High Impedance Ground Fault Detection For A Safer Petrochemical Industry

This paper discusses the high impedance fault (HIF)
¹
detection system which utilizes relatively new technology on ground fault sensing and protection. The HIF system uses algorithms to detect a high impedance fault such as when a conductor falls onto the ground and where there is insufficient current to blow a fuse or operate a normal relay to trip a circuit breaker. The HIF detection system has potential for improving electrical safety in the oil patch where overhead power lines are prevalent and where present methods of ground fault detection are incapable of sensing and tripping for such a fault resulting in potentially dangerous conditions for workers and the general public. This paper introduces HIF detection to the petrochemical industry and presents the findings and conclusions of the author into the use of this relatively unique technology for the petrochemical industry.