Founded in 1971, Lightning Eliminators and Consultants Inc. (LEC) designs, manufactures and installs integrated, engineered systems to prevent all varieties of lightning-related problems. Both primary and secondary lightning effect situations are fully resolved through science-based approaches.

LEC’s Retractable Grounding Assembly (RGA) is a reliable product available for the reduction

The Retractable Grounding Assembly reduces the risk of fires sparked by lightning. (Image courtesy of Lightning Eliminators)
of the “bound charge” common to floating roof tanks. Bound charge is a serious problem for sites storing flammables. Many fires occur each year causing losses of product and storage tanks themselves. The losses may include environmental clean-up costs as well, which can be significant. Millions of dollars in losses require positive actions to be taken to protect valuable product and storage tanks.

Using the RGA reduces the bound charge by providing a consistent positive grounding connection so the bound charge does not fully develop but is limited by a continual discharge as a storm moves into the site. When used in conjunction with the LEC Dissipation Array System Rim Array, a tank will be protected from both direct strikes and bound charge buildup.

Case study
A client chose the RGA to improve protection of a tank from bound charges. Before using the RGA it had a cable attached to the tank shell and the roof ladder. The Dissipation Array System and several RGAs were installed in 2000, eliminating the several lightning strikes and resulting fires that had been experienced prior to that time.

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