API RP 545 and 545-A SET

API RP 545, Recommended Practice for Lightning Protection of Above Ground Storage Tanks for Flammable or Combustible Liquids, First Edition, replaces the requirements of API 2003 regarding lightning protection for preventing fires in storage tanks with flammable or combustible contents. This recommended practice (RP) provides guidance and information to assist owners/operators with lightning protection for tanks. This RP does not provide complete protection for all possible lightning stroke occurrences.

API/EI Research Report 545-A, Verification of Lightning Protection Requirements for Aboveground Hydrocarbon Storage Tanks, First Edition, collates a number of research reports investigating the lightning phenomena and the adequacy of lightning protection requirements on above ground hydrocarbon storage tanks. These are as follows:

• review of lightning phenomena and the interaction with above ground storage tanks,
• review of tank base earthing and test current recommendations,
• lightning tests to tank shell/shunt samples,
• visits to oil refinery A and B,
• review of burn-through and hot-spot effects on metallic tank skins from lightning strikes,
• lightning simulation testing to determine the required characteristics for roof bonding cables on external floating roof above ground storage tanks,
• investigative tests on the lightning protection of submerged shunts with parallel roof bonding cables.