Materials System Specification

15-SAMSS-503 29 June 2005

Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV
Electrical Systems Designs & Automation Standards Committee Members
Ishwait, Basel A., Chairman
Al-Hamrani, Majed M., Vice Chairman
Almadi, Soliman M.
Badrani, Hamed S.
Bahamdan, Mohammad O.
Fateel, Adel M.
Ghamdi, Abdulaziz A. (PDD)
Hamood, Abdulrazaq A.
Hassouneh, Awwad S.
Heikoop, Dirk J.
Shaikh-Nasser, Ahmed N.
Zayan, Mahmoud B.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents

1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations................................. 2
3 References..................................................... 2
4 Vendor Experience......................................... 3
5 General Description........................................ 3
6 Design and Construction............................... 4
7 Factory Splices............................................ 10
8 Cable Inspection and Testing...................... 12
9 Cable Shipment........................................... 14
10 Environmental Data..................................... 16
11 Additional Information
to be Supplied by Bidder...................... 16

Data Sheet......................................................... 18

Previous Issue: 29 February 2004 Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009

Page 1 of 19
Primary contact: Basel A. Ishwait on 874-5133
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

1 Scope

This specification defines the mandatory requirements for the design, manufacture,
factory inspection, testing, and shipment of three conductor, solid dielectric insulated,
non-metallic sheathed, wire armored, submarine power cable rated for 5 kV, 15 kV,
35 kV, 69 kV or 115 kV. This specification includes, as an alternative, requirements for
composite submarine cable also containing fiber optic cable. The finished submarine
cable shall be designed for operation in a submarine and platform riser environment in
waters of the Arabian Gulf or the Red Sea in water depths up to 70 m.

Quantities of cable required and application data may be found in the Data Sheets which
are a part of this specification.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

2.1 If there are any conflicts between this Specification and associated purchasing,
project or engineering documents, this specification shall take precedence.

2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this Specification in writing to the Company
or Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company waiver procedure.

2.3 The designation "Commentary" is used to label a sub-paragraph that contains

comments that are explanatory or advisory. These comments are not mandatory,
except to the extent that they explain mandatory requirements contained in this
SAMSS.

3 References

The following is a summary of all the documents which have been mentioned within
this Specification. The specific part(s) of these documents which are applicable have
been identified throughout this Specification.

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements

Form 175-150100 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

Association of Edison Illuminating Companies

AEIC CS6 Specification for Ethylene Propylene Rubber
Insulated Shielded Power Cables Rated 5
Through 69 kV

Page 2 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

AEIC CS7 Specifications for Crosslinked Polyethylene

Insulated Shielded Power Cables Rated 69
Through 138 kV
AEIC CS8 Specification for Extruded Dielectric, Shielded
Power Cables Rated 5 Through 46 kV

American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM A111 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Iron Telephone and
Telegraph Line Wire
ASTM B3 Standard Specification for Soft or Annealed
Copper Wire
ASTM B8 Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-
Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-
Hard, or Soft
ASTM B496 Standard Specification for Compact Round
Concentric-Lay Stranded Copper Conductors

Insulated Cable Engineers Association

ICEA S-97-682 Utility Shielded Power Cables

Rural Electrification Administration

REA PE-90 Specification for Filled Fiber Optic Cable

4 Vendor Experience

Vendors responding to this specification shall have a minimum of 6 years of verifiable,

proven field experience in manufacturing submarine power cables. Vendors shall
supply a User List indicating company name, installation site, date of installation, and
characteristics similar to cable quoted.

5 General Description

As a minimum, the cable shall consist of the following components:

5.1 Power Conductors

Three power conductors of stranded copper, operating at a nominal 60 Hz and

4,160 V, 13,800 V, 34,500 V, 69,000 or 115,000 V as specified on the DATA
SHEET.

Strand Sealant (Sealant between conductor strands or segments).

Page 3 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

Conductor Shield (Semiconducting shield around each conductor).

Insulation - Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE) or Ethylene Propylene Rubber

(EPR).

Insulation Shield (Semiconducting shield around the insulation of each

conductor).

Metallic Shield.

Lead Sheath - For 69 and 115 kV cables: required. For lower voltage cables:
When specified on the DATA SHEET or when proposed.

5.2 Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber Optic Cable, when specified, with core jacket, located in an outer
interstice.

5.3 Filler

Polypropylene filler of cable core and interstices.

5.4 Marker and Binder

Cable marker (over the cable core, under the core binder).
Cable binder of synthetic woven tape.

5.5 Outer Cable Construction

Core jacket of HMWLD Polyethylene
Bronze or copper tape (Terredo protection)
Armor bedding of asphalt-flushed polypropylene
Armor of galvanized steel wires
Overall covering of asphalt-flushed polypropylene or nylon roving

6 Design and Construction

6.1 Power Conductors

6.1.1 Material

Conductors shall be annealed copper in accordance with ASTM B3.

6.1.2 Stranding

Page 4 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

Conductors shall be compressed concentric lay stranded in accordance

with ASTM B8 Class B or compact round concentric lay stranded in
accordance with ASTM B496.

6.1.3 Strand Sealant

The spaces between individual strand wires or segments of conductors

shall be sealed to prevent the ingress of moisture using a material
compatible with both the conductor and the conductor shielding and
having a no-drip or flow temperature of at least 130°C.

6.1.4 Conductor Shield

A semiconductor shield shall be extruded over the sealed conductor. The

shield material must be thermosetting and compatible with both the
conductor sealing material and the overlaying insulation. The shield
shall be in accordance with applicable ICEA and AEIC specifications.

6.1.5 Insulation

Conductor insulation shall be either XLPE or EPR, as specified on the

DATA SHEET. Insulation shall be phase-identified by using the colors
black, red, and blue. (Color coded ribbons laid under the metallic shields
are acceptable). The insulation color shall be in contrast with the
semiconducting shield color to provide rapid visual identification of the
two materials.

6.1.5.1 Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) – Cables Rated 5, 15 and

35 kV

XLPE insulation for cables rated 5, 15 and 35 kV shall be a

cross-linked thermosetting polyethylene conforming to the
requirements of ICEA S-97-682 as modified by AEIC CS8.
XLPE insulation shall be crosslinked using the dry curing
process.

6.1.5.2 Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) - Cables Rated 5, 15

and 35 kV

EPR insulation for cables rated 5, 15 and 35 kV shall be an

ozone-resistant, ethylene propylene based elastomer
conforming to the requirements of ICEA S-97-682 as modified
by AEIC CS8.

6.1.5.3 Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) – Cables Rated 69

and 115 kV

Page 5 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

XLPE insulation for cables rated 69 and 115 kV shall be a

cross-linked thermosetting polyethylene conforming to the
requirements of AEIC CS7. Insulation thickness shall be 16.5
mm (650 mils) for 69 kV rated cables and 20.3 mm (800 mils)
for 115 kV rated cables. XLPE insulation shall be crosslinked
using the dry curing process.

6.1.5.4 Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) - Cables Rated 69 kV

EPR insulation for cables rated 69 kV shall be an ozone-

resistant, ethylene propylene based elastomer conforming to
the requirements of AEIC CS6. Insulation thickness shall be
16.5 mm (650 mils).

6.1.6 Insulation Shield

The insulation shield shall be a continuous black semiconducting

thermosetting material, compatible with the insulation, extruded directly
over and firmly bonded to the insulation. The shield shall be in
accordance with applicable ICEA and AEIC specifications. A legend
with "SEMICONDUCTING-REMOVE WHEN SPLICING OR
TERMINATING" or similar wording shall be repetitively and
continuously printed, in contrasting color, along the entire insulation
shield surface.

6.1.7 Extrusion Method

The semiconducting conductor shield, insulation, and semiconducting

insulation shield shall be applied by the triple extrusion, single pass
method.

6.1.8 Metallic Shield

Two copper tapes, each with a minimum thickness of 0.125 mm, shall be
helically applied over the extruded semiconducting insulation shield with
a minimum 25% overlap. The tapes shall be made electrically
continuous throughout the cable length by soldering or welding all
splices. The tapes shall be free of burrs and sharp edges and shall be
applied in the same lay direction. Copper tapes shield is not required if a
lead sheath is specified. (Un-necessary and allows longitudinal water
ingress).

6.1.9 Lead Sheath

A separate lead sheath shall be applied over each insulated conductor for
all cables rated 69 and 115 kV, and, if specified on the DATA SHEET,

Page 6 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

for cables rated 5, 15 and 35 kV. The lead sheath shall meet the
requirements of ICEA S-97-682. The lead sheath can be a lead alloy.

6.2 Fiber Optic Cable

6.2.1 Requirements

The requirements for fiber optic cable, if specified, are found in the
attached Addendum.

Fiber optic cables, when specified, shall have a minimum of twelve

optical fiber units.

6.2.2 Optical Fibers

Optical fibers shall be in accordance with Section 2, REA PE-90, Optical

Fibers.

Unless otherwise specified by Saudi Aramco, dispersion-shifted EIA

Class IVb single mode optical fibers shall be provided. If multimode
optical fibers are specified as permitted below, at least four single mode
optical fiber units must also be provided.

If specified by Saudi Aramco, multimode optical fibers may be included

in fiber optic cables only for cables two kilometers or less in length.
Multimode optical fibers shall be 62.5/125 micrometer EIA Class Ia.

Each coated optical fiber shall be contained in a loose tube buffer. The
space between the fiber and the inside of the tube shall be filled with a
filling compound that will retard the ingress and axial migration of water
or gas through the cable core. Buffers shall be in accordance with
Section 3, REA PE-90. Alternate constructions may be approved by the
Company or Buyer Representative with the concurrence of the
Coordinator, Electrical Systems Division, Consulting Services
Department.

Each optical fiber shall have a protective coating or jacket in accordance

with Section 3, REA PE-90.

Fiber and buffer tube identification shall be in accordance with Section

4, REA PE-90.

6.2.3 Fiber Optic Cable Core Assembly

Fiber optic units, fillers, and strength members, if required, shall be

assembled to form a cylindrical core in accordance with Section 6, REA

Page 7 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

PE-90. A layer of nonhygroscopic and nonwicking dielectric material

shall be applied over the core in accordance with Section 8, REA PE-90.
An outer jacket with a minimum thickness of 1.4 mm and meeting the
requirements of Section 13, REA PE-90, shall provide the cable with a
covering suitable for use in a wet type composite submarine cable. The
cores shall be complete with filling compounds applied into the
interstices of the core and to the core covering.

6.3 Cable Assembly

6.3.1 Core Assembly

Three power conductors shall be cabled together, with the fiber optic
cable (if specified) in an outer interstice. The individual conductors shall
be cabled together with a left hand lay and with a length of lay not
exceeding 35 times the individual power conductor diameter. The
interstices and spaces of the cable shall be filled with polypropylene or
other suitable filler to form a firm cylindrical cross-section.

If required, in order to minimize the overall composite cable diameter,

the fiber optic cable may be configured into three jacketed cores.

6.3.2 Cable Core Marking

The following information shall be repeated continuously on a clearly

marked tape positioned over the cabled core and under the core binder:
a) Rated voltage
b) Insulation type and temperature rating
c) Manufacturer's name and year of manufacture
d) Number and size of the conductors (mm², AWG or kcmil)

6.3.3 Cable Core Binder

A 0.25mm (10 mil) thick synthetic woven tape shall be applied half-
lapped over the core.

6.3.4 Individual Conductor Cable Jacket

A 3.05mm (120 mil) jacket of high molecular weight low density

(HMWLD) polyethylene shall be extruded over the cable core conductor.
The minimum thickness of the jacket shall be not less than 80% of the
average thickness. (Mechanically superior ,withstand water pressure
better). The polypropylene jacket is to be semi-conductive and in
contact with each other. (This is to eliminate circulating currents).

Page 8 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

Allow the use of shaped formed plastic fillers as an alternative to the

fiber fillers especially for large cables which will make easier to form
round shape cable).

6.3.5 Terredo Protection

One 0.26mm (10 mil) or two 0.13mm (5 mil) thick copper or bronze
tapes shall be helically applied, over the cable core jacket, with a 20%
overlap.

6.4 Mechanical Protection

6.4.1 Armor Bedding

A bedding of polypropylene shall be applied over the terredo protection

tape. The bedding shall be completely flushed with an asphaltic
compound or a synthetic compound with equivalent performance.

6.4.2 Galvanized Steel Wire Armor

Zinc-coated low-carbon steel armor wires shall be applied over the

polypropylene bedding to provide a complete armor coverage. The
weight of the zinc coating shall be in accordance with ASTM A111 for
Class B coated wire. The armor wires shall not be individually covered
with fibrous or extruded material of any kind but shall be flushed with an
asphaltic compound.

6.4.3 Overall Covering

The armored cable shall be served with a double layer of polypropylene

or nylon rope type roving to form an abrasion resistant outer covering.
The inner layer shall be flushed with an asphaltic compound and the
completed cable covered with a suitable material. The polypropylene
shall be made of material that will resist UV sunlight. Jute material
should not be used as jute rots. Minimum thickness of overall covering
shall not be less than 2.79 mm (110 mils).

6.4.4 The outer layer of the overall covering shall include a few bright colored
ropes for identification and distinction between circuits.

6.4.5 Conduct partial discharge test on the section of the cable joints in-lieu of
the X-RAY. The X-RAY method does not provide true indication of the
insulation reliability.

Page 9 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

7 Factory Splices

7.1 General

7.1.1 Core splicing shall be performed prior to armoring. Core splicing after
armoring is not acceptable.

7.1.2 Splices shall be of the flexible type having an overall diameter

approximately equal to the original cable. Vendor shall supply the
maximum diameter over factory cable splices, as required by the DATA
SHEET. All materials used for molding shall be compatible with the
cable components.

7.1.3 A test splice, witnessed by the Buyer, shall be performed prior to the
commencement of factory production splicing. The test splice shall be
performed on a section of the first cable length produced and shall
duplicate the materials and conditions under which the factory
production splicing is to be performed. The test splice shall be
radiographed, cut from the cable, sectionalized, and examined for
acceptability in meeting the criteria established for an acceptable weld in
Paragraph 7.2.3, below, including insulation and jacket splices, etc.

7.1.4 It is the Buyer's intent to require of the Vendor to establish and maintain
a baseline of splice information such that production welds, insulation
and jacket splices, etc., may be evaluated unambiguously in the
determination of an acceptable splice.

7.1.5 Initial factory production splicing shall not proceed without written
agreement between the Vendor and the Buyer confirming that splicing
procedures, including conductor welding qualification, proposed splicing
equipment, and the test splice are acceptable.

7.2 Conductor Welding Qualification

7.2.1 Each power conductor shall be welded using qualified welder operators
and weld procedures qualified with plant welding equipment for use in
production welding.

7.2.2 The qualification of weld procedures shall be made using a conductor of

the same size and material to be used in production welding. Parameters
recorded during the procedure qualification are to be documented in a
shop procedure for use by welding operators during production welding.

The Vendor must perform five acceptable welds (acceptable welds are
defined as meeting the requirements of Paragraph 7.2.3, below), using
required weld parameters, i.e. current, pressure, upset travel distance of

Page 10 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

platen, and other essential parameters as recommended by the equipment

manufacturer and further established by the Vendor for reproducible
weld quality.

7.2.3 Weld samples shall be evaluated as follows and must meet the listed
acceptance criteria:

a) Visual inspection of the completed welds shall show consistent

width of welds, uniformity of upset over the weld circumference,
uniformity of axial shortening for the welded samples, full fusion,
an d no cracking.

b) Three welded tensile test samples are required for the welded
conductors. Each welded sample must meet a minimum of 80% of
the tensile strength as compared to a sample nonwelded section of
the conductor.

c) Two additional welded test samples must be cross-sectioned to

examine the welded area. The welded area and adjacent zone shall
be polished and prepared to allow examination by 50X
magnification for lack of fusion (none is allowed in the weld area);
cracking (none is allowed in the weld area); voids/porosity (only
minor scattered porosity is allowed in the weld area with no
individual pore exceeding 10% of the conductor diameter but not to
exceed 1.6 mm (1/16") diameter).

7.2.4 Welder operators shall be qualified using the weld procedure established
in Paragraph 6.2.3, above. Alternately, three sample welds shall be
welded by each operator and examined visually (Paragraph 6.2.3 a),
above) followed by tensile testing which must meet the 80% criteria as
noted in Paragraph 7.2.3b). Operators must be qualified using the same
plant equipment to be used in production welding utilized on the cable
plant production line.

7.3 Power Conductor Production Welding

After each production weld, the weld shall be visually examined in accordance
with 6.2.3 a). If the weld is questionable or unacceptable, the core area
containing the weld shall be removed and the splice procedure repeated.

7.4 Splices

7.4.1 Insulation splices shall utilize the hot molded method. After curing of
the insulation, a radiograph shall be made of the splice area and that area
overlapping onto the original extruded cable insulation. The purpose of

Page 11 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

the radiograph will be to verify concentricity of the insulation and the

absence of voids within the insulation. Vendor may use other methods
to verify concentricity and absence of voids if approved by the Company
or Buyer representative and concurred to by the Coordinator, Electrical
Systems Division, Consulting Services Department.

7.4.2 Jacket splices shall overlap the original extruded jacket material so as to
retain the watertight integrity of the jacket.

7.4.3 Metallic tapes used for shielding and/or terredo protection shall be made
electrically continuous throughout by soldering or welding.

7.4.4 Welding shall be utilized to splice the individual armor wires.

7.4.5 Splicing requirements for fiber optic cable (if specified) will be
contained in an attached Addendum.

7.4.6 A history of all splices, both satisfactory and non-satisfactory, shall be

retained for review by the Buyer. All radiograph films, of both
conductor and insulation splices, shall be retained for review by the
Buyer.

7.5 Unacceptable Splices

Any two consecutive splice procedures resulting in an unacceptable splice shall

require notification of the Buyer of the splicing problem and the Vendor's
proposal to eliminate the problem. Any three consecutive splice procedures
resulting in an unacceptable splice will necessitate a Buyer/Vendor meeting, the
purpose of which is to review the actual splicing procedures and weld results
with those procedures and descriptions agreed upon in Paragraph 7.1.5, above,
and to reach resolution agreeable to the Buyer. The Vendor must obtain written
approval from the Buyer prior to continuing with splicing.

8 Cable Inspection and Testing

8.1 General

8.1.1 The Vendor is required to submit with his bid a list of the cable
production tests and acceptance tests he will execute including tests for
fiber optic cables if specified. The submittal will include the expected
minimum test results. These test results will be used as one of the bases
for final acceptance of the cable by the Buyer. All test results, both those
specified herein and those optional tests (if any) conducted by the
Vendor, shall be retained and made available to the Buyer for his
inspection.

Page 12 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

8.1.2 The Buyer will witness all acceptance tests performed on the completed
cable. The Buyer shall have the option of witnessing all factory
production tests.

8.2 Testing During Manufacture

8.2.1 Power Cable Testing

8.2.1.1 The power conductors of each factory length of completed core

and the completed cable shall be tested in accordance with all
applicable test requirements in the applicable ICEA and AEIC
standards. The tests shall follow the procedures given and
shall be carried out during the stage of production and at the
frequency outlined in the standard.

8.2.1.2 In addition to 8.2.1.1, at the completion of each splice between

factory lengths of completed core, the power cores shall be
tested for conductor resistance, insulation resistance, and
continuity of all metallic shields. The tests shall meet the
requirements of applicable ICEA and AEIC standards.

8.2.2 Fiber Optic Cable Testing

8.2.2.1 Test data shall be provided by the manufacturer for each fiber
optic cable. The tests shall comply with the following sections
of REA PE-90:
Outer Jacket Section 13
Cable Bend Test Section 18
Cable Impact Test Section 19
Cable Compression Test Section 20
Cable Twist Test Section 21
Cable Flex Test Section 22
Water Penetration Test Section 23
Compound Flow Test Section 24

8.2.2.2 In addition to the test data to be provided by the fiber optic

cable manufacturer, the optical fibers shall be subjected to end-
to-end attenuation tests following completion of the composite
submarine cable. This test will include the fiber and the splice
loss of the composite cable on the reel or in the cable basket.

Page 13 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

8.2.2.3 The fiber optic cable of each factory length of completed cable
shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of the
DATA SHEET and those requirements contained in the
Addendum.

8.3 Test Failures

The buyer shall be notified whenever two consecutive tests show the cable
failing to meet minimum requirements. The Vendor shall present reasons for
the failure and proposals to eliminate the problem. Any three consecutive test
failures will necessitate a Buyer/Vendor meeting. The Vendor must obtain
written approval from the Buyer before continuing with testing.

8.4 Certified Test Results

Certified copies of all test results shall be submitted to the Buyer prior to
shipment of cables. Shipment shall not proceed until Buyer reviews and
approves the results and gives written approval for the release of the cable for
shipment.

8.5 Inspection

Form 175-150100 provides inspection guidance.

9 Cable Shipment

9.1 As specified in the DATA SHEET, the submarine power cable shall be bulk-
shipped from the factory by cable laying ship or ocean-going cable barge, or
shipped by utilizing steel reels, drums, or tubs.

9.2 The minimum bending radius of the cable shall be maintained at not less than
20 times the overall diameter of the cable during handling at the plant of
manufacture or loading or reeling.

9.3 The individual phase conductors, as well as the fiber optic cable(s) (if specified),
shall be sealed to prevent water ingress, and the cable end terminated in a full
tension pulling device.

9.4 Cable shipped in flat coils shall be secured to prevent movement and protected
from external damage during shipment.

9.5 Portable cable containers or cribs shall be designed to provide complete cable
protection, maintaining the stated minimum bending radius, and include
provisions for lifting.

Page 14 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

9.6 Steel reels shall be designed to withstand stresses developed during cable
installation. The design of reel flanges shall be suitable for use with brake bands
and the mounting of drive unit sprocket gears. The drum radius shall not be less
than the minimum cable bending radius. Cable shall be securely fastened to the
reel, with the drum end protected to avoid damage to the end or adjacent cable.
Exposed cable shall be protected with wood lagging, treated to prevent rotting,
or other suitable covering. The direction in which a reel may be rolled shall be
clearly marked on the flange sides.

9.7 Cables shipped in containers or on reels shall have the following information
securely fastened and plainly visible on each container or reel side:
a) Purchaser's Order Number
b) Destination of Shipment
c) Complete Description of Cable
d) Actual Shipping Length
e) Permanent Container or Reel Number
f) Gross weight
g) Net Weight
h) Maximum Cable Tension during Installation

10 Environmental Data

For the purpose of supplying cable and equipment to this specification, the following
environmental conditions shall apply unless otherwise specified for specific locations:
a) Location Offshore in Arabian Gulf or Red Sea
b) Ambient Air Temperature 0°C to 50°C Range
c) Humidity Range 0 to 100 %
d) Seawater Specific Gravity At 16°C - 1.033
At 35°C - 1.025
e) Seawater pH 7.7
f) Seawater Temperature Maximum = 36°C
Minimum = 15.5°C
g) Seawater Viscosity At 16°C = 1.102 cP
h) Seawater Current Velocity 1.3 m/s at 0.5 m above seabed
i) Soil Resistivity (Sea bottom) 95°C-cm/watt
j) Soil Resistivity (Land) 120°C-cm/watt
k) Burial Depth 1 m (3.3 ft.)

Page 15 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

11 Additional Information to be Supplied by Bidder

11.1 In addition to all other information requested by the Bidder in the text of this
specification and the DATA SHEET, the Bidder is required to provide the
following information at the time of bid request:

a) Complete description of cable offered, including a dimensioned cross-

sectional drawing with all components clearly identified as to material
type, thickness, size, weights, tolerances, etc. Complete details of conflicts
with the minimums specified in this specification and the specification of
the proposed cable if the proposed cable will be manufactured to IEC
specifications.

b) Complete description of field and factory repair splices, including

dimensioned cross-sectional drawings and all listings of necessary material
and equipment required to perform hot molded field splices.

c) Certified copies of all qualification tests set forth in the applicable AEIC
Specification.

d) Certified copies of all applicable AEIC/ICEA water absorption test

information showing degradation of proposed insulating material due to
water immersion. Information shall include AC breakdown stress, kV/mm
or V/mil, vs. immersion time. A complete cable description and condition
under which cable was tested shall accompany the test information.
Lacking adequate test data for proposed insulating material, bidder shall
provide data on that material having undergone the longest water
immersion test program. Bidders having no water immersion test data
shall so state, "No water immersion test data available."

e) Information which substantiates the short-circuit capability of the metallic

shield for the proposed cable.

f) Complete description of specialized equipment necessary for off-loading

cable from vessels or removing cable from containers or cribs and cost to
provide such equipment.

g) Complete description of proper installation method including indication of

the maximum allowable tension permitted during installation and
indication of any specialized equipment necessary to install the cable.

11.2 The Bidder must respond to this specification, as written, and shall provide a
separate listing of all deviations to this specification; however, the Bidder is
solicited to offer, in a separate document, alternative designs insofar as equal

Page 16 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

quality to this specification is maintained while accruing substantial cost savings

(purchase or operating costs) to the Buyer.

Revision Summary
29 February 2004 Revised the "Next Planned Update". Reaffirmed the contents of the document, and
reissued with minor changes.
29 June 2005 Minor revision.

Page 17 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

Data Sheet

Data Sheet - Power Conductor

Item To be Completed
No Description Units Specified By Vendor

01 Power Conductor Size mm²/kcmil _________ _______________

02 Power Conductor Insulation - _________ _______________

Type (Either XLPE or EPR)

03 Rated Operating Voltage KV _________ _______________

04 Max. Continuous Voltage KV _________ _______________

05 Max. 15 min Overvoltage KV _________ _______________

06 Frequency Hertz 60

07 Power Requirement KVA _________ _______________

08 Load Power Factor (lagging) - _________

09 Cable Ampacity at 90°C A _________ _______________

10 Required Voltage Regulation % _________

11 Design Load Factor % 100

12 System Fault Current:

Phase to Ground A _________
Three Phase Sym. A _________
Duration Cycles _________

13 Cable Operating Temperature °C _______________

at Design Load

14 Min. Insulation Resistance Ohm/km _______________

15 Max. Conductor Impedance at 60 Hertz Ohm/km _______________

16 D.C. Resistance at 20°C Ohm/km _______________

17 Shunt Capacitance microF/km _______________

18 Reactance at 60 Hz Ohm/km _______________

19 Lead Sheath 5 – 35 kV Cables - Yes/No _______________

69 & 115 kV Cables Required

20 A.C. Resistance at 90°C, 60 Hz Ohm/km _______________

Page 18 of 19
Document Responsibility: Electrical Systems Designs & Automation 15-SAMSS-503
Issue Date: 29 June 2005
Next Planned Update: 1 March 2009 Submarine Power Cable 5 kV through 115 kV

Data Sheet (Cont'd)

Item To be Completed
No Description Units Specified By Vendor

21 Charging Current A/km _______________

22 Zero Sequence Reactance at 60 Hz Ohm/km _______________

23 Zero Sequence Resistance at 60 Hz Ohm/km _______________

Data Sheet - Overall Cable

24 Minimum Bending Radius mm _______________

25 Ultimate Breaking Strength

a) Minimum kg _______________
b) Maximum kg _______________

26 Recommended Maximum Tensile

Loading for Installation/
Recovery of Completed Cable kg _______________

27 Minimum Design Tension kg ________ _______________

28 Submarine Cable Weight:

a) In air kg/m _______________

b) In seawater kg/m _______________

29 Cable Overall Diameter mm _______________

30 Maximum Diameter Over Factory Splices mm _______________

31 Number of Cable Segments _________ _______________

32 Length of Each Cable Segment km _________ _______________

33 Total Cable Length km _________ _______________

34 Cable Shipment Type - _________ _______________

(Ship, Barge, Tub, Crib, Reel)

Page 19 of 19