Paper: Ron Turner, OXY Permian Ltd.

The danger of arc flash hazards is present at plants, facilities, beam pump and electrical submersible pump installations. Over the last decade, recognition of the effects of electrical arc flash hazards (severe burn injuries, hearing loss and death) has created industry and OSHA requirements to minimize arc flash exposure hazards to workers. Compliance with NFPA 70E is the bare minimum; however it can be overkill or even inadequate, especially when dealing with oilfield electrical systems. The first step in evaluating the scope of arc flash hazards is developing a power system model with arc flash software (based on IEEE 1584) which calculates the levels of arc flash levels. Oil field distribution systems are unique in many ways and especially regarding arc flash. These typically weak radial systems present unusual challenges to developing solutions. Sometimes, the PPE requirements exceed existing technology. This paper will explain the hazards associated with arc flash and present several simple engineering solutions, which reduce the PPE requirements.