Arc-Flash Compliance Implementation at Industrial Processing Facilities
This paper highlights an assortment of case studies and explains how arc-flash hazards were identified, measured, and mitigated in various industrial processing facilities. Case studies reviewed include the following: (1) the completion of arc-flash studies and arc-flash remediation for a group of existing cement pyroprocessing plants in North America to achieve compliance with Electrical Workplace Standards National Fire Protection Association 70E-2012 and Canadian Standards Association Z462-2012 for a multisite cement manufacturer; (2) the implementation of an arc-flash analysis at an existing U.S.-based copper mine/copper concentrate facility; (3) the investigation of an arc-flash incident that occurred during energized work at a U.S. chemical processing facility; and (4) a “Safety by Design” installation for a new Greenfield coal preparation plant in Australia. This paper will examine the plans and processes reviewed and considered and the strategy deployed to manage/reduce arc-flash hazards and then discuss lessons learned in the implementation of new systems to improve electrical workplace safety.
Arc flash risk assessment for a megawatt scale medium voltage research and testing facility
Arc flash is one of the leading causes of injury and death in electrical work-related incidents. In recent years, arc flash risk mitigation and protection solutions have become the forefront topics in the electrical industry studies. Conventional techniques provide ways to lower incident energy on installed systems but they add to the system limitations. This is a case study which explores arc flash risk assessment process and mitigation techniques used for an operating research facility consisting of 7.5 MW and 15 MW wind turbine mechanical testbeds in addition to a 15 MVA experimental power grid.
Arc-Flash Incident Energy Reduction Using Zone Selective Interlocking
As a result of new requirements in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E standard, many facilities are performing arc-flash hazard analyses to better understand how to protect personnel from the possibility of being injured in an arc-flash incident. In many cases in the petrochemical industry, it is unsafe or not practical to shut down electrical equipment to do work. This paper explores practicable options that a facility has to reduce incident energy levels in existing low-voltage systems where the arc-flash hazard analysis results in unacceptably high levels. It also explores a case study in the Gulf of Mexico, where an offshore oil production platform was able to cost effectively reduce incident energy levels from approximately 170 to under 15 by implementing a zone selective interlocking system into their low-voltage switchgear. The selection process logic involving equipment, personnel considerations, and commissioning are all addressed.