Materials System Specification

21-SAMSS-010 27 October 2021

Fireproofing for Valve Actuators
Document Responsibility: Loss Prevention Standards Committee

Contents
1 Scope ................................................................ 3
2 Conflicts and Deviations ................................... 3
3 References........................................................ 3
4 Definitions ......................................................... 3
5 Quotation and Ordering .................................... 4
6 Environmental Conditions ................................. 5
7 Design ............................................................... 6
8 Test and Inspection........................................... 8
9 Preparation and Shipment ................................ 8
10 Vendor Training ................................................ 9
Revision Summary .................................................... 9

Previous Issue: 22 October 2020 Next Planned Update: 22 October 2025

Contact: (GHAMSS1I) Page 1 of 9
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 Document Responsibility: Loss Prevention Standards Committee 21-SAMSS-010
Issue Date: 27 October 2021
Next Planned Update: 22 October 2025 Fireproofing for Valve Actuator

Summary of Changes

Paragraph Number Change Type

Previous Revision Current Revision (Addition, Technical Change(s)
(26 December 2017) (12 October 2020) Modification, Deletion)
Deleting the need to seek ruling from fireproofing
manufacturers on conflicts and deviations from
2.3 N/A Deletion
this SAMSS in compliance with requirements of
SAEP-302.
Deleting the need for Chief Fire Prevention
7.1 7.1 Deletion approval to comply with the MSAERs content
confirmation requirements.
Adding “fire resistance rating” to Packing
9.1 9.1 Addition identification list for a better identification of
shipped material.

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 Document Responsibility: Loss Prevention Standards Committee 21-SAMSS-010
Issue Date: 22 October 2020
Next Planned Update: 22 October 2025 Fireproofing for Valve Actuator

1 Scope

This specification defines the requirements for repair or replacement of existing valve
actuator fireproof box and blanket systems, and shop-applied intumescent fireproofing
of new valve actuators. This specification is intended for compliance with requirements
of SAES-B-006 for the fireproofing of valve actuators. This specification may be
attached to a purchase order.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

2.1 Any conflict between this document and other Applicable Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be addressed to the
EK&RD Coordinator.

2.2 Any deviation from the requirements herein shall follow internal company
procedure SAEP-302.

3 References

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAEP-302 Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-B-006 Fireproofing for Plants
SAES-B-067 Safety Identification and Safety Colors

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification

34-SAMSS-913 Instrumentation and Thermocouple Cable

3.2 Industry Code and Standard

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.

UL 1709 Safety Rapid Rise Fire Tests of Protection Materials for
Structural Steel

4 Definitions

Buyer or Purchaser: The Company (Saudi Aramco, AOC, or ASC) actually placing
the order for the material.

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 Document Responsibility: Loss Prevention Standards Committee 21-SAMSS-010
Issue Date: 27 October 2021
Next Planned Update: 22 October 2025 Fireproofing for Valve Actuator

Vendor: The other party to the order for the material who may or may not be the
manufacturer of the equipment.

Buyer's Representative: The person acting on behalf of the Buyer, who may be from
the Engineering, Inspection, Purchasing, or User Organization.

5 Quotation and Ordering

5.1 The Vendor shall supply with his quotation the following information regarding
the actuator fireproofing system:
a) Dimensional outline drawings.
b) Technical description, type, and characteristics of all covering and lining
materials, as well as parts and components needed for installation.
c) Two sets of installation and maintenance instructions and drawings.
d) Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the product.

e) Certifications.5.2 Unless requested otherwise, the Vendor shall quote

separately:
a) Cost of the materials.
b) Cost of shipment.
c) Estimated number of hours required to install each unit, and associated
cost.
d) For fireproof boxes and blanket systems, the estimated number of hours
required in the field for measuring the actuator/valve assembly prior to
manufacture of the fireproofing enclosures, and associated cost.
e) Cost of rendering services in Saudi Arabia under the standard Saudi
Aramco contractual conditions.
f) Cost of acceptance tests and procedures, if required.
g) A list of recommended spare parts (repair materials) with their itemized
cost and specifications for use.

5.3 Upon acceptance of fireproof box and blanket systems purchase orders, the
Vendor shall provide, for each type of actuator fireproofing enclosure, five sets
of detailed installation and maintenance instructions. These instructions are to
be shipped separately to Buyer's representative at time of first shipment.

5.4 Vendor Responsibilities

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 Document Responsibility: Loss Prevention Standards Committee 21-SAMSS-010
Issue Date: 22 October 2020
Next Planned Update: 22 October 2025 Fireproofing for Valve Actuator

5.4.1 Compliance with the provisions of this specification does not relieve the
Vendor from the responsibilities for furnishing equipment of proper
design to meet the specified operating service conditions.

5.4.2 It shall be the responsibility of the Vendor to provide the fireproofing

materials for each actuator system and also to install those materials in a
manner such that each installation meets the requirements of this
Specification.

6 Environmental Conditions

The fireproofing material shall be able to withstand the following environmental

conditions. When needed for fireproof boxes and blanket systems, this may be
achieved by means of a separate weatherproofing cover.

6.1 UV irradiation by direct sunlight.

6.2 Relative humidity of 0 to 100% (condensing).

6.3 Wind velocities up to 36 m/sec (130 km/hr), gusting to 44.5 m/sec (160 km/hr).

6.4 Ambient temperature ranging from 0°C to maximum shown in Table 1 (normal
operations).

Table 1 – Internal Heat Source

Absent Present**
Sheltered * 55°C (130°F) 65°C (149°F)
Exposed 70°C (158°F) 80°C (176°F)

* Sheltered refers to permanent, ventilated enclosures or buildings, but excludes sunshades.

** If the internal heat source (i.e., actuator motor or heat from pipeline fluid) results in a
temperature rise of more than 10°C (18°F), the vendor shall guarantee the equipment and
components for the temperature shown for internal heat source absent condition plus the
temperature rise.

6.5 Other Considerations

a) The normal onshore airborne dust concentration shall be considered as
1 mg/m3. During sandstorm conditions, dust concentrations reaching
500 mg/m³ are encountered, and winds may gust to over 27 m/sec
(100 km/hr). 95% of all dust particles are less than 20 micrometers, and
50% of all particles are less than 1.5 micrometers in size. Compounds
present in the dust include those of sodium, calcium, magnesium, silicon,
and aluminum. When wetted (100% humidity condition), these

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 Document Responsibility: Loss Prevention Standards Committee 21-SAMSS-010
Issue Date: 27 October 2021
Next Planned Update: 22 October 2025 Fireproofing for Valve Actuator

compounds function as electrolytes and can result in severe corrosion of

materials.
b) Other pollutants present (ppm in vol/vol atmosphere concentration - worst
case) are H2S: 20 ppm; CO: 100 ppm; NOx: 5 ppm; SO2: 10 ppm; O3
1ppm, and hydrocarbons: 150 ppm. All materials shall be protected from,
or be able to withstand, these contaminants to prevent corrosion and
operation failure.
c) Fireproofing installed offshore or nearshore (i.e., within ½ km from
shoreline) shall be capable of withstanding windborne seawater spray and
the accumulation of wetted salt (NaCl). Fireproofing subject to wetting
from deluge foam/water spray systems onshore shall be capable of
withstanding salt water spray and wetted salt.

d) A service life of approximately 20 years is required for intumescent

fireproofing of valve actuators.

7 Design

7.1

7.1.1 Fireproofing materials shall not contain any asbestos. The installed
actuator fireproofing system shall protect the actuator components from
the effects of a hydrocarbon fire, such that the actuator remains capable
of operating the valve during the first 20 minutes of the fire.
Commentary Note:

Pneumatic and hydraulic instrument lines that are stainless steel tubing
(Type 304, 316, 321) do not require fireproofing. If the electrical and
instrumentation cables meet the fireproof requirements of Section 6.7,
34-SAMSS-913, they do not require fireproofing.

7.1.2 The fireproofing shall fully cover the actuator body, excluding indicator
lights, the stem protector on top of the actuator, and handwheel or
declutch lever. If shaft extenders are required, type 316 stainless steel
extenders shall be provided and installed by the Vendor.

7.1.3 The actuator fireproofing shall allow actuator disassembly and

reassembly for major repair of the valve and/or actuator and return to
original condition without affecting the integrity of the system.

7.2 For Fireproof Boxes and Blanket Systems

7.2.1 The fireproofing system shall protect conduits, pneumatic and hydraulic
lines associated within the valve actuator, for the first 20 minutes of the

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 Document Responsibility: Loss Prevention Standards Committee 21-SAMSS-010
Issue Date: 22 October 2020
Next Planned Update: 22 October 2025 Fireproofing for Valve Actuator

fire. The penetrations from conduits and pneumatic/hydraulic lines shall

be continually protected by the fireproofing system (no significant
spaces or gaps, i.e., less than 20 mm). The spaces or gaps shall be noted
during the field inspection prior to acceptance. Stainless steel tubing
(type 304, 316, 321) pneumatic and hydraulic instrument lines that
provide service air to the actuator do not require fireproofing beyond the
transition fireproofing on the actuator.

7.2.2 Access Hatches

7.2.2.1 The controls and indicators shall be accessible through easy-to-

open hatches to allow for minor maintenance and operation.
Frequent testing of the actuators requires quick access and an
easy-closing hatch system. Hatches, therefore, shall be secured
with hinges or pivots on one side and quick-opening
fasteners/latches on all other sides of the same section and shall
require no tools to operate. Fasteners/latches shall be oversized
to allow easy engaging and disengaging. The hatches shall be
hinged to swing clear of the opening to allow easy access for
maintenance and operation.

7.2.2.2 Site inspection may be required to design the access hatches.

This design shall be concurred with by Saudi Aramco operations
and maintenance departments.

7.3 For Shop-applied Intumescent Fireproofing

7.3.1 Actuators that require fireproofing shall be delivered to the field with
shop-applied intumescent fireproofing to meet 8.1.

7.3.2 Vendor inspection shall qualify the system for installation of the coating
and qualification of personnel applying the coating shall be verified prior
to acceptance.

7.3.3 The vendor shall provide technical field support services should
problems arise on their products.

7.3.4 The controls and indicators shall be accessible for minor maintenance
and operation. The fireproofing system design shall be concurred with
by Saudi Aramco operations and maintenance departments.

7.3.5 The outer surface of the fireproofing system shall be a distinctive color.

Commentary Note:

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 Document Responsibility: Loss Prevention Standards Committee 21-SAMSS-010
Issue Date: 27 October 2021
Next Planned Update: 22 October 2025 Fireproofing for Valve Actuator

This type of intumescent coating looks almost like a normal paint coating.
The purpose of the distinctive color is to help identify this special coating
as fireproofing. The color shall not be a safety color (see SAES-B-067),
but should stand out from other colors used in the plant. For an example,
purple is not a safety color or a background color and is used by one
vendor to identify its product.

8 Test and Inspection

8.1 Vendor Qualification Test

8.1.1 Fireproofing shall protect valve actuators for a minimum of 20 minutes

when subjected to test furnace environment in accordance with the full-
scale test method of UL 1709 or an equivalent “rapid-rise” fire test
procedure.

8.1.2 The actuator shall experience a temperature rise of no more than 50°C,
and the actuator must remain capable of operating the valve during the
test, as verified by stroking the valve during the 6th, 13th, and 20th
minute after starting the test.

8.1.3 A Vendor qualification test can be waived if the Vendor provides test
reports showing the above criteria were met.

8.1.4 The Vendor shall be responsible for providing the materials and facilities
and bearing the cost of the testing when a Vendor qualification test is
conducted for Saudi Aramco.

8.1.5 The Vendor shall provide Saudi Aramco with the specification of the
sample product submitted to the third party testing laboratory or agency
for testing.

8.2 Field Inspection

Upon completion of the installation, the Area Loss Prevention Department and
responsible Inspection Unit shall jointly verify that the final protective
fireproofing system is in compliance with this specification and with the
requirements specified in the Purchase Order. For shop-applied intumescent
fireproofing, minor defects or cracks due to shipment mishandling that could
affect the integrity of the fireproofing shall be repaired by the Vendor prior to
field installation at no cost to Saudi Aramco.

9 Preparation and Shipment

Packing for shipment shall be done in accordance with the Buyer's specifications.
As a minimum, it shall meet the following:

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 Document Responsibility: Loss Prevention Standards Committee 21-SAMSS-010
Issue Date: 22 October 2020
Next Planned Update: 22 October 2025 Fireproofing for Valve Actuator

9.1 Identification

Each fireproofed actuator or piece of fireproofing equipment shall be identified

with a stainless steel tag with the purchase order number, item number,
manufacturer, date of manufacture, model, fire resistance rating and (if known)
valve number permanently marked on it by raised letters or die-stamping. After
the fireproofing is installed, the identification tag shall be located so that it can
be easily read by an operator who is facing the actuator controls.

9.2 Package Marking

Each package shall be suitably marked to indicate the contents and order
number.

9.3 Documentation

One complete set of Vendor's prints shall be included. For fireproof boxes and
blanket systems, installation instructions shall be included in the packaging of
the material.

10 Vendor Training

For shop-applied intumescent fireproofing, the vendor shall conduct training of Saudi
Aramco maintenance technicians on how to perform repairs for minor problems.

Revision Summary
19 August 2014 Revised the Next Planned Update, reaffirmed the content of the document, and reissued as
major revision including few minor clarifications of the standards and updating environmental
conditions to be inline with other standards.
26 December 2017 Combined 21-SAMSS-014, “Intumescent Fireproofing for Valve Actuators” with this SAMSS
since both address the requirements of fireproofing valve actuators. Consequently, 21-
SAMSS-014 is canceled.
22 October 2020 Revised the Next Planned Update, reaffirmed the content of the document, and reissued as
major revision including few minor clarifications of the standards and deleting the need for
chief fire prevention approval for some the requirements.
27 October 2021 Editorial revision to reflect the correct organization name.

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