Lightning Protection Products

Lightning is the leading known cause of storage tank fires and it’s a constant treat.

Though all industries are at a risk of lightning strikes; even areas with infrequent thunderstorms can experience rare, but high intensity lightning strikes, the Petrochemical industry has the most shared data in losses.

Problem:

Lightning on tank storage and energy sources can cause explosion and/or ignite fire that consumes millions of dollars of products, create prolonged downtime, demand environmental clean-up, incur regulatory fine and require excessive repair and replacement. Fires at the upstream end of the industry are common, primarily in salt water disposable tanks.

Solution:

There is the Lightning rod, invented by Benjamin Franklin has worked very well to protect buildings and structures. However, a large electromagnetic field generated by a lightning strike can cause damage in a ways not covered by the Franklin rod. Tank battery lightning protection requires a systematic, multi-faceted approach and the very best in modern knowledge and technology.

Though lightning rods are the oldest form of lightning protection and still used today, in the past few decades advancement in technology have provided an option – Charge Transfer System, which takes a completely opposite approach to lightning protection. A type of CTS, the Dissipation Array System (DAS), works to prevent a lightning strike in a specific area designated for protection.

LEC has developed a number of tank battery lightning protection products, including DAS to address the primary and secondary lightning effects and to ensure maximum site and tank integrity. In addition to the protection from direct lightning strikes, we manufacture a complete line of AC power low and medium voltage surge protection devices.

Backed with expert consulting and support, we have decades of experience in:

- Providing protection and grounding systems for floating roof tanks

- Providing solutions for bound static charges in the petroleum products themselves

- Protecting vents from flammable gases

- And all other challenges unique to the petrochemical industry

Petrochemical and oil and gas industries demand the highest level of protection in order to prevent incidents, especially in tank batteries, as their metal structures make them more susceptible to lightning strikes.

LEC has been creating the best custom tank battery lightning protection solutions. Should you require additional information on this subject feel free to contact us.

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