Understanding the impact of Lightning Strikes on Buried Gas Pipelines: Mechanisms, Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Abstract:
Lightning strikes pose significant challenges to buried pipelines, especially with modern coating layers, as recent incidents illustrate. While factors like buried depth and distance from lightning sources influence the impact on pipelines, precise predictions are complex due to interacting variables. Understanding mechanisms behind lightning-induced failures remains limited. Increased driving voltage and available current during lightning strikes elevate the risk of pipeline damage, challenging assumptions about coating defense. This paper outlines recent incidents on the Hellenic gas transmission system, highlighting the need for risk assessment tools. It presents parametric evaluations and discusses the importance of earthing systems in mitigating lightning-induced damage, confirming their efficacy in reducing coating stress voltage as well as emphasising the need for their strategic placement to enhance pipeline safety.