|

LPI LWS
|
This Lightning Warning
System is a non-directional local warning instrument designed to
provide early warning of an approaching storm front that contains
lightning discharges. It has been designed to provide protection for
personnel and equipment. The Lightning Warning System is
microprocessor controlled which provides an alarm, when monitored
conditions indicate the presence of remote lightning or the changes in
the local electromagnetic fields that lead to the development of
lightning.
An early warning of active lightning, or the monitoring of the
measurable conditions that lead to the development and onset of
lightning, allows for appropriate safety precautions to be considered
and implemented by those involved in outdoor activities including :
mining
resources processing
construction
surveying
resource exploration,
resources production
ship loading
explosives handling
recreational activities such as football, golf or soccer
The LWS system antenna
senses alterations in the local ambient electric fields, and also
detects the unique radio frequency bursts of near and far lightning
discharges. An alarm is triggered once either the static
Electromagnetic field breaches predetermined thresholds, or when far
or nearby lightning discharges are detected.
Two levels of alarm status are provided by the warning system.
Warning Alert Status
Alert status is given when the system detects the presence of
lightning within a 10-15 kilometre radius, or where the local electric
field strength approaches 4kV/m.
The Warning Alert is the first indication that a storm may be
approaching, and that worsening conditions could arrive in the area
being monitored within approximately 20-30 minutes.
No action need be taken at the 1st Alert stage, as this level of alarm
is to alert the user of lightning activity, or the changing conditions
which may lead to lightning, however one must always be mindful that
even on alert status, storm conditions may completely bypass the
monitored area.
This first alarm level will trigger an internal buzzer within the
console, which may be manually silenced. The Warning LED on the front
of the console electronics will remain illuminated until the ALARM OK
button is acknowledged.
Alert Alarm Status
The Alert Alarm is given when the system detects lightning discharges
within an 8-10 kilometre radius, or where the local electric field
strength has risen to 7kV/m. The Alert Alarm indicates that the storm
front is approaching the monitored area, and is likely to arrive in
10-15 minutes. In the event of a storm cell forming directly overhead,
the system will detect the increased change in the e fields and
trigger the Alert Alarm.
When the Alert Alarm status is announced it will activate an external
alarm (beacon/siren) to warn of the impending danger. At this stage
safety precautions should be implemented whenever the Alert Alarm is
indicated.
Those personnel who are working exposed or in open, should make safe
any work activities, and then proceed to designated safe areas until
the all clear is given..
For those working with explosives and detonation circuits in mining,
quarrying and construction sites, should be isolated to avoid
pre-detonation, and sensitive electronic equipment that is not
adequately protected by transient protection devices, should be
disconnected.
LED displays will remain illuminated whilst an Alarm condition
prevails. An internal timing device is initiated every time the system
receives an updated signal that the atmospheric conditions remain
above normal.
|