Electromagnetic Behavior Analysis of External Floating Roof Tanks Subjected to Atmospheric Lightning Discharges

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Abstract

Simulation data show a high probability of spark discharges occurring when an external floating roof tank is directly struck by lightning. In Colombia, there is a notable geographical overlap between areas with a high density of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes and departments with the largest oil reserves. For this reason, it is essential to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of current lightning protection systems in such contexts. This study aims to contribute to the analysis of electromagnetic fields generated in hydrocarbon storage tanks subjected to atmospheric electrical discharges, and to determine the electric current dissipated at the junction between the tank shell and the floating roof using a Retractable Grounding Assembly (RGA). The system was simulated using FEKO software. A 10/350 µs lightning current waveform with a peak value of 30 kA was applied. The results indicate that, with an RGA installed, the electric field intensity can reach up to 200 kV/m.