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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.