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Materials System Specification
Materials System Specification
Materials System Specification
1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations................................. 2
3 References..................................................... 2
4 Definitions...................................................... 4
5 Electrical Requirements................................. 7
6 Design............................................................ 7
7 Component Selection................................... 12
8 Programming and Configuration.................. 12
9 PLC Cabinet Construction............................ 14
10 Documentation............................................. 16
11 Testing......................................................... 16
12 Other Miscellaneous Requirements............. 17
1 Scope
This specification together with the purchase order and appropriate specification sheets,
prescribes the minimum requirements for stand-alone programmable logic controllers
(PLC), as well as PLCs integrated within other process control systems, e.g., Distributed
Control Systems (DCS). Emergency Shutdown Systems (ESD) are covered by
34-SAMSS-623 and are excluded from this specification.
Hybrid controllers are considered a special type of PLC. Hybrid controllers may be
used for projects with less than 50 PID loops. P&CSD/PID/IU review and approval is
required when specifying hybrid controllers for hydrocarbon facilities.
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’s 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’s Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Manager, Process & Control Systems
Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
3 References
Material or equipment supplied to this specification shall comply with the latest edition
of the references listed below, unless otherwise noted.
Page 2 of 17
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-830
Issue Date: 20 March 2013
Next Planned Update: 20 March 2018 Programmable Logic Controller
Page 3 of 17
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-830
Issue Date: 20 March 2013
Next Planned Update: 20 March 2018 Programmable Logic Controller
4 Definitions
This section contains definitions for acronyms, abbreviations, words, and terms as they
are used in this document.
Page 4 of 17
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-830
Issue Date: 20 March 2013
Next Planned Update: 20 March 2018 Programmable Logic Controller
Buyer or Purchaser: The Company actually placing the order for the material,
(e.g., Saudi Aramco, AOC, ASC, or third party contractor).
Buyer’s Representative: The person acting on behalf of the Buyer, who may
be from the Engineering, Inspection, Purchasing, or User Organization.
Factory Acceptance Test: The final test at the Vendor’s facility of the integrated
system being purchased. This test is usually witnessed by Saudi Aramco personnel.
Failure: The state of a module that is not capable of performing its specified
function.
Page 5 of 17
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-830
Issue Date: 20 March 2013
Next Planned Update: 20 March 2018 Programmable Logic Controller
Vendor: The other party to the order for the material who may or may not be
the manufacturer of the equipment.
Page 6 of 17
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-830
Issue Date: 20 March 2013
Next Planned Update: 20 March 2018 Programmable Logic Controller
5 Electrical Requirements
6 Design
If so specified in the purchase order or ISS, the Vendor shall develop an application
program(s) which performs the logic sequence and functionality as indicated in the
following Buyer supplied documents:
a) Piping and Instrument Diagram(s)
b) Binary logic diagram(s)
c) Cause & Effect diagram(s)
d) Written description of operational requirements
The PLC shall be self-checking, i.e., have automatic internal checking capability
(so-called ‘self-diagnostics’; see paragraphs 6.1.2 and 6.1.3 for details) to detect a
failure. When a failure occurs, an alarm shall be initiated.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) shall continuously scan the application
program stored in memory, along with the status of all inputs, and execute
specified commands to the appropriate outputs. The CPU shall have 50% spare
internal memory locations, after the application program has been loaded.
Page 7 of 17
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-830
Issue Date: 20 March 2013
Next Planned Update: 20 March 2018 Programmable Logic Controller
In the ‘RUN’ or ‘LOCK’ mode, normal operation shall occur with the
inputs and outputs active; the CPU and the program running. It shall not
be possible to create or delete programs or data files, program on-line,
modify the size of a data file, or change ‘processor’ mode of operation
through an external programming device or communications interface
while in this mode.
The selected CPU operating mode shall be visually indicated on the front
of the CPU module.
The CPU shall continuously monitor its own status and indicate both
normal operation and error conditions via LED status indicators
(or equal) on each CPU module faceplate. When PLC failure occurs,
the discrete outputs shall either freeze in their present state (‘fail-as-is’)
or turn off, whichever was selected in the ISS or Purchase Order.
Page 8 of 17
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-830
Issue Date: 20 March 2013
Next Planned Update: 20 March 2018 Programmable Logic Controller
6.2.1 I/O module types, quantities, and respective signal levels shall be as
indicated on attached ISS sheet.
6.2.2 I/O modules shall be capable of being inserted into or removed from
their rack without disturbing external wiring. Field I/O wiring shall be
connected to the I/O rack, via integral screw type terminals.
6.2.3 It shall be possible to mix all types of I/O modules in any given rack,
irrespective of their voltage levels.
6.2.4 All discrete I/O modules shall include local status indicators to monitor
the status of each input and output. All analog modules shall include a
local status indicator to monitor the status of the module.
6.2.5 All discrete I/O circuits shall be isolated from logic or processor
circuitry. Transient voltage isolation for discrete I/O shall be a minimum
of 1000 Volts RMS, common-mode.
6.2.7 All input and output points shall be individually fused, or employ
current limiting circuitry, e.g., in the case of module ‘self-powered’ I/O.
Fuses shall be located on an external termination panel, fused terminal
strip, or in a location readily accessible for maintenance. Removal of I/O
modules shall not be necessary to accomplish fuse replacement.
Commentary Note:
Fuse ampacity ratings must be sized for the maximum expected load at
the maximum operating temperature of the system, but not to exceed the
I/O module rating.
6.2.8 Discrete output circuits shall be provided with protection against the
switching of inductive loads (i.e., R-C circuits, solenoid valve coils).
Page 9 of 17
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-830
Issue Date: 20 March 2013
Next Planned Update: 20 March 2018 Programmable Logic Controller
6.2.9 Discrete outputs that drive solid state inputs, i.e., annunciator points,
shall be provided with dry relay contacts. No triac outputs, with
minimum current load resistors, shall be used for this particular type of
service.
6.3.1 Remote I/O modules, if so specified on the ISS, shall be capable of being
located at an extended distance from the CPU. Actual cable length
requirements will be specified in the ISS. Communications links shall
comply with Vendor recommended cabling incorporating either twisted
shielded pairs, coaxial, twin axial or optical fiber, with physically-
lockable cable connectors. If remote I/O is selected, Vendor shall
confirm, in writing, that the selected communications cable(s) meet the
communications driver specification.
6.3.3 Remote I/O cabinets shall incorporate their own power supply.
Incoming power to the PLC system will be from Saudi Aramco supplied
120 VAC UPS power sources, which are over-current protected.
The PLC system shall be designed such that all rack power supplies
(e.g., main, expansion rack) are separate and distinct, connected via
cabling or internal bus structure. Each power supply shall be sized to
provide 100% of the ampacity requirements (at rated voltage and
maximum design temperature) for the specified configuration of I/O
cards, CPU, etc., including 25% spare modules, with all modules and
outputs energized and carrying their maximum connected load.
Commentary Note:
The 25% spare module figure includes the 10% “installed spare” modules
referenced in paragraph 9.1a.
Page 10 of 17
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-830
Issue Date: 20 March 2013
Next Planned Update: 20 March 2018 Programmable Logic Controller
Auxiliary power supplies used to power I/O field points shall be sized for
125% of the ampacity requirements (at rated voltage and maximum design
temperature). Power supply loads shall be calculated with all points
energized, and all outputs carrying their maximum connected load.
Commentary Note:
6.4.4 Protection
Each power supply shall have its own internal fuse/circuit breaker
protection on the incoming line side. Fuses or circuit breakers shall be
capable of being replaced or reset, without removal of the power supply
or disconnecting any wiring termination’s. Output protection shall be
provided by current-limiting circuitry.
The PLC system shall be designed such that, no incorrect commands are
given to the output field devices when power is applied or restored to the
CPU or I/O modules.
6.5.1 The controller shall support multiple RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 ports
(ANSI/TIA-232F, 422B or 485A) for communicating with external
devices such as a DCS operator interface station, auxiliary system,
program development workstation, or printer. Specific porting
requirements and communication protocol will be listed on the ISS.
6.5.2 The system shall also support communications using Modbus TCP/IP
protocol or OPC DA 2.0 or greater.
Page 11 of 17
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-830
Issue Date: 20 March 2013
Next Planned Update: 20 March 2018 Programmable Logic Controller
7 Component Selection
7.1.3 LED’s or visual indicators which are installed on PCBs within modules
must be mechanically protected (i.e., by a transparent cover), and be
labeled externally.
7.2 Identification
Each type of PLC module shall be uniquely identified by a type number, serial
number, and a revision or some other production lot identification code. In
addition, each PLC Module shall clearly indicate the designed field signal range,
type, and service; e.g., 120 VAC Digital Output, etc.
c) The software tools shall be either developed or third-party licensed, by the PLC
Vendor, and shall be the latest revision available at the time of placement of
purchase order.
Page 12 of 17
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-830
Issue Date: 20 March 2013
Next Planned Update: 20 March 2018 Programmable Logic Controller
8.1.3 The programming workstation shall have the capability of backing up the
CPU memory onto its internal hard drive and on a removable storage media.
Page 13 of 17
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-830
Issue Date: 20 March 2013
Next Planned Update: 20 March 2018 Programmable Logic Controller
Indoor PLC cabinet construction and wiring shall comply with the requirements of
34-SAMSS-820 “Instrumentation Control Cabinets - Indoor”, for outdoor installations
34-SAMSS-821 “Instrumentation Control Cabinets - Outdoor” should be applied,
except as may be overruled by this specification.
Page 14 of 17
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-830
Issue Date: 20 March 2013
Next Planned Update: 20 March 2018 Programmable Logic Controller
modifications:
a) 10% installed spare I/O modules, based on I/O points used.
(Minimum one spare module of each different type configured
within the application program).
b) 15% empty rack space.
9.2.1 PLC system modules (or cards) shall be mounted so that they are
oriented in the vertical plane. Card/rack installation shall facilitate quick
replacement of failed components. Card mounting and supports shall be
designed in such a manner as to dampen the effects of external vibration
on installed modules and components. Components which are not
mounted on PCBs must be securely fastened to a rack or bus assembly.
9.2.2 If power supply units are mounted in the same enclosure as the processor
unit, they shall never be mounted below the CPU and always in the
upper section of the rack(s) or cabinet.
9.2.3 A 100 ohm Platinum RTD shall be mounted at the inside top of any
cabinet containing a PLC CPU(s). The RTD shall be wired into an analog
input module. This analog input shall initiate a temperature alarm.
The setpoint for the alarm is 50°C. The alarm shall be a dry set of contacts
wired to a terminal strip in the cabinet. The alarm will be connected
(by Buyer) to an annunciator or functional equivalent device in the main
process control room. As an alternative, the alarm may be set to
annunciate at the control room DCS console via a communications link.
9.2.4 If so specified in the purchase order or ISS, a strong pull-out tray shall be
provided for the laptop/notebook programming workstation. The tray
shall be positioned to conveniently view the CPU’s front indication panel.
9.3.1 Discrete input field devices shall be wired so that they switch the hot
side of the line. Discrete outputs shall be switched from the hot side of
the line. Isolated commons shall be used when passing signals between
devices which utilize different grounding systems.
9.3.2 I/O wiring for each process train (including duty/standby equipment)
shall be terminated on separate I/O modules. If racks are required to be
powered down for replacing an I/O module, then each process train shall
be terminated in separate racks. This is to facilitate on-line maintenance
of each train without affecting the operation of the other train(s).
Page 15 of 17
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-830
Issue Date: 20 March 2013
Next Planned Update: 20 March 2018 Programmable Logic Controller
9.3.3 All installed spare I/O modules are to be wired to spare terminal points.
10 Documentation
11 Testing
11.1.1 The Vendor is responsible for providing all test equipment required to
perform the tests described in this section. In addition, he shall perform full
functional tests and confirm that any problems have been resolved prior to
inviting Buyer’s representative for the Buyer-witnessed functional test.
11.1.2 The complete system including all modules and interconnecting wiring
shall be subject to both hardware and software functional tests.
These tests shall demonstrate the functionality of each individual
component module within the integrated system, including individual
I/O point tests. Wire tagging and terminations shall be checked and
Page 16 of 17
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-830
Issue Date: 20 March 2013
Next Planned Update: 20 March 2018 Programmable Logic Controller
11.2.1 The Vendor shall provide testing to confirm that the equipment will
operate properly when energized and subjected to an electromagnetic
field from a radiating source. In particular hand-held radio transceivers
(walkie-talkies) operating at 5 Watts within the frequency range of
68 MHz to 470 MHz shall not cause any malfunction, data corruption, or
damage to the equipment.
12.1 Inspection
Revision Summary
20 March 2013 Revised the “Next Planned Update”. Reaffirmed the contents of the document, and reissued
with editorial changes.
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