RGA Device Prevents Floating Roof Tank Fires


BOULDER, Colo., July 21 -- Lightning Eliminators and Consultants, Inc. (LEC, Inc. -- Boulder, CO, USA) announced the increased worldwide availability of its patented Retractable Grounding Assembly (RGA) for floating roof tanks. While shunt systems offer historically unreliable protection, the RGA solves the challenge of providing a consistent positive grounding connection between the tank roof and wall, greatly reducing the risk of fires ignited by lightning. Production has been stepped up to meet increased demand, attributed in part to a recent American Petroleum Institute (API) report highlighting fundamental problems with the use of shunts.

According to the API, "... these shunts can generate showers of sparks during lighting strikes. If there is a gap between the seal and the tank wall during a lightning strike, and if a flammable mixture is present, a tank fire may result."

The patented RGA solution was developed as a result of evidence-based surveys, previously confirming the ineffectiveness of shunts. In use for over six years, the RGA technology represents a significant advance in lightning protection, providing the flammables storage industry with an effective, low-maintenance solution that offers exceptional return on investment.

President and Chief Executive Officer Jerry V. Dollar is quoted as stating, "We have implemented the RGA technology at multiple sites around the world with excellent results. LEC is proud to already include companies such as Exxon Mobil, Shell, Chevron, and Conoco Phillips as RGA customers."

LEC, Inc. provides engineered lightning solutions worldwide, protecting thousands of sites in 55 countries with comprehensive, field-proven technology. LEC's integrated approach involves strike protection, surge suppression, and grounding solutions to create a "protection zone" that minimizes the primary and secondary effects of lightning strikes.

LEC, Inc. has logged over 40,000 system years of documented field experience, providing the highest level of assurance for industrial, commercial, and other customers, representing many Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies. With over 35 years engineering and installing lightning protection systems for specialized clients around the globe, LEC assures the maximum protection for their customers' investments in infrastructure, data systems, and personnel.

To learn more, please visit http://lecglobal.com/rga-002.

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