Rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E is a national vital object owned by one of several oil and gas companies in Indonesia, a company engaged in the oil and gas sector. The rig is a building used for drilling activities to extract natural resources from the earth. Due to the tall structure of the rig building and its location in an open area, it is susceptible to lightning strikes. The development of a lightning strike protection system for this rig is necessary due to disruptions experienced in 2020, which affected electrical installations, control networks, telecommunications, and instrumentation at the rig, all caused by lightning strikes. This study will utilize several standards, including PUIPP (General Guidelines for Lightning Protection Installations), Permen No. 31 of 2015, NF C 17-102 2011, and IEC-62305. The rolling sphere method and radius of protection will be employed as methods of lightning strike protection. Rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E experiences a direct lightning strike frequency value (Nd) of 3,029 lightning strikes per year, with a building lightning strike equivalent area (Ae) of 103,922.57 m2. The value of the intensity of lightning strikes to the ground (Ng) is measured at 29.15 lightning strikes per km2 per year, corresponding to a level I protection level. The recommended protection radius is 20 meters, and the average grounding resistance value is 0.1925 Ω. Additionally, this study introduces an internal lightning protection system using a surge protection device (SPD). Keywords—Lightning Protection, Rig, Electrostatic, ESEAT,

1. Development Design of Lightning Protection
System in Rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E
Rafi Reza
Department of Electrical Engineering
Trisakti University
Jakarta, Indonesia
rafireza0@gmail.com
Syamsir Abduh
Department of Electrical Engineering
Trisakti University
Jakarta, Indonesia
syamsir@gmail.com
Ishak Kasim
Departement of Electrical Enginering
Trisakti University
Jakarta, Indonesia
ishak@trisakti.ac.id
Abstract - Rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E is a national vital
object owned by one of several oil and gas companies in
Indonesia, a company engaged in the oil and gas sector. The
rig is a building used for drilling activities to extract natural
resources from the earth. Due to the tall structure of the rig
building and its location in an open area, it is susceptible to
lightning strikes. The development of a lightning strike
protection system for this rig is necessary due to disruptions
experienced in 2020, which affected electrical installations,
control networks, telecommunications, and instrumentation
at the rig, all caused by lightning strikes. This study will utilize
several standards, including PUIPP (General Guidelines for
Lightning Protection Installations), Permen No. 31 of 2015,
NF C 17-102 2011, and IEC-62305. The rolling sphere method
and radius of protection will be employed as methods of
lightning strike protection. Rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E
experiences a direct lightning strike frequency value (Nd) of
3,029 lightning strikes per year, with a building lightning
strike equivalent area (Ae) of 103,922.57 m2. The value of the
intensity of lightning strikes to the ground (Ng) is measured
at 29.15 lightning strikes per km2 per year, corresponding to
a level I protection level. The recommended protection radius
is 20 meters, and the average grounding resistance value is
0.1925 Ω. Additionally, this study introduces an internal
lightning protection system using a surge protection device
(SPD).
Keywords—Lightning Protection, Rig, Electrostatic, ESEAT,
SPD
I. INTRODUCTION
Located on the equator, Indonesia experiences a tropical
climate. As a result of this tropical climate, the country has
a high frequency of thunder days per year, ranging from 100
to 200 days. Lightning and thunder are typically the results
of a disparity in electric charge caused by the potential
difference between the sky and the Earth. This potential
difference allows the movement of electrons in the sky
against protons on Earth for the equilibrium of lightning
charge[1].
Lightning strikes can cause interference to electrical
systems, telecommunications systems, and instrumentation
systems in a building. The impact of lightning strikes on a
building becomes more significant as the building's
vulnerability to lightning increases. The building's need for
lightning strike protection can be determined by classifying
the area where the building stands and also using the
calculation of several parameters such as thunderstorm days
per year, and the coefficients Ng, Nd, Nc[2].
II. THEORITICAL REVIEW
A. Assessment of the Necessity for Lightning Protection
Systems in Buildings
The lightning strike protection system should effectively
and efficiently safeguard individuals and buildings against
the hazards associated with exposure to lightning strikes, in
accordance with the specific requirements of the building.
The determination of the necessary components and
specifications for lightning strike protection systems is
based on the guidelines provided by the General
Regulations for Lightning Protection Installations (PUIPP)
and the International Electrical Commission (IEC) 1024-1-
1[3].
Based on PUIPP, the need for a lightning strike
protection system is determined by summing up certain
indices contained in several index tables that represent the
state of the building at a location with the following risk
equation:
R = A + B + C + D + E (1)
According to the IEC 1024-1-1 standard, the level of
protection required for a building can be determined by
calculating the local direct lightning strike frequency (Nd)
and the permissible local annual lightning strike frequency
(Nc)[4]. The lightning flash density to the ground, or the
average annual lightning flash density to the ground in the
specific area where the building is located, can be expressed
as follows:
𝑁𝑔 = 0,04. 𝑇𝑑
1,26
/𝑘𝑚2
/𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟 (2)
Td is the average number of thunder days per year in the
area where the building to be protected is located, which can
be obtained from the isoceraunic map.
𝑁𝑑 = 𝑁𝑔 . 𝐴𝑒 . 10−6
/𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟 (3)
Important decision-making is carried out based on the
calculation of Nd and Nc to see whether the installation of a
lightning protection system needs to be used as follows:
a. If Nd ≤ Nc then the structure does not require a
lightning protection system
b. If Nd > Nc then a lightning protection system with
the following efficiency is required.
TABLE I. PROTECTION LEVEL WITH LIGHTNING PROTECTION
SYSTEM EFFICIENCY
Protection Level Efficiency SPP (E)
I 0,98
II 0,95
2023 4th International Conference on High Voltage Engineering and Power Systems (ICHVEPS)
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2. III 0,90
IV 0,80
Meanwhile, the protection area of the building can be
calculated using the following equation:
𝐴𝑒 = 𝑎𝑏 + 6ℎ(𝑎 + 𝑏) + 9𝜋ℎ2
(4)
Then with the three equations above, the value of Nd can
be found with the following equation:
𝑁𝑑 = 4.10−2
. 𝑇1,25
. (𝑎𝑏 + 6ℎ(𝑎 + 𝑏) + 9𝑝. ℎ2
). 10−6
(5)
B. External Lightning Protection System
The external lightning strike delivery system is used to
avoid direct danger from lightning strikes and also in the
tower and the outside of the tower. Air Termination Air
termination is part of an external protection system intended
to capture lightning strikes. air termination in the form of
metal electrodes mounted upright or horizontal. The rolling
sphere method is used in buildings with complex
construction or buildings with special designations. In this
method it is likened to a sphere with a radius R that rolls
over the ground, around and over structures related to the
earth's surface that are able to work as conductors [5].
The grounding conductor, also known as a down
conductor, serves as a conduit for directing lightning
currents from the air termination system towards the
grounding infrastructure. When selecting the type and
quantity of grounding conductors, careful calculations are
necessary. By dividing the lightning current among multiple
conductors, the risk of side flashovers and electromagnetic
disturbances within the building can be minimized. [6]
TABLE II. MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA OF
SPP EARTHING CONDUCTOR
Protection
Level
Material Surface Area (mm2
)
I - IV
Copper 16
Aluminium 25
Steel 50
The grounding system plays a critical role in
safeguarding electrical devices and equipment from
electrical surges, including those caused by lightning
strikes. It serves as a vital and conclusive component of a
lightning protection system. The grounding system
responsible for safely dissipating the lightning strike current
that is intercepted by the air termination system during a
lightning strikes [7].
C. Early Streamer Emission Air Terminal ESEAT
Electrostatic lightning rods work using the principle of
electrolytic work, where at the end of the terminal (head
terminal) is made so that lightning strikes only hit the tip of
the lightning protection and do not hit other targets within
the protection radius of the lightning strike protection
system [8]. At the end of the electrostatic lightning rod there
is an electrode where this electrode will actively release ions
into the air. This ion will be a signpost for lightning to strike
the head terminal and not choose another strike targer.
According to the NF C17-102 standard, the protection
range (Rp) of ESE can be determined using the following
equation[8].
𝑅𝑃(ℎ) = √2𝑟ℎ − ℎ2 + ∆(2𝑟 + ∆) 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ ≤ 5 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 (6)
𝑅𝑃 = ℎ ×
𝑅𝑝(5)
5
𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ , 2 ≤ ℎ ≤ 5 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟
(7)
∆ = 60 𝜇𝑠, 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑖 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝐸𝑆𝐸 60
III. RESEARCH METHOD
In the research conducted to develop the design of the
lightning strike protection system at PT PDSI, the analysis,
evaluation, and design development processes are guided by
national and international standards. The stages involved in
this research can be illustrated using the following flow
chart:
Fig. 1. Flowchart
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3. IV. RESULT AND DATA
A. Regulation of the Building Requirements for Lightning
Protection Based on General Lightning Protection
Installation Regulations (PUIPP)
According to the Lightning Protection Design
Guidelines, the danger of lightning strikes can be calculated
by summing up the values of all indices. The table below
illustrates the summation of these indices to determine the
level of risk associated with lightning strikes, as per the
Lightning Protection Design Guidelines.
TABLE III. ESTIMATED RISK INDEX OF LIGHTNING STRIKES ON
PDSI RIGS
Index Remarks Nilai
A
The buildings are highly prone to explosions and
can pose uncontrollable dangers to their
surroundings.
15
B
All the buildings are made of metal and are easily
conductive of electricity.
0
C Height of the building is 54,5 meters 7
D Can withstand flat surfaces at all heights. 0
E
In Indramayu, thunderstorm days occur
approximately 187 days per year.
7
𝑅 = 𝐼𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥 𝐴 + 𝐵 + 𝐶 + 𝐷 + 𝐸 29
Based on the calculated value, it can be concluded that
rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E poses a significantly high-risk
level of lightning strike hazards. Therefore, it is imperative
and highly recommended to implement a lightning strike
protection system for the safety and protection of the
facility.
B. Determination of the Level of Lightning Protection
Requirements for Building Areas Based on IEC 1024-
1 Standard
In accordance with the data obtained from BMKG West
Java, the thunderstorm days in Indramayu are 187
thunderstorm days/year with the following equation:
𝑁𝑔 = 4 . 10−2
. 𝑇𝑑1.26
= 4 . 10−2
. 187 1.26
(8)
𝑁𝑔 = 29,15 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑘𝑚2
𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟
⁄
⁄
The area of the ground surface considered as a structure
can be calculated using the following equation:
Known:
L Structure (a) = 33,04 meter
W Structure (b) = 20,63 meter
H Structure (c) = 55 meter
So:
Ae = ab + 6h(a + b) + 9πh2
Ae = (33,04 x 20,63 ) + 6 x 55 (33,04 + 20,6
+ 9 x 3.14 x (552
)
Ae = 103.922,57 𝑚2
(9)
To calculate the average number of direct lightning strikes
per year (Nd) can be determined by the following equation:
𝑁𝑑 = 𝑁𝑔 𝑥 𝐴𝑒 𝑥 10−6
=
29,15𝑥 103.922,57 𝑥 10−6
𝑁𝑑 = 3.029 𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑘𝑒𝑠/𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟
(10)
To make a decision whether or not to install a lightning
protection system on the rig, it can be determined based on
the calculation of Nd with Nc, which is calculated as
follows:
a. If Nd ≤ Nc, no need for a lightning protection
system.
b. If Nd > Nc, need for a lightning protection system.
Which then can be calculated using the equation above,
then the efficiency value:
𝐸 ≥ 1 −
𝑁𝑐
𝑁𝑑
𝐸 ≥ 0,97
(11)
In accordance with the level of protection in the table
above, then according to the calculation of the E value of
0.97 is at protection level I with an efficiency value range
of 95% - 98%. Thus rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E requires a
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4. lightning strike protection system of at least Level I
protection level.
C. Calculation of Lightning Protection System Area on
Mast Rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E
According to the calculated protection level for a level
I protection system using the rolling sphere radius method,
the protection radius is determined to be 20 meters. By
applying the equation, the peak current can be determined
as follows.
𝑅 (𝑚) = 𝐼0,75
𝐼 = √𝑅
0,75
= √20
0,75
𝐼 = 54,29 𝑘𝐴
(12)
By using the results of the calculation of lightning current
parameters at the location of the rig, namely in Indramayu
where the minimum lightning peak current value is 54.29
kA for level I lightning strike protection, the strike distance
(ds) is:
𝑑𝑠(𝑚) = 10 . 𝐼0,65
= 10 . (54,29)0,65
𝑑𝑠 = 134,14 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟
(13)
Therefore, it can also be determined that the area of the
protection radius of the PDSI #38.2/D1000-E rig tower
equipped with an air termination system is:
𝐴 = 𝜋. 𝑅2
= 𝜋. 108.312
𝐴 = 36852.14 𝑚2
(14)
D. Analysis of Protection Area Based on Rolling Sphere
Method and Electrostatic Lightning Protection Radius
Specification on rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E
The rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E will undergo analysis and
development to determine the protection areas using the
rolling sphere method and the protection radius based on
the ESEAT LPI Guardian Stormaster ESE-60 specification.
1) Protection Radius Method Based on LPI
Guardian Stormaster ESE-60 Lightning Protection Radius
Specification.
𝐴𝑥 = 𝜋 𝑥 𝑟𝑆
2
= 3.14 𝑥 802
𝐴𝑥 = 20106.19 𝑚2
(15)
However, when calculating the radius of protection
according to the NFC 17-102 standard using the equation,
the protection radius (RP) of the ESEAT (Early Streamer
Emission Air Terminal) can be determined as follows:
𝑅𝑃(ℎ) = √2𝑟ℎ − ℎ2 + ∆(2𝑟 + ∆)
𝑅𝑃(ℎ) = √2 𝑥 20 𝑥 55 − 552 + 60 (2 𝑥 20 + 60)
𝑅𝑃(ℎ) = 71,93 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟
(16)
The area of the protection radius can be calculated as
follows:
𝐴𝑥 = 𝜋 𝑥 𝑟𝑆
2
= 3.14 𝑥 71,932 (17)
𝐴𝑥 = 16257.74 𝑚2
Below is a design drawing illustrating the protection
area of the ESEAT LPI Guardian Stormaster ESE60, in
accordance with the product specifications and NFC 17-
102 standards. The drawing depicts the minimum height of
2 meters from the building's height to be protected.
Fig. 2. LPI Guardian Stormaster ESE60 Air Termination
Protection Radius based on datasheet and NF C 17-102
Calculation on rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E
According to the NF C 17-102 standard, the ESEAT
must be positioned at a minimum distance of 2 meters from
the highest point of the building to be protected. However,
in the case of rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E, the ESEAT is
installed at a distance less than 2 meters from the highest
point of the building (rig mast).
TABLE IV. COMPARISON OF LPI PROTECTION AREA OF GUARDIAN
STORMASTER ESE60 BASED ON PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND NF C
17-102 CALCULATIONS
Information
Methods
(RP)
Area of Protection
(AX)
Specification of the
Protection Radius for
ESEAT LPI Guardian
Stormaster ESE60
80 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 20106.19 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟2
NF C 17-102 71,93 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 16254.36 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟2
Area of the PDSI Site Rig 60 𝑥 43,2 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 2592 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟2
2) Rolling Sphere Method
The protection area of the rolling sphere method is
determined by the space enclosed between the intersection
of the building surface and the circumference of the rolling
sphere. This can be observed in the picture below:
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5. Fig. 3. LPS with Existing Rolling Sphere Method Front
and Side View of Rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E
Figure 3 depicts the rolling sphere method of the lightning
strike protection system at rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E under
the current conditions. Based on the image provided, it is
necessary to modify the lightning rod configuration at rig
PDSI to ensure that the lightning strike protection system
can effectively safeguard all buildings within the rig PDSI
Site Plan #38.2/D1000-E using the rolling sphere method.
The point of contact between the rolling sphere and the
building represents the potential strike points for lightning,
which must be protected by an air-termination conductor.
The design development of the external lightning strike
protection system for the air termination section,
employing the electrostatic type and the rolling sphere
method, for the PDSI #38.2/D1000-E rig, is illustrated in
the figure below:
Fig. 4. Redesigned LPS with Rolling Sphere Method
Front and Side View of PDSI Rig #38.2/D1000-E
E. Grounding Measurement and Design on PDSI Rig
The grounding system for the lightning strike protection
system at the PDSI #38.2/D1000-E Rig site, based on
existing research and design, consists of a single grounding
point located on the side of the rig. The measurement of the
grounding is performed exclusively at this specific
grounding point on the rig's side.
TABLE V. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE GROUNDING ROD ON RIG
PDSI #38.2/D1000-E
No. Dimension Scale
1
Length
2,5 meter
2 Sectional Area 17 mm2
F. Internal Protection System
1) Surge Protection Device (SPD)
The electrical network of rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E currently
lacks the installation of Surge Protection Devices (SPDs).
To mitigate the risks associated with indirect lightning
strikes, it is necessary to install SPDs. The table below
provides a description of the recommended SPDs that
should be installed to protect the electrical system at rig
PDSI #38.2/D1000-E.
TABLE VI. SPD DEPLOYMENT LOCATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS
Placement Location
Tipe
SPD
Product
Model
Generator 600 Volt Type 1
TPS4 G 01 10
X000
LER Supply Power Type 2
TPS4 G 01 10
X002
Transformator 600/480V Secondary
Side MCC A Incomer
Type 2
TPS4 F 01 10
X002
MCCA Distribution Panel 208/120
Volt
Type 2
TPS4 C 01 10
X0M2
Based on the SPD specifications that have been determined
in table 4.9, a single line diagram of the SPD installation on
the rig PDSI PDSI #38.2/D1000-E power grid can be made.
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6. V. CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
A. Conclusion
1) Based on the risk analysis of lightning strikes at rig
PDSI #38.2/D1000-E, it has a very high risk level of
lightning strikes and must be protected with a lightning
strike protection system. By calculating the frequency of
direct lightning strikes in the local area where the building
is located (Nd), the annual frequency of strikes allowed on
the building (Nc), and the density of strikes to the ground
(Ng), it is determined that the lightning strike protection
level is level 1.
2) The analysis of the protection zone in the air
termination system using the rolling sphere method on the
PDSI #38.2/D1000-E rig, based on the ESEAT LPI
Guardian Stormaster ESE60 specification and the NF C 17-
102 Standard, does not meet the standards. Therefore, a
design development of the external protection system is
necessary. The down conductors and earthing systems
already meet the standards in the existing conditions.
However, the lightning strike protection system at the PDSI
rig does not have an internal surge protection device (SPD)
in the existing condition. Due to the high risk of lightning
strikes and previous incidents of lightning strikes causing
interference, it is essential to install an internal protection
system in the form of an SPD.
3) Design development needs to be carried out to
ensure that rig PDSI #38.2/1000-E is fully protected from
the danger of lightning strikes and in compliance with the
standards. Therefore, the rig needs to increase the number
of air terminations from 1 to 5 to provide protection for the
entire rig PDSI #38.2/1000-E site. The addition of air
terminations will be accompanied by the addition of down
conductors and earthing systemss for each air termination.
Design development also includes the installation of
internal SPDs to enhance protection.
B. Suggestion
After analyzing and developing the design of the lightning
protection system at rig PDSI #38.2/D1000-E, the
following actions are recommended:
1)For protection levels 1 and 2, it is advised to conduct a
visual inspection once a year and a comprehensive
inspection every 2 years. In the case of lightning protection
systems used in structures with an explosion risk, a visual
inspection every six months and a complete inspection of
the physical condition and installation annually are
recommended.
2) If any faults are discovered in
the ESE system during the inspection, they should be
promptly repaired to maintain the system in optimal
condition.
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