Protection for the borehole pump
December 2016
Electrical Power & Protection
The consequences of a blown borehole pump are far-reaching, as added to the financial outlay to replace a pump are the effects of not being able to water crops and livestock.
“A scenario like this can easily be avoided through the purchasing and correct installation of quality surge arresters,” says Paul van As, low voltage divisional manager at Surgetek. The costs of a typical surge protection installation for a borehole pump is about R3000.
Borehole pumps that do not have surge protection, including proper earthing, can be destroyed by induced lightning currents travelling through the earth. “The energy from a bolt of lightning that has struck the ground spreads through it in concentric circles,” explains van As.
Boreholes are often sleeved with steel to maintain well integrity and prevent fall of ground. These steel sleeves act like an earth rod. “Once the energy from a lightning strike makes contact with the sleeve, it runs down the power cable to the pump unit,” continues van As. Research indicates this energy can measure hundreds of thousands of volts. Pump motors operate on voltages between 230 and 400 V and their circuit boards operate on 5 V. When struck by lightning these stand no chance against this level of energy.
Van As advises that surge arresters should be installed as close to a borehole as possible. Arresters should be installed on either side of the power transformer in the surface junction box as well as the pump controller. “In addition, it is important that the electrical earth, the surge arrester earthing and the borehole sleeve (if metallic) are all interconnected to ensure potential equalisation. Surge arresters in any application should be checked on a regular basis – particularly after thunderstorms.
For more information contact Paul van As, Surgetek, +27 (0)11 792 1303, [email protected], www.surgetek.co.za
Further reading:
Food industry operations – not as simple as flipping a switch
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
The food industry represents a huge portion of the global economy, and is expected to reach $9,68 trillion in 2025. It is completely reliant on power, and due to its sheer size and the nature of its operations, power interruption can be catastrophic for its bottom line.
Read more...
Waste To Energy thermal technologies
DirectLogic Automation
Electrical Power & Protection
The vast quantities of waste produced around the world are a large and growing problem. Waste to Energy technology based on pyrolysis is a solution.
Read more...
New enhanced Breaker Status and Communication Module
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its new Breaker Status and Communication Module (BSCM) Modbus SL/ULP, which delivers enhanced performance, improved connectivity and simplified integration for power distribution systems.
Read more...
Building green industries to scale green economies
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa is taking bold steps to build green industries across the continent. Namibia is a trailblazer in the hydrogen space, with up to five Final Investment Decisions scheduled to be made in 2025/2026 and is pioneering a world first for green industrialisation.
Read more...
Easing the path for IPPs navigating South Africa’s energy regulations
Electrical Power & Protection
Independent Power Producers and developers venturing into South Africa’s renewable energy sector face a challenging regulatory landscape. SPS is a renewable energy asset management company that is actively expanding into the energy trading and wheeling market, which will enable businesses to buy and sell energy directly
Read more...
How energy storage will make or break SA’s renewable transition
Electrical Power & Protection
Energy storage is no longer an add-on, but the foundation of a reliable, resilient and renewable energy system. As South Africa accelerates towards a greener future, storage innovation could determine the difference between progress and paralysis.
Read more...
Condition-based maintenance can revolutionise business continuity
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
As businesses experience growing pressure to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime due to electrical failure, condition-based maintenance becomes essential for preventing unforeseen equipment breakdowns by assessing the real-time health of electrical systems.
Read more...
Boiler selection for optimal thermal energy performance
Electrical Power & Protection
The changing world of boilers means companies wishing to improve their thermal energy efficiencies while containing costs and environmental impacts must make careful and informed decisions. AES’s rich pool of experience, ability to keep pace with new steam trends and technologies, and understanding of their clients’ production processes can assist clients to weigh up different options in a careful and informed manner.
Read more...
Securing Africa’s energy future starts at home
ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s energy demands are surging, but the current reliance on imported solar technology leaves the continent vulnerable. This is why the prospect of building inverters and lithium batteries locally, designed for South Africa’s specific needs, is so promising.
Read more...
Dry-type transformers for Dutch intake substation
Electrical Power & Protection
A data centre in the Netherlands is the site of a recent innovation on the transformer landscape, where TMC Transformers has designed, manufactured and installed dry-type transformers in a large intake substation.
Read more...
printer friendly version