Effective Lightning Protection for Oil Terminals and Tank Farms
Prevent Lightning-Induced Explosions and Fires
Lightning Protection Strategies for Oil Terminals and Tank Farms
Crude oil terminals and tank farms are essential elements of the oil and gas downstream refining and transportation sector. These facilities store crude oil, refined products (e.g., gasoline, diesel, jet fuel), or intermediates in large tanks. Crude oil tank farms might use both floating and fixed roof storage tanks, while oil terminals serve as transfer hubs between different transportation modes—pipeline, rail, barge, truck, and ship.
Due to the presence of large quantities of flammable materials and extensive above-ground infrastructure, oil terminals and tank farms are highly vulnerable to lightning. Floating roof and fixed roof storage tanks are especially susceptible to lightning and static discharge, with tank fires occurring more often than is commonly recognized.
Following a catastrophic lightning-induced event, the loss of product is permanent, and the emergency response typically results in a significant water contamination problem that must be treated.
Comprehensive lightning protection helps prevent lightning related operational disruptions that result in financial and human impacts. Our lightning protection systems are specifically designed to prevent operational disruptions, safeguard critical process control systems, and protect infrastructure from the hazardous impacts of lightning activity.
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Continuous operations in extreme conditions
Innovating Since 1971
Risk Assessment
Identify and Quantify VulnerabilitiesLEC detailed site surveys include an in-depth review of your oil terminals or tank farm’s physical properties—from structural materials and dimensions to environmental conditions and soil composition. We identify vulnerable equipment and assess the quantitative and qualitative costs of losing a large crude oil stock tank and its contents.
Lightning Protection Strategy
Customized Strategies for Maximum ProtectionOur comprehensive assessment maps your facility’s risk zones that informs a detailed visual representation highlighting areas of high strike probability, zones requiring protection, and potential paths for lightning-induced currents.
Lightning Risks for Oil Terminals and Tank Farms
Oil terminals and tank farms face serious risks from lightning strikes, driven by the presence of flammable materials and highly sensitive equipment. A direct strike, spark, or even a strike miles away can trigger fires, explosions, equipment failures, or widespread process disruptions. Both floating roof and fixed roof storage tanks are particularly vulnerable to lightning risks. To ensure safety and maintain uninterrupted operations, robust and proactive lightning protection is not just important—it’s essential.
Equipment particularly vulnerable to lightning-related risks include:
Equipment particularly vulnerable to lightning-related risks include:
- Floating Roof Stock Tanks
- Fixed Roof Stock Tanks
- Pipe Racks
- Pressurized Storage Tanks
- Pumps and Manifolds
- Flares
- Truck Loading Racks
- Rail Loading Arms
- Marine Loading Arms
- Pipeline Interconnects
- SCADA Control Systems
- Electrical Infrastructure
- Communications Towers
Lightning Protection Systems for Oil Terminals and Tank Farms
READ MORE: Floating Roof Storage Tank Lightning Protection
READ MORE: Fixed Roof Storage Tank Lightning Protection
READ MORE: Best Practices for Lightning Defense White Paper
READ MORE: Fixed Roof Storage Tank Lightning Protection
READ MORE: Best Practices for Lightning Defense White Paper
