Guidelines for MESC coding

of items and spare parts

INDEX
1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 2
2. OBJECTIVE .................................................................................................................................. 2
3. SCOPE .......................................................................................................................................... 2
4. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................................... 2
5. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS ........................................................................................................ 2
5.1 Project E-SPIR 2000 review procedure .............................................................................. 2
6. THE MESC SYSTEM .................................................................................................................... 2
6.1 The MESC Licence ............................................................................................................. 2
6.2 General Description ............................................................................................................ 2
6.3 Structure of the "MESC” number ........................................................................................ 3
6.4 Coding example .................................................................................................................. 3
6.5 MESC indicators ................................................................................................................. 3
6.6 Creating the MESC number for an item (non spare parts) ................................................. 4
6.7 MESC coding of catalogue items ........................................................................................ 4
6.8 Generic items ...................................................................................................................... 5
6.9 MESC coding in E-SPIR 2000 ............................................................................................ 5
7. ITEM SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................................................... 5
7.1 Formated item specifications .............................................................................................. 5
7.2 Unformatted item specifications.......................................................................................... 6
8. SPECIMEN CODING METHODS ................................................................................................. 7
LIST OF MESC MAIN GROUPS ............................................................................................................. 8
BOUGHT-OUT (COMMERCIAL) ITEMS ................................................................................................ 9

Date: 1 May 2006

 Guidelines for coding of spare parts

1. INTRODUCTION
This procedure provides some guide lines on the coding of spare parts and the information
required from Suppliers to identify the correct code for generic spare parts. The coding policy
can be different per Company should be agreed upfront. In some Companies the coding of
spare parts is not required any more.

2. OBJECTIVE
To set out a guideline for coding of spare parts in projects.

3. SCOPE
Project items and spare parts are covered by the Main MESC Groups as described in Appendix
1.

4. PURPOSE
To promote uniformity, guidelines and consistency in the coding of spare parts.

5. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
- Spare Parts Management for Projects (available from SGSI-GSEMH), or
- DEP 70.10.90.11-gen for spare parts (identical, however for Shell Companies).
This document defines the responsibilities of personnel and Contractors involved in the spare
parts review process. It specifies requirements and provided recommendations for the
coordination, review, selection, purchase and disposal of spare parts for new projects with the
aim of applying the principles of standardisation and variety control.

5.1 Project E-SPIR 2000 review procedure

This document is the user manual for the E-SPIR 2000 program in projects. It helps the user to
set up the databases, start a project, describes the program functionality, such as importing and
exporting E-SPIRs, reviewing the various screens, coding, providing advice and order
recommendations. It also describes the various reports. The documents is available on the
website www.E-SPIR.com under Advisor Guide.

6. THE MESC SYSTEM

6.1 The MESC Licence

The MESC catalogue is available via the Customer Wide Web of Shell Global Solutions for
Shell and non-Shell Companies, who have a MESC license agreement and their Contractors
working on site. Suppliers and Manufacturers can obtain a subscription via SGSI-GSEMH for
the purposes of viewing the MESC data to support and assist those companies who have a
MESC license agreement. http://www.shell.com/cww

6.2 General Description

The MESC is a system for materials and equipment standards, their classification and coding.
The system is precise, has flexibility and extendibility, and provides a logical and indexed order
for the vast assortment of goods produced all over the world. It is maintained by the Cataloguing
section (GSEMH) of Shell Global Solutions International B.V., The Hague, The Netherlands.
The MESC is system consisting of three main components:

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 Guidelines for coding of spare parts

6.2.1 The "Classification structure", helps you to find the specifications of materials and equipment
based on Nouns, modifiers and synonyms.
6.2.2 The “Coding Schedule”, providing the coding framework for materials and equipment.
6.2.3 The “MESC Catalogue”, containing details of types and sizes of materials and equipment
recognized as “standard”. Approximately 110,000 standard material items can be found in the
catalogue. Each standard material item is listed complete with buying specification and
technical details. Where applicable reference is made to international, national or industry
standards. The specifications have been written in close co-operation with Technical Functions,
and where appropriate supplemented by drawings and illustrations.

6.3 Structure of the "MESC” number

Each MESC number consists of ten digits, divided as follows: (see figure below)
• The first six digits refer to the classification by Main Group, Sub-Group & Sub-Sub Group.
• The next three digits are an item number which identifies the material and equipment
uniquely within its Sub-Sub Group.
• The last digit indicates the MESC number category.

Main Sub Sub-Sub Item Indicator

Group Group Group Number

XX . XX . XX . XXX . X

Indentifi- Categori-
Classification
cation zation

6.4 Coding example

A concentric reducer, butt-welded, carbon steel, schedule 80, end to end dimensions 64 mm,
Nom. size 1 1/2 in x 1 in:
MESC number: 76.30.72.187.1
This MESC number has been composed as follows:

Main Sub Sub Item Indi-

sub number cator
76. Fittings and flanges
30. Fittings, butt-welding
72. Reducers, concentric, BW, CS
187. Size 1 1/2 x 1 in - sched. 80, end to end 64 mm
1 Centrally coded

6.5 MESC indicators

Centrally coded items normally formatted specifications have a xxx.1 indicator.
Locally coded items normally formatted specifications have a xxx.9 indicator.
Locally assigned MESC codes for spare parts should have a xxx.3 indicator.
In the event that xxx.9 items are created, the formats of similar xxx.1 items might be used as a
specimen. For a sample format see paragraph 8.1.

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 Guidelines for coding of spare parts

6.6 Creating the MESC number for an item (non spare parts)
When new item codes are to be created the following steps should be followed. Classify the
item with the MESC Main and Sub Sub Groups with help from the coding schedule (paragraphs
6.3 and 6.4). This information is available from the MESC Website.
After the classification (MESC Sub Sub) has been found a unique identification number is
allocated. This item number identifies the material. See also samples in paragraph 9.

6.7 MESC coding of catalogue items

6.7.1 Definitions
Spare parts
A part or component of a piece of equipment, which can be used as a replacement, usually
when the original part fails or wears out.
Spare parts with unique part numbers
A spare part number is unique when it shall apply exclusively and be the only reference of a part
within the manufacturers organisation.
6.7.2 Use of coding schedule

When an item cannot be coded within the existing coding schedule, a local subsub group, which
comes closest should be choosen. In most cases this will be a subsub group defined by SGSI
on the MESC web site (http://www.shell.com/cww) with the indication “nos” (not otherwise
specified).
When substantial ranges of the same material are to be expected, a new local subsub group
can be requested from Shell Global Solutions International.
6.7.3 Piping class materials
Wall thicknesses of piping class materials (MESC Main Groups 74, 76, 77 and 85) can be
specified in MESC buying descriptions with the characteristics “Schedule” or “Wall thickness in
MM”. When a wall thickness is covered by the Schedules STD, XS, XXS, 10, 20, 30, 40, 80,
120, 160, 5S, 10S, 40S, 80S as per API 5L, only the characteristic “Schedule” should be filled in
the value of the format (see paragraph 8.1). When a wall thickness is not covered by the API 5L
schedules, a MM size shall be entered in the value of the format. To avoid duplication of items,
wall thicknesses shall first be checked whether they are covered by a Schedule.
Buying descriptions for Piping Class Materials will only indicate “metric” sizes. Only OCTG (Oil
Country Tubular Goods) materials are listed with “imperial” sizes.
6.7.4 Unique spare parts for equipment
Spare parts for different models fabricated by one equipment manufacturer should be coded in
one nominated Sub Sub group or within a reserved range of one specific Sub group. For this
purpose the MESC Coding Schedule on the MESC website, where the coding schedule
recommends different Sub Sub groups for different equipment from one manufacturer it is
recommended to use one group only.
The alternative for the described method is using MESC group 35, whereby unique spare parts
can be coded against a manufacturers subgroup, regardless of the type of equipment.
The in random order selected items should be coded sequentially starting from xx.xx.xx.001.3
until xx.xx.xx.999.3.
Where the coding schedule does not provide Sub Sub groups for the relevant equipment, a
locally allocated Sub-Sub group in line with the general coding schedule should be allocated.
Also projects may allocate their own Sub Sub groups for this purpose.
6.7.5 Spare parts with unique part numbers for items with generic descriptions
Spare parts manufactured by one manufacturer for items with generic descriptions (e.g. valve
parts, luminair parts, telecom parts) should be generalised and coded in a nominated Sub Sub
group or within a reserved range of a specific Sub Sub group of the MESC coding schedule.

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 Guidelines for coding of spare parts

6.8 Generic items

6.8.1 Generic items are items of a general nature like bearings, gaskets, instruments, etc. (see
Appendix 2), which can be purchased with a specification without mentioning a manufacturers
name. Those items are not manufactured by the main equipment manufacturer. Such items
should be coded in the appropriate MESC groups (e.g. 58, 60, 67, 70 and 85). For many of
those items there are formats available in the CMT catalogue with or without the relevant values
Where a format is available it shall be used, and incomplete information shall be requested from
the manufacturer.
Generalising typical Bought-out items will save a lot of money and parties involved should insist
to receive the information required to identify this type of spares from the Suppliers.
6.8.2 If there is insufficient information to generalise a questionable spare part (see Appendix 2.) and
the supplier is unwilling to cooperate, it is recommended to inspect the relevant details of the
item when it is received. That will allow to generalise the item and complete the records.
6.8.3 It should be noted that generalisation might have consequences for the technical integrity of the
main equipment. The penalty of failure or losing guarantee on expensive equipment should be
compared with the savings of a few dollars for e.g. generalising an o-ring. It is recommended
to generalise only those spare parts where a substantial saving can be achieved by purchasing
the parts from the original manufacturer, or where a reasonable consumption pattern is
expected. Typical "non" moving items should not be generalised.

6.9 MESC coding in E-SPIR 2000

For the coding of new MESC items, a special coding facility was developed in the E-SPIR 2000
program to increase the speed of coding. The facility shows all the spare parts attached to the
equipment(s) in one SPIR on one screen. Refer to the Project E-SPIR 2000 review procedure

7. ITEM SPECIFICATIONS
The CMT Catalogue system is designed to contain Formatted and Unformatted material
specifications.
The Shell Global Solutions MESC catalogue contains mainly Formatted item specifications,
which are based on the know-how developed in the centre and experience from Group
Companies.
The Unformatted item specifications are mainly used for spare parts, whereby the spare part is
identified by the part number and the short description

7.1 Formated item specifications

7.1.1 Terminology
Format (CMT = Noun + Modifiers + Characteristics
Format (CMT) = Classification (SAP) = Class + Characteristics (SAP)
Format name (CMT) = Class name (SAP) = Noun + Modifier
7.1.2 Nouns, Modifiers an Characteristics
A format is defined by a set of Noun, Modifiers and Characteristics. To prepare a specification
the values required shall be entered in the selected format. Those values can only be selected
from tables, thereby ensuring consistent descriptions.
7.1.3 Creating locally formatted items
Where users in Operating Companies create new items in the CMT system the descriptions of
the Nouns, Modifiers and Characteristics shall never be changed in centrally made formats.
When a material specification is created by using an existing format only the values may be
altered. If certain item details cannot be identified with the existing characteristics, that
information shall be entered in the long text of the description. This rigid system ensures that
the formats of annual revision uploads of the Central Catalogue do not crash with formats
changed locally.

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 Guidelines for coding of spare parts

7.1.4 Short item description

In most catalogues items are also presented as a one line description. In CMT the one line
descriptions is automatically created with selected abbreviated values of the format. For this
purpose key characteristics have been selected.
7.1.5 On the example below a formatted item is presented.

Nouns & Modifiers Specimen Noun & Modifiers

A set of Nouns & Modifiers facilitates Noun Bearings
searches in the catalogue. Modifier 1 Ball
User-access to catalogue information is
very user friendly without the necessity to Modifier 2 Metric
know article or stock numbers. Modifier 3

Formats or templates Specimen Format

A format is a description defined by a set Bearings, Ball, Metric
of Nouns and Modifiers, supported by a
set of Characteristics with value fields. Characteristics Values
Formats have been created for items, Type self aligning
which require for commercial reasons a Series 1200
generic description.
Rows double
The Shell Catalogue contains more than
Design spec ISO 15 / DIN 630
1200 Formats & 110.000 Formatted items.
Style raceway of outer ring
Formatted items Mat, cage pressed steel
A formatted item is specified by Values Designation (SKF no) 1209 EJ
against the fixed Characteristics, which Type of bore mm 45
describe the item technically or Diameter, od mm 85
functionally. Width/height mm 19
The item contains information such as MESC No 58.02.07.509.1
MESC number, Units of Measure, Short
Unit of Measure PC
Description, Product Group, Custodian
and Company Reference(s). Short Description BRG BALL MTR 1209EJ
45mm 85mm

7.2 Unformatted item specifications

The unformatted option in CMT is set up for the use of proprietary spare parts complete with a
manufacturers part number and description. It also contains information such as Article no,
Units of Measure, Product Group, Custodian and Company Reference(s). For unformatted
items the short text in is not automatically generated. The convention for the manual creation of
short item descriptions should be in line with the set up of the Nouns and Modifiers in CMT.
First the Noun, than the Modifiers in order of importance.
Two examples:
- Ball valve should read: Valve, ball.
- High voltage resin insulated transformer should read: Transformer, high voltage, resin
insulated.
Typical spare parts are normally not loaded under a Noun Modifier Combination.
Searches of spare parts in the catalogue are carried out on part number and/or supplier.

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 Guidelines for coding of spare parts

8. SPECIMEN CODING METHODS

Method 1. Spare part ranges (with unique part nrs) per manufacturer in a centrally
allocated Sub group
Randomly coded items in MESC Sub group 27.99 (paragraph 6.6)
27.99 Pumps, reciprocating: continental manf. nos (not otherwise specified).
27.99.00.001.3 PART NO 21CA789 SHAFT type A
27.99.00.002.3 PART NO 41BB234 SHAFT type B
27.99.00.003.3 PART NO 21AA456 GASKET type A + B
27.99.00.004.3 PART NO 21AA234 IMPELLER type A
27.99.00.005.3 PART NO 21AB123 WEAR RING type A
27.99.00.006.3 PART NO 31BB789 IMPELLER type B
27.99.00.007.3 PART NO 31BC456 WEAR RING type A

Method 2. Spare parts ranges per manufacturer for spare part nrs in one allocated
Sub-Sub group within MESC main group 31 (paragraph 6.6)
31.13.10 Pump type A, manufacturer X.
31.13.10.101.3 PART NO AB212 IMPELLER type A
31.13.10.102.3 PART NO AB213 ** GASKET type A + B
31.13.10.103.3 PART NO AB214 SHAFT type A
31.13.10.104.3 PART NO AB215 WEAR RING type A

31.13.10 Pump type B, manufacturer X.

31.13.10.105.3 PART NO BB322 SHAFT type B
31.13.10.106.3 PART NO BB323 WEAR RING type B
31.13.10.107.3 PART NO BB324 IMPELLER type B
31.13.10.102.3 PART NO AB213 ** GASKET type A + B
**( Part No identical for pump A and B)

Samples of selecting a Sub Sub Group in the MESC system

Item to be coded Solution

Transformer, High Voltage,
Resin Insulated
Level transmitter,
Magnetostrictive type
Guard Pipe, Schedule 40
Batten Plate, 400x80x6mm
thick flat steel plate
EL T RTD TW PT100,
0-100 DEG.C
TR T EL 4-20MA, 24VDC,
0-100 DEG.C
Sub-group, 65.43, already exists for local use, therefore, choose your
own sub-sub group within the sub-group.
New subsubgroup not required: Magnetostrictive is float type transmitter.
Use local coding 60.21.69.
If this is all information submitted, this item should be coded as part of
the equipment it is used for.
Use Local coding: 78.43.90
This is not enough information for proper MESC coding. A complete
specification (length, thickness, type of connection, etc) is required, or a
manufacturer’s name and partnumber, if the specification is not available.
This is not enough information for proper MESC coding. A complete
specification is required, or manufacturer’s name and partnumber, if the
specification is not available.

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 Guidelines for coding of spare parts
LIST OF MESC MAIN GROUPS
DRILLING & PRODUCTION
01 - drilling machinery, mud equipment & accessories
02 - production surface equipment
03 - drilling tools & retrievable production tools
04 - casing, tubing & accessories
05 - cementing equipment & liner hanger systems
06 - fishing & repair tools (drilling)
07 - drilling & mud control instruments
08 - production well test & monitoring instruments
09 - wellhead equipment & accessories
10 - production string components & subsurface pumps
11 - derricks & accessories
12 - geological & geophysical operating equipment
PLANT & MACHINERY
13 - boilers & accessories
14 - engines gas or oil (nos)
15 - steam engines (reciprocating)
16 - steam turbines & parts
17 - engines, gas or oil (continent)
18 - engines, gas or oil & parts (GB)
19 - engines, gas or oil & parts (US)
20 - gas turbines & parts
21 - ----
22 - compressors or vacuum pumps & parts (continent)
23 - compressors or vacuum pumps & parts (GB)
24 - compressors or vacuum pumps & parts (US)
25 - compressors or vacuum pumps & parts (nos)
26 - pumps, reciprocating & parts (nos)
27 - pumps, reciprocating & parts (continent)
28 - pumps, reciprocating & parts (GB)
29 - pumps, reciprocating & parts (US)
30 - pumps, centrifugal or rotary & parts (nos)
31 - pumps, centrifugal or rotary & parts (continent)
32 - pumps, centrifugal or rotary & parts (GB)
33 - pumps, centrifugalor rotary & parts (US)
34 - pumps, other types & parts
35 - proprietary spare parts MESC main groups 14 - 33
36 - hoisting & lifting equipment
37 - road making, excavating & construction equipment
38 - mining equipment
39 - forestry, paper and pulp mill equipment
40 - refinery plants & components
41 - chemical industrial equipment
42 - auxiliary plants & components (nos)
43 - plant elements & parts
44 - packing plant & LPG marketing components
TRANSPORTATION
45 - motor-cars (european)
46 - motor-cars (other than european)
47 - trucks & buses (european)
48 - trucks & buses (other than european)
49 - tractors & trailers
50 - tractors & trailers
51 - locomotives, cars & rail equipment
52 - ----
53 - marine & offshore installations
54 - ----
55 - vehicles & vehicle accessories (nos)
56 - garage & retail outlet equipment
57 - aircraft & aircraft fuelling equipment
Coding procedure - Rev. 03
Appendix 1.
MACHINERY ACCESSORIES
58 - machinery accessories & transmissions
PROCESS INSTRUMENTATION
59 - process instrumentation: parts
60 - process instrumentation
BUILDINGS, TANKS & SHOP EQUIPMENT
61 - buildings, structures & tanks
62 - machine tools with attachments & accessories
63 - pneumatic tools & accessories
64 - general shop equipment (including welding)
ELECTRICAL
65 - electric power sources & power converters
66 - electric motors, accessories & parts
67 - switch/control gear & electrical instruments
68 - wires, cables, terminating & connecting material
69 - lamps, luminaires, lighting control gear
70 - fuses, conduit & domestic electric material
71 - telecommunication, electronic systems & components
72 - computers, computer peripherals, accessories & software
TUBULAR GOODS, VALVES & FITTINGS
73 - hoses & hose assemblies
74 - tubular goods
75 - obsolete (do not use)
76 - fittings & flanges
77 - valves & accessories
BUILDING MATERIAL, METALS & HARDWARE
78 - metals & non-metals in bars, plates, sheets, wire products
79 - wire ropes, cordage chains & tackles
80 - builders hardware & building material
81 - fasteners, etc.
82 - ----
TOOLS & PACKING
83 - small tools
84 - ----
85 - jointing (gaskets), packing & insulating materials
PLANTS, OILS, CHEMICALS & LABORATORY
86 - paints
87 - oils & oil products
88 - abrasives, polishes & compounds
89 - chemicals
90 - laboratory requisites
MEDICAL
91 - medical equipment & supplies
HOUSEHOLD, OFFICE, FIRE & SAFETY
92 - furniture, household & club requisites
93 - office & warehouse equipment & materials
94 - ----
95 - textiles, fabrics, clothing & leather goods
96 - fire, safety, security & environmental equipment
SERVICES
97 - ----
98 - ----
GENERAL
99 -
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 Guidelines for coding of spare parts

Appendix 2.

BOUGHT-OUT (COMMERCIAL) ITEMS

List of minimum required details for commercial items.

Non-Manufacturer related:

Ball bearings : Bearing designation, preferably SKF number.

V-belts : BS/API specification no. with dimensions, cross section, nominal top width,
standard length designation, oil resistant, anti-static, fire resistance. If ribbed,
number of ribs.{correct typo}

Gaskets : Type, material, pressure rating, nominal pipe size,

gasket ID & OD, thickness.
To: ANSI, BS, MSS, API. Or standard configuration e.g.
MESC IL 85/170.

Bolts & nuts : Design spec, Material spec, size

Circlips : Internal - outside dia, thickness, for bore size.

External - inside dia, thickness, for shaft dia.

Fuses : Voltage, current, type to BS, DIN, IEC

Bulbs/lamps : Voltage, Wattage, dimensions, cap type, shape,

IEC publication No.

E-motors : Type number, voltage, power, All name plate details.

Manufacturer related:

Instruments : Original manufacturers name, unique partnumber, name plate details.

Relays/contactors : Original manufacturers name, unique partnumber, name plate details.

Mechanical Seals : Original manufacturers name, type and size, material specification, seal
arrangement.

Couplings : Original manufacturers name, type, model, size, order code.

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