Inspection Procedure

17-SAIP-50 18 April 2009

Inspection Coverage of Cathodic
Protection Deep Anode Beds
Inspection Engineering Standards Committee Members

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents

1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Purpose.......................................................... 2
3 Abbreviations................................................. 2
4 Applicable Standards and Specifications..... 2
5 Inspection Procedure..................................... 3
6 Reporting Methods......................................... 6

Previous Issue: 31 August 2004 Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014

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Primary contact: Kakpovbia, Anthony E. on 966-3-8747226

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2009. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee 17-SAIP-50
Issue Date: 18 April 2009 Inspection Coverage of Cathodic
Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014 Protection Deep Anode Beds

1 Scope

1.1 This Inspection Procedure outlines inspection guidelines to be followed for the
installation of Cathodic Protection Deep Anode Beds.

1.2 This SAIP is intended to establish a standardized methodology by Saudi Aramco

inspection personnel in the implementation of inspection programs within Saudi
Aramco facilities. The SAIP shall not be included in purchase order or contract
documents issued to outside agencies.

2 Purpose

To provide the relevant information and necessary procedures required to promote

proficient and uniform inspection.

3 Abbreviations

SAEP Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAIP Saudi Aramco Inspection Procedure
SAES Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard
SAMSS Saudi Aramco Material System Specification
DC Direct Current

4 Applicable Standards and Specifications

Installation shall be inspected in accordance with, but not limited to, the requirements of
the following documents:

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-X-400 Cathodic Protection of Buried Pipelines
SAES-X-600 Cathodic Protection of Plant Facilities
SAES-X-700 Cathodic Protection of Onshore Well Casings

Saudi Aramco General Instructions

GI-0002.710 Mechanical Completion and Performance
Acceptance of Facilities
Gl-0428.001 General Instruction Manual, C.P. Responsibilities

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAEP-1150 Inspection Coverage on Projects

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee 17-SAIP-50
Issue Date: 18 April 2009 Inspection Coverage of Cathodic
Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014 Protection Deep Anode Beds

Saudi Aramco Standard Drawings

AA-036132 Terminal Detail Cable Identification
AA-036347 20-Terminal Junction Box Details
AA-036349 3-Terminal Bond Box Details
AA-036350 2-Terminal Bond Box Details
AB-036351 Marker Plate Details
AA-036356 Aquifer Penetrating Anode Bed
AA-036378 Rectifier Installation Details (Sheets 1&2)
AA-036385 Deep Anode Bed without Anode Support Pipe
AB-036540 Junction Box Mounting Details
AA-036675 Direct Buried C.P. Cable Details

5 Inspection Procedure

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 Deep anode beds are constructed vertically to depths which may
approach 300 m, as determined by the specific job requirements.
These beds contain carbonaceous back fill and casing along with
selected anode material as specified on applicable drawings. They are
constructed with a number of anodes connected in parallel, to minimize
the anode-to-earth resistance.

5.1.2 Deep anode beds shall be installed in accordance with the approved
Saudi Aramco Standard Drawings. The design shall be reviewed and
approved prior to work commencement by the Groundwater Division
of the Saudi Aramco Geological Department, Consulting Services
Department, and the C.P. proponent representative.

5.1.3 Virtually all deep anode beds are irreparable once installed. It is vital
that this increment of a Cathodic Protection System be installed
correctly.

5.2 Location

5.2.1 Deep anode beds are generally employed where surface soil resistivity
is too high for normal anode bed design. Resistivity generally
decreases considerably with depth.

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee 17-SAIP-50
Issue Date: 18 April 2009 Inspection Coverage of Cathodic
Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014 Protection Deep Anode Beds

5.2.2 Deep anode beds shall be installed according to the respective

construction drawings, using suitable equipment. Information on the
maximum allowable depth of the bed shall be obtained by the project
from the Hydrology Division, Geological Department, and the exact
location of the bed staked.

5.3 Materials

5.3.1 Review the Scope of Work for compliance with the applicable
standards and construction techniques. Check the material take-off
(MTO) list against the "Approved For Construction" drawings to
determine consistency and that the material meets the applicable Saudi
Aramco Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs).

5.3.2 Visit the contractor lay-down yard to spot check the material on hand.
If graphite anodes are to be used, they should remain boxed or a
sunshade provided. Some graphite anodes are susceptible to cracking
if left in direct sunlight.

5.3.3 Visually check all anodes for apparent external damage to body or lead
wires. Ensure that all anodes are stored in a location where they are
not subjected to physical damage.

5.4 On Site Inspection

5.4.1 From the Scope of Work, note the maximum allowable anode to cable
resistance value. No anode assembly should be used that has a higher
resistance than the limit set by the Scope of Work. Witness a physical
"pullout" test as determined by the Scope of Work. When the anodes
pass the electrical and physical tests, they are ready to be installed.

5.4.2 Determine that the bore hole is of correct depth and that the resistance
readings have been taken at the specified intervals and recorded by the
designated site representative. Obtain copies of these readings. The
bore hole depth may be less than the maximum allowable if the drill
stem resistance is at or below that required by the Scope of Work and
the depth is sufficient for proper spacing of the anodes and their
required over burden.

5.4.3 Witness the holiday detection of the anode cables immediately prior to
installation. Check the holiday detector according to the
manufacturer's instructions and make sure that have valid calibration
sticker within six month before operation and set to 18,000 volts as
prescribed in SAES-X-400, 5.4.3. If a holiday is detected, the entire
anode/cable assembly shall be replaced. The contractor should take

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee 17-SAIP-50
Issue Date: 18 April 2009 Inspection Coverage of Cathodic
Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014 Protection Deep Anode Beds

precautions to ensure that the cables are not damaged on the way down
the hole.

5.4.4 Check to ensure that the DC power supplies have an operating voltage
rating not more than 100 Volts.

5.4.5 Check to ensure that the DC power supplies are not installed in
hazardous locations.

5.4.6 As the anodes are installed, check that they are numbered sequentially,
#1 being the first down the hole and so on. Labels should be attached
to the ends of the cables that will be in the anode lead junction box.

5.4.7 Check to ensure that the vent pipe has the proper number and size
holes drilled in it, and goes in the hole with the anodes.

5.4.8 Observe that the spacing from the bottom of the first anode to the
bottom of the hole is correct. Also, that the spacing between anodes is
correct. The contractor should utilize a cable counter or other suitable
means to control these dimensions.

5.4.9 After determining that the anode column is installed and supported
properly as shown in the relevant drawings, ensure that the anode cable
tails are coiled up and out of harms way. This is particularly important
during the coke breeze slurry pumping operation, as there is a lot of
activity and the cables must not be walked on.

5.4.10 Count the drums of carbonaceous back fill on site to determine that the
quantity agrees with the required calculated amount, and ensure that it
is all placed down the hole. If the slurry is not thoroughly agitated in
the mixing tub, large quantities can settle out. Coke Breeze slurry is
normally pumped from the bottom of the hole up.

5.4.11 After the hole is filled to the minimum acceptable level over the top
anode, obtain the total column to structure resistance (anodes
paralleled). This reading may vary after the column settles.

5.4.12 The surface casing shall have means for providing strain relief of the
anode cables. Ensure that this support (see specific installation
drawings for details) is in place and being used before the cables are
inserted into the conduit to the anode lead junction box.

5.4.13 Refer to the Standard Drawing and "approved for construction"

drawings for specific installation details concerning anode lead
junction boxes.

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee 17-SAIP-50
Issue Date: 18 April 2009 Inspection Coverage of Cathodic
Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014 Protection Deep Anode Beds

6 Reporting Methods

Any deficiencies in the above mentioned methods or procedures should be reported by

one of the methods outlined in SAEP-1150, Inspection Coverage on Projects, or through
the worksheet system in operating plants.

Revision Summary
18 April 2009 Editorial revision to change primary contact.
Revised the “Next Planned Update.”

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