Process control networks are essential components of any industrial automation system, and they play a crucial role in the efficient operation of the process. Process control network cables must be installed in accordance with the applicable standards and codes to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Saudi Aramco’s Engineering Standards, SAES-J-902, provide guidelines for the installation of process control network cabling indoors. This article provides an overview of the process control network cabling installation requirements for Saudi Aramco.
Process Control Network Cabling Requirements
Process control network cabling installed indoors shall be placed in ladder, trough or solid bottom cable trays as per SAES-J-902. Redundant network cables installed indoors shall not be installed in the same cable tray, except for those located within a PCS cabinet. Data Highway or network communication cables shall maintain a minimum separation of 75 mm from any AC power cables.
The use of wireless technology for DCS networks is not permitted without prior written approval from General Supervisor, Process Automation Systems Division, Process & Control Systems Department, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran. The Process Control Network shall not be routed to Operator Shelters.
Fiber Optic Cabling
Fiber optic cables within any cabinet shall be routed in plastic wire ducts or protective conduit. Where routing within the wire duct would exceed the minimum bend radius of the cable, protective conduit shall be used. Fiber Optic (FO) cables used for process control networks may be installed in the same tube bundle as FO cables used for IT traffic provided that the fibers used for process control are separate and dedicated for process control network traffic.
Fiber optic cables routed between process control cabinets shall be terminated in Fiber Optic Patch Panels (FOPP) located in the source and destination cabinets. All fiber optic cables shall be labeled with source and destination address. Installation of fiber optic cables between buildings for process control network cabling shall be in accordance with Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard, SAES-Z-020, Design and Installation of Fiber Optic Cable-Systems for Process Control Networks.
Environmental Conditions
PCS equipment shall meet the environmental requirements defined in 23-SAMSS-010 Section 5.
Control Rooms
Control room design shall be per SAES-J-801.
Inspection and Testing
PCS equipment shall be subject to the Inspection and testing requirements defined in 23-SAMSS-010 Section 23.
Documentation
PCS equipment shall be supplied with documentation described in 23-SAMSS-010 Section 24.
Conclusion
Process control network cabling is an essential component of any industrial automation system, and it must be installed in accordance with the applicable standards and codes to ensure safe and reliable operation. Saudi Aramco’s Engineering Standards, SAES-J-902, provide guidelines for the installation of process control network cabling indoors. This article provided an overview of the process control network cabling installation requirements for Saudi Aramco.
- International Codes and Standards Used in Process Control System.
- Process Control System Segregation in Terms of Risk Areas.
- Spare and Expansion Capabilities of Process Control System.
- Process Control and Equipment Protection.
- Control Console Technical Specification for Industrial Control Projects.
- Operator Graphical Displays for Process Control System.
- Guidelines for Process Alarm Systems: Alarm System Management.
- Distributed Control System (DCS) Historization and Trending.
- Process Control System Access and Security.
- Process Control System Integration and Interface with other Disciplines.
- Technical Requirements for System, Network and Server Cabinets – PCS.
- Electrical Wiring and Power Distribution for Distributed Control Systems.