6.1.13 Specification For Earthing and Lightning Protection

Specification for Earthing and Lightning Protection
Qasr Compression Project FEED
Table of Contents
HOLDS LIST .............................................................................................................. 5
REVISION HISTORY ................................................................................................. 5
GLOSSARY ............................................................................................................... 6
1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................. 8
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................... 8
1.2 DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................... 8
1.3 TERMINOLOGY ........................................................................................................ 9
2 CODES AND STANDARDS ............................................................................. 10
2.1 GENERAL .............................................................................................................. 10
2.2 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE ....................................................................................... 10
2.3 EGYPTIAN GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS............................................................... 10
2.4 PROJECT DOCUMENTS .......................................................................................... 10
2.5 INTERNATIONAL CODES AND STANDARDS ............................................................... 10
2.5.1 European Union Directives .......................................................................................................... 12
3 SCOPE OF SUPPLY ........................................................................................ 13
4 SITE CONDITION ............................................................................................. 14
5 SERVICE CONDITIONS ................................................................................... 16
6 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS OF EARTHING SYSTEM ..................................... 17
7 BASIC DATA .................................................................................................... 18

7.1 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ........................................................................................... 18
7.2 EARTH FAULT CURRENTS ...................................................................................... 18
7.3 LIMITATION OF TOUCH VOLTAGE ACCORDING TO STANDARDS .................................. 18
8 CALCULATIONS .............................................................................................. 19
8.1 EARTHING GRID EARTH CONDUCTOR CROSS-SECTION DIMENSIONING..................... 19
8.2 PROTECTIVE EARTH (PE) CONDUCTOR CROSS-SECTION DIMENSIONING .................. 19
8.3 CALCULATION OF TOUCH VOLTAGE FOR L.V. .......................................................... 20
9 LIGHTNING PROTECTION .............................................................................. 22
9.1 COMPOSITION OF RISK COMPONENTS RELATED TO A STRUCTURE ........................... 22
9.2 IDEAL BONDING OF LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS ............................................ 22
9.3 SURGE CURRENT AND VOLTAGE LEVELS ................................................................ 23
9.4 LIGHTNING COUPLING MECHANISMS ....................................................................... 23
9.5 STRUCTURAL STEEL W ORK AND EQUIPOTENTIAL BONDING...................................... 24
9.6 FEEDERS AND W AVEGUIDES FROM TOWERS ........................................................... 24
9.7 BUILDING FABRIC PROTECTION .............................................................................. 25
9.8 LATTICE STEEL TOWERS / MASTS........................................................................... 25
Genesis Oil & Gas Consultants Ltd Page 2 of 35 Date: Sep 11

File name: J08509A-E-SP-15206 Rev D1 Specification for Earthing and Revision: D1
Lightning Protection
9.9 TANKS AND VESSELS AND COLUMNS ...................................................................... 26

9.10 FIXED ROOF TANKS ............................................................................................... 26
9.11 BUILDINGS ............................................................................................................ 26
9.12 CONTROL BUILDINGS ............................................................................................. 26
9.13 FENCES ................................................................................................................ 27
9.14 FLOODLIGHT MASTS .............................................................................................. 27
9.15 AIR TERMINATIONS ................................................................................................ 27
9.16 AIR FINIALS ........................................................................................................... 28
9.17 DOWN CONDUCTORS............................................................................................. 28
9.18 EARTH W ELLS ....................................................................................................... 28
9.19 BONDS ................................................................................................................. 29
9.20 JOINTS ................................................................................................................. 29
9.21 TEST POINTS ........................................................................................................ 30
9.22 INDICATING PLATES ............................................................................................... 30
9.23 EARTH TERMINATION NETWORKS ........................................................................... 30
9.24 INSTRUMENTATION EARTHING ................................................................................ 31
9.24.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 31
9.24.2 Field Connections to Instruments ............................................................................................ 32
10 INSPECTION AND TESTING ........................................................................... 33
10.1 EARTH ELECTRODE TESTING ................................................................................. 33
10.2 SOIL RESISTIVITY TESTING .................................................................................... 33
10.3 TESTING IN HAZARDOUS AREAS ............................................................................. 34
10.4 RECORDS ............................................................................................................. 34
10.5 MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP ................................................................................... 34
11 QUALITY ASSURANCE ................................................................................... 35

Table of Figures
Figure 1-1 Qasr Development Location...................................................................... 8

HOLDS LIST
HOLD Description Section
REVISION HISTORY
(Only after Revision D1)
Rev. Description Section

GLOS S ARY
A.C. Alternating Current

ANSI American National Standards Institute
BTH Earth Marshalling Point (as per Detail ‘A’)
D.C. Direct current
EGPC Egyptian General Petroleum Company
EPC Engineering, Procurement and Construction
FEED Front End Engineering Design
GOGC Genesis Oil and Gas Consultants
GRP Glass Reinforced Plastic
HVAC Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning
I Current
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
IEC International Electrotechnical Committee
IS Intrinsically Safe
IT High Resistance Earthing
K Cable Insulation Factor
km/h Kilometre per hour
KPC Khalda Petroleum Company

kV Kilovolts
kVA Kilovoltamperes
kW Kilowatts
kW/m² Kilowatt per metre squared
L.V. Low Voltage (≤1000V A.C.)
mcb Miniature Circuit Breaker
mm Millimetre
mm² Millimetres Squared

M.V. Medium Voltage (>1000V A.C., ≤ 35000V A.C.)
N North
NW North-West
PE Protective Earth
RA Risk component (injury to living beings – flashes to a structure)
RB Risk component (physical damage to a structure – flashes to a
structure)
RC Risk component (failure of internal systems -flashes to a structure)
RD Risk for a structure due to flashes to the structure
RM Risk component (failure of internal systems – flashes near a structure)
RU Risk component (injury to living being – flashes to a connected service)
RV Risk component (physical damage to structure flashes to a connected
service)
RW Risk component (failure of internal systems – flashes to the connected
service)
RZ Risk component (failure of internal systems – flashes near a service)
r.m.s Root Mean Square
S Cross-sectional Area of Earthing Conductor
s Second
SLD Single Line Diagram
SOL Start of Line
TN-S Three Phase and Neutral and Separate Earth System
Uo Phase Voltage
V Voltage
Z Impedance

1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Description

Qasr is a large, normally pressured gas-condensate reservoir located in the Western
Desert of Egypt approximately 525 km west of Cairo. The field is operated by Khalda
Petroleum Company (KPC), a joint venture between Apache Corporation and
Egyptian General Petroleum Company (EGPC).
Figure 1-1 Qasr Development Location
Field production is initially handled at the Start of Line (SOL) Qasr Plant. After initial
treatment (cooling and water removal) the gas/condensate is exported to a
combination of the Salam, Tarek and Obaiyed gas plants for further treatment.
The Qasr gas and condensate currently free flows from the wellheads through the
Qasr Phase I and Phase II facilities and export pipelines to the SHAMS manifold and
Salam gas plant under reservoir pressure. As the reservoir pressure declines the
peak gas rate of 800 mmscfd will no longer be achieveable. The Qasr Compression
Project is designed to improve recovery as the reservoir production rate and
pressure decline.
The Qasr Compression Project scope comprises:
• Gas turbine driven single stage compressor sets
• Condensate export pumps
• Power generation
• Utility systems
1.2 Definitions
For the purpose of this specification, the following definitions apply:

CONTRACTING
Khalda Petroleum Company
AUTHORITY OR “CA”
ENGINEER FEED Contractor
EPC Contractor or
The Contractor(s) appointed by the CA for the supply of

the equipment. Requirements of this specification shall be
CONTRACTOR
enforced at all levels of the CONTRACTOR’S procurement
process. CA shall have access to all CONTRACTOR’S
suppliers to the same extent as required of
CONTRACTOR.
PURCHASER CA, ENGINEER or CONTRACTOR
The party(s) which manufactures and/or supplies

SUPPLIER/VENDOR materials, equipment, technical documents/drawings and
services to perform the duties specified by PURCHASER.
PROJECT Qasr Compression Project
INDEPENDENT
Inspection Body or Authority appointed by the CA
VERIFICATION BODY
1.3 Terminology
The word “shall” is to be understood as a mandatory requirement
The word “should” is to be understood as strongly recommended.
The word “may” is to be understood as an action to be undertaken at the
SUPPLIER’s discretion.

2 CODES AND STANDARDS
2.1 General
The design, construction and supply of the equipment shall be in accordance with
the latest revisions of the following specifications, Data Sheets, codes and
standards.
Where national Egyptian regulations, codes and standards exist, their

recommendations shall always apply. Such national regulations shall therefore
supplement or amend the provisions of this document.
2.2 Order of Precedence

In the event of any conflict between this specification and the documents listed
herein, the decreasing order of precedence shall be:
1. Egyptian Government Legislation
2. This Specification
3. Referenced Project Specifications and Data Sheets
4. Referenced Codes and Standards (latest edition)
2.3 Egyptian Government Requirements

The design shall meet the requirements and regulations of the Egyptian Government
including all laws, decrees and ordinances.
2.4 Project Documents

Project Documents consist of the following:
Document Number Description
J08509A-E-PH-15001 Electrical Design Philosophy
J08509A-E-LY-15450 to15455 Earthing and Lightning Protection Layouts
J08509A-J-SP-16004 General Specification for Instrumentation
2.5 International Codes and Standards

As a minimum, the Earthing and Lightning Protection shall be designed,
manufactured, tested and delivered in accordance with the relevant sections of the
latest editions of the international codes and standards. Codes and standards used
for this project shall be the latest revisions including all addenda available at the time
of purchase order placement.


BS 6701 Telecommunications Equipment and
Telecommunications Cabling Specification for
Installation, Operation and Maintenance
BS 7430 Code of Practice for Earthing
BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations – IEE Wiring
Regulations
BS EN 41003 Particular Safety Requirements for Equipment to be
Connected to Telecommunication Networks and / or a
Cable Distribution System
BS EN 50174 Series Information Technology Cabling Installation
EI IP-MCSP-P1 Model Code of Safe Practice Part 1: Electrical Safety
Code
EI IP-MCSP-P21 Model Code of Safe Practice Part 21: Guidelines for the
Control of Hazards Arising from Static Electricity
IEEE C62.41 Recommended Practice On Surge Voltages in Low-
Voltage A.C. Power Circuits
IEEE Std. 80 IEEE Guide for Safety in A.C. Substation Grounding
IEEE Std. 142 IEEE Recommended Practice for Grounding of
Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
IEEE Std. 1100 IEEE Recommended Practice for Powering and
Grounding Electronic Equipment
IEC 60079 -14 Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres.
Electrical Installations in Hazardous Area (other than
mines)
IEC 60364-4-41 Low Voltage Electrical Installations – Part 4-41:
Protection for safety – Protection against electric shock
IEC 60364-5-54 Electrical installation of buildings – Part 5-54: Selection
and Erection of Electrical Equipment – Earthing
Arrangements, Protective Conductors and Protective
Bonding Conductors
IEC 61000 Series Electromagnetic Compatibility
IEC 62151 Safety of Equipment Electrically Connected to a
Telecommunication Network
IEC 62305 Series Protection against Lightning
ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems Requirements

2.5.1 European Union Directives

2001/95/EC General Product Safety Regulations
2004/108/EC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
2006/95/EC Low Voltage Directive
93/68/EC CE marking
94/9/EC ATEX 95 Equipment Directive

3 SCOPE OF SUPPLY
The scope of work shall consist of the following items, as a minimum:-
 The complete detail design, supply and installation of an earthing and

lightning protection system
 The preparation and supply of all documents and schedules to enable
others to easily incorporate the earthing and lightning protection system
into the design of the project and to maintain operation
 The functional testing of the earthing and lightning protection system at the
site. These tests shall include those of a routine nature plus other specific
tests to verify compliance with the standards
 All materials and components shall be of sufficient quality to comply with
the standards and codes listed above.
Unless otherwise specified, in the context of this specification, the term Low Voltage
refers to any given voltage less than or equal to 1000V A.C. and Medium Voltage
refers to any given voltage above 1000V A.C and ≤ 35000V A.C.

4 SITE CONDITION
All earthing and lightning protection devices shall be manufactured and tested to
meet the environmental conditions as defined in the Process and Utilities Basis of
Design, J08509A-P-SD-12001 and HVAC Philosophy, J08509A-M-ST-13201.
Design and selection of the Earthing and Lightning Protection system components
shall therefore be continuously rated for operation in the following ambient
conditions:
Temperature
Maximum ambient air temperature (Outdoor): 50°C (summer)
25°C (winter)
Minimum ambient air temperature (Outdoor): 0°C
Maximum ambient air temperature (LER): 35°C
Minimum ambient air temperature (LER): 15°C
Maximum ambient air temperature (Battery Room): 35°C
Minimum ambient air temperature (Battery Room): 15°C
Altitude
The height above sea level shall be 200m
Humidity
Relative humidity (Outdoor): 100% (Maximum)
Relative humidity (LER): 50% + 10%
Relative humidity (Battery Room): 50% + 10%
Rainfall
Maximum monthly average 28mm (January)
Winds
Maximum wind speed 115 km/h
Design wind speed (mechanical and civil design requirements) 160 km/h

Prevailing wind direction N to NW
Solar Radiation
A design figure for solar radiation of 1.05 kW/m² shall be applied to predicted flare
radiation levels to assess potential impacts on personnel in the area.
Seismic Design Criteria

Acceleration = Zone Classification UBC 1997 Class 2A = +0.22g with 10%
probability of being exceeded in 50 years.
Special Conditions
The area is subject to sandstorms.

5 SERVICE CONDITIONS
The earthing and lightning protection installations shall in all respects be suitable for
operation in the ambient temperatures detailed above. They shall have a design life
of at least twenty years and require minimal periodic maintenance.

6 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS OF EARTHING SYSTEM

The Earthing and Lightning Protection System shall be designed to protect against
electric shock, both direct and indirect contact, build up of electrostatic discharge,
and against lightning strikes.
The earthing network shall consist of a main grid of bare copper conductors directly
buried in the ground and connected to bored earthing wells with surface link boxes to
permit measurement of earth resistance.
The secondary connections are made with green / yellow insulated copper flexible
conductors of suitable cross-sectional area.
The earthing of the emergency generators star point for the low voltage systems
shall be carried out by connecting the star point to the earth grid creating a TN-S
earthing system as defined in IEC 60364.
Each section of the earthing system shall be sized in accordance with the maximum
earth fault currents possible on the associated section of that circuit. Protective
conductors shall also be sized to minimize the earth loop impedance.
Earthing systems shall consist of earthing wells, earthing grids and equipment,
earthing conductors and above grade equipment e.g. connection buses (BTH). The
BTH shall be utilized as the measurement point for earth system readings.
Earthing grids shall consist of buried-conductor loops installed around all major
process units, building structures, and the electrical substation.
Concrete iron reinforcement of building and equipment foundations such as

generators, compressors, foundation piles, will be bonded to the main earthing grids,
whilst equipment foundation bolting shall not be used for earthing purposes.
Earthing grids in adjacent process areas and other individual earthing systems shall
be interconnected, in order to ensure that all earthing systems operate at a common
potential.
Earthing grids and conductors shall normally be of bare copper, according to the
earthing system installation.
Insulated copper conductors shall be required under more onerous conditions, such
as exposure to highly corrosive soil conditions, proximity to extensive underground
piping systems or buried metallic structures connected to cathodic protection
systems.
Insulated earthing conductors shall normally be identified by green / yellow strip

coloured insulation.

7 BASIC DATA
7.1 Electrical Systems

The Electrical System voltages and earthing arrangements are as follows:
 11kV – 3 phase, 50Hz, impedance earthed via NER (IT)

 400V – 3 phase, 50Hz, neutral solidly earthed (TNS)
 230V – 1 phase, 50Hz, neutral solidly earthed (TNS)
 Up to 250V – D.C.:-
a) Earthed with earth fault monitor for Instrumentation, Switchgear and
emergency lighting supplies
b) Earthed at the positive pole for Telecommunications
c) As per manufacturer’s recommendations if different from a) or b)
7.2 Earth Fault Currents

Main Power Supplies shall be provide from 11kV underground feeders from the
existing plant main power generation / distribution facilities.
Local emergency generators at 400V will provide power in the event of failure of the
Main Power Supply and the earth fault current will flow through the generator (star-
point for L.V.) via the protective earth conductor (PE) and to the main earthing grid.
7.3 Limitation of Touch Voltage According to Standards

IEC 60364-4-41 standard allows a maximum permanent touch voltage of 50V A.C.
Therefore the earthing system must eliminate the phase-to-earth faults which give
rise to touch or step voltages higher than 50V A.C.

8 CALCULATIONS
8.1 Earthing Grid Earth Conductor Cross-Section Dimensioning

According to IEC 60364-5-54 para. 543.1.1, the cross-sectional area shall be not
less than the value determined by the following formula (applicable only for
disconnection times not exceeding 5s):
I2 ∗ t
S=
K
Where:
S = cross-sectional area, in square millimetres
I = value (A.C., r.m.s.) of fault current for a fault of negligible impedance,

which can flow through the protective device, in amperes
t = operating time of the disconnecting device, in seconds
K = factor dependent on the material of protective conductor, the insulation

and other parts and the initial and the final temperatures. In our case the “K”
value is 228 according to IEC 60364-5-54 Table 54E (Copper conductor at
final temperature of 500°C for bare conductor).
8.2 Protective Earth (PE) Conductor Cross-Section Dimensioning

The calculation criteria for the minimum PE conductor cross-sectional area are the
same as per section 8.1.
In L.V. systems, in situations where the short circuit is at a maximum and at

generator terminals, the equipment is connected to the earth at more than one point
in order to provide greater cross-sectional area of PE than the main earth conductor.
In addition, in the case of fault on an external user, the fault current path to earth can
have multiple paths usually through a minimum of two paths; one through the PE
(steel wire armour inside the feeder cable) and the other through the earthing
conductor connected to the main grid, providing a cross-sectional area of PE bigger
than the minimum required.
Earth conductors shall be sized in accordance with the calculations shown in

sections 8.1, but as a minimum the conductor sizes shall be as follows:
 25mm2 if the earth cables are PVC insulated (to prevent corrosion) copper
or steel
 50mm2 if the earth cables are bare copper

 75mm2 if the earth cables are bare steel
8.3 Calculation of Touch Voltage for L.V.

Low voltage users shall have the steel work frame connected to earth by means of
two separate conductors: the first earth conductor forming part of the power feed
cable (PE, the steel wire armour for example) and a second earth conductor
separate from the feed cable connecting the user frame to the local earthing
network.
The following formula must be satisfied for protection against indirect contact:
Zs * Ia ≤ Uo
Where:
Zs = impedance of the fault loop comprising the source, the live conductor up
to the point of the fault and the protective conductor between the point of the
fault and the source.
Ia = current causing the automatic operation of the disconnecting protective

device within the time stated in IEC 60364-4-41 Table 41A as a function of the
nominal voltage Uo or, under the conditions stated in the same Code in para.
413.1.3.5, within a conventional time not exceeding 5s.
U0 = nominal A.C. r.m.s. voltage to earth (230V).
TABLE 41A (of IEC 60364) – maximum disconnecting time(s) for TN earthing
systems.
Uo (V) Disconnecting time (s)
120 0.8
230 0.4
277 0.4
400 0.2
>400 0.1
To verify the touch voltage we apply the previous formula at the worst case, (under
emergency generator operation), where we have the lowest earth fault current
(higher distance and lowest cable cross section, hence maximum impedance).
For the proposed design case the maximum disconnection time for any circuit is
0.4s, in order to satisfy the touch voltage requirements. The Contractor shall ensure
during detailed design that electrical protection and protective earth conductors are
suitably rated satisfying the requirements of both voltage and disconnection time.


9 LIGHTNING PROTECTION
The general earthing of the plant shall ensure that the plant is suitably earthed from
the effects of lightning strikes.
The site is situated in an area where there are a high number of lightning strikes per
year and the Contractor shall ensure during detail design that the requirements of
this specification have been met.
9.1 Composition of Risk Components Related to a Structure

Risk components to be considered for each type of loss in a structure are listed
below:
R1: Risk of loss of human life:
R1 = RA + RB + RC(1) + RM(1) + RU + RV + RW(1) + RZ(1)
(1) Only for structures with risk of explosion and for hospitals with life-saving
electrical equipment or other structures when failure of internal systems
immediately endangers human life
R2: Risk of loss of service to the public:
R2 = RB + RC + RM + RV + RW + RZ
R3: Risk of loss of cultural heritage:
R3 =RB + RV
R4: Risk of loss of economic value:
R4 = RA(2) + RB + RC + RM + RU(2) + RV + RW + RZ
(2) Only for properties where animals may be lost.
Only risk components R1 & R4 are required to be considered for this project.
9.2 Ideal Bonding of Lightning Protection Systems

The functions of the earthing systems are various but for the purposes of Lightning
Protection they can be categorised as below:
a) To dissipate lightning surges
b) To limit fault current to and protect equipment from damage
c) To reduce electrical noise

d) As a power systems reference voltage
Because of the need to reconcile the above requirements, with their possible
conflicting demands into one integrated system the normal strategy is to consider
each earthing requirement as a sub-system. All these sub-systems form an
equipotential point that will be the centre of a star earthing arrangement.
As it is most important that every earth within a building remains at the same relative
potential at all times, to avoid flashover, this equipotential point must also be
connected to the Lightning Protection earth of the building or mast. Sub-systems for
consideration are:-
a) Earth system diverting high energy lightning safely to earth via a low impedance
earth net
b) A.C. distribution systems earth affording personnel protection from shock

hazard and injury and providing a low impedance path from electrical
equipment back to source and ensuring correct operation of fuses, MCB's etc.
c) Radio frequency earth system carries only low levels of radio frequency current
but is a likely source of earth loop currents
d) Barrier equipment earth system conducting currents resulting from transferred

potential point
Where operational problems prevent equipment earth being bonded directly to the
building safety earth the use of a suitable suppresser between the equipment earths
should be considered.
9.3 Surge Current and Voltage Levels

Lightning characteristics are tabulated within IEC 62305-1, Table 5 – ‘Maximum
values of lightning parameters according to LPL’ and the lightning protection system
will discharge these potentially damaging currents to earth safely. In practice it is
considered that a 'few percent' will find its way into the electrical system of a building.
It is considered that if 10% of the total strike were taken as the maximum likely to
penetrate the mains distribution system with a good earthing system then protection
against 20kA surges would be necessary.
9.4 Lightning Coupling Mechanisms

For lightning discharges to cause damage to sensitive electronic equipment a direct
strike to the building is not necessary. An inter-cloud discharge or strike to ground
some kilometres away can cause a destructive transient overvoltage.
The coupling mechanisms causing transient voltage surges in cables, services etc.
entering or leaving a building are as follows:-

a) Direct strikes to electrical conductors
b) Earth potential rises due to nearby lightning strikes resulting in voltage

differences along the sheath of cables (transferred potential). Travelling waves
set up in this way will result in voltage coupling into "shielded" internal power or
data cables
c) Electromagnetic induction or couplings from parallel or nearby lightning current

carrying conductors or systems
d) High voltage surges transferred from potential rise elsewhere e.g. through the
metal piping of plant and sheaths of connected cables
The process of induced-transferred potential contributes far more to the risk of

damage than does the probability of a direct strike. This is because the dispersed
cable routing across the plant area increases the "catchment" area for transient
voltage surges caused by lightning.
9.5 Structural Steel Work and Equipotential Bonding

The structural steel work and other metal items, such as cable tray, cable ladders
etc. shall be supplementary bonded to provide equipotential bonding and to reduce
the risk of static charge build up.
9.6 Feeders and Waveguides from Towers

A direct strike to the structure will cause extremely large currents to flow to earth via
the tower members. Long vertical runs of feeder cable, particularly if attached to the
outside of a tower leg, could be subjected to induced voltage and currents.
An air terminal rod shall be provided on top of each tower to protect telecom
antennae.
As far as protection from lightning is concerned, feeders and waveguides are safest
when run down the centre of a tower, since they are shielded from the effects of high
lightning currents by the many members of the tower structure i.e. they act as a
Faraday cage (This can only be achieved if the tower is constructed in a suitable
manner).
When feeder cables are run down the legs of a structure such as a mast it is
impossible to isolate them totally from the effects of lightning. Therefore it is
important to solidly bond to earth coaxial sheaths and waveguide casing at both top
and bottom ends of the vertical run. Feeder cables should be brought off the mast
with the sharpest bend permitted by the manufacturer's specification with the lowest
earth bond made just prior to the bend. On longer feeder runs additional bonding at
approximately 30 metre intervals minimises the risk of side flashing.

To limit any residual induced feeder sheath currents from entering the buildings and
hence equipment it is essential to earth all feeders and waveguides at the building
entry equipotential point and then to the Lightning Protection earth.
Feeder cables should be supported on the horizontal run between tower and
equipment building by being attached to the underside of cable trays or gantries
thereby providing an electrical shield from the effects of horizontally induced lightning
currents. These cables trays or gantries must be adequately bonded to the tower
and the building equipotential earth.
Antennae mounted on the roof of buildings should be constructed so that their

metallic elements provide a short circuit path for lightning currents between the
antennae elements and the sheath of the coaxial feeder. If this is not possible it may
be necessary to provide a discharge gap for the affected conductors. Antennae
feeder cable sheaths and supports should be bonded to the building lightning
protection system. However, if this is not available the antennae must be treated as
lightning conductors and the down conductors dimensioned as a lightning conductor
tape.
9.7 Building Fabric Protection

The lightning protection of building fabric and the risk assessment for buildings is
comprehensively covered in IEC 62305. The following sections are intended to
amplify and clarify the above specifications where applicable.
9.8 Lattice Steel Towers / Masts

Generally the metallic structure is rendered electrically and mechanically continuous
by its construction and satisfies metal thickness requirements.
Therefore the structure is suitable for utilising to act as the air termination and down
conductor path. It should be ensured that no aerial or dish mounted to the structure
projects above the top of the tower. If this is the case an air finial(s) shall be installed
to project above the aerial / dish concerned and bonded back into the structure.
Note: In certain satellite dish arrangements involving rotating axle mountings flexible
bonding links may need to be employed within the additional protection method.
One bonding conductor shall be connected to each leg of the tower or to the base of
the mast and taken to an earth termination network (to achieve an overall resistance
to earth of 1 ohm - together with any equipotential bonding that may be required).
Where guy wires are used to support the tower or mast it shall be ensured that the
upper ends of the wires are continuous with the structure, and the lower anchorage
points earthed by electrodes and interconnected into the ring earth conductor of the
system.

Where associated buildings located beneath or local to the tower / mast fall outside
of the zone of protection provided by it, the lighting protection system installed to the
building should be interconnected with that of the tower / mast usually by way of the
earth ring conductor arrangements.
9.9 Tanks and Vessels and Columns

The shells of all tanks, the saddles of vessels and columns shall be permanently and
effectively earthed. In most cases their construction is of metal of adequate thickness
i.e. 5mm or over and electrically and mechanically continuous. Therefore the tank
roof and walls are suitable for utilising to act as their own air termination and down
conductor paths requiring the installation of low level bonds to earthing
arrangements only as described below.
Should the tank not be of adequate thickness, or have a non-metallic construction or

cladding, consideration should be given to providing a surface conductor tape
system in line with the recommendations of this specification.
9.10 Fixed Roof Tanks

The tank shall be bonded (via earth bosses) and connected to earth electrodes by
minimum of two independent connection spaced symmetrically around the tank and
interconnected via a ground ring conductor tape.
For single tanks the spacing of the bonds and electrodes shall be every 20m of
perimeter for structures up to 20m in height, and every 10m of perimeter for
structures either over 20m in height or where classed as hazardous.
For a group each tank shall have at least two independent connections to the
earthing system. Tanks in groups should be assessed in each case to establish the
exact requirements needed, taking into consideration their arrangement, spacing,
heights etc.
9.11 Buildings
The buildings will be equipped with a Lightning Protection System as detailed in IEC
62305. To establish equipotential bonding the earthing conductors of all systems in a
building will be connected to a single point.
9.12 Control Buildings

All cables to and from the building, including the mains electricity supply, enter via
cable rack.
Marshalling cabinets will be provided in the under floor area, to terminate the
incoming cables and house the necessary surge protection devices. From these

cabinets the cables routed into the control room will be designated 'clean' and run in
metal cable trays, bonded and earthed to the equipotential bonding bar.
9.13 Fences
Where the fence is constructed of electrically continuous metal, bonds shall be made
to it at 75m intervals (max) and / or at its corners, and connected via earth
conductors to either the earth termination network of the associated structure / plant
it surrounds, or to individual electrode positions.
Link gate posts via ground conductors and bond gates by flexible connections to
adjacent fence sections.
9.14 Floodlight Masts

A bond shall be formed to the mast at low level (assuming it to be of continuous
metallic construction), and connected via earth conductors to either the earth
termination network of adjacent or local structures or to individual electrode
positions.
Should the mast be of non-metallic nature an air finial shall be installed, mounted to
its top, connected to a down conductor and applicable earth termination
arrangement.
9.15 Air Terminations

Air termination networks should consist of vertical or horizontal conductors or a
combination of both depending on the type of structure to be protected. No part of
the roof (where applicable) should be more than 5m from the nearest conductor.
For flat roofs a surface air termination network mesh not exceeding a 20m x 10m
grid shall be inserted.
For structures classed as hazardous the mesh shall be reduced to a 10m x 5m

maximum grid.
For pitched roofs surface air termination conductors shall be installed to ridges, hips,
and eaves.
On large multiple ridge roofs further consideration may be required to establish the
conductor layout needed dependent on the ridge separation and pitch fall distances.
Where structures consist of portions of various heights and have more than one roof
air termination network the lower roof network should not only be joined to its own
down conductors, but also joined to the down conductors of the taller portions of the
structure. This will ensure that a lightning strike to a lower portion of the structure will

not lead to side flashing to other 'remote' down conductors and will provide a multi-
down conductor path for the lightning current to disperse.
9.16 Air Finials

Surface conductors tapes shall be used in junction with single point air finials not
less than 0.3m high.
For pitched roof layouts they shall be mounted to salient ridge level(s) at evenly
spaced intervals not exceeding 10 metres.
For flat roof grid layouts they shall be fixed at each intersection and at intermediate
positions along the horizontal conductors spaced no more than 10m apart.
All metallic cladding, projections etc. on or above the main roof surface shall be
bonded to the lightning protection system.
9.17 Down Conductors

Down conductors systems shall where possible take the most direct route from the
air termination to the earth termination network.
No joints, apart from the test point, should be installed in a down-conductor.
They should be externally installed and located symmetrically around the outside
walls of the structure starting from the external corners. Routing and locations to
avoid side flashing shall be considered.
The number shall be one for each 20m or part thereof of the perimeter at roof or
ground level, whichever is the greater, for structures up to 20m in height. For
structures over 20m in height the spacing should be reduced to 10m or part thereof.
For structures classed as hazardous the down conductors should be spaced at 10m
or part thereof.
9.18 Earth Wells

The earth well arrangement for the electronics earthing system and the electrical
earthing system shall be electrically segregated by means of actual segregation of
the earthing wells.
A number of earth wells shall be drilled for each of the segregated systems to
achieve the desired resistance to earth of 1 ohm. The number shall be determined
on site based on the soil resistivity survey and the measured values of resistance to
earth of the earthing system. Only when the desired resistance to earth value is
reached will the number of earth wells be deemed to be satisfactory.

The depth of each earth well shall be determined at site depending on the soil
resistivity found during the construction process and this will have to be assessed by
the Contractor.
Connections from the earth wells to the earth mat shall be made to complete the
earthing network.
Earth wells shall be bored into the ground as close as practicable to structures and /
or down conductors.
9.19 Bonds
Where surface tapes are installed to steel frame and / or block work structures
having either metallic or non-metallic cladding, consideration shall be made to
forming bonds between the lightning protection system and the following where
applicable:
 Metallic ridge capping at maximum 20m intervals

 Metallic roof cladding and / or structural steel frames at down conductor
positions
 Metallic guttering at down conductor positions
 Metallic parapet copings at down conductor positions
 Roof mounted plant, metallic vents / flues, aerial support poles and other
salient metallic projections on or above the roof
 Equipotential bond to the main electrical earth bar / terminal from either
the nearest down conductor position (above the test point) or earth
termination network inspection pit earth bar, whichever is applicable
Bonds shall be mechanically and electrically effective and carried out by the use of
propriety clamp / bolted type connections.
To avoid corrosion contact surfaces shall be of adequate area, clean and dry.
Suitable inhibitor paste should be applied to exclude moisture ingress with the finial
bonded connection area wrapped in an approved petroleum - wax - based thixotropic
tape dressing to facilitate future periodic inspection.
Where dissimilar metals require interconnecting propriety bi-metallic joints will be

utilised.
External bonding conductors should have a cross sectional area not less than that
employed for the main lightning protection system conductors.
9.20 Joints
The Lightning Protection system shall have as few joints as possible.

Joints shall be mechanically and electrically effective and carried out by the use of
proprietary clamp type connections.
Where overlapping joints occur the overlap shall not be less than 25mm for all
conductors. The contact area should be clean and dry and anti-corrosion inhibitor
paste applied.
9.21 Test Points

Test points shall be provided to each down conductor comprising of gunmetal oblong
type for copper to copper tape junctions.
The test points should, if possible be mounted approximately 1 metre above ground
level.
9.22 Indicating Plates

Plates indicating the position, number and type of each electrode shall be fitted
above each test point locations.
9.23 Earth Termination Networks

A common earth termination network for the lightning protection system and all other
services shall be established.
The whole of the earth termination network shall have a combined resistance to
earth not exceeding 1 ohm maximum (resistance of grid and termination), without
taking into account any bonding to other services.
For permanent structures a ring earth electrode (conductor) interconnecting the

individual earth wells shall be installed at least 0.7m below ground and according to
the soil resistivity, preferably passing below incoming services.
Buried ring earth conductors when installed as described above can be considered
as part of the earth termination network and should be taken into account when
assessing the overall resistance to earth value of the installation.
The conductor between the earth termination network and down conductor shall be
of 25 x 3mm bare copper conductor.
Considerations for hazardous classed structures; Earth termination networks should

be located outside of any area classified as being potentially hazardous.

9.24 Instrumentation Earthing
9.24.1 General
The instrumentation systems covered in this section may include one or more of
each of the following cubicles:
a) Auxiliary fields interface cubicles (to receive incoming cables from field plant
and provide Zener of galvanic isolation where appropriate
b) Signal conditioning cubicles
c) ESD cubicles
d) ICSS cubicles
For instrumentation purposes the resistance of the power system network to true
earth should not exceed 1 ohm.
Loops’ should be avoided in instrument earthing systems.
Where applicable, the use of earthing instrumentation systems with and without
Zener barrier diodes is illustrated in the Earthing and Lightning Protection Layout,
drawing number J08509A-E-LY-15450 to 15455.
A protective earth bar shall be provided in each control room / building containing
ICSS systems / instrumentation cubicles.
The exterior metalwork of all instrumentation cubicles and all other cubicles within
the room / building shall be connected to the protective earth bar.
The protective earth bar shall be connected to the main power system plant earthing
conductor ring.
A separate insulated instrument (‘clean’) earth bar shall also be provided in each
control room / building. The instrument earth bar shall be connected radially by
insulated conductor to the instrument earth bars in all instrument cubicles and to the
protective (‘dirty’) earth bar.
Where there is only an instrumentation cubicle, the need for an external marshalling
bar is eliminated and the cubicle instrument earth shall be directly connected to the
protective earth conductor.
Where Zener barriers are being used in hazardous areas an additional Intrinsically
Safe (IS) insulated earth bar shall be provided. This shall be connected radially by
insulated earth conductor to the IS earth bus bars in all auxiliary field interface
cubicles and to the instrument earth bar.

9.24.2 Field Connections to Instruments
In all cases the cable screen shall be isolated from earth at the field instrument.
(earthed only at the instrument earth bar in the control room).
Where the field instrument housing is Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), or continuity
from the housing to the protective earth cannot be guaranteed, separate earthing
conductors shall be provided from each gland to the nearest point on the protective
earth network.

10 INSPECTION AND TESTING

All Lightning Protection systems should be visually inspected and electrically tested
by a competent person during installation, after completion and after any alteration or
additions to it have been carried out in order to verify the specification.
Inspection and testing should be repeated at fixed intervals not exceeding 12

months. It should ideally be carried out during the dry season at which time the
resistivity of the ground should be at its highest, and therefore the efficiency of the
earth termination network will be at its lowest.
10.1 Earth Electrode Testing

Method A
 The basic method of testing single electrodes or small earth systems, is

commonly known as the 61.8% method
 Once all connections are made the test may be carried out and the
reading taken
 It may be remembered that to obtain a more accurate reading, a further
two tests are recommended and the average of the three to be the final
value of the electrode under test
 The distance of test spike 'C' should be about 15m for single electrodes,
but for larger electrodes or multiples in parallel a distance could be
increased to possibly 50m or more
The potential test spike 'P' for the above example would be sited 61.8% of the total
distance, i.e. at 15m the 'P' spike would be 9m and at 50m the 'P' spikes would be
31m.
Method B
a) The method of testing against another earth is known as a dead earth test
b) The tester is operated in the normal way and the reading obtained is the
resistance of the earth electrode, combined with that of the "dead earth"
If the resistance of the dead earth can be taken as being negligible, then the reading
obtained is that of the earth electrode.
10.2 Soil Resistivity Testing

Soil resistivity testing is based on a fall of potential method for earth electrode
testing.

The test, and subsequent calculations, can offer a guide as to the extent and method
that will be required for the earth termination network.
10.3 Testing in Hazardous Areas

Strict precautions should be adhered to when carrying out or using test instruments
in areas that are classed as Hazardous where flammable gas or vapours are or
maybe present.
Reference should be made to IEC 60079-14 for procedures and guidance as to the
type test instructions that can or cannot be used in certain conditions and situations.
10.4 Records
The following records in the form of a logbook or maintenance Manual should be
kept on site or by the person responsible for the upkeep of the Lightning Protection
system upon completion of an installation:
a) Scale drawings indicating dimensions, materials and position of all

component parts of the system
b) The nature of the soil and any special earthing arrangements
c) The type and position of the earth electrodes include reference electrodes
if applicable
d) The test conditions and results obtained from initial and periodic testing as
outlined in section four
e) Any alterations, additions or repairs to the system
f) The name of the person responsible for the installation or its upkeep
g) The above should apply to both a new or existing installation.
10.5 Maintenance and Upkeep

The periodic inspection / testing should highlight what maintenance if any is needed
to the system. Particular attention should be given to the following:
 Earth termination network resistance readings

 Evidence of alterations and / or additions to the structure or plant which
may affect the Lightning Protection system (this may include, but not be
limited to, changes in the use of the structure or installation by the addition
of metalwork, corrosion or conditions that may induce corrosion)

11 QUALITY ASSURANCE
To ensure that design objectives are met, CONTRACTOR shall operate an

accredited quality management system in line with ISO 9001:2008 “Quality
Management Systems – Requirements” or equivalent and demonstrate that effective
quality control procedures are in place to ensure that the requirements of this
Specification, recognised codes, national and industry standards are met.


6.1.13 Specification For Earthing and Lightning Protection

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6.1.13 Specification For Earthing and Lightning Protection

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Specification for Earthing and Lightning Protection

Qasr Compression Project FEED

HOLDS LIST .............................................................................................................. 5

REVISION HISTORY ................................................................................................. 5

4 SITE CONDITION ............................................................................................. 14

5 SERVICE CONDITIONS ................................................................................... 16

6 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS OF EARTHING SYSTEM ..................................... 17

7 BASIC DATA .................................................................................................... 18

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9.9 TANKS AND VESSELS AND COLUMNS ...................................................................... 26

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Genesis Oil & Gas Consultants Ltd Page 4 of 35 Date: Sep 11

HOLD Description Section

(Only after Revision D1)

Rev. Description Section

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A.C. Alternating Current

KPC Khalda Petroleum Company

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M.V. Medium Voltage (>1000V A.C., ≤ 35000V A.C.)

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1.1 Project Description

Figure 1-1 Qasr Development Location

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ENGINEER FEED Contractor

The Contractor(s) appointed by the CA for the supply of

PURCHASER CA, ENGINEER or CONTRACTOR

The party(s) which manufactures and/or supplies

PROJECT Qasr Compression Project

Genesis Oil & Gas Consultants Ltd Page 9 of 35 Date: Sep 11

2 CODES AND STANDARDS

Where national Egyptian regulations, codes and standards exist, their

2.2 Order of Precedence

1. Egyptian Government Legislation

3. Referenced Project Specifications and Data Sheets

4. Referenced Codes and Standards (latest edition)

2.3 Egyptian Government Requirements

2.4 Project Documents

2.5 International Codes and Standards

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Document Number Description

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2.5.1 European Union Directives

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 The complete detail design, supply and installation of an earthing and

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Prevailing wind direction N to NW

Seismic Design Criteria

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6 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS OF EARTHING SYSTEM

Concrete iron reinforcement of building and equipment foundations such as

Insulated earthing conductors shall normally be identified by green / yellow strip

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7.1 Electrical Systems

 11kV – 3 phase, 50Hz, impedance earthed via NER (IT)

b) Earthed at the positive pole for Telecommunications

c) As per manufacturer’s recommendations if different from a) or b)

7.2 Earth Fault Currents

7.3 Limitation of Touch Voltage According to Standards

Genesis Oil & Gas Consultants Ltd Page 18 of 35 Date: Sep 11

8.1 Earthing Grid Earth Conductor Cross-Section Dimensioning