Materials System Specification

17-SAMSS-018 30 June, 2004

Remote Monitoring System (RMS)
for Cathodic Protection Applications
Cathodic Protection Standards Committee Members
Umair, Ahmed A., Chairman
Al-Arfaj, M.A.
Al-Mahrous, H.M.
Al-Mulhem, Tariq A.
Al-Qarashi, A.M.
Al-Rasasi, G.M.
Al-Salman, A.M.
Al-Zubail, S.A.
Barnawi, I.Y.
Bukhamseen, A.A.
Catte, D.R.
Hosawi, M.A.
Khan, N.A.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents

1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations................................. 2
3 References..................................................... 2
4 Manufacturer and Vendor Requirements....... 4
5 General.......................................................... 5
6 Hardware....................................................... 7
7 Software....................................................... 10
8 RMU Functional Requirements.................... 11
9 Quality Assurance........................................ 13

Previous Issue: 30 November, 1999 Next Planned Update: 1 July, 2009

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 13
Primary contact: Darrell R. Catte on 874-7949
Document Responsibility: Cathodic Protection 17-SAMSS-018
Issue Date: 30 June, 2004 Remote Monitoring System (RMS)
Next Planned Update: 1 July, 2009 for Cathodic Protection Applications

1 Scope

This specification covers the minimum requirements for Remote Monitoring Systems
(RMS) used to monitor the operating status of cathodic protection (CP) equipment and
the level of CP on structures influenced by a CP system. The function of the RMS shall
be to gather analog measurement signals and digital status signals from the CP system
for transmission to the CP Proponent's designated computer(s).

Communication equipment used by the RMS is outside the scope of this specification.

Remote Monitoring Systems for Cathodic Protection equipment that are designed,
procured and maintained by Saudi Aramco's Information Technology Organization are
not addressed herein and shall not be restricted by this specification.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

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 or codes shall be resolved in
writing by the Company or Buyer Representative through the Manager,
Consulting Services Department, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this specification in writing to the Company or
Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Manager, Consulting Services Department, Saudi
Aramco, Dhahran.

2.3 It is recognized that continuing improvements and developments in the area of

Remote Monitoring Units may impact this specification. Materials, hardware,
software, or communication methods or systems considered by the manufacturer
to be cost effective and superior to that which are specified in this specification
may be proposed by the supplier to the Company or Buyer Representative. The
Company or Buyer Representative shall forward such proposals to the
Supervisor, Cathodic Protection & Coating Unit, Consulting Services
Department, Dhahran.

3 References

Materials or equipment supplied to this specification shall comply with the referenced
section of the latest edition of the references listed below, unless specified otherwise on
the purchase order.

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

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Document Responsibility: Cathodic Protection 17-SAMSS-018
Issue Date: 30 June, 2004 Remote Monitoring System (RMS)
Next Planned Update: 1 July, 2009 for Cathodic Protection Applications

SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a

Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

The Canadian Standards Association

The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization

CENELEC EN 50014 Electrical Apparatus for potentially explosive
atmospheres - General Requirements
CENELEC EN 50018 Electrical Apparatus for potentially explosive
atmospheres - flameproof enclosures 'd'
CENELEC EN 50019 Electrical Apparatus for potentially explosive
atmospheres - increased safety 'e'

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

IEEE C37.1 Standard Definition, Specification, and Analysis of
Systems Used for Supervisory Control, Data
Acquisition, and Automatic Control
IEEE C37.90.1 Standard Surge Withstand Capability (SWC) Tests
for Protective Relays and Relay systems

Electronics Industries Association

EIA TIA-RS232-E Interface Between Data Terminal Equipment and
Data Circuit - Terminating Equipment
Employing Serial Binary Data Interchange

International Electrotechnical Commission

IEC 529 Classification of Degrees of Protection Provided
by Enclosures

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

NEMA ICS 6 Enclosures for Industrial Controls and Systems

National Fire Protection Agency

NFPA 70 National Electrical Code

Underwriters Laboratories
UL 886 Outlet boxes and fittings for use in hazardous
areas

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Document Responsibility: Cathodic Protection 17-SAMSS-018
Issue Date: 30 June, 2004 Remote Monitoring System (RMS)
Next Planned Update: 1 July, 2009 for Cathodic Protection Applications

4 Manufacturer and Vendor Requirements

4.1 Manufacturer and Vendor Pre-qualification

4.1.1 The manufacturer shall provide a verifiable operating history for an

RMU that satisfies this specification and has operated for at least 1 year
on a cathodic protection system and 5 years in the Oil and Gas Industry
in an environment with similar conditions to those described in section
5.3 of this specification.

4.1.2 The manufacturer shall supply a list of at least three corporate users
indicating:
• user company name
• user company contact name with internet address or telephone
number
• installation location
• installation date
• commissioning date
• RMU and CP equipment operational specifications

4.1.3 The vendor shall provide one RMU with all supporting software, for a
90-day functional evaluation. The RMU shall be of the same model and
type that is being submitted for manufacturer's approval. The RMU shall
be delivered to the Supervisor of the Cathodic Protection and Coatings
Unit, Saudi Aramco Consulting Services Dept., Dhahran. The RMU will
be returned to the manufacturer's local vendor upon completion of the
test.

4.1.4 The vendor and manufacturer shall guarantee all system hardware for 1
year from the date of installation, and shall guarantee to support all
system hardware, firmware, and software with spare parts and service for
a period of 10 years from the hardware purchase date. The support shall
not be contingent on the customer upgrading to later releases of the
software unless the upgrades are supplied at no additional cost. The 1
year hardware guarantee shall include maintenance and technical support
by fully trained technical personnel available for on site support within
24-hour notice. This will typically require local technically qualified
manufacturer representation.

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Document Responsibility: Cathodic Protection 17-SAMSS-018
Issue Date: 30 June, 2004 Remote Monitoring System (RMS)
Next Planned Update: 1 July, 2009 for Cathodic Protection Applications

4.2 Information Required With Quotation

The quotation will be considered technically unacceptable if the manufacturer or

the manufacturer's specific RMU has not been pre-qualified as detailed in
Section 4.1, or if any of the following information is not included with the
quotation. The English language shall be used on all documents, drawings,
labels, etc.

The Vendor must submit the following information with each quotation:

4.2.1 Certified fully dimensioned equipment drawings/schematics that detail:

• RMU mounting details (including antennae where applicable)
• RMU power requirements
• RMU input channel details
• RMU serial port details
• RMU field wiring/connection diagram

4.2.2 Nameplate data per Section 6.3.5 of this material specification.

4.2.3 Certification of compliance to this specification or clearly stated

exceptions with proposed alternatives.

5 General

5.1 Abbreviations
CP Cathodic Protection
RMU Remote Monitoring Unit
RMS Remote Monitoring System
RSA Saudi Aramco Responsible Standardization Agency
SAES Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard
SAEP Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure
SAMSS Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification
Vac Volts in alternating current
Vdc Volts in direct current

5.2 Definitions

Definitions of words not covered in this section shall be in accordance with

IEEE C37.1.

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Document Responsibility: Cathodic Protection 17-SAMSS-018
Issue Date: 30 June, 2004 Remote Monitoring System (RMS)
Next Planned Update: 1 July, 2009 for Cathodic Protection Applications

Application Software: Software written specifically to perform functional

requirements for a remote monitoring system when the standard system
operating software package cannot be configured to meet the requirements.
Application software compliments the system operating software, it does not
involve modification of the system operating software.

Configurable: The capability to select, adjust, or connect various standard

hardware modules to create a system, or the capability to change operating
functionality by changing software selectable parameters without having to
modify or regenerate software.

Configuration: The physical installation or adjustment of hardware modules to

satisfy the system requirements, or the selection of software selectable
parameters to satisfy the remote monitoring system requirements.

Firmware: Programs or instructions that are permanently stored in the RMU

memory devices (usually read-only memory).

Module: An assembly of interconnected components that constitute an

identifiable device, instrument, or piece of equipment. A module can be
disconnected, removed as a unit, and replaced with a spare. It has definable
performance characteristics that permit it to be tested as a unit.

System Operating Software: The standard software for the remote monitoring
system that resides in the host computer and performs the basic functions of the
remote monitoring system including storing of the data base for the RMU data.

5.3 Site Conditions

5.3.1 Site conditions are outdoors and unsheltered and unless otherwise noted
in the purchase order are as follows:

5.3.1.1 Temperature

The RMU shall operate continuously under the following

ambient air temperatures without any degradation of the
manufacturer's specified performance:

Outdoor Unsheltered
Maximum 60°C (140°F)
Minimum 0°C (32°F)

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Document Responsibility: Cathodic Protection 17-SAMSS-018
Issue Date: 30 June, 2004 Remote Monitoring System (RMS)
Next Planned Update: 1 July, 2009 for Cathodic Protection Applications

5.3.1.2 Contaminants

Installations shall be designed for operation in an environment

with contaminant levels as follows:

Dust Concentration: Usual airborne dust concentration is 1

mg/m3. During sandstorms, dust concentrations may reach 500
mg/m3 at the wind speeds to 100 km/hr. Particle sizes are as
follows:
• 95% of all particles are less than 20 micrometers
• 50% of all particles are less than 1.5 micrometers

5.3.1.3 Humidity

The design basis shall be 5% to 95% relative humidity.

5.3.2 Severe Corrosive Environments

For the purpose of this specification, severe corrosive environments are

listed below. In severe corrosive environments the enclosures, conduit,
fittings and wiring may require additional consideration and shall be
designed to suit the conditions present.
a) Outdoor offshore locations.
b) Outdoor onshore locations within one kilometer from the shoreline.
c) Inside the security fence for all Plants (Refineries and GOSPs)
d) Locations where corrosive chemicals are being handled.

6 Hardware

6.1 Hardware General Requirements

6.1.1 Equipment that is provided as part of the Remote Monitoring System

shall be the latest "field proven" revision as per Section 4 of this
specification.

6.1.2 Electrical design and construction including installation shall comply

with NEC standards.

6.1.3 The RMU shall operate satisfactorily from a 60 hz, 240/480 ±20% Vac
supply unless otherwise specified on the purchase order.

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Document Responsibility: Cathodic Protection 17-SAMSS-018
Issue Date: 30 June, 2004 Remote Monitoring System (RMS)
Next Planned Update: 1 July, 2009 for Cathodic Protection Applications

6.1.4 The RMU shall operate continuously without any RMU damage,
malfunction, or data corruption in the environmental conditions detailed
in Section 5.3.1.

6.1.5 RMUs to be used with telephone communication systems shall have a

built-in modem (minimum 9600 bps) and an RJ11 interface to facilitate
communication over a standard dial up telephone communication
system.

6.1.6 Unless noted otherwise on the purchase order, RMUs to be used with
communication media such as satellite or radio shall be supplied with all
the equipment (i.e., radio, subscriber communicator, antenna etc.) to
provide a complete RMS.

6.1.7 The RMU shall be manufactured to also facilitate direct communication

to a portable computer through a standard RS232 serial port. The direct
link shall be usable for on-site calibration, configuration, diagnostics,
etc. One serial cable for this purpose shall be supplied with each
purchase order for RMUs.

6.1.8 The RMU data and power inputs shall be short circuit and overload
protected and shall comply with surge withstand capability tests as
defined in IEEE C37.90.1 without RMU damage, malfunction, or data
corruption.

6.1.9 The maximum error at 50ºC ambient temperature shall not be more than
0.5% of the nominal input signal range for a single sample.

6.2 Hardware Capacity

6.2.1 The RMU shall provide a minimum of three analog channels and one
digital input channel. Additional channels may be required by the CP
Proponent and in such cases shall be specified on the purchase order.

6.2.2 Unless otherwise specified on the purchase order, the channels shall be
configured to accept the following input signals without the use of
external signal conditioning modules:

Channel 1 Rectifier DC Output Voltage 0 to 100 Volts

Measured in millivolts across a
Channel 2 Rectifier DC Output Amperage 50 mV shunt
Channel 3 Structure Potential 0.000 to 4000 mV
Monitoring NO or NC contacts
Channel 4 for AC circuit breaker status Digital

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Document Responsibility: Cathodic Protection 17-SAMSS-018
Issue Date: 30 June, 2004 Remote Monitoring System (RMS)
Next Planned Update: 1 July, 2009 for Cathodic Protection Applications

6.2.3 RMUs shall be equipped with static RAM memory with sufficient
capacity to store a minimum of 3000 readings.

6.2.4 The RMU shall be equipped with a "Real Time" clock with battery
backup.

6.2.5 The RMU shall be equipped with a power backup system capable of
initiating and transmitting an A.C. input power failure alarm to the CP
Proponent's designated computer(s).

6.3 Hardware Enclosures

6.3.1 Enclosures shall be CSA or UL certified and shall be:

a) NEMA 4X, or

b) IEC 529 Type IP65 manufactured of stainless steel (Type 304 or

better), copper free aluminum, or UV resistant plastic (including
fiberglass).

c) Enclosure gaskets shall be Nitrile composition or equivalent and

shall be framed on 3 sides. Gasket adhesives shall be suitable for
enclosure surface temperatures of 70ºC (158ºF). Gasket material
supplied by the gasket manufacturer with a pre-applied adhesive
covered by a removable backing shall not be used.

6.3.2 Enclosure Size

The sum of the three dimensions of the RMU enclosure including

modem or subscriber communicator shall not exceed 100 cm, i.e. height
+ width + depth ≤ 100 cm.

6.3.3 Hazardous (Classified) Area Enclosures

The labeling, listing, or certification of electrical equipment required by

the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 500-5 to be approved for use
in hazardous locations shall be based upon at least one of the following
standards or procedures:
a) UL standards (for approved enclosures and fittings: UL 886).
b) CSA standards.
c) CENELEC EN 50014 and EN 50018 (for flameproof enclosures
EEx d II).
d) CENELEC EN 50014 and EN 50019 (for increased safety
apparatus EEx e II).

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Document Responsibility: Cathodic Protection 17-SAMSS-018
Issue Date: 30 June, 2004 Remote Monitoring System (RMS)
Next Planned Update: 1 July, 2009 for Cathodic Protection Applications

6.3.4 Wiring Schematic

A durable plasticized or laminated wiring schematic shall be

permanently affixed to the RMU enclosure preferably on the inside
surface of the enclosure door. The wiring schematic shall detail power
requirements/alternatives, field-wiring connections, and input channel
parameters.

6.3.5 Nameplate

Each RMU shall be provided with a Series 300 stainless steel, engraved
or stamped nameplate, mechanically fastened to the outside of the RMU
enclosure. The nameplate shall not be glued to the enclosure and shall
be fastened so as not to compromise the rating of the enclosure.

Minimum informational requirements contained on the nameplate are:

a) Manufacturer Name and Address
b) Device Descriptive Name: "Cathodic Protection RMU"
c) Serial Number and Model Number
d) Saudi Aramco Purchase Order Number
e) Input Power Voltage and Frequency Rating
f) Electrical Area Classification (if applicable)
g Date of Manufacture
h) "Meets 17-SAMSS-018" dated as applicable

6.4 Installation, Operating and Maintenance Instructions

6.4.1 Installation, operating, and maintenance instruction documents shall be

packaged with each RMU and shall be written in English. Dangerous or
improper installation or operating practices shall be clearly detailed in
the relative section of the instructions.

6.4.2 The instructions shall include a detailed connection diagram for all field
wiring requirements, plus all related drawings and electrical schematics
for on site trouble shooting.

6.4.3 Electrical schematics shall fully correspond with markings and locations
of the specific component (typical drawings are not acceptable).
Drawings shall be supplied in a convenient field size (maximum 280 mm
x 430 mm) and shall be completely dimensioned and labeled. The
drawings shall clearly detail all field wiring requirements and
alternatives.

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Document Responsibility: Cathodic Protection 17-SAMSS-018
Issue Date: 30 June, 2004 Remote Monitoring System (RMS)
Next Planned Update: 1 July, 2009 for Cathodic Protection Applications

7 Software

7.1 Software General Requirements

7.1.1 The remote monitoring system shall include the manufacturer's standard
system operating software and firmware, and shall be configurable to
meet the requirements of this specification and the purchase order.

7.1.2 If application software is required, it shall be designed such that

modification to the system standard operating software is not required.

7.1.3 Future revisions or updates to the system operating software shall not
affect the successful operation of the existing remote monitoring
systems.

7.1.4 All software, exclusive of application software, shall be the most recent
field proven revision that is applicable to the system hardware at the time
of the placement of the purchase order.

7.1.5 The software shall facilitate remote operator selectable alarm tolerances
for each of the input data channels and shall facilitate remote toggling
(Alarm "On" or Alarm "Off") of the A.C. input failure alarm.

7.1.6 An alarm condition shall automatically initiate an alarm communication

to the CP Proponent's computer(s) and shall remain an alarm condition
until the CP Proponent resets or turns the alarm function off.

7.1.7 The software shall facilitate remote operator and local operator
downloads of all stored data and shall automatically update and store the
cumulative CP system operating data at user defined intervals.

7.1.8 The system operating software shall run under ®Microsoft Windows or as
specified on the Purchase Order, and shall facilitate direct export of the
data into "®Microsoft Excel" and "®Oracle".

7.1.9 The RMU shall perform automatic initialization when power is restored
after a power loss. With the exception of the initial AC alarm
transmission, the RMU is not required to operate in a data collection
mode or communication mode during power outages, but shall retain, for
a minimum period of 6 months, the data and configuration parameters
contained in memory prior to the power outage. Subsequent remote or
local data transfer from the RMU shall contain all data stored prior to the
power outage and subsequent to the power outage, within the limits of
memory storage capacity of the RMU.

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Document Responsibility: Cathodic Protection 17-SAMSS-018
Issue Date: 30 June, 2004 Remote Monitoring System (RMS)
Next Planned Update: 1 July, 2009 for Cathodic Protection Applications

7.1.10 The RMS software shall function with TCP/IP and telephone connection,
or as otherwise stated on the purchase order.

8 RMU Functional Requirements

8.1 Remote Functions

8.1.1 The Remote Monitoring System shall be locally configurable (through

RS232 and portable computer) and remote on-line configurable for the
RMU alarm conditions, data sampling schedule, automatic data transfer
schedule, and AC input failure alarm toggle.

8.1.2 The RMU shall be capable of performing real time or time stamped
remote measurements of the:
• cathodic protection rectifier output voltage
• cathodic protection rectifier output current
• the level of protection provided to the structure, measured in
millivolts and referenced to an industry standard permanent reference
cell (the reference electrode is not part of this specification).

8.1.3 The RMS shall provide a time programmable transfer of stored data from
the RMU to the CP Proponent's computer(s).

8.1.4 The RMU shall monitor the specified operating conditions of the CP
system on a real time basis and initiate the transmission of an alarm
condition signal to the CP Proponent's computer(s).

8.2 Communication Functions

8.2.1 The RMU shall be capable of stand-alone operation, i.e. modem and all
other equipment necessary to connect to a commercial communication
network shall be supplied and preferably contained with the RMU in one
enclosure.

8.2.2 The RMU shall communicate with the CP Proponent's computer(s)

through the communication media detailed on the purchase order, and
shall transfer the information and data specified in this specification and
on the purchase order as prompted by the CP Proponent's computer(s).

8.2.3 The RMU shall directly communication with a portable local Laptop
computer through the RS232 port to transfer configuration information,
stored data, and real time data as prompted by a local operator.

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Document Responsibility: Cathodic Protection 17-SAMSS-018
Issue Date: 30 June, 2004 Remote Monitoring System (RMS)
Next Planned Update: 1 July, 2009 for Cathodic Protection Applications

8.3 Configuration

RMU configuration tools for operational and database configuration, data

acquisition, and input scan frequency shall be menu driven from a data base
program that runs under "®Microsoft Windows" or as specified on the Purchase
Order.

8.4 Security

8.4.1 The RMU shall operate with a communication error checking scheme.

8.4.2 The RMU shall operate with a programmable password system for
access restrictions layered for:
a) passive viewing access, and
b) an administrator level that allows configuration of the configurable
parameters.

9 Quality Assurance

Quality Control: The vendor shall implement and maintain a quality program that
shall clearly define and document procedures for the relevant quality system functions.
The quality program documents shall be made available for review and audit.

Revision Summary
30 June, 2004 Revised the "Next Planned Update". Reaffirmed the contents of the document, and reissued
with minor changes.

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