Materials System Specification

34-SAMSS-718 23 January 2012

Electric Motor Operated Valve Actuators
Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents

1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations................................. 2
3 References..................................................... 2
4 General Requirements................................... 3
5 Design............................................................ 5
6 Functionality................................................. 12
7 Test and Inspection...................................... 13

Previous Issue: 26 January 2009 Next Planned Update: 31 December 2014

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 14
Primary contact: Tarawn, Al Ahmed Roja Mahd on 966-3-880-1344

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2012. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-718
Issue Date: 23 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 31 December 2014 Electric Motor Operated Valve Actuators

1 Scope

This Specification together with the Purchase Order and appropriate Specification Sheet
Form 8020-718-ENG defines the minimum requirements for electric motor operated
valve actuators.

This specification does not apply to electric valve actuators that are specifically
designed for wellhead surface safety valve applications.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

2.1 Any conflicts between this specification and their applicable Saudi Aramco
Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs), Engineering Standards (SAESs),
Standard Drawings (SASDs), or industry standards, codes and forms shall be
resolved in writing by the Company or Buyer Representative through the
Manager, Process & Control Systems Department of 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, Process & Control Systems
Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

3 References

Material or equipment supplied to this specification shall comply with the latest edition
of the references listed below, unless otherwise noted.

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory
Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement

Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirement

Form 175-341000 Actuator: Valve, Pneumatic 34-SAMSS-716 or
Electric 34-SAMSS-718

Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets

Form NMR-7907 Non-Material Requirements for Instrumentation
(General)
Form 8020-718-ENG Instrument Specification Sheet (ISS) Electric Motor
Operated Valve Actuators

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Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-718
Issue Date: 23 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 31 December 2014 Electric Motor Operated Valve Actuators

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASME B1.20.1 Pipe Threads, General Purpose (inch)

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

NEMA 250 Enclosures for Electrical Equipment
(1000 Volts Maximum)
NEMA ICS 6 Industrial Control and Systems: Enclosures
NEMA MG 1 Motors and Generators

National Fire Protection Association

NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, Article 505

International Electrotechnical Commission

IEC 60079-0 Explosive Atmospheres - Part 0: Equipment -
General Requirements
IEC 60079-1 Explosive Atmospheres - Part 1: Equipment
Protection By Flameproof Enclosures “d”
IEC 60034-1 Rotating Electrical Machines-Part 1: Rating and
Performance
IEC 60529 Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP
Code)
IEC 605255-22-3 Measuring Relays and Protection Equipment – Part
22-3: Electrical Disturbance Tests – Radiated
Electromagnetic Field Immunity

4 General Requirements

4.1 Engineering Units

All dimensions and measurements shall be in the “International System of

Units” (SI), and may be followed by the equivalent value in conventional
(English) units between brackets. When not critical, the equivalent dimensions
may be rounded to their nearest practical value.

4.2 Environmental Conditions

4.2.1 Temperature

Instruments and control systems shall operate continuously under the

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Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-718
Issue Date: 23 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 31 December 2014 Electric Motor Operated Valve Actuators

following ambient air temperatures without any degradation of the

manufacturer's guaranteed performance:

Indoor Air Outdoor Outdoor

(2) (1)(2)(3) (2)(3)
Conditioned Sheltered Unsheltered
35°C 55°C 65°C
Maximum
(95°F) (131°F) (149°F)
10°C 0°C 0°C
Minimum
(50°F) (32°F) (32°F)

Notes:
1) "Sheltered" refers to permanent, ventilated enclosures or buildings, or permanently
fixed sunshades with a top and three sides.
2) For instruments which dissipate internal heat and are installed in custom engineered
enclosures (e.g., enclosures not included in the original manufacturer's temperature
certification), an additional 15°C shall be added to the above maximum temperatures.
An example, for "indoor air conditioned" installation, the equipment must perform at
35 + 15 = 50°C. Similarly, for the "outdoor unsheltered" case, the equipment shall be
designed for a maximum operating temperature of 65 + 15 = 80°C.
3) For the outdoor installations only, the designer can take credit for forced or passive
cooling to eliminate or reduce the 15°C heat rise. For example, if vortex coolers are
used, the heat removal capacity of the coolers may be subtracted from the
generated heat. No more than 15°C reduction in temperature will be given as
credit. The designer shall substantiate his claim by providing the support data and
calculations.

4.2.2 Contaminants

The actuator manufacturer shall ensure that the equipment is designed to

withstand the following air quality requirements:

4.2.2.1 Dust Concentration

Usual airborne dust concentration is 1 mg/m³. During

sandstorms, dust concentrations may reach 500 mg/m³.
The size of 95% of all particles are less than 20 micrometers
and 50% of all particles are less than 1.5 micrometers.

Elements present in dust include compounds of calcium, silicon,

magnesium, aluminum, potassium, chlorides and sodium.
When wetted (high humidity conditions) these compounds
function as electrolytes and can result in severe corrosion.

Other pollutants present in the atmosphere under the extreme

conditions are:
H2S 20 ppm (vol/vol)
Hydrocarbon 150 ppm (vol/vol)

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Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-718
Issue Date: 23 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 31 December 2014 Electric Motor Operated Valve Actuators

SO2 10 ppm (vol/vol)

CO 100 ppm (vol/vol)
NOx 5 ppm (vol/vol)
O3 1 ppm (vol/vol)

4.2.2.2 Wind-borne Sea Water Spray

Equipment which is not enclosed or hermetically sealed, but is

situated offshore or near shore (i.e., within 1 km from
shoreline), shall be protected against corrosion and operational
failure due to wind-borne sea water spray and the accumulation
of wetted salt (NaCl).

4.2.3 Humidity

Outdoor design basis shall be 5% to 95% relative humidity (non-

condensing).

4.2.4 Offshore and Nearshore Environment

Equipment which is not enclosed or hermetically sealed, but is situated

offshore or nearshore, shall be protected against corrosion and
operational failure due to wind-borne sea water spray and the
accumulation of wetted salt (NaCl). Nearshore is defined as any
outdoor, onshore location within one kilometer from the shoreline of the
Arabian Gulf; all of the Ras Tanura Refinery and Terminal; and within
three kilometers from the shoreline of the Red Sea.

5 Design

5.1 General

5.1.1 The actuator shall be a totally self-contained unit, complete with integral
controls, switch(s) and indicator lamps for power and manual operation.
The actuator shall be supplied complete with motor, electrical control
compartment, totally enclosed gear train and hand wheel.

5.1.2 When the actuator is ordered with its related valve, the valve
manufacturer shall be responsible for sizing of the valve actuator.

5.2 Actuator Sizing

5.2.1 The rated actuator torque shall be the maximum usable static torque
available at the output bushing at specified electrical operating conditions.

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Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-718
Issue Date: 23 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 31 December 2014 Electric Motor Operated Valve Actuators

This value, which corresponds to the torque produced at 100% of torque

switch setting, must equal or exceed the maximum instantaneous
requirements of the valve, auxiliary gearbox or other operated device.

5.2.2 The peak actuator torque shall be at least 120% of the rated actuator
torque. This torque shall be attained between 50 and 100% of actuator
‘no load’ speed. Below 50% of ‘no load’ speed, the torque shall not be
less than the rated actuator torque.
Commentary Note:

Rated actuator torque and peak actuator torque shall be attained without
the benefit of the hammer blow effect.

5.2.3 The maximum process pressure drop, as specified on Form

8020-718-ENG, shall be used as the basis for actuator sizing.
If the maximum process pressure drop is not known, shutoff
differential pressure shall be used as the basis for sizing.
Commentary Note:

The shutoff differential pressure is determined by assuming maximum

operating pressure upstream and atmospheric pressure downstream.
The maximum operating pressure is different than the maximum
allowable pressure based on the piping class rating.

5.2.4 The valve manufacturer shall specify the valve stem yield torque in
Form 8020-718-ENG. The stall torque of the actuator shall not exceed
the valve’s stem maximum allowable yield torque.

5.3 Electrical Requirements

5.3.1 Enclosure Certification

5.3.1.1 For all classified areas, the actuator shall be certified

explosionproof for installation in a Class I, Division 1, Group C
& D or Zone 1, Group IIA & B areas, classified under
NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 505. The
actuator shall also be listed or labeled by any one of the
following agencies: UL, FM, and CSA. Alternatively, the
actuator may be certified with the full requirements of IEC
60079-1, Equipment protection by flameproof enclosures “d”
and IEC 60079-0, General Requirements.
Exception:

Actuators used in non-classified areas, are not required to be

certified for hazardous area installation.

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Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-718
Issue Date: 23 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 31 December 2014 Electric Motor Operated Valve Actuators

5.3.1.2 All actuators shall be water and dust-tight in accordance

with NEMA ICS 6 and NEMA 250 Type 4X or IEC 60529
Type IP65.

5.3.2 Power Supply and Protection

5.3.2.1 Motors shall be rated for 480 VAC, 60 Hz, 3 phase power
supply unless otherwise specified in the P.O or ISS sheet.
Motor shall be capable of operating under maximum specified
loads with ± 10% voltage variation to the motor.

5.3.2.2 The motor shall be protected by one or more temperature

element(s) embedded within the stator windings and/or by a
current sensing overload relay in all three phases to protect
against cold stall and continuous overload.
Commentary Note:

Disabling or bypassing the temperature element will invalidate

the actuator hazardous area enclosure certification.

5.3.2.3 The motor power supply shall be fitted with a phase rotation
protection device designed to present the motor with the correct
phase rotation regardless of possible incorrect power
connections or to prevent the application of power if the phase
rotation is incorrect.

5.3.2.4 The motor shall be protected against loss of one or more motor
power supply phases by a phase protection device which shall
prevent actuation of the motor control contactors on loss of one
or more power supply phases.

5.3.3 Electrical Control and Performance

5.3.3.1 For on/off control applications, the motor shall be high-torque,

low inertia, squirrel-cage type, designed specifically for heavy
on/off actuator duty. As a minimum, the motor shall be rated
for 15 minutes continuous operation or S2-15 duty cycle per
IEC 60034-1, and shall be provided with Class F insulation.
Vendor shall ensure that the actuator is designed to meet
continuous operation at the specified number of Starts/Hours
required in 8020-718-ENG.

5.3.3.2 For continuous modulating control applications, the motor shall

be high-torque, high speed, high precision, low inertia, squirrel-
cage type, designed specifically for continuous modulating

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Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-718
Issue Date: 23 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 31 December 2014 Electric Motor Operated Valve Actuators

actuator duty. The hysteresis shall be less than 2%. As a

minimum, the motor shall be rated for S4-50% duty cycle per
IEC 60034-1 for continuous operation unless otherwise
specified in the P.O. The motor shall be provided with Class H
insulation. The vendor shall ensure that the modulating card
can continuously monitor the valve position with the actuator
traveling at its full specified speed.

5.3.3.3 All other performance characteristics shall conform to the

requirements of NEMA MG 1.

5.3.4 Control Circuitry

5.3.4.1 Integral contactor control logic may be implemented with

hardwired electromagnetic relays or hardwired solid state logic
or configurable solid state logic.

5.3.4.2 Electronic components shall be high quality industrial grade

designed to operate continuously inside the control enclosure at
the environmental conditions specified in Section 4.2.

5.3.4.3 External control power when required shall be 24 VDC as a

standard unless otherwise specified in 8020-718-ENG.

5.3.4.4 A three-position control mode selector switch shall be

provided. The switch shall provide two control modes, Local
and Remote. In addition, the switch shall provide a third
position which inhibits local and remote operation of the
actuator. The switch shall be lockable in all three positions.
The switch positions shall be marked LOCAL; STOP (OFF);
REMOTE or by suitable symbols to clearly identify the
function of each switch position.

5.3.4.5 Any fuses that are necessary for the protection of the actuator
motor and control circuitry shall be supplied by the actuator
vendor.

5.3.4 External Interconnections

5.3.4.1 Power and control terminals shall be segregated. Vendor's

internal wiring identification shall be by permanently embossed
wire markers of heat-shrinkable slip-on type or equivalent
permanent marking system. External wires shall be terminated
with ring type wire lugs. Suitable screw type terminals shall be
provided. Termination schedule for external control and

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Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-718
Issue Date: 23 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 31 December 2014 Electric Motor Operated Valve Actuators

monitor connections shall be permanently fixed to the inside of

the terminal enclosure cover plate.

5.3.4.2 An external stud with lug shall be provided to accommodate a

grounding conductor of 10 mm².

5.3.4.3 A minimum of three 1-inch NPT or larger conduit entries shall

be provided per ANSI B1.20.1 unless specified otherwise in the
P.O.

5.3.4.4 All conduit connections shall be made so as to assure

grounding continuity.

5.4 Valve Position Limit Switches and Indication

5.4.1 Local indication of valve position shall be by either one of the following
methods:
a) An integral, mechanically linked, pointer and dial that continuously
show the valve position (0-100%).
b) A digital valve position indicator that continuously shows the valve
position (0-100%), plus separate green and red LEDs to indicate
valve open (green) and closed (red) position.

5.4.2 Position limit switches shall be fully adjustable over the full range of
valve travel.

5.4.3 When mechanical position limit switches are used for external
indication, the appropriate contacts shall open at their preset limits of
travel. They shall function identically when the actuator is operated by
motor or hand wheel.

5.4.4 Position limit switches shall be set by the valve manufacturer during
mounting/assembling of actuator to the valve at the valves
manufacturer's shop.

5.4.5 When electronic valve position monitors and limit switches are used,
valve position and switch settings shall be stored in nonvolatile memory.
It shall be possible to monitor and retain the valve position if the actuator
is manually operated while the main power supply is lost or isolated.
In addition, the actuator shall not require limit switch resetting or
position re-calibration after power supply is re-established.

When backup batteries are used for digital position transmitter, the
battery life shall be at least five years. In addition, the battery condition

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Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-718
Issue Date: 23 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 31 December 2014 Electric Motor Operated Valve Actuators

shall be monitored and alarmed.

5.5 Torque Switches and Monitors

5.5.1 Motor torque shall be sensed by a mechanical mechanism or inferred

from a measurement of motor current, speed, mechanical pressure or
magnetic flux.

5.5.2 When mechanical switches are used, contacts shall open when the torque
setting is exceeded either in the opening or closing direction. Direct cam
driven micro switches are acceptable only for noncritical auxiliary/utility
services.

5.5.3 Torque switch(s) shall be adjustable. The opening torque switch shall be
set at a minimum by the actuator manufacturer. The closing torque
switch shall be set by the actuator manufacturer in accordance with Form
8020-718-ENG except on actuators to be mounted on existing valves.

5.5.4 For microprocessor based actuators, settings of electronic torque

switches shall be retained in nonvolatile memory.

5.6 Actuator Configuration

5.6.1 Actuators may be configured by inserting hardwired links into

pre-configured hardwired control circuits or by external nonintrusive
means or by setting dip switches in logic circuits.

5.6.2 If an external setting tool is used for nonintrusive configuration, it shall

be intrinsically safe and shall be certified for use in Class 1 Division 1 or
Zone 1 areas. In addition, the setting tool shall be weatherproof and
suitable for use in the ambient conditions specified in Section 4.2.

In microprocessor based actuators, access to actuator configuration and

adjustments shall be password protected.

5.7 Mechanical Requirements

5.7.1 A hand wheel shall be provided to allow manual operation under all
process operating conditions (see paragraph 5.2) independent of the
motor. The motor shall be disengaged before manual operation and the
hand wheel drive shall be automatically disengaged when the motor is
energized. The hammer blow effect (refer paragraph 5.7.5) shall be
retained with hand operation.

5.7.2 Actuators shall be factory filled with grease lubricant or oil and be
provided with filling and drain plugs.

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Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-718
Issue Date: 23 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 31 December 2014 Electric Motor Operated Valve Actuators

5.7.3 The following accessories shall be provided by the valve Manufacturer:

a) A stem protection tube and a stem mounted position indicator
extending through the top.
b) A grease nipple or similar device to allow refilling in each
mounting position.
c) A telescopic or readily removable portion below the actuator to
permit repacking of the valve.
d) Mechanical position indications on the gearbox when provided.

5.7.4 Breather and drain shall be provided on the motor if not O-ring or gasket
sealed.

5.7.5 A hammer blow device shall be provided for actuator in On/Off

applications to enable the motor to attain full speed before application of
torque to valve spindle.

5.7.6 Thrust taking components such as stem nut and thrust bearing assembly
etc., shall withstand the maximum developed temperature without
deformation.

5.7.7 In addition to the standard requirements in the Purchase Order, an

AISI Series 300 stainless steel name plate shall be provided with either
engraved, embossed or laser etched lettering, and gives following
information as a minimum:
a) Model number;
b) Serial number;
c) Manufacturer's name;
d) Rated torque;
e) Speed (RPM);
f) Motor supply (nameplate) voltage and frequency;
g) Nominal motor current;
h) Relay Control voltage (only for actuators fitted with interposing
relays).

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Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-718
Issue Date: 23 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 31 December 2014 Electric Motor Operated Valve Actuators

6 Functionality

6.1 Foundation Fieldbus Requirements

When Foundation Fieldbus Interface is required as specified on the ISS, the

following minimum ‘features’ shall be available in the device:

6.1.1 Foundation Fieldbus Certification as having passed the latest revision of

the Interoperability Test Kit (ITK).

6.1.2 All function blocks shall be tested and certified by the host control
system vendor.

6.1.3 Capable of performing continuous diagnostics, including self-test

functions, to provide specific diagnostic information to the Instrument
Asset Management System (IAMS).

6.2 Wiring Diagrams

Unless stated otherwise in 8020-718-ENG the actuator shall be wired to provide

maintained travel with intermediate stop and reverse operation. Instantaneous
reverse may be considered when actuators are wired for remote ESD actuation.
Vendor standard wiring diagrams shall be used to achieve the required
functionality.

6.3 Remote Push Button and Status Lamp Connections

Connections for remote control and monitoring devices shall be provided as

follows:
a) Remote Open, Close and Stop push buttons;
b) Valve position indicator lamps;
c) Monitor relay to indicate that actuator is in local or remote control mode.

6.4 Optional Features

The following features shall be supplied if specified in 8020-718-ENG:

a) External remote emergency shutdown, close or open, as specified.
Emergency contact shall be normally closed, open on emergency. When the
actuator is specified for emergency isolation application, the ESD contact
shall have its dedicated “Common” pin connection terminal that is
independent from other “Common” pin connection used for control signals.

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Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-718
Issue Date: 23 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 31 December 2014 Electric Motor Operated Valve Actuators

Commentary Note:

The additional dedicated ESD "common" terminal is not required if the

actuator Open/Stop/Close contacts are wired to the ESD system.

Emergency shutdown shall override the control mode selector switch when
set to either Local or Remote control, however, emergency shutdown shall
not override when the MOV is set to the STOP (OFF) position.
b) Remote indication of motor output torque.
c) Remote indication of torque switch status.
d) Remote continuous linear position indicator. The position indication shall
be achieved by externally powered potentiometer or 4-20 mA isolated
signal proportional to valve position.

6.5 Digital Two-Wire Networks

Digital Two-Wire Networks, that enable several actuators to be controlled and

monitored from a single master station, shall not be used.

6.6 Maintenance Support

Together with the technical bids, the vendor shall provide full technical details
on the diagnostic and predictive maintenance monitoring and reporting
capabilities of the quoted actuator system(s).

7 Test and Inspection

7.1 The actuator vendor shall submit a written compliance table against this
specification for each offered type of actuator. Any deviation shall be
highlighted to the buyer's attention and shall be handled as outlined in
Section 2.2.

7.2 Actuators shall be factory tested by the vendor to verify rated output torque,
output speed, hand wheel operation, local control, remote control, Foundation
Fieldbus operation and diagnostic capability including self-test functions,
control power supply, closing direction, all customer inputs and outputs,
operation of motor winding temperature detector, and operation position
indication & LEDs. A report confirming successful completion of these factory
tests shall be submitted by the vendor.

7.3 Actuators will be accepted on a “certificates only” basis unless specified

otherwise in the purchase order. Certificates shall be supplied in accordance
with Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements Form 175-341000 attached to the

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Document Responsibility: Instrumentation Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-718
Issue Date: 23 January 2012
Next Planned Update: 31 December 2014 Electric Motor Operated Valve Actuators

purchase order and shall be sent to the purchasing office within 10 days of the
manufacturer's inspection.

7.4 Electronic control circuits shall be tested to confirm that the equipment will
operate properly when energized and subjected to an electromagnetic field from
a radiated source, in particular hand held walkie talkies operating at 5 watts
within the frequency range 68 MHz to 470 MHz. Test method shall be based on
test method “c” and a severity class of “II” from IEC 60255-22-3.

Revision Summary
13 December 2008 Revised the "Next Planned Update". Reaffirmed the contents of the document and
reissued with updated technical criteria.
26 January 2009 Editorial revision to delete the reference to ATEX as a certifying agency for electrical
equipment to be used in classified areas.
23 January 2012 Minor revision to eliminate digital two wire networks for MOV control.

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