Static Electricity

Static ElectricitySafety Presentation

18-09-2015

Static Electricity

Imbalance of electric chargesOn the surface of or within a material; remains until discharged or electrified

Between materials in contact

Triboelectrification

During Storage and Transport of Liquids

Liquid-shear

Between materials not in contact

Induction

Can be Induced by…

Between 2 conductors not in contact

Spark Discharge

Other discharge forms are usually non-hazardous in process industries

Fire

Can Cause…

Bonding GroundingHumidification

Anti-static Agents Conductive Materials Reduced Flow Velocity

Prevention

Chemical Transfer

• VM&P Naphtha Transfer from Tanker-Trailer to Day Tanks

• At Barton Solvents Wichita Facility, Kansas

Spark Discharge• Low Conductivity;

• Static Electricity buildup;

• Improper design

Fire • Class 1B

Flammable Liquid;

• Ignitable vapor-air Mixture

Barton Solvents – Case Study by CSB

Explosion; 12 people injured; 6,000 people evacuated

Metal piece from Day Tank found 130 feet from original location

Accident causes Recommendations

Thank you!

• References / Picture Sources

• http://www.csb.gov/assets/1/19/csb_study_barton_final.pdf

• http://web.mst.edu/~dludlow/classes/che258/Static%20Electricity%20and%20Charge%20Accumulation.ppt

• http://sciencebehindelectricity.weebly.com/static-electricity.html

• http://www.shimadzu.com/an/hplc/support/qn50420000002bad-img/qn50420000006ji2.gif

• http://electrical4u.com/electrical/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/electrostatic-induction1.png

Karthik

KArunachalam2@slb.com