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الأربعاء، 24 يوليو 2019

Useful Information Regarding Oilfield Lightning Protection

By George Rogers


Lightning can cause complete destruction to structures and buildings that they strike because they carry thousands of ohms of current. The huge amount of current discharged when a strike occurs destroys buildings and plants. It can also injure and kill human beings and animals. To avoid these effects, protection systems have been designed for installation on buildings. The installation is done at the highest point on the building. The system them runs along the height of the structure all the way into the ground. This is worth knowing about Oilfield lightning protection.

The systems appear as metal rods that point into the sky. The metal rod provides lightning with the path of least resistance to the flow of electric current. In fact, this is the whole principle on which lightning protection systems are based. A typical system usually contains four major parts, with each serving a specific purpose. These four parts are copper clad ground rod, surge suppressor, copper cable, and copper air terminals.

The systems are preferably made from copper because it has excellent electrical conductivity. Other materials like aluminum can be used too however. The protrusions that are seen above structures installed with these systems are called air terminals. These protrusions provide discharge for current from strikes.

A cable connects the air terminals to ground rods. The cable runs to ground rods which are normally buried 10 feet deep in the ground. Existing ground of circuit box and plumbing is used to ground the system. A connection is made between the surge suppressor and the circuit breaker box. This is to allow it to cover the entire electric system. Individual appliances and electronics can also be protected from current surges by installing surge suppressors at each appliance.

Most installer usually install the system in a way that it is concealed and unnoticeable from people. Only the air terminal is made noticeable because it protrudes above the structure. Even if the conductor is not concealed, it soon becomes unnoticeable when it changes color. Color change occurs from bright orange, which is the color for copper to a dull patina.

These systems are usually installed on all kinds of buildings and structures. Examples of structures on which they are installed on include boats, trees, businesses, farm buildings, homes, aircraft, and water tanks among others. The standards observed in the design and installation of these systems come from three main organizations. These organizations are LPI, NFPA, and UL.

The work of arresters is to ensure that the current that comes from strikes find a safe path into the ground. The current will go through any conductor in their path if arresters are not present. Examples of conductors that provide a good path for the current include gas pipes, rooftops, water pipes, phone cables, and electrical lines. The current travels through one or multiple conductors.

Sometimes side flashes may occur so that the current can reach a better grounded conductor on the same house or surrounding homes and structures. As this happens, the current can ignite fuel in their way to cause fires. For instance, they may ignite materials such as gasoline, wood, and paper. Electric wires can be vaporized by the huge current, causing a serious electrical problem.




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