Application of Lightning Detection and Warning Systems Within the Explosives and Blasting Environment
Abstract
Lightning has always posed a serious threat to operations involving explosives, especially within the DOD and commercial mining and construction industries. In recent years, technological advancements in communications systems and microprocessors have significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of lightning detection and warning systems and instrumentation. These advancements have also increased the availability of highly reliable, accurate and affordable systems for use in receiving, processing and displaying realtime lightning information and data from warning instrumentation. Access to these systems, which detect the presence of, or potential for, cloud-to-ground and a varying percentage of cloud stroke lightning, is exposing personnel to one of the most complex elements of atmospheric physics. Armed with this "scientific data", supervisors and managers are expected to make the right decision all of the time, decisions that will have a significant impact on personnel safety, productivity, and the organization's material resources. It is a fact of life that the data they are dealing with is not perfect, can be misinterpreted, and in many cases, can be unwittingly viewed as a false report. Such factors will not only reduce the effectiveness of the system in the every day environment, but also, significantly undermine user confidence which could slow response/reaction to future warnings. The intent of this paper is to; (1) provide the reader with a basic understanding of thunderstorm/lightning meteorology, (2) review various technologies used in the detection and advance warning of lightning events; (3) address lightning effects on cables; (4) discuss methods and procedures, along with information gained by various activities who employ either detection or advance warning technology, or both, within their daily operations. Access to such information will provide current and potential users with additional insight on these issues, and hopefully, stimulate new
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA520443
Entities
People
- Jack Mcguinness
- William C. Geitz