ITSD In Tank Static Drain
UNDERSTANDING THE LIGHTNING STRIkE CompLETIoN mECHANISm
Lightning Master is a full service, full spectrum static solutions and lightning and transient protection company serving the oil and gas and chemical industries since 1984.
STORAGE CONTAINERS
There are two related causes of ignition in flowback tanks: static from normal tank operations and static from a direct or nearby lightning strike. The mechanism is similar, with static ignition taking place over minutes whereas lightning ignition takes place over a fraction of a second. Fortunately, the solution to preventing both is similar. Static charge accumulation occurs in the vapor droplets suspended above the stored product. When the charge reaches an incendive level it may arc to a metal object. If the arc occurs in a flammable mixture, it may cause a fire or explosion. Lightning ignition is not normally caused by the heating effect of lightning attachment. Unless the lightning discharge attaches to a vent, ignition is usually caused by a secondary effect arcing produced by a direct or nearby strike, therefore controlling static inside the tank is key. The key to preventing ignition consists of three steps: bonding and grounding; in-tank static control; and structural lightning protection.
RISK ASSESSMENT
In determining and prioritizing the scope of work to be accomplished at a site, at a minimum, the following factors should be considered:
Problematic: sites that have experienced a previous static or lightning event
High Exposure: sites located in exposed locations such as hill tops or historically highlightning locations
High Consequence: sites located in environmentally sensitive locations
Accessibility: Site with limited or difficult access for remediation and repair
Regulatory: sites where a local/municipal/regional construction code requires
Visibility: facilities that are in a particularly sensitive area (urban or otherwise high-pro-
Operational Considerations: high production or otherwise operationally important sites
Investment: those sites with significant equipment investment
