Earthing Solutions

Modular expansion of plant capacity is often done, integrating the plant utilities. But, neglecting change in earthing requirement due to combined power system. Moreover, the dewatering done during any plant expansion may completely change the soil resistivity drastically deteriorating the existing earthing system.

An audit to measure the soil resistivity using polar method and plotting 3D soil resistivity map; demonstrates implementable changes in the existing earth grid to limit design parameter within acceptable values.

We have audited various large plants like BPCL Mehul, BPCL Kochi and NRL Assam, etc..

We will to identify anomalies and suggest implementable rectifications for a longer plant life and safety.

Polar Curve & 3D Soil Resistivity Mapping

No outside power, bulky gas tanks or other equipment associated with welding make exothermic welding possible in difficult accessible areas for tight field installation.

Incorporating patented mold lid, ignition is done safely from the top of the old with limited exhaust emanating from the side vent. The weld metal used is special formulations of powdered copper oxide and aluminum. Upon reaching critical temperature, the resulting molten weld metaldrops into the weld cavity, instantly creating high- temperature molecular bond with conductor, which is corrosion free and has a very low milli-volt drop.
At the time of fault, the lower soil resistive regions will experience higher current flow where as the higher soil resistivity region may experience lower current flow. Thus, designing based on average soil resistivity values can lead to disaster.

Envisage a 360° movement of the fault current from the point of injection around the earth conductor.

Identify high and low soil resistivity regions within a perimeter.
A Variable Earth Grid dissipates the fault current equally in the 3D soil, Ensuring the current density is constant across the region. The grid will have variable spacing, depth, surface layer across the length and breadth of the grid based on the 3D soil map. The variable grid design thus ensures greater safety to life, live stocks and assets.

A 3D design by SGI engineers has been implemented by:

MECON Consultants (A Govt. Of India Undertaking) - Brahmini Steel plant Executed by L&T Chennai. Siemens, Mumbai - Cipla plant in Goa.

We advocate a permanent maintenance free earthing grid design as per IEEE 80 2000 clause “14.5 d”.We also conform to IEE142, IEEE551, IEEE 665, APIRO 2003, IS and various other international standards.

Safety is Better Achieved through Design than Product.

Graphical representation of VEG recommendation mesh earth grid over the plant layout and formulas.

• Central Power Research Institute(CPRI) - Bangalore
• Environmental Laboratory – Bangalore University.
• Oil Industry Safety Directorate – Delhi.
• Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises. – Bangalore.
• ISO – 9001-2000.
• MASE – 2009-06.
• QUALIFEC -1104-1101

• IEEE 80 2000-clause 14.5d.