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SAES-T-919 PDF – Submarine Fiber Optic Cable

This article is about SAES-T-919 which is about Submarine Fiber Optic Cable and download SAES-T-919 PDF for telecommunication and electrical engineers, supervisors and project managers, telecom QCs, telecom QC Supervisors. This is saudi aramco standards of Telecommunication Engineering based on international codes and standards and useful for telecom and electronics engineering knowledge to get job as engineers, QC Supervisors and QC managers, Engineering managers and technicians.

SAES-T-919 PDF Download

SAES-T-919

Submarine Fiber Optic Cable

SAES-T-919 is a standard that specifies the minimum mandatory requirements for the engineering, design, and installation of repeaterless standalone or composite optical fiber/electrical submarine cable systems. This standard also addresses certain characteristics of optical fiber submarine cables, such as their mechanical properties and resistance to environmental factors.

The standard aims to ensure the reliable and efficient operation of submarine cable systems by defining specific requirements that must be met during their design, engineering, and installation processes. It covers various aspects related to submarine cables, including their electrical and optical performance, mechanical strength, protection against external factors, and compliance with environmental regulations.

Industry Codes and Standards

The International Telecommunications Union – Telecommunications Standardization Sector (ITU-T) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) are two prominent organizations that develop industry codes and standards for telecommunications and submarine cable systems. Here are some relevant standards from these organizations:

ITU-T Standards:

  1. G.971: General features of Optical Fiber Submarine Cable Systems.
  2. G.972: Definition of Terms Relevant to Optical Fiber Submarine Cable Systems.
  3. G.973: Characteristics of Repeaterless Optical Fiber Submarine Cable Systems.
  4. G.976: Test Methods Applicable to Optical Fiber Submarine Cable Systems.
  5. G.978: Characteristics of Optical Fiber Submarine Cables.

IEEE Standard:

  1. IEEE 1120-2004: Guide for the Planning, Design, Installation, and Repair of Submarine Power Cable Systems.

These standards provide guidelines and specifications for the design, installation, testing, and operation of submarine cable systems, including both optical fiber and power cables. They cover various aspects such as system characteristics, terminology, repeaterless cable systems, testing methods, and the planning and repair of submarine power cable systems.

Design Requirements

The design requirements for optical fiber submarine cable systems, as outlined in the provided information, include the following:

  1. Protection of Optical Fibers: The cable design should ensure protection of optical fibers against water pressure, longitudinal water propagation, chemical aggression, and the effects of hydrogen contamination throughout the cable’s design life.
  2. Performance Durability: The cable should maintain fiber performance without degradation during cable laying, burial, recovery, and standard undersea practices.
  3. Design Standards: Standalone submarine fiber optic cables should comply with the specifications outlined in 18-SAMSS-006. Composite power-fiber optic submarine cables should adhere to the guidelines in 18-SAMSS-008. Additionally, the design and installation of composite power-fiber optic submarine cables should comply with SAES-P-104, 15-SAMSS-503, and 15-SAMSS-504.
  4. Cable Protection: Submarine fiber cables should be manufactured to protect against environmental hazards at their depth of utilization. Different types of protected cables are defined, including lightweight cables (LW cable), lightweight protected cables (LWP cable), single-armored cables (SA cable), double-armored cables (DA cable), and rock-armored cables (RA cable). SA cables are recommended for composite submarine cables, while DA cables are recommended for segregated fiber optic cables.
  5. Route Selection: Various factors should be considered when selecting a cable route, including water depth, presence of rocks and pinnacles, tidal currents or surf action, marine slope stability, chemical attack/corrosion, storm action, sensitive marine habitats, and man-made obstacles such as other cables, pipelines, sunken ships, etc. Route surveys should be conducted to assess these factors.
  6. Double Armor: Double armor in opposite directions, known as “double-cross armor,” is recommended for deep-water projects to create a torque-balanced cable with reduced elongation under high tension.
  7. Cable Mechanical Performance: Submarine cables should be designed to withstand handling by cable ships during laying and repair operations. They should also withstand multiple passages over the bow of a cable ship.
  8. One-Piece Design: New submarine cables should be designed as one piece without splicing, enabling installation, recovery, and repair of the cable as a whole.
  9. Fiber Performance: The fiber attenuation, chromatic dispersion, and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) should remain stable within specified limits throughout the system design life. The cable design should minimize hydrogen penetration from outside and hydrogen generation within the cable, even after a cable break at the depth of utilization. The sensitivity of optical fiber to gamma radiation should also be considered.
  10. Crossing of Other Cables/Pipelines: Whenever possible, crossing of other cables or pipelines should be avoided, and minor rerouting should be considered as a practical alternative.

These design requirements ensure the durability, performance, and protection of optical fiber submarine cable systems in accordance with Saudi Aramco standards.

FAQs about SAES-T-919 PDF Download

Q1: What are the main factors to consider when selecting a cable route for a submarine fiber optic cable?

A: When selecting a cable route, factors such as water depth, presence of rocks and pinnacles, tidal currents or surf action, marine slope stability, chemical attack/corrosion, storm action, sensitive marine habitats, and man-made obstacles (e.g., other cables, pipelines, sunken ships) should be considered. Route surveys are conducted to assess these factors.

Q2: What types of cables are recommended for submarine fiber optic cables in terms of protection?

A: Different types of protected cables are defined, including lightweight cables (LW cable), lightweight protected cables (LWP cable), single-armored cables (SA cable), double-armored cables (DA cable), and rock-armored cables (RA cable). SA cables are recommended for composite submarine cables, while DA cables are recommended for segregated fiber optic cables.

Q3: Why is double armor, known as “double-cross armor,” recommended for deep-water projects?

A: Double armor in opposite directions helps create a torque-balanced cable with reduced elongation under high tension. This design is recommended for deep-water projects to ensure mechanical stability and performance.

Q4: How should submarine cables be designed to withstand handling by cable ships during laying and repair operations?

A: Submarine cables should be designed to withstand handling by cable ships during laying and repair operations. They should also be able to withstand multiple passages over the bow of a cable ship, ensuring mechanical performance and durability.

Q5: What is the recommendation for the design of new submarine cables in terms of splicing?

A: New submarine cables should be designed as one piece without splicing. This design enables easier installation, recovery, and repair of the cable as a whole, reducing complexity and potential failure points.

Q6: What are the key considerations for fiber performance in submarine cable systems?

A: The fiber attenuation, chromatic dispersion, and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) should remain stable within specified limits throughout the system design life. The cable design should minimize hydrogen penetration from outside and hydrogen generation within the cable, even after a cable break at the depth of utilization. The sensitivity of optical fiber to gamma radiation should also be considered.

Q7: How should crossing of other cables or pipelines be handled in submarine cable design?

A: Whenever possible, crossing of other cables or pipelines should be avoided in submarine cable design. If crossing is unavoidable, minor rerouting should be considered as a practical alternative to ensure the integrity and performance of the submarine cable system.

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