Control Panels

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American National Standards Institute

ANSI B1.20.1 Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch)

American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM A269 Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded
Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing for General
Service

International Electrotechnical Commission

IEC 60529 Classification of Degrees of Protection Provided
by Enclosures

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

NEMA 250 Enclosures for Electrical Equipment
(1000 Volts Maximum)
NEMA ICS 6 Enclosures for Industrial Controls and Systems

4 General Requirements

4.1 Environmental

4.1.1 Equipment Mounted Internal to the Outdoor Cabinet shall operate

continuously under the following humidity conditions.

Relative Humidity: Minimum 5%

Maximum 95% (non-condensing)

4.1.2 Portions of Equipment that are mounted externally on the Outdoor

Cabinet shall operate continuously under the conditions sporadic water
spray such as from rain.

Temperature:

Instruments and control systems shall operate continuously under the

following ambient air temperatures without any degradation of the
manufacturer's guaranteed performance:

Page 3 of 9
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation 34-SAMSS-821
Issue Date: 5 October 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 Instrument Control Cabinets - Outdoor

Outdoor Sheltered Outdoor Unsheltered

Notes: (1),(2),(3) Notes: (2),(3)
Maximum 55°C 65°C
(131°F) (149°F)
Minimum 0°C 0°C
(32°F) (32°F)
Notes:
1) "Sheltered" refers to permanent, ventilated enclosures or buildings, or permanently fixed
sunshades with a top and three sides.
2) For semiconductors and any other instrumentation devices which dissipate internal heat,
an additional 15°C shall be added to the above temperatures. An example, for "Outdoor
Sheltered" installation, the equipment must perform at 55 + 15 = 70°C. Similarly, for the
"outdoor unsheltered" case, the equipment shall be designed for a maximum operating
temperature of 65 + 15 = 80°C.
3) The designer can take credit for forced or passive cooling to eliminate or reduce the
15°C heat rise. For example, if vortex coolers are used, the heat removal capacity of the
coolers may be subtracted from the generated heat. No more than 15°C reduction in
temperature will be given as credit. The designer shall substantiate his claim by
providing the support data and calculations.

4.2 Offshore and Nearshore Environment

Equipment which is not enclosed or hermetically sealed, but is situated offshore

or nearshore, shall be protected against corrosion and operational failure due to
wind-borne sea water spray and the accumulation of wetted salt (NaCl).
Nearshore is defined as any outdoor, onshore location within one kilometer from
the shoreline of the Arabian Gulf; all of the Ras Tanura Refinery and Terminal;
and within three kilometers from the shoreline of the Red Sea.

4.3 Ambient Air Quality

Commentary Note:

Air-borne dust concentrations and contaminant levels are used in mechanical

equipment design, when sizing air filters and as a measure of potential dust
ingress in bearing housings, lube oil systems, etc.

Dust Concentration: Usual airborne dust concentration is 1 mg/m³. During

sandstorms, dust concentrations may reach 500 mg/m³. Particle sizes are as
follows:
95% of all particles are less than 20 micrometers
50% of all particles are less than 1.5 micrometers

Elements present in dust include compounds of calcium, silicon, magnesium,

aluminum, potassium, chlorides and sodium. When wetted (high humidity
conditions), these compounds function as electrolytes and can result in severe
corrosion.

Page 4 of 9
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation 34-SAMSS-821
Issue Date: 5 October 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 Instrument Control Cabinets - Outdoor

Other pollutants present in the atmosphere under the most extreme conditions
are:
H2S 20 ppm (vol/vol)
Hydrocarbon 150 ppm (vol/vol)
SO2 10 ppm (vol/vol)
CO 100 ppm (vol/vol)
NOx 5 ppm (vol/vol)
O3 1 ppm (vol/vol)

5 Design

5.1 Enclosures

Enclosures shall meet the requirements of this Section.

5.1.1 In outdoor plant areas, the panel/cabinet shall be NEMA 250/NEMA ICS
6 Type 4 or IEC 60529, Type IP65.

5.1.2 In outdoor plant and other industrial areas located in severe corrosive
environments as defined in Paragraph 4.2, enclosures shall be NEMA
Type 4X or IEC 60529 Type IP66, manufactured of 316L stainless steel.
Galvanized and/or painted or coated carbon steel sheet metal enclosures
are not permitted.
Commentary Note:

In outdoor plant and other industrial areas located in severe corrosive

environments, Paragraph 5.1.2 supersedes Paragraphs 5.1.1.

5.2 Electrical

5.2.1 Area Classification

The panel/cabinet and all components within the panel shall be suitable
for the electrical area classification where the panel will be installed.
The classification of the area in which the panel will be used, shall be
specified in the Purchase Order.

5.2.2 Conduit Entry

5.2.2.1 The entry (on non-explosion proof cabinets) shall have a

removable blank gland plate as specified in the Purchase Order
for Buyer's conduit entry.

Page 5 of 9
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation 34-SAMSS-821
Issue Date: 5 October 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 Instrument Control Cabinets - Outdoor

5.2.2.2 Elevated outdoor control cabinets shall normally have conduit

entry from the bottom.

5.2.3 Relays

Relays shall be hermetically sealed.

5.2.4 Pushbuttons and Lights

Pushbuttons, pilot lights and switches shall be heavy duty, oil-tight, and
shall meet the area classification of the installed location.

5.2.5 Cabinet Lights and Convenience Outlets

Cabinet Lights and Convenience Outlets shall be provided. At least one

light and duplex outlet shall be provided for each cabinet.

5.2.6 Solenoid Valves

Solenoid Valves shall be equipped with Viton Soft Goods.

6 Nameplates

Nameplates shall be attached to the cabinets using stainless steel screws. The
nameplate shall be made of corrosion resistant material. The lettering shall be clearly
legible. Internal nameplates (within the cabinet) shall also be installed using stainless
steel screws. Using adhesive nameplates is not acceptable.

7 Piping

No process piping of any kind shall be allowed in a control cabinet. The only fluid
allowed is instrument air.

7.1 Piping Installation

7.1.1 The pneumatic piping shall be installed so that each component,

including future instruments to be installed in spare places, will be
easily accessible for adjustment and calibration. Removal of
instruments and components shall be possible without having to
remove other instruments and components.

7.1.2 Pneumatic piping which does not have a pressure indication on the
instruments it connects shall be provided with a plugged tee for testing.

7.1.3 All threaded connections shall be ANSI B1.20.1 tapered.

Page 6 of 9
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation 34-SAMSS-821
Issue Date: 5 October 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 Instrument Control Cabinets - Outdoor

7.1.4 All open fittings and bulkhead connections shall be plugged or capped
during transportation.

7.2 Air Supply

7.2.1 Air headers shall be sized for the capacity of all instruments plus 20%
spare for future additions.

7.2.2 The header material shall be stainless steel.

7.2.3 Stainless steel take-off nipples shall be provided at the top of the air
header for connection of the instruments. Each take-off nipple shall
have a ¼-inch isolating valve with a tag for connected instrument
identification. The isolating valve shall be rated at 3000 psi, stainless
steel construction, with ¼" female NPT connections. Packing type
valves shall have stainless steel stems. 20% spare take-off stainless
steel nipples with plugged isolating valves shall be installed for future
requirements.

7.2.4 The air header shall be sloped 1 to 100 downstream and have a ½-inch
drain valve with plug on the bottom at the lower end of the header.
The end of the air header shall be capped with a 2-inch plugged valve.
Vertical headers shall have a blowdown valve at the lower end.

7.2.5 A relief valve with lifting lever shall be installed to prevent

overpressurizing the instruments. The set pressure shall be as specified
in the Purchase Order. The relief valve shall be sized for the combined
total capacity of two parallel air pressure regulators on 860 kPa air
supply. The relief valve shall meet the requirements of Saudi Aramco
Materials System Specification 34-SAMSS-611.

7.3 Air Filter Reducing Station

7.3.1 Common dual air filter-regulator facilities shall be provided, consisting

of:
• Two (2) air filters with female NPT connections;
• Two (2) air pressure regulators with female NPT connections;
• Two (2) pressure gauges 0-200 kPa (0-30 psi) with ¼-inch NPT
connection;
• One (1) pressure gauge 0-1000 kPa (0-150 psi) with ¼-inch NPT
connection.

Page 7 of 9
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation 34-SAMSS-821
Issue Date: 5 October 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 Instrument Control Cabinets - Outdoor

Integral combinations of the above equipment are allowed provided the

functionality of the system is maintained. (e.g., combination
filter/regulator with downstream pressure guage).

7.3.2 Each filter and regulator shall have adequate capacity to serve the
entire panel. It shall be suitable for an air-supply pressure between 400
and 860 kPa and a regulated header pressure of 170 kPa. The filter
shall be of the metal bowl type.

7.3.3 The station shall be equipped with suitable valving and coupling for
removal of each filter and regulator during normal operation without
service interruption.

7.4 Tubing and Fittings

7.4.1 Tubing

Stainless steel tubing shall be seamless, annealed, minimum wall

thickness 1.24 mm, per ASTM A269, Grade TP-316L.

Instrument air tubing shall be ¼ inch, 3/8 inch, or ½ inch OD stainless

steel. Wall thickness shall be 0.75 mm or larger.

7.4.2 Tube fittings shall be 316 stainless steel and shall be compression type
Crawford Fitting Swagelok, Parker Hannifin CPI or A-lok, Hoke
Gyrolok or equivalent to the above as approved by Supervisor,
Instrumentation Unit, Process Instrumentation Division, Process &
Control Systems Department. Interchange of tube fitting component
parts from different manufacturers is not allowed.

7.4.3 Incoming and outgoing pneumatic signal lines shall terminate in

bulkhead fittings. Location and size(s) shall be as specified in the
Purchase Order. The bulkhead fittings shall be identified by colored
rings, blue for incoming and red for outgoing lines. Rings shall be
provided internally and externally on the panel and be marked with the
identification numbers and letters of the corresponding instruments,
i.e., the internal ring shall carry the panel instrument tag number and
the external ring shall carry the tag number of the field instrument.

7.4.4 Bulkhead fittings and 20% spares, as a minimum, shall be installed

with adequate spacing to ensure that any connection can be removed
without the need to remove other fittings.

7.4.5 Tubing runs and Bulkhead fitting layouts shall be included in the
documentation provided to Saudi Aramco.

Page 8 of 9
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation 34-SAMSS-821
Issue Date: 5 October 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 November 2010 Instrument Control Cabinets - Outdoor

Revision Summary
5 October 2005 This revision is intended to address comments generated as part of the Instrumentation
Standards Value Engineering conducted on March 5-9, 2005.

Page 9 of 9