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Tag: Maintenance free earthing

  • Installation of ESE Lightning protection

    Lightning strikes can cause significant damage to buildings and structures, resulting in costly repairs and downtime. The installation of a lightning protection system is critical to protect against the unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects of lightning strikes. One type of lightning protection system is the Early Streamer Emission (ESE) lightning protection system. In this article, we will discuss the installation process of the ESE lightning protection system and the advantages it offers over other types of systems. We will also explore the benefits of using maintenance-free chemical earthing instead of traditional earthing methods.

    What is an ESE Lightning Protection System?

    An ESE lightning protection system is designed to protect buildings and structures from direct and indirect lightning strikes. It works by emitting a streamer, which is an ionized channel that is capable of attracting lightning strikes. The ESE lightning protection system has a unique design that enables it to emit the streamer earlier than other types of systems, giving it an advantage in attracting lightning strikes.

    Installation Process of ESE Lightning Protection System

    The installation process of an ESE lightning protection system is similar to that of a conventional system. However, there are some differences due to the unique design of the ESE system. The installation process typically involves the following steps:

    Step 1: Site Assessment

    The first step in the installation process is a site assessment. This involves assessing the building or structure to determine the level of protection required. The assessment takes into account the size and shape of the building, the location, and the surrounding environment. The assessment is critical to ensuring that the ESE lightning protection system is designed to provide the necessary level of protection.

    Step 2: Design

    Once the site assessment is complete, the design of the ESE lightning protection system can begin. The design takes into account the results of the site assessment and is tailored to the specific needs of the building or structure. The design includes the placement of air terminals, conductors, and grounding system.

    Step 3: Installation of Air Terminals

    The air terminals are the most visible part of the lightning protection system. They are installed on the roof of the building or structure and are designed to attract lightning strikes. The air terminals are typically made of SS Metal.

    Step 4: Installation of Conductors

    The conductors are the cables that connect the air terminals to the grounding system. They are designed to conduct the electrical charge from a lightning strike safely into the ground. The conductors are typically made of copper or aluminum and are installed along the roof and down the sides of the building.

    Step 5: Installation of Grounding System

    The grounding system is designed to provide a path for the electrical charge from a lightning strike to safely dissipate into the ground. The grounding system typically consists of grounding rods and conductors that are buried in the ground. The grounding rods are installed at a sufficient depth to ensure a good connection with the soil.

    Advantages of ESE Lightning Protection System

    There are several advantages to using an ESE lightning protection system over other types of systems. These include:

    Early Streamer Emission

    The unique design of the ESE system enables it to emit a streamer earlier than other types of systems. This gives it an advantage in attracting lightning strikes, providing an extra layer of protection.

    High Level of Protection

    The ESE lightning protection system is designed to provide a high level of protection to buildings and structures. It is capable of protecting against direct and indirect lightning strikes, reducing the risk of damage and downtime.

    Low Maintenance

    The ESE lightning protection system requires little maintenance once it is installed. The air terminals and conductors are designed to withstand the elements and do not require regular maintenance.

    Cost-effective

    The ESE lightning protection system is a Cost-effective Lightning Protection Solution with Maintenance-Free Chemical Earthing.

    In addition to the advantages of the ESE lightning protection system, there is another important aspect of lightning protection that should be considered: earthing. Earthing is the process of providing a path for the electrical charge from a lightning strike to safely dissipate into the ground. The traditional method of earthing involves using a grounding rod or plate that is buried in the ground. However, this method can be unreliable and requires regular maintenance to ensure a good connection with the soil.

    A more modern and effective approach to earthing is the use of maintenance-free chemical earthing. This involves using a conductive compound that is mixed with the soil to create a low-resistance earth pit. The compound is designed to provide a permanent and reliable connection between the grounding system and the soil, reducing the need for regular maintenance.

    Benefits of Maintenance-Free Chemical Earthing

    There are several benefits to using maintenance-free chemical earthing over traditional earthing methods:

    Reliable Connection

    Maintenance-free chemical earthing provides a reliable connection between the grounding system and the soil. This ensures that the electrical charge from a lightning strike is safely dissipated into the ground, reducing the risk of damage and downtime.

    Low Maintenance

    Maintenance-free chemical earthing requires little to no maintenance once it is installed. This reduces the need for regular inspections and ensures that the grounding system is always functioning properly.

    Longevity

    Maintenance-free chemical earthing has a long lifespan, typically lasting for more than 20 years. This means that it is a cost-effective solution that requires minimal maintenance over its lifespan.

    Cost-effective

    Maintenance-free chemical earthing is a cost-effective solution that can save money in the long run. It requires minimal maintenance and has a long lifespan, reducing the need for expensive repairs and replacements.

    In conclusion, the installation process of an ESE lightning protection system involves several steps, including site assessment, design, installation of air terminals, conductors, and grounding system. The ESE lightning protection system offers several advantages, including early streamer emission, high level of protection, low maintenance, and cost-effectiveness.

    In addition to the ESE lightning protection system, the use of maintenance-free chemical earthing can provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for earthing. Maintenance-free chemical earthing offers several benefits over traditional earthing methods, including reliability, low maintenance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness.

    By combining the installation of an ESE lightning protection system with maintenance-free chemical earthing, building owners and operators can ensure that their structures are protected against lightning strikes while minimizing the need for regular maintenance and expensive repairs.

  • Lightning protection in Patna, Bihar

    Patna, the capital of Bihar, is a city known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The city is situated in an area prone to thunderstorms and lightning strikes during the monsoon season. Lightning strikes can cause severe damage to buildings and infrastructure, and in some cases, can lead to loss of life. Therefore, it is crucial to have proper lightning protection systems in place.

    In this article, we will discuss conventional lightning protection systems and ESE lightning protection systems that are commonly used in Patna, Bihar.

    Conventional Lightning Protection System

    A conventional lightning protection system is a system that consists of a Franklin rod, a down conductor, and a grounding system. This system has been used for more than 200 years and is still widely used today.

    Copper Lightning Arrester

    Franklin Rod

    A Franklin rod is a metal rod made of copper or aluminum that is installed at the highest point of a building. The rod is pointed at the top, and it is designed to attract lightning strikes. When a lightning strike occurs, the rod provides a path of least resistance for the lightning to follow, thereby protecting the building from damage.

    Down Conductor

    A down conductor is a metal conductor that is installed on the side of a building and connects the Franklin rod to the grounding system. The down conductor provides a path for the lightning current to flow from the Franklin rod to the grounding system.

    Maintenance Free Chemical Earthing

    In a conventional lightning protection system, the grounding system is an essential component. The grounding system must be installed correctly to ensure that it provides a low resistance path for the lightning current to flow to the ground. The maintenance of the grounding system is also critical. Over time, the soil around the grounding system can become dry, and the resistance of the grounding system can increase. This can make the lightning protection system less effective.

    To overcome this problem, maintenance-free chemical earthing is used in Patna. This system involves the use of a chemical compound that is poured into the ground around the grounding system. The chemical compound helps to improve the conductivity of the soil and ensures that the grounding system provides a low resistance path for the lightning current to flow to the ground. This system is maintenance-free and can last for many years.

    ESE Lightning Protection System

    An ESE lightning protection system is a more advanced lightning protection system that is becoming increasingly popular in Patna. This system is designed to provide enhanced protection against lightning strikes and is more effective than a conventional lightning protection system.

    ESE Lightning Arrester

    An ESE lightning arrester is a device that is installed at the highest point of a building. The device is designed to create a strong electric field that can ionize the air around it. This ionization process helps to create a path of least resistance for the lightning to follow. When a lightning strike occurs, the lightning is attracted to the ESE lightning arrester, and the device provides a path for the lightning current to flow to the ground.

    GI Mast

    A GI mast is a metal mast that is installed on the roof of a building. The mast is connected to the ESE lightning arrester and provides a path for the lightning current to flow to the ground.

    Down Conductor

    A down conductor is a metal conductor that is installed on the side of a building and connects the GI mast to the grounding system. The down conductor provides a path for the lightning current to flow from the GI mast to the grounding system.

    Maintenance Free Chemical Earthing

    Earthing Materials

    In an ESE lightning protection system, the grounding system is also an important component. The grounding system must be installed correctly to ensure that it provides a low resistance path for the lightning current to flow to the ground. The maintenance of the grounding system is also critical. Over time, the soil around the grounding system can become dry, and the resistance of the grounding system can increase. This can make the lightning protection system less effective.

    To overcome this problem, maintenance-free chemical earthing is also used in ESE lightning protection systems in Patna. This system involves the use of a chemical compound that is poured into the ground around the grounding system. The chemical compound helps to improve the conductivity of the soil and ensures that the grounding system provides a low resistance path for the lightning current to flow to the ground. This system is maintenance-free and can last for many years.

    Advantages of ESE Lightning Protection System over Conventional Lightning Protection System

    There are several advantages of using an ESE lightning protection system over a conventional lightning protection system in Patna. These advantages include:

    Enhanced Protection

    An ESE lightning protection system provides enhanced protection against lightning strikes. The system is designed to create a strong electric field that can ionize the air around it. This ionization process helps to create a path of least resistance for the lightning to follow. This means that the ESE lightning protection system is more effective at preventing lightning strikes than a conventional lightning protection system.

    Cost-effective

    While the initial cost of installing an ESE lightning protection system may be higher than that of a conventional lightning protection system, the long-term cost is lower. This is because ESE lightning protection systems require less maintenance than conventional lightning protection systems. The maintenance-free chemical earthing used in ESE lightning protection systems also reduces the cost of maintenance.

    Aesthetic Appeal

    ESE lightning protection systems have a more modern and aesthetically pleasing design compared to conventional lightning protection systems. This means that they are more suitable for buildings with modern architecture and can enhance the overall look of a building.

    Easy Installation

    ESE lightning protection systems are easier to install than conventional lightning protection systems. This is because they require fewer components and can be installed in a shorter period of time. This also means that there is less disruption to the building during the installation process.

    Lightning strikes can cause severe damage to buildings and infrastructure, and in some cases, can lead to loss of life. Therefore, it is crucial to have proper lightning protection systems in place in Patna, Bihar. Conventional lightning protection systems and ESE lightning protection systems are commonly used in Patna. While conventional lightning protection systems have been in use for more than 200 years and are still widely used today, ESE lightning protection systems provide enhanced protection against lightning strikes and are more cost-effective in the long run. Proper installation and maintenance of lightning protection systems are essential to ensure their effectiveness.

  • How to Install Maintenance-free chemical earthing?

    Maintenance-free chemical earthing installation process

    Chemical earthing is an advanced grounding method that utilizes chemical compounds to establish a low-resistance pathway to the Earth. It is designed to provide a long-lasting and hassle-free earthing solution. The chemical mix used in this type of earthing system comprises graphite and other conductive materials that facilitate the flow of electrical current. Due to its low-maintenance nature and durability, chemical earthing is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to conventional earthing systems.

    Location for Earth

    • Earth electrodes are best situated in low-lying areas that are in close proximity to the building or equipment.
    • It is advisable to place the electrodes near existing water bodies or water points, but not in naturally well-drained areas.
    • It is not recommended to install earthing electrodes in dry sand, limestone, granite, or any other stony ground.
    • It is important to avoid high banks or man-made soil when installing the earthing electrode.

    Components of Earthing & Bonding system

    The Earthing & Bonding system comprises several essential components, including the Earth electrode, Earth enhancement material, Earth pit, Equi-potential earth busbar, connecting cable, tape/strip, and various other associated accessories. Each of these components plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of electrical systems.

    Design of Earthing & Bonding system

    Earth Electrode

    The Earth Electrode is a vital component of the earthing system, which is responsible for creating a low resistance path to the Earth. It is typically made of high tensile low carbon steel circular rods that are molecularly bonded with copper on the outer surface. The copper-bonded steel cored rod is preferred due to its superior strength, corrosion resistance, low resistance path to earth, and cost-effectiveness.

    To ensure optimal performance, the Earth Electrode must meet specific requirements. It should be at least 17.0mm in diameter and a minimum of 3.0mtrs long. Additionally, the minimum copper bonding thickness should be 250 microns.

    To ensure the quality of the Earth Electrode, it can be visually inspected and checked for dimensions and thickness of copper coating using a micron gauge. This ensures that the electrode is up to standard and can perform its role effectively in the earthing system.

    Earth Enhancement material

    Earth enhancement material is a substance that enhances the effectiveness of earthing systems, especially in areas where the soil conductivity is poor, such as sandy, rocky or areas with varying moisture levels. It is designed to improve the conductivity of the earth electrode and the ground contact area. The ideal earth enhancement material should possess certain characteristics, such as high electrical conductivity, good water retention capacity, low corrosivity, and compatibility with the soil. It shall have following characteristics-

    The ideal earth enhancement material is a mixture of graphite and Portland cement, with minimal bentonite content. It should conform to the standards of IEC 62561-7 and ASTM G57-06. This material should have a high level of conductivity, which enhances the ability of the earth electrode to absorb power and retain humidity. Moreover, it should be non-corrosive, have low water solubility, but highly hygroscopic. It must be suitable for installation in dry form or slurry form and should not require the continuous presence of water to maintain its conductivity. It should not dissolve, decompose, or leach out over time, and should not require periodic charging treatment or maintenance.

    This earth enhancement material should be compatible with all types of electrodes and soil of varying resistivity. It should also be environmentally friendly, causing no pollution to the soil or local water table, and it should not be explosive. Additionally, it should not cause burns, irritations to the eye or skin, or any other health hazards. Overall, the earth enhancement material should be effective, safe, and sustainable for long-term use in the earthing and bonding system.

    Construction of unit earth pit:

    To install an earth electrode, a hole with a diameter of 100mm to 125mm is dug to a depth of approximately 2.8 meters. The electrode is then inserted into the hole and gently driven into the soil. At least 150mm of the electrode should be inserted into the natural soil.

    Earth enhancement material, in slurry form and weighing a minimum of approximately 30-35 kg, is then filled into the hole and allowed to set. Once set, the composite structure (earth electrode + earth enhancement material) should have a minimum diameter of 100mm, covering the entire length of the hole. The remaining portion of the hole is then filled with backfill soil.

    To connect the electrode to the main equi-potential earth busbar in the equipment room and other earth pits, if any, a copper strip measuring 150mmX25mmX6mm is exothermically welded to the main earth electrode. The main earth pit should be located as close as possible to the main equi-potential earth busbar in the equipment room.

    Construction of loop Earth by providing multiple earth pits

    In certain areas, it may not be possible to achieve an acceptable level of earth resistance with just one earth pit due to high soil resistivity. In such cases, a loop earth system consisting of multiple earth pits should be constructed. The number of pits required should be determined based on the resistance achieved from the previously installed earth pits.

    The same procedure as mentioned for a single earth pit should be followed for each additional earth pit. The distance between two successive earth electrodes should be a minimum of 3 meters and a maximum of twice the length of the earth electrode, which is around 6 meters.

    After installation, the earth pits should be interlinked using 25x2mm copper tape, and an exothermic welding technique should be used to make the connection. The interconnecting tape should be buried at a depth of no less than 500mm below the ground level and covered with an earth enhancement compound. This loop system ensures that the electrical potential is equalized across all the earth pits and minimizes the risk of electrical hazards.

    Maintenance-free chemical earthing installation process

    Measurement of Earth resistance

    The effectiveness of the earthing system is determined by measuring the earth resistance at the Main Equi-potential Earth Busbar (MEEB) using the Fall of Potential method. It is essential to have the installation process of the maintenance-free chemical earthing system carried out by qualified professionals with expertise in earthing system design and installation. This will guarantee that the system is correctly installed, operates securely, and functions consistently throughout its life cycle. As a result, it is recommended to hire certified professionals with the required skills and experience to install the earthing system.