Petrochemical facilities, such as refineries and chemical plants, use large amounts of electricity to power their operations. Without proper earthing, electrical faults and surges can occur, potentially causing injury to personnel, equipment damage, and even fire or explosion hazards. In addition, petrochemical facilities often handle flammable and combustible materials, which can create a high-risk environment for electrical equipment failures.

Proper earthing of electrical systems in petrochemical facilities is critical for ensuring the safety of personnel and protecting equipment from damage. This is achieved by designing and implementing an effective earthing system that meets the specific needs of the facility. This includes selecting appropriate earthing materials, installing adequate grounding rods, and ensuring that all electrical systems are properly grounded. Earthing can also help to reduce electrical interference and improve the overall efficiency of the electrical system.

Risks of Static Electricity in Petrochemical Facilities

The imbalance of positive and negative charges in an object leads to static electricity. The build-up of static electricity can pose a significant risk in petrochemical facilities. This is because many of the materials handled in these facilities, such as fuels, solvents, and gases, are flammable or explosive. Static charges also can interfere with electronic sensors used to monitor levels of materials in storage tanks, leading to inaccurate readings. If a static spark occurs in the presence of these materials, it can ignite the fuel and cause a fire or explosion.

Earthing plays a crucial role in preventing accidents in petrochemical facilities. By providing a safe path for electrical current to flow, earthing helps to prevent electric shocks and equipment damage caused by lightning strikes and power surges. Proper earthing also helps to reduce the risk of fires and explosions by preventing the build-up of static electricity and ensuring that electrical faults are safely discharged.

Earthing can also improve the overall efficiency and reliability of the electrical system. This is achieved by reducing electrical interference and improving the accuracy of measurement instruments used to monitor levels of materials in storage tanks and pipelines.

Types of Earthing Systems Used in Petrochemical Facilities

Types of earthing systems used in petrochemical facilities are:

Direct Earthing System

 This is the most common type of earthing system used in petrochemical facilities. It involves connecting the electrical system directly to a ground rod or electrode buried in the earth.

Resistance Earthing System

 This system is used in areas with high soil resistivity, where the direct earthing system may not be effective. It involves inserting a resistor between the electrical system and the ground rod, which helps to reduce the resistance of the soil and improve the effectiveness of the earthing system.

Plate Earthing System

 This system is used in areas where the soil is rocky or difficult to excavate. It involves burying a large metal plate in the ground, which provides a low resistance path for electrical current to flow.

Designing and Implementing Earthing Systems

Effective and safe earthing systems in petrochemical facilities require consideration of various factors during the design and implementation process.  

Soil Resistivity

The resistance of the soil can affect the effectiveness of earthing systems, and should be tested and considered when selecting the type and design of the earthing system.

Electrical Load

The electrical load of the system and equipment should be taken into account when designing the earthing system to ensure it can handle the required current safely.

Environmental Factors

The environmental factors, such as humidity, temperature, and corrosiveness, can affect the effectiveness and lifespan of earthing systems and should be considered when selecting materials and designing the system.

Electrical Safety

The safety of personnel and equipment should be the top priority when designing and implementing earthing systems. Proper safety measures, such as use of personal protective equipment and isolation of live parts, should be in place to reduce the risk of electric shock or other hazards.

Regular maintenance and testing of earthing systems are crucial to ensure continued effectiveness and safety. Over time, the soil conditions and materials used in the earthing system can deteriorate or corrode, reducing the system’s effectiveness. Regular inspections, testing, and maintenance can help to identify and address these issues before they become a hazard.

Inadequate detection and interruption of earth faults can pose a significant fire hazard in petrochemical facilities. If excess current flows through conductors due to earth faults, it can result in overheating, potentially leading to fires that can damage the equipment and affect the overall efficiency of the facility. It is crucial to implement a robust system that can effectively detect earth-fault currents and provide indications of the fault to prevent any potential hazards in such critical facilities.

At Manav Energy, we are committed to innovating and creating a safer future by preventing earth faults. Our Remote Fault-time Earth Resistance Monitor (R-FERM) is an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) system that utilizes advanced patented technology to enable intelligent monitoring of earthing systems. With this product, earthing system health can be monitored in real-time during both normal and fault conditions. This automation and real-time optimization reduce faults in the electrical system and prevent downtime & distribution losses. By using R-FERM, you can ensure that your earthing systems are always functioning optimally, promoting a safe working environment and a more reliable electrical system.

For more details visit the website at www.manavenergy.com