Electrical Power & Protection


Surge protection for industrial process applications

October 2003 Electrical Power & Protection

Modern day industrial facilities contain large amounts of microprocessor-based equipment from control computers to field sensors. High-speed data is transferred around a site to allow business decisions to be made which affect productivity and efficiency. The realtime data used for such control and decision-making would be useless if corrupt and, worse still, the complete loss of such a system due to surges or lightning would impact on productivity and profits.

Much of the industrial equipment is installed in harsh environments, subject to natural disturbances such as lightning and man-made disturbances like switching transients from motors, pumps, welding equipment and variable frequency drives. Small transients and disturbances on the AC or data cables, whilst not causing catastrophic damage, will be slowly stressing the internal microprocessors ultimately leading to degradation, which manifests itself as errors or complete failure.

A direct lightning strike can be catastrophic and cause safety related failures, and potentially, plant shutdowns. The lightning does not have to strike directly; even a nearby strike within a few kilometres can be significantly damaging, causing minor failures and potentially stressing control or system hardware.

Surge protection for these industrial process applications can prevent the majority of upsets caused by surges and transients. It is essential as part of the plant infrastructure, and can prevent downtime and lost productivity. In all areas reliability will be enhanced increasing availability and uptime. MTL Surge Technologies have been at the forefront of industrial surge protection for the past 15 years and produce products for protecting all such facilities. Temperature Controls is the sole agent in South Africa for MTL.

For further information contact Andy Brown Temperature Controls, 011 791 6000, andyb@tempcon.co.za, www.tempcon.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Retrofitting for sustainability
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
As budgets tighten and sustainability targets increase, retrofit and modernisation strategies are gaining traction across Africa, allowing organisations to upgrade only what limits performance while preserving existing infrastructure and extending asset life.

Read more...
USB-Datalogger for voltage 0 to 30 V DC
Vepac Electronics Electrical Power & Protection
The PeakTech 5186 is a data logger for DC voltages from 0 V to 30 V with terminals on the top of the device.

Read more...
Pole-top boxes for smarter, more secure electricity networks
Electrical Power & Protection
As South Africa accelerates the rollout of smart prepaid electricity metering, innovative enclosure technology from Power Process Systems is helping utilities improve network security, reduce electricity theft and protect critical electrical infrastructure.

Read more...
Simplifying electrical design compliance
Electrical Power & Protection
Referro Systems highlights how Rockwell Automation’s Global SCCR Tool simplifies short-circuit current rating compliance for complex industrial electrical systems.

Read more...
Engineering resilience into Africa’s energy future
Electrical Power & Protection
Zutari’s managing director of water explains how Burundi’s landmark Jiji and Mulembwe hydropower projects demonstrate what resilient, climate-adapted infrastructure delivery looks like – and what this means for Africa’s energy future.

Read more...
Voltage Tester with LED-Display
Vepac Electronics Electrical Power & Protection
The PeakTech 1094 is a reliable and robust two-pole voltage tester that has been specially developed for the safe and precise measurement of AC and DC voltages in the 12 to 400 V range.

Read more...
Schneider Electric launches circuit breaker for cost-effective LV protection
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its EasyPact CVS C4 moulded case circuit breaker in South Africa, extending the Easy series to 1 600 A and giving consultants, contractors, and end users a cost-effective solution for non-critical low-voltage applications.

Read more...
Schneider Electric launches cost-effective, high-performance LV protection
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its EasyPact NW air circuit breaker in South Africa, extending its Easy series portfolio with a cost-effective solution for non-critical low-voltage applications in commercial, industrial and residential projects.

Read more...
SF6-free switchgear brings digital intelligence to mining
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Combining pure-air switchgear with embedded digital intelligence helps mines cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve safety and meet sustainability targets while enabling real-time visibility into critical electrical assets.

Read more...
Turning plastic waste into clean hydrogen
Electrical Power & Protection
Researchers have developed a solar-powered process that converts plastic waste into hydrogen and useful industrial chemicals while using spent acid from vehicle batteries. The approach could help create a circular system for dealing with several challenging waste streams at the same time.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved