Advancing lightning risk assessment of pipeline insulating flanges with isolating spark-gap

Abstract

Insulating flanges serve as crucial components, strategically positioned between two segments of a pipeline to ensure effective electrical isolation. These elements play a vital role in facilitating the optimal performance of the cathodic protection system of buried pipeline networks. Moreover, an isolating spark gap is commonly integrated between adjacent pipeline sections to mitigate the stress voltage induced on the insulating flange during lightning strike events. . Despite this protective measure, certain scenarios may arise where the voltage drop across the isolating spark gap's connecting cables surpasses the insulating flange's dielectric strength, leading to undesirable failures. The magnitude of this voltage drop is contingent upon various factors, including the parameters of the incoming surge as well as the length of the connecting cables. In this paper, we present both straightforward theoretical calculations and intricate modelling techniques that can be employed to assess the lightning risk associated with the insulating flanges of pipelines that incorporate isolating spark gaps.