Alpha Eritrean Engineers Magazine

AUGUST 2018
VOL 8 NO. 2
COLLULI, THE WORLD’S SHALLOWEST POTASH DEPOSIT

NAVIGATING COLLEGE AND BEYOND

CIRCUIT BREAKERS, CURRENT-SENSING PROTECTIVE DEVICES
e
AEEC | October 2011
AEEC
1
CONTENTS AND CONTRIBUTORS
COLLULI, THE WORLD’S SHALLOWEST
POTASH DEPOSIT
BY TIHISHA K. KINFE, TADESE A. MUSSA &
NAHOM A. GHEBREMEDHIN
NAVIGATING COLLEGE AND BEYOND
BY MAYRON MULUGATA
REGULAR DAY WITH A VERY SPECIAL TASTE
BY SIEM WELDESLASSIE
CIRCUIT BREAKERS, CURRENT-SENSING
PROTECTIVE DEVICES
EDITORS
SEBLE GEBREMEDHIN, M.S. IN PSYCHOLOGY
DR. ADIAM WOLDEGERGISH, PH.D IN
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
SAMUEL FESSEHAYE, B.A. IN ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERING
FILIPOS ABRAHAM, M.S, IN SOFTWARE
ENGINEERING AND
YOSIEF WOLDEMARIAM, B.A. IN ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERING

BY YOSIEF WOLDEMARIAM

AEEC | February 2017 1

Potash is a potassium-rich salt, which the term "potash" refers to a group of potassium (K)
bearing minerals and chemicals. Sylvinite, Carnallitite and Kainitite are some of the
potassium bearing solid salts. Potassium makes up about 2.6% of the Earth’s crust by mass
and is the seventh most abundant element.

The main use of potash, which is about 90%, of the production is used in agricultural
sector as a fertilizer. That means the market is driven by the demand of feeding the world
population. The major potash-consuming nation being Brazil, India, China, Indonesia to
name a few.

AEEC | August 2018 2

A
E Colluli, the world’s shallowest Potash deposit
E
M Eritrean history of modern mining is dated back to minerals. The seven mining licenses awarded span
~ the first two decades of the 20th century – during over 60km2 of the 100km2 Agreement area, and
A the Italian colony. About 20 small to medium size represent over 60 years of the 200-year mine life
E mining companies were operational up to the determined in the DFS. The reserve is known as the
E 1970s (Yearly Brochure of Eritrean Mineral Sector,
M 2008). The Debarwa mining by a Japanese shallowest mineralization depth, which starts only
16m underground, (the closest to find) known to
~ company in the1970s was the last remembered date.
A mining activity before independence.
E
E
From the first day of independence initiated by
M
the attractive mining policy, many company’s
~
has taken leases across the country to explore
A
different minerals and crude oil. Bisha mining; a
E
gold and base metal company was the first
E
M successful mining sector established in the 2008.
Zara, a gold mining company joined the business
~
and came to production at the end of 2015. Colluli
A
E Mine Share Company (CMSC); which was granted
E mining license back in February 2017 and is said
M to be one of the game changers for potash industry
~ is on the way to joining the party.
A
E Colluli Mining Share Company (CMSC) which is
potash project in the Danakil Depression - lies in TIHISHA_KIBREAB_PROCESS_PLANT_SUPERVISOR
E
M the southeastern part of Eritrea, at the NNE
(North North-East) corner of the afar triangle, and CMSC has a capacity to produce 472ktpa of sulphate
~ of potash (SOP) in module one and 944ktpa in
is flanked by the Danakil Alps to the east and the
A
Ethiopian plateau to the west - is about 180 module two, with the possibility of expansion in
E
kilometers southeast of the capital Asmara and capacity and product diversification according to
E
230 kilometers from the port of Massawa. Colluli FEED (Front End Engineering Design) report. SOP is
M
project is 100%-owned by Colluli Mining Share second highly produced fertilizer in the world, is
~
Company (CMSC) which is a 50:50 joint venture priced at premium to the most produced fertilizer
A
between Eritrean National Mining Corporation muriate of potash (MOP). SOP has wide application
E
(ENAMCO) and Danakali LTD. for high values crops, fruits, and vegetables and for
E
M chloride intolerant crops. Potassium sulfate may
The Mining Agreement provides exclusive access also be preferred because of its sulfur content
~ to CMSC over the 1.3 billon tone Colluli JORC-2012 where soils are deficient in both potassium and
A
compliant potassium resource and associated sulfur. One advantage of Colluli deposit is, it is
E
E
M

AEEC | August 2018 3

A located close to African and Asian countries where secondary (Manheim) method that is done by
E the population growth predicted to be high in the reacting KCl (MOP) and sulphuric acid under high
E coming decades, the bigger the population more temperature to produce SOP and by-product HCl
M food is required. Almost 95% of the population (hydrochloric acid). The requirement of acid
~ growth over the next three decades will occur in acquisition and management makes it one of the
A Africa, India and South East Asia. The supply- high cost SOP production method. Recovery of SOP
E demand metrics for SOP as a fertilizer expected to from natural complex salts referred as primary
E grow to increase agricultural yields, as well as method is low cost SOP production method which is
M being supported by diminishing arable land. planned to be applied in CMSC. It is operated by
~ combining decomposed kainite to sylvite at ambient
A Potash is a potassium-rich salt, which the term temperature. In some plants this method requires
E "potash" refers to a group of potassium (K) acquisition of MOP but in Colluli all the ingredients
E bearing minerals and chemicals. Sylvinite, are part of the ore body carnallite/sylvinite (used for
M Carnallitite and Kainitite are some of the the production of MOP) and kainitite.
~ potassium bearing solid salts. Potassium makes up
A about 2.6% of the Earth’s crust by mass and is the The main drivers of the mining industry are Time,
E seventh most abundant element. Money, Safety, and Environment. Any mining
E company’ success can be measured how it utilizes
M and performed these drivers according. This article
~ will go through these assets to see the performance
A of Colluli Mining Share Company (CMSC) based on
E the DFS (definitive feasibility study) and FEED plan
E provided by the company.
M
~ The main reason for the mining companies to invest
A on mining is to gain profit. There are different
E factors that influence the overall profit of the
E company at the end of its mine life. These can be
M easily categorized as profit and cost. During
~ feasibility study, the practice of the experts that
A involved in the study is to minimize this cost and to
E TADESSE_AHMED_MINE_PLANNING_ENGINEER get a higher net positive cash flow as early as
E possible. Colluli has many advantages to achieve
M The main use of potash, which is about 90%, of this target, shallower deposit, shorter distance to
~ the production is used in agricultural sector as a the port, and availability of ingredients required to
A fertilizer. That means the market is driven by the produce a premium SOP at low energy (In
E demand of feeding the world population. The potassium rich brines very large evaporation ponds
E are required but not in Colluli because all the salts
major potash-consuming nation being Brazil,
M are mined in their solid forms). Another important
India, China, Indonesia to name a few.
~ factor that contributes to the lower operation cost is
A the free drill and blast mining operation. This
There are two methods of SOP production, 50% of
E reduces the cost for drilling and blasting that
SOP annual world production is by high cost
E contributes 20%-30% of the mining cost. All the
M

AEEC | August 2018 4

A uniquely positive factors mentioned enables Colluli project.
E to have a lower development and operation costs.
E This makes Colluli to be leading lower cost Potash The type of commodity is another factor for the
M producer in the world when production commenced. resulted discounted cash flow. The precious metals
~ such as gold and copper, and diamond are found in
A small amount that makes them precious and
E mining them will result in enormous capital
E construction if all other factors favors. Potash is a
M non-metal that its largeness make it profitable.
~ Colluli is a very large ore reserve (1,100Mt @
A 10.5% K 2O for 203Mt) and large production rate
E that will make it the leading potash producer for
E long time in the world in the near future.
M
~ Expanding production rate of a project move future
A cash flows closer to the present. This gives a higher
E net present value (NPV) and generally supports the
E Fig (1) Mine gate cash costs outside of China in 2016 expansion decision. This is due to the direct time
M (US$/t) influence to the overall economic benefit of the
~ mining Company. It means using a shorter time
A The Potash Market Price is the major influencer of with a high productivity gives a highest NPV but
E discounted cash flow. The annual demand of SOP also too short can be problematic. This is due to
E was 6.5 million tons in 2014, this constitute 10% of the time value of money that says, “One Dollar
M the Global Potash Fertilizer Market and expected to Today is worth more than One Dollar Tomorrow”.
~ grow to 8 million tons by 2020. The growth of SOP This is considered when calculating the NPV of a
A demand in the Global Potash Fertilizer Market company. A company with shorter life will have a
E secures Colluli to have a continuous as well as higher positive NPV and internal rate of return
E expanded production. As stated in the FEED report (IRR) that will not be affected by the discount rate
M of Colluli, its production is 5 -10% of the world calculations. That is why Colluli has considered in
~ market. The development fund is the major barrier the FEED financial modeling plan a life of mine 60
A for project expansion. To minimize this difficulty years rather than the predicted mine life of 200
E Colluli will have a modular development approach years to exploit all its reserve based on the
E from Module I 472 ktpa to Module II 944 ktpa. The capacity of FEED. The discounted profit gained
M payback period for the first Module is 3.25 years. with this capacity can be doubled or tripled if
~ The FEED plan considers only two modulus the Colluli doubles or triples its mining and processing
A result will be different if additional modules are capacity at the same specific time of 60 years.
E added. It will delay the profit but at the same time, Another advantage for Colluli is it enables for
E it grows the discounted cash flow. CMSC has gaining a production of higher capacity because of
M recently signed binding offtake 10 years term its massiveness. It allows many loading units to run
~ contract for the 100% module one SOP product simultaneously to gain maximum production.
A with EuroChem. The offtake agreement is important Unlike the brines Colluli SOP, production is
E milestone in achieving the required funding of the weather independent since all the potassium
E bearing salts are in their solid forms this have
M

AEEC | August 2018 5

A significant effect in reducing time to production. Batter height, Ramp width and overall angle of the
E This is area of opportunity for maximizing pit. This will make CMSC Safer in this regard.
E production in order to have shorter mine life for Additionally the width of the ramps to and from the
M the concern of higher NPV and IRR. pit to waste dumps and processing plant, and from
~ the plant to the ports. Other practices should also be
A In our modernized world, occupational safety is applied in the day-to-day activities of the mine. All
E considered as a basic human right and the
E number one Policy of every company. Mining is
M considered to be one of the unsafe occupations
~ with many accidents worldwide over the years.
A Eritrea a 27 years old country is emerging as new
E hub for the mining world, with only a decade
E experience in mining as a nation. If we see, the
M motto of the two operating companies BMSC
~ “Everybody going home safe and healthy” and
A ZMSC “Think Safe, Work Safe and Be Safe” it
E clearly expresses how this companies are
E prioritizing Safety. The main reason for Safety to
M come as top priority is for three reasons. The
~ first is to avoid injury and fatality of employees.
A Second, to minimize damage on the company’s
E economy that comes through accidents and NAHOM_ABRAHAM_PROCESS_PLANT_SUPERVISOR
E reduction of efficiency, and third is to have good
M reputation as a company for the effort in creating that come from safety practices are economy growth
~ safer healthier work environment for its and sustainability on the project life.
A workforce before their stakeholders. Colluli can be
E benefit from BMSC and ZMSC regarding safety Generally activities of a mining industry potentially
E practices from their experience to minimize result in a wide variety of adverse environmental
M incidents to the lowest level. Another important effects. At a specific site, the type and extent of
~ consideration to be made is regarding the very environmental effects may depend on factors such
A hot climate of Colluli. CMSC has to prepare itself as nature of the ore, overburden, surface land
E with hydration practices for its employees. CMSC profile, local climate and surrounding ecosystem.
E is an Open pit mining, which is safer than However, of greater importance may be mining
M underground mining. This does not mean that methods and equipment; beneficiation and
~ everything is safe through this practice. Many concentration processes, waste disposal methods.
A Safety practices have applied to CMSC Study. The Environmental impact of any mining activity can be
E safest angle and height of the walls that are
E categorized under air pollution, water, land and
applied to the pit is considered by geotechnical,
M social values. Planning through all stages of the
hydrological, and angle of repose properties of the
~ ore and the overburden. All parameters are mining life can bring good result on the ongoing
A incorporated in the study consists of Berm width, environmental protection activities and reduction
E the final rehabilitation cost. Today’s generation
E
M

AEEC | August 2018 6

A are aware of the impact of mining on our considerable revenue generation, the expansion of
E environment, if constructive actions are not our mining industry, the development of skills, and
E taking place mining could affect our environment the flow-on effects to associated industries”.
M so badly. There is a say “We Do Not Inherit the
~ Earth from Our Ancestors; We Borrow It from DISCLAIMER
A Our Children’’. It is our responsibility to protect THE VIEWS AND OPINING EXPRESSED IN THIS ARTICLE
E our environment from damage through ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS AND DO NOT NESSARLY
E sustainable development by integrating economic REFLECT CMSC, YOU SHOULD NOT RELAY ON THIS
M environmental and social considerations to INFORMATION FOR ANY DESCION MAKING WEHTHER IT IS
~ INVESTMENT OR ANY OTHER
improve the lives of the current generation and
A
ensure future generations will have adequate References:
E
E resources and opportunities. 1. CMSC official releases (The PFS, DFS and FEED)
2. Potash DEPOSITS, PROCESSING, PROPERTIES AND
M
Even though CMSC is not yet commissioned we USES Donald E. Garrett, PhD
~ Saline Processors, Inc., Ojai California
A expect it to follow the good legacy of the previous University of California, Santa Barbara California,
E commissioned mines in Eritrea on protecting USA
E environment from pollution. 3. Manufacturing of Potash sulphate fertilizer from
M sea water technology – commercialization
ENAMCO General Manager, Berhane vibrant GUJARAT 10-13 Jan 2017
~ 4. Environmental Aspects of Phosphate and Potash
A Habtemariam said: “Colluli has the potential to
Mining (United Nations Environment Program
E make a significantly positive impact in Eritrea.
International Fertilizer Industry Association).
E Our economy and people stand to benefit through
M
~
A
E
E
M
~
A ALPHA ERITREAN ENGINEERS MAGAZINE
E
E
M
~
A August 2018 ISSUE
E
E
M
~
A
E
E
M

AEEC | August 2018 7

 Comments & Suggestions
Page

Thanks Yosief for the opportunity to write an article in this

esteemed magazine. The AEEC is doing a great job inspiring the
young Eritrean Engineers. Keep it up!

Engineer Abdurahim Abdulkadir

What a great idea. This will help many Eritrean publish their
findings.
Biologist Daniel Gebreselassie
Good job,
Engineer Merhawi Tsegay

Congrat, this is great!

Eden Tekeste Database Manager

ALPHA ERITREAN ENGINEERS

AEEC | August 2018 8

 With my goal being to
get into graduate school
and later being a
healthcare professional,
I made it a point to be
more than just a student.
I continued to do what I
was passionate about
and the things I enjoyed.
I set my goals, but I was
open to new ideas and
experiences. This
allowed me to be more
open to new
opportunities which in
turn led me to be a more
well-rounded and
knowledgeable
individual.

AEEC | August 2018 9

A
E
E
Navigating college and beyond
M While in high school I was unsure of what I wanted to competitive program fostering global citizens with an
~ major in or what university I wanted to attend to. emphasis on service, academics, and leadership. I was
A However, I knew I wanted to go into a health field so I placed at an internship in Bangalore, India with a
E began looking and applying to schools that had health nonprofit organization over the summer and was
E majors and pre-med tracks on the west coast. From the awarded a scholarship to be able to travel and do this
M schools that I got accepted into, I chose to attend Santa work. Some of the communities that we worked with
Clara University due to their values, curriculum, and included special needs children, women in rural
~ communities, sex trafficking survivors, street children,
scholarship I received. I began my first year with a major
A and children of prisoners. We were able to provide
in Biology on the pre-Physical Therapy and pre-Medicine
E track. My decision to follow both tracks and pursue this wellness programs, forms of physical activity, and yoga
E major came as a result of my interest in pursuing physical to help individuals with mobility, strength, and
M therapy, but still being open to other health fields that I empowerment. There I was able to develop my
~ may wish to pursue after exposure. leadership and communication skills and practice what I
A had been learning in the classroom and apply it to a
E After my first year in undergrad, I spent the summer greater purpose.
E volunteering at Kaiser’s outpatient rehabilitation
M department where I got to see Physical and Occupational Throughout my undergraduate career I was never one
~ Therapists at work. I had the desire to work there as early to shy away from my passions navigating college and
A as possible in order to make sure that this was the field I beyond, and this often led me to do community and
E wanted to go into. At Kaiser’s outpatient rehabilitation advocacy work. I joined the Associated Student
E department, I was able to see a wide variety of patients, Government to be an advocate for others and to create
shadow many different therapists and solidify my decision an even better environment for all of our students. I
M
to pursue physical therapy. also spent a lot of my time working for a student led
~
A movement formed to advocate for university policy
During my second year of undergrad, I took on Public change. In addition, I worked multiple jobs around my
E Health as a second major to expand my educational campus including being an Organic Chemistry
E background on individuals and healthcare disparities Teacher’s Assistant.
M that I felt was crucial for my future in healthcare.
~ Although it added a heavier course load, I believe it was
With my goal being to get into graduate school and
A worth the time because of how much I was able to learn.
later being a healthcare professional, I made it a point
E These courses taught me more about different
to be more than just a student. I continued to do what I
E populations, environmental and socioeconomic factors,
M and how to plan interventions. This major also allowed was passionate about and the things I enjoyed. I set my
~ me to take classes where I was able to learn about the goals, but I was open to new ideas and experiences.
United States healthcare system and the variations in This allowed me to be more open to new opportunities
A which in turn led me to be a more well-rounded and
regards to access to care.
E knowledgeable individual. The path I took led me to be
E In the summer following my second year I continued to accepted into some of the top programs in my field, of
M work in rehabilitation settings, in a nursing home as well which I have chosen to attend the University of
~ as a private clinic and later in the inpatient sector of a Washington to obtain my Doctorate in Physical
A large hospital. During my third year I applied and was Therapy.
E accepted into the Global Fellows program which is a
E ~ Mayron Mulugeta
M

AEEC | August 2018 10

~
A
E
E Regular day with a very special taste
M It was such a regular day, but it had a very special hours." Henry David Thoreau
~ taste. Had it not been for God, I wouldn't be here
A right now because He is the One who's given me the There is one special lesson I learned from my
E strength and courage. parents and that is, to have a dream and to make
E "If one advances confidently in the direction of his those dreams happen, we have to work hard every
M dreams, and endeavors to live the life he imagined, he second of our life. In life, opportunities are given to
~ will meet with a success unexpected in common every human being but those who can use them at
A the right time will succeed. The World was full of
E opportunities 2000 years ago, it has a lot of
E opportunities now and it will also have the same
M opportunities after 2000 years but the most
~ important is we don't have to waste them easily. For
A those who use the opportunities, success will come
E but if we don't have consistency, we will fall behind.
E
M After completing my undergrad in Electrical
~ Engineering in 2016, I came to the US to extend my
A knowledge and have a second degree. In my life,
E there is one person who is more than a parent to me.
E His name is Professor Mequanint Moges. From day
M
one at the University to my graduation, he has done
~ more than he could do to his children. He has made a
A special memory that I will remember for the rest of
E
entire life and I would like to say thank you Dr.
E
Mequanint for all the support and love you gave me.
M
~ Recently I have graduated from the University of
A
Houston with a Masters in Computer Engineering
E
Technology Specializing in Network
E
Communication. My field of interest is to work as a
M
Network Engineer or Cyber Security Engineer in the
~
Tech Companies.
A
E
E ~ Siem Weldeslassie
M
~
A
E
E
M

AEEC | August 2018 11

AEEC | August 2018 12
DAHLAK ISLAND BEACH, ONE OF THE BEST KEPT SECRET & DIVERS PARADISE OF 300+
ISLANDS OF ERITREA AROUND IT’S COASTAL WATERS!

Photo by Felina Mehari

Eritrea purely magnificent

“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back

to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we
are going back from whence we came….” 13
AEEC | August 2018

~ John F. Kennedy
 Electric power comes to house
hold or industrial equipment
through power distribution
systems. The function of the
electrical power distribution
systems in a building or an
installation site is to receive
power at one or more supply
points and to deliver it to the
individual electrically
operated devices (equipment)
which require some sort of
protection from excessive
current than they require.
This power comes as a form of
voltage and current.
However, more than what is a
needed current (Overcurrent)
can flow through a device and
damage it. During flow of
current to devices that
Overcurrent protection called
circuit breaker need to protect
device or devices.

AEEC | August 2018 14

~
A
E
E Circuit breakers, current-sensing protective devices
M
~ On Sunday the 6th of October 2013, I had a great it. This electric power is paramount for many uses,
A pleasure been part of Zaid Teame’s, my favorite from simple house hold equipment like refrigerator,
E niece, extraordinary wedding in the ever delightfully microwave, toaster and dishwasher up to industrial
E shining quintessential city of Asmara, Eritrea in East level equipment like CAT (computerized axial
M Africa. What made this event extraordinary besides tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
~ of my dear siblings and members of extended family scanners. Not to mention lighting, computer
A was the presence of two remarkable individuals operation, and entertainment applications. It comes
E who are pillars of strength to our family named Mr. to house hold or industrial equipment through
E Woldemariam and Ms. Nighsti G/Rufael whom I
power distribution systems.
M am proud to call my parents with revered. I felt
~ lucky growing up with my siblings in a world where Current-sensing protective devices, amongst others,
A young people were starving for encouragement and called circuit breakers play an important role
E hope my parents been the primary source of our indetecting abnormal overcurrent and halt flow of
E empowerment. Constant encouragement and current to protect equipment, property and
M relentless guidance streamed from them helped me personnel.
~ exam the love of higher education in Asmara
A University. After migrated to America I continued Protect equipment:
E my education by fulfill my parents and my own Electric power comes to house hold or industrial
E dreams of acquiring two associate degrees, one in equipment through power distribution systems. The
M Mathematics and the other in general science before
function of the electrical power distribution systems
~ graduating in electrical engineering from San in a building or an installation site is to receive
A Francisco State University. In retrospect, my parents power at one or more supply points and to deliver it
E wish for my safety from harm’s way was always
to the individual electrically operated devices
E their priority and the protection they provided me
(equipment) which require some sort of protection
M was impeccable.
from excessive current than they require. This
~ power comes as a form of voltage and current.
A The value of Safety and protection is immeasurable
However, more than what is a needed current
E whether it is provided to humans, animal or
(Overcurrent) can flow through a device and
E equipment. In this modern world we live in, we see a
damage it. During flow of current to devices that
M great deal of safety and protection given to
Overcurrent protection called circuit breaker need
~ technological devices which are near and dear to us
to protect device or devices.
A in our everyday life.
E
E Every technology driven devices we invent and/or A circuit breaker is an absolutely essential device in
M modify requires some sort of electrical power to the modern world, and one of the most important
~ properly function. This electrical power is safety mechanisms in our homes. It is an automatic
A conceptually simple. It is no more than a device that electrical device used in an electrical panel that
E has a voltage across it and a current flowing through monitors and controls the amount of amperes
E
M

AEEC | August 2018 15

~
A (amps) being sent through the electrical wiring as switches and outlets and other common sources. It
E
safety measure. Circuit breakers come in a variety of is not uncommon to read millions dollar worth of
E
M sizes. For instance, in the typical home, 10, 15 and property damage resulting from these types of
~ 20 amperage breakers are used for most power and electrical equipment failures. It is estimates that
A lighting needs. Some appliances and specialty items over 50 percent of fires are caused by low level
E (washers, dryers, freezers, whirlpools, etc.) will arcing faults in typical household wiring. Low level
E require a larger circuit breaker to handle the arcing can generate enough heat and sparks to
M
electrical load required to run that appliance. There produce ignition of nearby flammable materials and
~
A are also industrial level circuit breakers which are cause major damage in the form of electrical fires.
E categorized by voltage level. The heat and sparks created by arcing can cause a
E home to be completely destroyed by fire.
M If there is too much current flowing through
~ electrical wiring, the breaker will trip. These simple There are circuit protection device which is
A automatic machines cut the power until somebody designed to detect and mitigate the effects of low
E
can fix the problem. In a laymen term, a breaker that level arcing before it can become a source of
E
M was in the "on" position will flip to the "off" position ignition of nearby combustible materials. This
~ and shut down the electrical power leading from product is called an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter or
A that breaker. Essentially, a circuit breaker is a safety AFCI. Every major manufacturer of circuit
E device. When a circuit breaker is tripped, it does protection devices makes and sells this product
E prevent a fire from starting on an overloaded circuit today. This protective device can not only detect
M
and it can also prevent the destruction of equipment hazardous electrical arcing, but also will shut the
~
A that is drawing the electricity. flow of electricity off to the location and prevent the
E nearby combustible material from fire ignition that
E Protect property: would normally follow an undetected arcing.
M A circuit breaker's function is to cut off the circuit
~ whenever current purportedly going through jumps Protect personnel:
A above a safe level which in turn protects electricalThe Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter and Ground Fault
E overload. Without it, as overload or short circuit Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) are two products serve
E happen, electrical wire may turn into a red hot wiresimilar, yet completely different functions. The GFCI is
M then burn down anything near the wires. Without designed to protect people from severe or fatal shock
~ circuit breakers household electricity would be hazards, while the AFCI, as previously stated, protects
A impractical because of the potential for fires and property against fires caused by electrical arcing faults.
E other mayhem resulting from simple wiring The GFCI can also protect against some electrical fires
E problems and equipment failures. by detecting arcing and other faults between the line
M or neutral wires and ground. The GFCI cannot detect
~ There are plenty of electrical fires as a result of the hazardous series or parallel arcing faults, which
A frayed wires, loose electrical connections, faulty can cause fires.
E
E
M

AEEC | August 2018 16

~
A A ground fault is an unintentional electrical path making safety a very real issue, for both homeowner
E
diverting current to ground. A ground fault occurs and property.
E
M when current escapes outside the normal flow
~ within the circuit, usually flowing outside the circuit Conclusion:
A to ground. If a person's body happens to provide It is very unfortunate that there will be devices
E that pathway for the current flow, the person could (equipment), property damage and even loss of life
E as a result of low level arc faults and absence of
be injured, burned, severely shocked or
M breakers. There are, however, devices available to
electrocuted. the average consumer that are easily installed by a
~
A licensed electrician, which can and will minimize
E The GFCI is designed to interrupt the circuit by equipment and properties damage due to electrical
E opening the circuit breaker contacts when current of arcing. GFCI & AFCI's can be easily installed in
M more than 4 milliamps is detected as missing out of present circuit breaker panel and will provide
~ the circuit. This value of current is less than the lethal instant protection against any electrical fires
A dose of electricity for a human body and furthermore damage to equipment, people and property resulting
E the skin can absorb this level of current without from low level arcing. Circuit breaker should be used
E specially AFCI and GFCI since they are here to
M electrical injury or burns. It should be noted that protect property and lives.
~ manufacturers of the AFCI are incorporating the GFCI
A functions within the same circuit breaker package, ~ Engineer Yosief Woldemariam, EE
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E Auths
E TIHISHA KIBREAB tihisha@yahoo.com
M received his B.S. degree in Process Engineering.
~
TADESSE AHMED received his B.S. degree in If you need an updated
A
Mining Engineering.
E information, discussions or
E NAHOM ABRAHAM received his B.S. degree in
M Process Engineering, currently, three of them are have an experience you would
pursuing their career at Zara Mining Share like to share with your fellow
~ Company in Eritrea.
A professionals feel free to
E MAYRON MULUGETA
E mayron.mulugeta@gmail.com received her B.S. contact us.
M degree in Biology and public health from Santa
~ Clara University. Currently she is pursuing her
A graduate school and ultimately to obtaining her You will find us on
E Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of www.linkedin.com/groups/
E Washington.
M
Alpha-Eritrean-Engineers-
YOSIEF WOLDEMARIAM
~ meharigrw@yahoo.com earned his B.S. in Community
A Electrical Engineering from San Francisco State
E University. Currently he is working with Syska
E Hennessy Group, an engineering consulting firm.
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AEEC BE PART OF IT
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