Why install lightning protection on a process control plant?

Understanding the differences between different types of lightning protection with Lightning Master MORE AND more plants are being equipped with structural lightning protection (lightning rod) systems. Many of these are ‘fuzzy ball’ lightning rods, but what are they? In high lightning areas, plant operators understand that lightning is a real problem, damaging equipment and producing plant outages and down time. Hence, the presence of structural lightning protection systems. However, in order to secure benefits, if any, from the system, it helps to understand the purpose, nature, and operation of such systems. INHERENT SELF-PROTECTION OF TANKS AND OTHER INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES A structural lightning protection system consists of three major components: the strike termination device (qualifying structural member, lightning rod, air terminal, etc.), the conductor system, and the grounding system. The strike termination device must be capable of sustaining a direct lightning strike. The conductor system conveys the lightning energy from the strike termination device around the structure over multiple, downward-coursing paths to the grounding system. The grounding system allows...