The conductivity of the soil in the location where chemical earthing will take place is of utmost importance for several reasons. Firstly, the primary purpose of earthing is to provide a low-resistance path for fault currents to flow safely into the ground. The soil acts as a conductor in the earthing system, allowing the fault current to dissipate effectively. If the soil conductivity is low, it will increase the resistance in the earthing system, resulting in inefficient dissipation of fault currents and potentially causing electrical hazards.
Secondly, a good soil conductivity ensures that the chemical electrode and the chemical backfill compound used in the earthing system can effectively discharge the fault currents into the ground. The chemical electrode and backfill compound alone cannot achieve the desired results without adequate soil conductivity. They rely on the surrounding soil to provide a low-resistance path for the fault currents.
In soils with low conductivity, such as dry or rocky soils, the resistance in the earthing system may be significantly higher. This can lead to issues such as high voltage rise, increased risk of electrical shock, and compromised equipment protection. To mitigate these problems, additional measures may be required, such as enhancing the soil conductivity by adding conductive materials or using specialized grounding techniques like chemical earthing.
Chemical earthing is a technique that involves using chemical compounds to improve the conductivity of the soil in the earthing system. By introducing chemical backfill compounds, such as Soil Treat, the soil conductivity can be enhanced, providing a more reliable and efficient earthing system. It helps in achieving the desired low-resistance path for fault currents, ensuring safety and reliability in all seasons.
By adding chemical earthing pits in a grid and connecting them to each other, the desired soil conductivity values can be achieved. This practice ensures that fault currents are effectively dissipated and equipment is protected. Additionally, chemical earthing with reliable electrodes, like ACTROD, and conductive backfill compounds, like Soil Treat, enhances the performance and lifespan of the earthing system, providing consistent results throughout its operation.
In summary, the conductivity of the soil plays a vital role in any earthing systems. Adequate soil conductivity allows for efficient dissipation of fault currents and helps maintain the safety and reliability of the electrical system. Chemical earthing, with the use of reliable electrodes and conductive backfill compounds, offers an effective solution to enhance soil conductivity and ensure a low-resistance path for fault currents, resulting in a dependable and consistent earthing system.