Coupling measurement and lightning threat assessment report for Pantex Cell 12-44-1
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
This report is the first of a series that will quantify the lightning threat to the Pantex Plant where high-risk operations occur. More information can be found in the report written by the Lightning Protection Team [1] and Sandia National Laboratory documents. Low-power RF coupling measurements were completed on Cell 12-44-1 in May 1998. These measurements quantify the voltage and current levels that could leak into the cell from possible lightning strike points. Cell 1 is representative of the most "leaky" class of cells at Pantex because the floor was not intentionally electrically connected to the walls. From the measurement data, linear models were developed. These transfer functions allow us to calculate the effect in the cell from the much higher power lightning threat. Two types of coupling paths were characterized: (1) external ventilation stack to cell interior and (2) cell ceiling to other cell elements. For the maximum lightning threat [2], an estimate of the maximum cell-to-floor voltage is 150 kV. The extrapolated voltage levels at normal working heights are lower. The potential between the air duct and the electro-static ground is estimated to be 4 kV. A secondary goal was to compare results with Sandia as a quality control check. While the estimated maximum ceiling-to-floor voltages are similar, the comparison was limited by high-frequency resonances on the drive wire.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Defense Programs (DP)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-Eng-48
- OSTI ID:
- 8019
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-ID-131942; YN0100000; ON: DE00008019
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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