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Lightning Protection
Pipelines are a significant attractor for lightning, and in some regions of the world strikes can occur frequently. Abriox has always designed lightning protection into our MERLIN monitors.
However, to achieve the best protection it is necessary to understand how much energy is present when lightning strikes, what the shape of the energy surge is and whether it arrives directly or indirectly.
The power of lightning – an oil storage tank destroyed by lightning (right).
The MERLIN TR Monitor protecting the tank's CP was unscathed.
To improve the MERLIN protection further, Abriox worked with Cobham Technical Services, one of the world’s leading specialists in lightning testing and consultancy.
As a result of the work with Cobham, MERLIN’s protection against high energy surges has been substantially enhanced through electronic design (surge protection circuitry, more resilient components and a revised physical layout) and the identification of new surge arrestors with improved performance.
Testing performed on the new MERLIN design showed that:
• A “naked” MERLIN easily survives 2500A at 3kV (8/20us pulse) via AC or from the pipeline – a substantial surge.
• With Abriox’s recommended external surge arrestors in place, the MERLIN withstands10kA, 10kV without damage - a massive surge.
• Even bigger surges (29kA) can be survived by MERLIN - but the external surge arrestors may be blown to pieces!
This type of fundamental scientific work is evidence of Abriox’s commitment to the quality of our products.
A technical article describing the lightning testing carried out can be downloaded from our press page.
Cobham have the equipment and expertise to test structures and systems with simulated lightning. As one of the world's leading lightning test and research establishments, they have made significant contributions to the standards and best practices used in many aerospace, wind power and oil and gas sectors.
In addition to simulating the direct effects of lightning strikes, Cobham have the expertise to predict the levels of induced voltages which can cause damage to wiring and electronics within systems. In order to analyse these induced effects, they use their own bespoke computer simulation software which has been extensively validated with practical testing to ensure its effectiveness.