Protecting Tissue Mills from the Impacts of Lightning

This summary is based on the article “Protecting Critical Operations from Lightning Disruptions” by the industry experts and contributors with Lightning Eliminators & Consultants (LEC), as published via TAPPI On Demand and related industry publications.

Lightning poses a major risk to critical industrial operations—especially in sectors like paper mills, chemical processing, and manufacturing. A single lightning strike can trigger fires, explosions, equipment failure, environmental damage, and costly downtime. Even indirect strikes can disrupt sensitive electrical systems and halt operations.

Facilities are particularly vulnerable due to their environments and design. Many are located in open or elevated areas and contain tall metal structures that attract lightning. Additionally, the presence of flammable materials increases the likelihood of catastrophic incidents if a strike occurs. Modern operations also depend heavily on electronic control systems, which are highly sensitive to voltage surges caused by lightning—even from miles away.

The consequences extend beyond physical damage. Lightning-related disruptions can lead to production shutdowns, expensive repairs, safety hazards for workers, regulatory penalties, and reputational harm. Restarting operations after an interruption can take days and significantly increase costs.

To address these risks, experts emphasize that lightning protection should not rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, facilities need customized strategies based on their specific vulnerabilities. Effective protection typically combines multiple methods, such as proper grounding, surge protection, bonding systems, and technologies designed to prevent direct strikes or reduce their impact.

One key idea highlighted in the article is that prevention is the most effective defense. Advanced systems, such as charge dissipation technologies, can reduce the likelihood of a lightning strike by neutralizing the electrical conditions that cause it. These systems work alongside traditional protection measures to provide more comprehensive coverage.

Ultimately, the article stresses the importance of professional evaluation. LEC experts can assess a facility’s risks, identify weaknesses, and design integrated protection systems tailored to the site. This proactive approach helps safeguard infrastructure, protect personnel, and maintain operational continuity.

Download Original Article