Analysis of Lightning Phenomena for Underground Petroleum Pipeline System

This article presents the lightning phenomena analysis for underground petroleum pipeline system and protection guideline by considering an electrical continuity after a lightning strike to the earth. The result of transient state occur on the pipeline by using mathematical program (ATP-EMTP) to simulate standard waveform 10/350 micro second which will be linked to several dimensions. This study will transform physical characteristics into electrical characteristics such as pipe metal, pipe insulator, conductors in corrosion protection circuit and earth as parameters in the analysis. The result of this simulation found that the transient voltage will rise higher if length is longer and higher than safety allowance of pipe corrosion protection equipment. To limit this over voltage, this study used proper lightning protection equipment characteristics. From the result of simulation and the proper characteristics of lightning protection equipment, the transient voltage was limited follow BS 60950 standard. The result showed that the correct lightning protection equipment will help to reduce damage to asset of petroleum transportation industry from lightning strike. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.