Process Automation Networks: Design, Installation, Configuration, and Commissioning
In order to ensure the safe and reliable operation of Saudi Aramco’s process automation systems, it is essential that the design, installation, configuration, and commissioning of Process Automation Networks (PANs) adhere to the standards outlined in SAES-Z-537. This standard outlines the requirements for PANs that interface with a plant’s Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in order to communicate with the Saudi Aramco Corporate Network or third-party external networks.
What is a Process Automation Network?
A Process Automation Network (PAN) is a plant-wide network that interconnects Process Control Systems (PCS) and provides an interface to the Corporate Network through the plant DMZ. It does not include proprietary process control networks provided as part of a vendor’s standard process control system.
Parties Involved in Commissioning PANs
Any parties involved in the commissioning of PANs must comply with the requirements outlined in SAES-Z-537. This includes engineers, designers, installers, and configurators responsible for the setup and commissioning of the PAN.
Related Standards
There are several related standards that are important to consider when designing, installing, configuring, and commissioning a PAN. These include:
• SAES-Z-001 – Requirements and guidelines for engineering, design, and installation of Process Control Systems
• SAES-Z-004 – Requirements and guidelines for engineering, design, and installation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
• SAES-J-904 – Requirements for engineering design, specification, installation, configuration, commissioning, and maintenance for FOUNDATION™ fieldbus based control systems
• SAEP-99 – Procedural requirements and guidelines to govern minimum mandatory Security for Process Control Systems and Networks
• SAES-T-566 – Requirements for governing the design, installation, configuration, and commissioning of Saudi Aramco plant Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Architecture.
Conclusion
The design, installation, configuration, and commissioning of Process Automation Networks (PANs) is a critical part of ensuring the safe and reliable operation of Saudi Aramco’s process automation systems. As such, it is essential that all parties involved in the commissioning of PANs adhere to the requirements outlined in SAES-Z-537 and related standards.