Protect Your Solar Power Plant from Lightning in 10 Days
28 March 2016DC Fuse
14 April 2016Natural gas pipelines are complex structures that host many systems. These include SCADA systems, communication lines, power transmission and distribution lines, process lines, and gas compression units. Such complex and extensive pipelines are highly exposed and sensitive to lightning and surge impulses. A surge that reaches the SCADA system in a facility can cause the entire system to collapse and result in temporary or even permanent damage.
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Natural gas pipelines extend over large areas and are vulnerable to lightning impulses.
Considering the number and sensitivity of devices in natural gas facilities, the importance of coordinated protection becomes clear. The main switchboards in facilities should be protected by B+C class surge protective devices that provide protection against both lightning and grid surges. Likewise, secondary panels in facilities should be protected with C class surge protective devices.
Protection of Sensitive Systems and the Up Concept
Natural gas facilities contain many sensitive devices. The most common problem is damage to these sensitive devices due to insufficient protection. The Up protection level is critical at this point. With surge protective devices used in main and secondary panels, the Up level of incoming surges can be reduced to a certain extent. However, the Up tolerance of sensitive systems is much lower. Therefore, D class sensitive surge protective devices should be installed in front of these devices. These sensitive devices in natural gas facilities can be listed as follows.
Pressure measuring devices
- Flow measuring devices
- Level measuring devices
- Compressors
- Communication lines (ethernet, RS)
- PLC and RTU systems
- Signal converters
Pipelines must be protected against surge impulses with surge protective devices.
Use of Spark Gap Surge Protectors
Due to resistance differences between natural gas pipeline systems, possible leakages can create sudden spark impulses. Therefore, arc-quenching spark gap surge protectors must be used. Unlike automation and control-monitoring systems, spark gap suppressors are connected in series to the system and provide the safest solution between pipelines. Explosion-proof products must be selected, and they can suppress surges up to 100–150 kA using gas and carbon systems.
Spark gap surge protectors must definitely be used in pipelines.
Ex Surge Protectors
Facilities that include explosive atmospheres are classified as the most hazardous zone areas. Therefore, the use of Ex products is of great importance. Ex products operate at nominal current and voltage levels specified in standards and do not generate sparks.
