Arc-Flash Mitigation: A Systematic Approach for Company Standard Power System Schemes

Arc-flash hazard assessment studies involving a very large oil and gas company's equipment rated 38 kV and below revealed locations with excessive arcflash incident energy. After conducting many additional studies of power distribution systems for various plants (e.g., refineries, gas plants, gas-oil separation plants, and natural gas liquid plants), we realized that dangerous locations (greater than 40 cal/cm
²
) are somewhat consistent among various plant types. This knowledge makes planning and budgeting for implementing arc-flash mitigation predictable from a corporate perspective. Specific arc-flash mitigation techniques can be embedded in the specifications of new projects as well as company material standards to avoid unnecessary retrofit activities after installation. Maintenance personnel can also be effectively trained on arc-flash mitigation and safe work practices when consistent solutions are implemented. This article demonstrates a systematic approach to address dangerous arc-flash locations for corporate planning purposes and provides practical mitigation solutions that can be applied at many company facilities.