A fundamental aspect of low voltage adjustable speed drives’ (LV ASDs’) overcurrent protection is the elimination of harmful input power anomalies that could significantly damage the sensitive electronics in and around the ASD. This article provides an overview of the newest LV solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) technology and how petroleum and chemical industry users can take advantage of its ability in eliminating almost all the electromechanical stresses applied at the input to any LV ASD when protected with traditional circuit breakers or high-speed protective fuses. This higher level of protection comes through the use of SSCB technologies that provide the lowest let-through energy level of any overcurrent protective device available today. At the same time, these devices eliminate risk by reducing harmful arc flash incident energy to near-negligible levels while requiring no maintenance.

Electrical equipment placed in storage—whether it be on or off site—is there for one primary purpose. It needs to be available for quick installation when the equipment currently operating the process goes down for any reason. Like everything else, proper maintenance is required to ensure the reliability and operability of the equipment. Unfortunately, maintaining equipment that is not actually producing revenue is something oft overlooked. Maintaining reliability of equipment begins the moment a facility takes ownership and continues for the life of said equipment. The best maintenance programs should include the maintenance of stored equipment to not only extend equipment life but also reduce labor and material costs.

How does today’s process industry engineer even specify a motor with the plethora of industry standards from various standards development organizations around the globe? This article provides a basic overview of the issues that are essential in the decision process when purchasing a new motor and is directed toward the engineer who must specify motors but is not a motor specialist. Since project engineers are regularly expected to justify the options selected and purchase recommendations, this article provides guidance. Process industry motor standards are used in reviews of motor requirements and options available today.