QuakeLogic Blog Archive

Why Your Organization Should Have an Earthquake Warning System?

QuakeAlert earthquake warning system with P-ALERT sensor and PX-01 CUBE alarm unit for organizations

In short: Organizations should have an earthquake warning system because it detects the faster, less damaging P-waves and acts in the seconds before destructive S-waves arrive. QuakeLogic's QuakeAlert uses P-ALERT and P-ALERT+ sensors running Pd, STA/LTA, PGA and displacement algorithms with on-site MMI intensity, and PX-01 CUBE alarm units with relays that shut off gas and electricity, open exits, sound sirens and send SMS/WhatsApp alerts.

Discover the QUAKELOGIC-QUAKEALERT system, our latest technology designed to give you a head start before an earthquake hits. This advanced system gives you critical time to prepare by detecting the initial, less harmful waves of an earthquake.

What makes the QUAKELOGIC-QUAKEALERT system stand out is its ability to work even in areas that are usually ‘blind spots’ for other earthquake detection methods. These are places close to fault lines where there isn’t enough equipment to catch early warning signs.

The QUAKELOGIC-QUAKEALERT doesn’t just warn you about an incoming quake; it takes action. It can automatically turn off gas, open emergency exits, shut down electricity, and activate alarms and lights to prevent damage and protect people.

It’s an all-in-one package that’s tailored for different organizations, providing essential alerts where others can’t.

QuakeLogic QuakeAlert 1 for "Why Your Organization Should Have an Earthquake Warning System?"

P-ALERT+ Accelerograph AND EEW sensor

P-ALERT+ is a sophisticated seismic instrument designed to detect and measure ground motion and vibrations resulting from earthquakes and other seismic events. The device features high sensitivity and advanced processing capabilities, allowing it to accurately capture even small seismic signals.

palert plus 1 for "Why Your Organization Should Have an Earthquake Warning System?"

It can activate the following algorithms: Pd Algorithm (P wave), STA/ LTA (Short Time Average/Long Time Average), PGA (Peak Ground Acceleration), and displacement. Additionally, it can measure the earthquake intensity on-site using the Modified Mercalli (MMI) scale.

The P-ALERT+ instrument is designed to be easy to install and operate. It can be connected to a variety of communication networks, including LAN, WAN, and cellular networks, allowing real-time data transmission and remote monitoring.

P-ALERT+ is also an accelerograph and records earthquake acceleration waveforms to be analyzed later by the user.

P-ALERT EEW Sensor

P-ALERT seismic sensor utilizes MEMS triaxial electronic accelerometers to detect the P-wave of an earthquake. It can activate the following algorithms: Pd Algorithm (P wave), STA/ LTA (Short Time Average/Long Time Average), PGA (Peak Ground Acceleration), and displacement. Additionally, it can measure the earthquake intensity on-site using the Modified Mercalli (MMI) scale.

P-ALERT also comes with three contact relays, and its Windows-based control software. P-ALERT can also be controlled by PX-01 CUBE.

palert 2 for "Why Your Organization Should Have an Earthquake Warning System?"

PX-01 CUBE: Wall mount, touch-screen alarm unit with relays

PX-01 CUBE is a versatile and intelligent wall-mounted earthquake alarm that can function independently or be linked to a central warning system through a network connection.

When connected to a group of P-ALERT devices or a central warning network, the PX-01 Cube receives information about the earthquake’s timing, P-wave warning, and S-wave alarm. The Cube then displays the earthquake alarm, providing critical advance notice to those in the vicinity.

Furthermore, the PX-01 Cube can display text information, such as tsunami or aftershock data, received from a central warning system. This feature enhances its usefulness in disaster management and preparedness.

PX-01 Cube Features

  • 7-inch industrial-colored touchscreen
  • 3-color LED tower
  • Regional earthquake early warning (EEW) messages can be received, and forwarded to other CUBEs for widespread coverage
  • High-volume speaker, allowing pre-recorded voice or alarm warnings to broadcast
  • Three contact relays to be configured based on custom thresholds
  • Supporting IoT applications such as MQTT or LINE messages

Attributes of QUAKEALERT

Our integrated QUAKEALERT EEW solution provides advance warning to individuals and organizations, allowing them to take protective actions and mitigate potential damage to their assets. This solution can be used for both public alerting and automated protective actions, and it is highly scalable.

Detection of an imminent earthquake will trigger:

  • Flashing lights on the wall-mounted display and LED towers
  • Visual and audible countdown with a warning message
  • Siren alert
  • Automatic safe shut-down operations, gas valves, elevators, services or equipment
  • PA and SMS/WhatsApp notifications to decision-makers
  • De-energize electric control panels
  • Opening gates
  • Clearing and controlling access points The benefits of our solution can be measured both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative benefits include reduced property damage, reduced risk to life, and improved response times. Qualitative benefits include increased public trust and confidence in emergency response capabilities.

Invest in Your Infrastructure’s Future

By implementing our QUAKEALERT system, you can:

  • Protect your investment
  • Ensure the well-being of your community
  • Promote sustainable development

Contact Us Today

Learn more about how our EEW solutions can safeguard your structures. Reach out to our team of experts at sales@quakelogic.net to discuss your specific needs and requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • P-ALERT and P-ALERT+ sensors run Pd (P-wave), STA/LTA, PGA and displacement algorithms and report on-site MMI intensity.
  • P-ALERT+ is also an accelerograph that records acceleration waveforms; P-ALERT uses MEMS triaxial accelerometers.
  • PX-01 CUBE: 7-inch touchscreen, 3-color LED tower, speaker, three configurable relays, MQTT and LINE messaging.
  • Triggered actions include gas valve shutoff, elevator and equipment shutdown, de-energizing panels, opening gates and SMS/WhatsApp alerts.
  • On-site sensors cover blind spots near fault lines where regional networks lack instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an on-site earthquake warning system give advance notice?

An on-site earthquake warning system detects the primary (P) wave, which travels faster and causes little damage, and triggers alerts before the slower, destructive secondary (S) wave reaches the site. QuakeLogic's P-ALERT sensors apply the Pd algorithm to the first seconds of P-wave motion, together with STA/LTA detection, PGA and displacement thresholds, to decide within seconds whether to raise an alarm.

What is the difference between P-ALERT and P-ALERT+?

Both sensors detect P-waves using the Pd, STA/LTA, PGA and displacement algorithms and estimate on-site intensity on the Modified Mercalli (MMI) scale. P-ALERT uses MEMS triaxial accelerometers, includes three contact relays and Windows control software, and can be controlled by the PX-01 CUBE. P-ALERT+ adds higher sensitivity and advanced processing, connects over LAN, WAN or cellular networks, and also functions as an accelerograph that records full acceleration waveforms.

What automatic actions can QuakeAlert trigger during an earthquake?

When QuakeAlert detects an imminent earthquake it can flash wall displays and LED towers, run a visual and audible countdown, sound sirens, close gas valves, stop elevators and equipment, de-energize electrical control panels, open gates and emergency exits, clear access points, and send PA, SMS and WhatsApp notifications to decision-makers. The actions are configured through relay thresholds on each device.

What does the PX-01 CUBE do?

The PX-01 CUBE is a wall-mounted, touch-screen earthquake alarm unit with a 7-inch industrial display, a 3-color LED tower, a high-volume speaker for pre-recorded voice or siren warnings and three contact relays set to custom thresholds. It works standalone or networked, receives P-wave warnings and S-wave alarms from P-ALERT sensors or a regional EEW feed, forwards messages to other CUBEs, shows tsunami or aftershock text, and supports MQTT and LINE.

Why does an organization near a fault need its own earthquake sensors?

Regional earthquake early warning networks rely on distant stations, so sites close to the fault often sit in a blind spot where the warning arrives late or not at all. On-site P-ALERT sensors detect the P-wave at the facility itself, which lets QuakeAlert trigger local alarms and automatic protective actions in the seconds that regional systems cannot provide for near-fault locations.

Need help with a project? QuakeLogic designs and supplies seismic monitoring, earthquake early warning, structural health monitoring, infrasound, and shake table systems. Browse QuakeLogic products or contact our engineering team with your site, structure, or test requirements.

Safeguarding Seismic Instrumentation: A Guide to Power Surge Protection

Surge protection box and earth grounding protecting a seismic datalogger from lightning transients

In short: Power surge protection for seismic instruments means stopping lightning and mains transients before they reach the digitizer: install a lightning protection box that shields analog channels and galvanically isolates sensor power, add surge protection boxes on the digitizer's analog inputs, bond both the datalogger housing and the boxes to a proper Earth system so energy can dissipate, and run the station from a UPS that isolates it from mains.

Introduction

Seismic instruments are vital for monitoring and researching geological events. However, these sensitive devices can be easily damaged by power surges, which often occur during thunderstorms or due to electrical malfunctions. Protecting your valuable seismic instrumentation from such unpredictable events is crucial. In this blog, we’ll explore how to shield these delicate systems effectively.

Understanding Power Surges

Power surges can result from various sources, including lightning strikes, sudden changes in power voltage, and incorrect mains connections. The aftermath of a surge is often a burnt circuit board, leaving us to theorize on the cause. However, regardless of the source, the solution remains constant: proactive surge protection.

The Role of Lightning Protection Boxes

Lightning protection boxes serve as the first line of defense, designed to protect data loggers and digitizers from transient voltages. These units not only shield the analog channels but also provide galvanic isolation for the power supply to the sensor, ensuring that surges are de-energized before reaching the digitizer.

Incorporating Surge Protection

While the datalogger’s DC power input comes with built-in reverse voltage and surge protection, additional measures are crucial. Surge protection boxes are specifically designed to safeguard only the digitizer’s analog input channels from high-energy transients.

Ensuring Proper Grounding

The effectiveness of any surge protection device is heavily dependent on a robust Earth system. Without a proper Earth connection, the excess energy from a surge has no path to dissipate, rendering the protection ineffective. Ensure that both the data logger housing and the surge protection boxes are connected to the Earth system to allow for a safe discharging route.

Identifying Installation Needs

Since surge protection requirements can vary greatly depending on the installation environment, it’s vital for customers to assess their site-specific needs. Factors such as the likelihood of lightning strikes, the presence of other antennas, and Ethernet connections should guide the decision on whether to integrate surge protection boxes.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

Installing an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is an excellent step towards mitigating the risk of power surges. A UPS not only isolates the system from mains electricity but also maintains a stable voltage, adding an additional layer of security.

Boosting System Robustness

Enhancing the robustness of your seismic system involves several strategies:

  • Surge Protection Boxes: These are essential for absorbing excess energy from transients before they reach your sensitive equipment.
  • Following Manufacturer Recommendations: Refer to the manufacturer’s manual, specifically the sections dedicated to surge protection, which offer valuable insights into commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components for further safeguarding your system.

Conclusion

Protecting seismic instrumentation from power surges is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires a thorough understanding of your setup and environment. By integrating lightning protection boxes, ensuring proper Earth connections, using UPS systems, and following expert guidance on COTS components, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your seismic instruments. Stay vigilant and prepared, and your seismic data collection will continue uninterrupted through storms and spikes alike.

For more information, contact us at support@quakelogic.net

Acknowledgment

We would like to thank Michele Pedroni from Lunitek for his valuable insights and for sharing his experience on surge protections of seismic instruments.

Key Takeaways

  • Surges come from lightning strikes, sudden voltage changes and incorrect mains connections; the usual result is a burnt circuit board.
  • Lightning protection boxes shield analog channels and galvanically isolate the sensor power supply.
  • Surge protection boxes guard only the digitizer's analog input channels against high-energy transients.
  • Without a robust Earth connection on the datalogger housing and protection boxes, surge devices have no discharge path.
  • A UPS isolates the system from mains and stabilizes voltage; manufacturer manuals list suitable COTS components.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I protect a seismic datalogger from lightning?

Fit a lightning protection box between sensor and digitizer so transient voltages on the analog channels are clipped and the sensor power supply is galvanically isolated, add surge protection boxes on the digitizer's analog inputs, and bond the datalogger housing and all protection boxes to a solid Earth system. Power the station through a UPS, and check the manufacturer's manual for recommended commercial off-the-shelf surge components.

Why is grounding essential for surge protection on seismic stations?

A surge protection device works by diverting excess energy away from the instrument, and that energy needs somewhere to go. Without a proper Earth connection there is no discharge path, so the protector cannot dissipate the transient and the digitizer still gets damaged. Both the datalogger housing and the surge protection boxes must be connected to the Earth system to provide a safe route for the current.

What is the difference between a lightning protection box and a surge protection box?

A lightning protection box is the first line of defense: it protects dataloggers and digitizers from transient voltages on the analog channels and provides galvanic isolation for the sensor power supply, de-energizing surges before they reach the digitizer. A surge protection box is narrower in scope, designed specifically to safeguard the digitizer's analog input channels from high-energy transients. Many sites use both.

Does a UPS protect seismic instruments from power surges?

A UPS helps significantly. It isolates the seismic system from mains electricity and maintains a stable output voltage, which removes one common surge source and keeps instruments running through outages. It is not a substitute for lightning and surge protection boxes or proper grounding, because lightning can still enter via sensor cables, antennas and Ethernet connections rather than the power line.

Which sites need extra surge protection for seismic equipment?

Requirements vary with the environment. Sites with a high likelihood of lightning strikes, nearby antennas, or long Ethernet runs that can couple transients into the digitizer should add surge protection boxes beyond the datalogger's built-in reverse-voltage and surge protection. Each installation should be assessed individually, since surge protection for seismic instrumentation is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Need help with a project? QuakeLogic designs and supplies seismic monitoring, earthquake early warning, structural health monitoring, infrasound, and shake table systems. Browse QuakeLogic products or contact our engineering team with your site, structure, or test requirements.

Ensuring Safety and Integrity: Seismic Monitoring of LNG Facilities

LNG storage tanks at a liquefaction terminal instrumented for seismic monitoring

In short: Seismic monitoring of LNG facilities uses two layers: free-field seismic stations placed around the site that record ground motion in real time, trigger earthquake early warning and shutdown of operations, and feed seismic hazard assessment; and instrumentation on the LNG tanks themselves, such as accelerometers and strain gauges, that tracks each tank's structural response, verifies performance-based design and guides emergency response and recovery after an event.

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry is a cornerstone of the global energy market, providing a clean, efficient, and versatile fuel source. As these facilities often lie in seismically active regions, understanding and mitigating the risks posed by earthquakes is crucial for ensuring the safety, integrity, and operational continuity of LNG operations. This blog explores the critical role of seismic monitoring in LNG facilities, focusing on the use of free-field seismic stations and the instrumentation of LNG tanks.

Seismic monitoring instrumentation for "Ensuring Safety and Integrity: Seismic Monitoring of LNG Facilities"

The Importance of Seismic Monitoring in LNG Facilities

LNG facilities encompass liquefaction plants, storage tanks, and regasification terminals, each presenting unique challenges when faced with seismic activity. The catastrophic potential of an earthquake event—ranging from structural damage to catastrophic failure—underscores the need for comprehensive seismic monitoring systems. These systems are designed not only to safeguard the infrastructure and personnel but also to protect the surrounding communities and the environment.

Free-Field Seismic Stations: The First Line of Defense

Free-field seismic stations play a pivotal role in the seismic monitoring framework of LNG facilities. Positioned strategically around the facility, these stations provide real-time data on ground motion and seismic events. By capturing the amplitude, frequency, and duration of seismic waves, these stations offer invaluable insights into the seismic threat landscape, allowing for the timely activation of safety protocols and mitigation measures.

Key Functions of Free-Field Seismic Stations:

  • Early Warning: By detecting seismic waves in real-time, these stations can trigger early warning systems, providing crucial minutes for shutting down operations, thus mitigating risk to both the facility and its personnel.
  • Seismic Hazard Assessment: Continuous monitoring aids in the assessment of seismic hazards, informing both the design of new infrastructure and the retrofitting of existing structures.
  • Data Collection for Engineering Analysis: The data collected serves as a foundational element for engineering analyses, guiding the development of more resilient LNG facility designs.
sentinel app 3 for "Ensuring Safety and Integrity: Seismic Monitoring of LNG Facilities"

Instrumentation of LNG Tanks: Enhancing Resilience

The instrumentation of LNG tanks is another critical aspect of a comprehensive seismic monitoring strategy. These instruments, including accelerometers and strain gauges, are installed directly on or within the LNG tanks. They monitor the tanks’ responses to seismic events, providing data that is vital for assessing the structural health and integrity of these critical components.

Benefits of LNG Tank Instrumentation:

  • Structural Health Monitoring: Instrumentation allows for the continuous monitoring of the structural health of LNG tanks, identifying potential issues before they lead to failure.
  • Performance-Based Design Verification: The data collected can verify the effectiveness of seismic design principles, ensuring that the tanks perform as expected during seismic events.
  • Emergency Response and Recovery: In the event of an earthquake, real-time data from tank instrumentation can inform emergency response efforts, facilitating a quicker recovery and return to operation.

Conclusion

The integration of free-field seismic stations and the instrumentation of LNG tanks represents a holistic approach to seismic monitoring in LNG facilities. This dual-layered strategy not only enhances the safety and resilience of LNG infrastructure but also contributes to the sustainability of LNG as a key component of the global energy mix. By investing in advanced seismic monitoring technologies, the LNG industry can navigate the challenges posed by seismic activity, ensuring that it continues to deliver energy safely and reliably to the world.

To learn more about how QuakeLogic can help your LNG facilities to be compatible with regulations and standards by installing seismic sensors and providing earthquake early warning and structural health monitoring, contact us at sales@quakelogic.net and visit us at https://www.quakelogic.net/_lng-facilities-monitoring/lng-monitoring.

Key Takeaways

  • LNG facilities include liquefaction plants, storage tanks and regasification terminals, often sited in seismically active regions.
  • Free-field stations capture amplitude, frequency and duration of ground motion and can trigger early warning to shut down operations.
  • Continuous free-field data supports seismic hazard assessment, new designs and retrofits of existing structures.
  • Tank instrumentation with accelerometers and strain gauges enables structural health monitoring and performance-based design verification.
  • Real-time tank data informs emergency response and speeds return to operation after an earthquake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a free-field seismic station?

A free-field seismic station is a ground-motion sensor installed away from structures so it records the earthquake input to the site rather than a building's response. At LNG facilities, stations placed strategically around the plant deliver real-time amplitude, frequency and duration of shaking, which triggers safety protocols and early warning and provides the baseline data for engineering analysis.

Why do LNG facilities need seismic monitoring?

LNG liquefaction plants, storage tanks and regasification terminals are often located in seismically active regions, and an earthquake can cause anything from structural damage to catastrophic failure. Seismic monitoring protects infrastructure, personnel, surrounding communities and the environment by giving operators real-time ground-motion data, early warning for shutdown, and continuous assessment of structural health.

How are LNG tanks instrumented for earthquakes?

Accelerometers and strain gauges are installed directly on or within the LNG tanks to measure how each tank responds to seismic shaking. The data supports continuous structural health monitoring, verifies that the tank performs as its seismic design intended, and after an earthquake tells engineers quickly whether the tank is sound so operations can resume safely.

Can seismic monitoring trigger an LNG plant shutdown?

Yes. Free-field stations detect seismic waves in real time and can trigger an earthquake early warning system, providing crucial minutes to shut down operations before the strongest shaking arrives. This reduces risk to the facility and its personnel and is one of the key functions of a seismic monitoring framework at an LNG terminal.

What is performance-based design verification for LNG tanks?

Performance-based seismic design sets explicit performance targets for a tank under defined earthquake levels. Instrumentation on the tank records its actual response during real events, and comparing measured behavior with design predictions verifies that the seismic design principles are effective. This confirms the tank will perform as expected and highlights where retrofits or design updates are needed.

Need help with a project? QuakeLogic designs and supplies seismic monitoring, earthquake early warning, structural health monitoring, infrasound, and shake table systems. Browse QuakeLogic products or contact our engineering team with your site, structure, or test requirements.