Arc Flash Study
Cochrane Extraction Plant (CEP)
REV was given the opportunity to complete an arc flash study at the Cochrane Extraction Plant in 2016. This study was required as the previous arc flash study needed to be updated with the latest data from a new installation that had taken place, as well as an update to utility fault data. REV's recommended interval for a reassessment of an arc flash study is once every 5 years in order to stay in compliance with CSA Z462 recommendations.
This project utilized historical testing records from maintenance that had been previously conducted at the facility, as well as on-site data collection by REV’s field engineers to review and update all relevant data. This collected information was then input into an electrical engineering software program, and the analysis and results were compiled for the project.
The major roadblock to the project was confirming electrical data such as fuse types and amp ratings and CT (Current Transformer) ratios. Luckily, REV was able to utilize some of its previous maintenance testing records and therefore did not have to request any outages in order to collect the data. This is where REV’s years of experience and connections to previous jobs come in handy.
Overall, the arc flash study was a major success as new arc flash labels were applied to all of the electrical equipment throughout the site by a REV technician. REV was able to give recommendations based on the arc flash study that took place which allowed for our engineered solutions to reduce arc flash levels in highly hazardous areas. A final report was developed based on the engineered solutions and presented to our client.