This article is referenced from international codes, standards and Aramco SAES-Z-004.
Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) is an electronic device that monitors and controls remote equipment from a central location. It is a device that is installed in the field, typically in an area not accessible to the user. It is used to collect data from a remote site, transmit it to a central location and then control the equipment at the site based on the data received. RTUs are used in a variety of applications, including oil and gas, water and wastewater, utilities, and transportation systems.
RTU Cabinet Requirements: Ensuring Proper Installation
Modern industrial facilities rely heavily on Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) to efficiently control various processes. To ensure that RTUs are installed correctly and in accordance with safety and efficiency standards, it is important to understand the various requirements for RTU cabinets.
NEMA 4X & IP 65 Enclosures
The first requirement for RTU cabinet installations is that they must be enclosed in NEMA 4X and IP 65 enclosures made of stainless steel. These enclosures must comply with the requirements outlined in 34-SAMSS-820 and 34-SAMSS-821, which are industry standards for quality and performance.
Door Hardware
RTU cabinet doors must be equipped with hardware made of 316 stainless steel, including hinges, latches, handles, bolts, and nuts. Properly secured doors are essential for the safety of personnel and the security of RTU equipment.
Cabinet Size & Dimensions
The size and dimensions of RTU enclosures must be determined based on the field installation plan. A full-length front door must be provided to allow for access to all components mounted inside. The cabinet must also be sized to ensure that the internal temperature does not exceed 60°C due to internal heat dissipation or solar radiation. Additionally, all electronic components must have a minimum temperature rating of 75°C.
Surface or Rack Mounted
RTU cabinets can be either surface mounted or rack mounted, depending on the specific design.
Locking Doors & Keys
For added security, RTU enclosures must be equipped with locking doors and supplied with two keys.
Conduit Entries
Sufficient numbers of conduit entries must be provided at the bottom of the cabinet.
Terminal Strips
Terminal strips must be provided in RTU enclosures to terminate instrument cables from field signals and for power distribution.
Tag & Nameplates
Each item of equipment and accessory inside the cabinet must be tagged, if possible, and each nameplate on the exterior surface must be attached with stainless steel screws. Internally mounted nameplates may be attached with two-component epoxy adhesive, and all nameplates must be made from laminated plastic with a white-black-white finish.
Workspace
The cabinet design must provide sufficient workspace to allow for installed equipment field wiring termination and access for future maintenance and installation.
Conclusion
By understanding the various requirements for RTU cabinet installations, industrial facilities can ensure that their RTUs are installed correctly and in accordance with safety and efficiency standards.
Read More Related Articles:
- Introduction to SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) System | PDFBAG
- International Code & Standard References Used in SCADA Projects | PDFBAG
- SCADA System Terms and Definitions used for Engineers | PDFBAG
- SCADA System Design Technical Requirements | PDFBAG
- SCADA Data Acquisition and Processing | PDFBAG
- Ensuring Optimal System Performance for SCADA Systems | PDFBAG
- Best Practices for Telecommunications in SCADA Systems | PDFBAG
- Requirements for SCADA Network and Corporate Network Interface | PDFBAG
- SCADA Display Design Philosophy | PDFBAG
- SCADA Security And System Access Technical Requirements | PDFBAG
- Instrument Asset Management System (IAMS) for SCADA System | PDFBAG
- SCADA Inspection and Testing for ARAMCO Projects | PDFBAG
- Environmental Conditions Technical Requirements for SCADA | PDFBAG
- Wiring and Power Supply Technical Requirement for SCADA | PDFBAG