At Megavar, we specialise in advanced electrical testing solutions that ensure safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. When a busy port facility needed high voltage testing and commissioning for a new shiploader, naturally they turned towards Megavar’s passionate experts to complete the work.
The busy port environment and critical nature of the asset presented several challenges to the team, including:
1. Limited Access and Test Setup Constraints: Active railway lines, waterways, maritime security areas, and ongoing port operations placed restrictions on access and the test setup
2. Proximity to Source Substation: The earth grid under test was located adjacent to the source substation, leading to interactions between the voltage rise on both earth grids, complicating the measurement and analysis of results
3. An earthing system that moves: How do you ensure an earthing system is complaint and therefore provides for personnel safety when the asset and therefore the earthing system moves?
At Megavar, we pride ourselves in our ability to take challenges such as these in our stride. To overcome these challenges, the testing team drew on their extensive knowledge and experience to devise a strategic testing methodology adapted to site conditions that ensured accurate results while maintaining safety and minimising operational disruptions:
1. Alternative Injection Point: Instead of conducting a remote injection using a temporary earth grid, the test current was injected onto the earthing system of the ship loader step-down transformer. This provided the only fault scenario that would cause an Earth Potential Rise (EPR) under actual fault conditions, ensuring realistic and relevant test conditions.
2. After-Hours Fall of Potential Testing: The team was able to be flexible to meet the Client’s needs and complete the fall of potential testing at night, outside of regular operational hours. This approach minimised risks to personnel and ensured the security of ongoing port activities.
3. Comprehensive Touch Voltage Measurements: To ensure personnel safety, extensive touch voltage measurements were taken, particularly in areas close to the injection earth grid. Due to the proximity effect of the two interacting earth grids, touch voltages in some locations were found to exceed the measured EPR, touch voltage measurements provided crucial safety insights.
By implementing a strategic and adaptive testing approach, the project achieved all the outcomes the Client hoped:
1. Verified the integrity and effectiveness of the earthing system in real fault scenarios.
2. Ensured compliance with electrical safety regulations and standards.
3. Successfully completed testing with minimal disruption to port operations.
This case study demonstrates the value of a tailored approach to current injection testing, particularly in complex environments like port facilities and other industrial environments. This case study showcases our commitment to delivering precise, tailored, and industry-leading electrical testing solutions. Whether working in high-risk environments or overcoming logistical challenges, our expertise ensures that your infrastructure remains safe, compliant, and operationally efficient.