API 545-A

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.