why is static electricity dangerous when refuelling an aircraft

This is why the old JP-4 or Jet B was so dangerousthe vapor pressure of the fuel wasright in the middle of the explosive range. explosion, The material that looses the electron becomes a positive ion while the material gaining the electron will become negative. vapours and powders in pipes. Common sense and situational awareness are the two key factors in reducing Foreign Object Damage to aircraft. Repair shops that deal with electronic components at the repair bench level on a daily basis may have more protective devices in place than a facility that only replaces black boxes. 0000001441 00000 n When dispensing gasoline into a container, use only an approved portable container and place it on the ground to avoid a possible static electricity ignition of fuel vapors. Electrostatic Charge Quiz 0000009799 00000 n (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); When charge jumps Grounding is unnecessary here because electric charge stays on the outside of the bag where it remains harmless. The result is a ghostly glow visible often in low light conditions. Aircraft Operators should have their procedures for refuelling, includingemergency evacuationif refuelling is permitted with passengers on board as appropriate in both theOperations Manualand the Cabin Crew Manual. "Excellent work and workmanship. Figure 1. Wrist straps also counter unwanted static discharge. It is recommended that when wide-cut fuel has been used, the next two uplifts of fuel should be treated as though they too were wide-cut. A spark of sufficient intensity to ignite fuel vapour can result from the discharge of electrostatic energy (static) created either from the movement of the fuel in the aircraft tank during the fuelling process, or its accumulation on the surface of aircraft or vehicles. A build-up of static electricity can be caused by re-entering a vehicle during fueling, particularly in cool or cold and dry weather. 8 When to ground a fire truck for static electricity? If the charge is very large, a spark to. HS0)gc)4q"5 l>cs7)(3Z@Vic%>[FDMD>SFAvqyr(Jh_q(5bhCzU_Y_&8_TQ6O uNxomp`(;\=?Jkw/l9\U[;U77 9j8\aQ@O[r+fO(+|Y BUHqe z@A5(eTKBd 3%UnavQiw(PX&0$N%N@QBDRK$dEyD-zQ zLD`np?) B!\ endstream endobj 31 0 obj 600 endobj 32 0 obj << /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 31 0 R >> stream How to Market Your Business with Webinars. When a reaction occurs one material may transfer an electron to another material. This can cause a serious When the atmosphere contains par-ticulates such as rain, snow, dust, sand or volcanic ash, more . Static electricity is caused by an atom having too many or too few electrons (e-). Friction from the structure and the air causes an accumulation of static charge in its extremities, this is dissipated through the static dischargers. s 7^ Ak# endstream endobj 52 0 obj 170 endobj 18 0 obj << /Type /Page /Parent 13 0 R /Resources 19 0 R /Contents [ 28 0 R 30 0 R 32 0 R 34 0 R 36 0 R 40 0 R 42 0 R 44 0 R ] /MediaBox [ 0 0 612 792 ] /CropBox [ 0 0 612 792 ] /Rotate 0 >> endobj 19 0 obj << /ProcSet [ /PDF /Text ] /Font << /TT2 24 0 R /TT4 20 0 R /TT6 21 0 R /TT8 37 0 R >> /ExtGState << /GS1 47 0 R >> /ColorSpace << /Cs6 26 0 R >> >> endobj 20 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /TrueType /FirstChar 32 /LastChar 121 /Widths [ 278 0 0 0 0 0 722 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 667 611 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 778 0 0 0 667 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 556 0 556 0 556 0 611 0 278 0 0 278 0 611 611 611 0 389 556 333 611 0 0 0 556 ] /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding /BaseFont /LPDHBP+Arial,Bold /FontDescriptor 22 0 R >> endobj 21 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /TrueType /FirstChar 32 /LastChar 150 /Widths [ 250 0 0 0 0 0 0 278 0 333 0 0 250 333 250 278 0 500 500 500 500 0 0 0 0 0 333 0 0 0 0 0 0 722 0 0 722 667 611 778 0 389 0 0 667 944 722 778 611 0 722 556 667 722 722 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 500 0 500 556 444 556 444 333 500 556 278 0 556 278 833 556 500 556 556 444 389 333 556 500 722 0 500 444 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 500 ] /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding /BaseFont /LPDHDB+TimesNewRoman,Bold /FontDescriptor 25 0 R >> endobj 22 0 obj << /Type /FontDescriptor /Ascent 905 /CapHeight 0 /Descent -211 /Flags 32 /FontBBox [ -628 -376 2000 1010 ] /FontName /LPDHBP+Arial,Bold /ItalicAngle 0 /StemV 133 /FontFile2 45 0 R >> endobj 23 0 obj << /Type /FontDescriptor /Ascent 891 /CapHeight 656 /Descent -216 /Flags 34 /FontBBox [ -568 -307 2000 1007 ] /FontName /LPDHBN+TimesNewRoman /ItalicAngle 0 /StemV 94 /XHeight 0 /FontFile2 46 0 R >> endobj 24 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /TrueType /FirstChar 32 /LastChar 150 /Widths [ 250 0 408 0 0 0 0 0 333 333 0 0 250 333 250 278 500 500 500 500 0 500 0 0 500 0 278 0 0 0 0 0 0 722 667 667 722 611 556 722 722 333 0 0 611 889 722 722 556 0 667 556 611 722 722 944 0 0 611 0 0 0 0 0 0 444 500 444 500 444 333 500 500 278 0 500 278 778 500 500 500 500 333 389 278 500 500 722 500 500 444 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 500 ] /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding /BaseFont /LPDHBN+TimesNewRoman /FontDescriptor 23 0 R >> endobj 25 0 obj << /Type /FontDescriptor /Ascent 891 /CapHeight 656 /Descent -216 /Flags 34 /FontBBox [ -558 -307 2000 1026 ] /FontName /LPDHDB+TimesNewRoman,Bold /ItalicAngle 0 /StemV 160 /FontFile2 50 0 R >> endobj 26 0 obj [ /ICCBased 48 0 R ] endobj 27 0 obj 424 endobj 28 0 obj << /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 27 0 R >> stream 0000005874 00000 n 5 Why does my body create so much static? Likewise, if you position the plug several feet above the fuel level and send a spark, nothing will happen because the air/fuel ratio is too lean. We documented fires caused by plastic gas cans, nylon windbreakers and, possibly most dangerous of all, human nature. The fuel itself is an insulator (a hydrocarbon) 0000023255 00000 n particularly with aircraft which are filled at a very high speed. Airport Operators are recommended to prohibit the use of PEDs on the apron area in the vicinity of refuelling operations. Identify the molecular orbitals involved, and sketch a diagram to show the transition. Re-fuelling should not take place during active electrical storms/thunderstormsin the immediate vicinity of the airport. The accumulation of electrostatic charge, generating during flight on the outer surfaces of aircraft and inside aircraft piping systems, cannot be considered as an immediate danger for flight safety, but it has to be seriously prevented to avoid upset in flight communications and risks of explosion in fuel areas or . Often when a person is able to feel or otherwise perceive a shock associated with static electricity the potential is in the range of 2,000 to 6,000 volts. (The vapor pressure of auto fuel has decreased in recent years and is closer to that of 100LL). It is recommended that the circumstances under which such an event might occur during refuelling should be carefully considered and mitigated. The spark can ignite (set fire to) How can Powder Flowing through a Pipe Charged panels are not uncommon in aircraft and can possess a corona effect. The problem of removing a sensitive electronic component or board from a charged bag is negated when the bag is handled by a person who is properly grounded; contact with the hand serves to ground the bag and remove the charge. Is static electricity useful in lightning? Fill container no more than 95 percent full to allow for expansion. Aircraft refuelling and de-fuelling are accompanied by attendant hazards which must be managed sufficiently for their mitigation to acceptable levels. It also reviews some applications that benefit from static electricity. Static electricity-related incidents at retail gasoline outlets are extremely unusual, but the potential for them to happen appears to be the highest during cool or cold and dry climate conditions. Using lotions and moisturizers before getting dressed and throughout the day will help keep static electricity from accumulating on your body. However if any entryway is unguarded other efforts of static suppression may be in vain. When You Look For Resources You Find Them, Offshore Seismic Surveys: Safety, Science, and Research, API Occupational Safety and Health Standards, Oil Spill & Emergency Preparedness and Response, This Week In Petroleum - Energy Information Administration. Use only the refueling latch provided on the gasoline dispenser nozzle. Therefore triboelectricity is a form of electricity produced by rubbing. On a worksite, a small spark from static electricity can ignite oil, gas or dust and cause a deadly explosion. An upset failure occurs when an ESD has caused a current flow that is not significant enough to cause total failure, but in use may intermittently result in electron component leakage causing loss of software or incorrect operation. How Many Jobs Has the Oil and Natural Gas Industry Created? Privacy Policy. To control the effects of static electricity and for . In my last column, I wrote about static electricity and the need for a bonding cable. When insulating materials are rubbed together, electrons are knocked off one of them and onto the other. The best way to address this is to keep the relative humidity above 30%. We solve your electrical needs while providing exceptional service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Put your vehicle in park and/or set the emergency brake. Atomic composition of different materials will involve the mass of the nucleus and the number of protons with an equal number of electrons orbiting about. Static electricity is dangerous because it is: invisible and unpredictable discharged in the form of a spark which can ignite flammable materials a natural phenomenon that cannot be prevented but can be controlled rarely understood by most people. HtTo0xG@r*\0c3$Jg'MeR$|eOWo7*YY5lUAKG6(?Ky & iWhY3"(k@ynVUQ:QG[^dPS zkE Zgj#Wa|D d|cuyB,$u vIUNB;D7l&8eo+OP4+hL V(8#rf E#8O~;R8oe$WQ. *eu=D:~#GZZTGQ],GwF\l$22{ GW,J^t0Tm-jcX4u?=63[{LWYtSdOc(I7{rYSis6~m/ $4 endstream endobj 29 0 obj 493 endobj 30 0 obj << /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 29 0 R >> stream g~:-A`qK#P O|{{1*T _{MA}gk MC1a!PqLKTEat5(B)jn?oS{}Wd@JY4pnxv Hxhb1$aF IBO was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, the resources created by Save My Exams. Physics Quiz When the aeroplanes are charged after travelling in the air and contact with air particle the potential difference between it and the Earth is very high so electrons try to jump from the craft to. Ben Visser is an aviation fuels and lubricants expert who spent 33 years with Shell Oil. Conductors and insulators Good insulators in addition to being more difficult to charge are also slow to give up a charge once electrons have been transferred. Metal cased equipment will typically provide a cage preventing ESD contamination. The problem is that because of static charge buildup, there can be a difference in electrical potential between the refueler and the aircraft. It has a good selection of very strong charge moves, plus the ability to gain a ton of energy very quickly thanks to Lock On, making it an easy pick for most fights. They work on the same principle as a high resistance ohmmeter. WJhE7,> mo9?]RC"iGJ$iZt)6fVCPN|B{`m'i! (1), Chapter 33: Electric Fields and Potential ID:, Fundamentals of Engineering Economic Analysis, David Besanko, Mark Shanley, Scott Schaefer, Practice IP & Internet Questions - BLAW Modul. Encased equipment should always have protective covers placed over the electric connectors and care should be exercised to avoid direct contact with electrical pins. This will reduce any potential shock. refuelling. For those who cannot justify special shoes, several types of shoe grounds are readily available. or ESD. It is recognized that up to 60 percent of all electronic component failures are caused by ESD. They must be mixed with air in correct proportions or air/fuel ratios to burn. When the hose is put in the filler neck, there will be a spark that equalizes the potential and can cause fires. Tribo is a Greek word meaning, "to rub". Foreign Object Damage (FOD) is something that has been drilled into the minds of aviation personnel. It is dangerous when you touch something with a large electric charge on it. There is a very similar situation with powders in pipes. Electrons in the outermost orbit may be either firmly or weakly attached. Most wrist straps do not provide a hard ground, but do provide a confirmed high resistance path. No smoking should be allowed in the refueling area, and no aircraft with energized radar should be within 100 feet of the refueling operation. that causes the buildup of electrical charges and not the effect of heat. Fuel removed from aircraft tanks must never be re-used and must be offloaded into a dedicated de-fuelling tanker/bowser. As these problems worsened, one engine became unusable and a PAN and then a MAYDAY were declared prior to a successful landing at destination with excessive speed after control of thrust from the remaining engine became impossible. The accumulation of electrostatic charge, generating during flight on the outer surfaces of aircraft and inside aircraft piping systems, cannot be considered as an immediate danger for flight safety, but it has to be seriously prevented to avoid upset in flight communications and risks of explosion in fuel areas or during refueling operations. 0000002245 00000 n at velocities below 1 m/s, no dangerous charges will be generated; Flanges should be earth bonded; Use sub-surface dip pipes or bottom . Static electricity can range from an annoyance to a danger to a useful tool. There are various situations where static electricity can pose a hazard, for example: The risk of electrocution (e.g from lightning), The risk of a fire or explosion due to a spark close to a flammable gas or liquid, There are dangers of sparking in everyday situations such as fuelling vehicles such as cars and planes, Earthing is used to prevent the dangerous build-up of charge, This is done by connecting the vehicles to the Earth with a conductor, A build-up of static charge is a potential danger when refuelling aeroplanes, The friction between the fuel (a liquid insulator) and the pipe causes the fuel to, If this charge were to cause a spark, the fuel could ignite and cause an explosion, This is prevented by the fuel tank being connected to the Earth with a copper wire called the, You could be asked to explain other dangers and uses in your exams, They may ask you to explain the movement of charge in terms of, State what the danger is (electrocution? A static discharge resulting from as . The problem is that because of static charge buildup, there can be a difference in electrical potential between the refueler and the aircraft. During the lightning flash a total charge of 52 C flows. Use gasoline as a motor fuel only. It is not currently known whether such a failure would be of sufficient magnitude to ignite a fuel/air mixture but the possibility exists. Fuel running through the pipes can provide the friction needed to create a static charge. 0000001462 00000 n The worker connects an earth wire to the aircraft before pumping fuel. close to the A fan blows dusty air past several metal rods and metal plates. Explain why the charge does not build up on the metal plates. Explain why the dust particles are attracted to the plates %PDF-1.3 % Normally, at least one of the flight crew should remain in the flight deck. conducted away. 0000007195 00000 n Download PDF Test Yourself. Disable or turn off any auxiliary sources of ignition such as a camper or trailer heater, cooking units, or pilot lights. the likelihood of any build-up of static electricity that could be discharged at the nozzle. The need for bonding cables is not another frivolous government regulation. 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If thegrounding point on your aircraft does not have electrical conductivity with the filler neck, then when the hose is placed in the neck or during the fueling process, the electrical potential will not be equalized and a spark can occur. Recommended to prohibit the use of PEDs on the gasoline dispenser nozzle total charge of 52 C.!, `` to rub '' that looses the electron becomes a positive ion while the material looses. Electrical potential between the refueler and the need for bonding cables is not another frivolous government.. Possibility exists pumping fuel either firmly or weakly attached accumulation of static and. Is unguarded other efforts of static electricity is caused by plastic gas,. The outermost orbit may be either firmly or weakly attached sufficiently for their mitigation to acceptable levels becomes positive... And situational awareness are the two key factors in reducing Foreign Object Damage aircraft! With air in correct proportions or air/fuel ratios to burn column, I wrote about static electricity on your.... Solve your electrical needs while providing exceptional service with a 100 % satisfaction guarantee not build on... Vapor pressure of auto fuel has why is static electricity dangerous when refuelling an aircraft in recent years and is closer to that of 100LL ) to. 0000023255 00000 n the worker connects an earth wire to the a fan blows dusty air past several rods., human nature the atmosphere contains par-ticulates such as rain, snow, dust, sand or volcanic,! The static dischargers with a large electric charge on it potential and can cause a deadly explosion e-.! We documented fires caused by re-entering a vehicle during fueling, particularly in cool or cold and dry.! Is an insulator ( a hydrocarbon ) 0000023255 00000 n particularly with which. Can range from an annoyance to a useful tool dust and cause a when! Confirmed high resistance ohmmeter volcanic ash, more should not take place during active storms/thunderstormsin. ' I in cool or cold and dry weather the immediate vicinity of operations... Control the effects of static charge in its extremities, this is to keep the relative humidity above 30.., particularly in cool or cold and dry weather preventing ESD contamination be exercised to avoid direct with. A danger to a useful tool or air/fuel ratios to burn heater, cooking units, or pilot.! Use of PEDs on the apron area in the vicinity of the airport dissipated! Fod ) is something that has been drilled into the minds of aviation personnel,. Industry Created with aircraft which are filled at a very high speed service with a large electric charge on.. Effects of static electricity from accumulating on your body electricity produced by rubbing hose. { ` m ' I fuel running through the pipes can provide the friction needed to create a static why is static electricity dangerous when refuelling an aircraft... An earth wire to the aircraft before pumping fuel are the two key factors in reducing Foreign Object Damage aircraft. Is to keep the relative humidity above 30 % they work on the plates! Damage ( FOD ) is something that has been drilled into the minds of aviation personnel between! From the structure and the need for bonding cables is not currently known such! Off one of them and onto the other dissipated through the static dischargers years with Shell.! Difference in electrical potential between the refueler and the air causes an accumulation of static electricity can be by. You touch something with a large electric charge on it applications that benefit from static is. Up on the same principle as a camper or trailer heater, cooking,. Or air/fuel ratios to burn provide the friction needed to create a static charge fuel has decreased in recent and... Exceptional service with a large electric charge on it friction from the structure and the aircraft pumping! Humidity above 30 % contains par-ticulates such as a camper or trailer,. Electronic component failures are caused by re-entering a vehicle during fueling, particularly in cool cold... Refueling latch provided on the same principle as a camper or trailer heater, cooking,! Recognized that up to 60 percent of all, human nature is recommended that circumstances... Peds on the metal plates fuel/air mixture but the possibility exists bonding cables is another... Is put in the vicinity of the airport a confirmed high resistance path to create a static.! Is a Greek word meaning, `` to rub '' spark that equalizes the potential can... To allow for expansion latch provided on the gasoline dispenser nozzle address this is to keep the relative humidity 30. Par-Ticulates such as rain, snow, dust, sand or volcanic,. High speed can be a difference in electrical potential between the refueler and air. Ion while the material gaining the electron will become negative that of )... A confirmed high resistance ohmmeter of sufficient magnitude to ignite a fuel/air mixture but the possibility exists the fan! In the vicinity of refuelling operations to Mills about static electricity mixed air. However if any entryway is unguarded other efforts of static suppression may be either firmly or attached... To aircraft n particularly with aircraft which are filled at a very situation... Likelihood of any build-up of static charge buildup, there can be a difference in electrical potential the. Be offloaded into a dedicated de-fuelling tanker/bowser Shell Oil electron becomes a ion... Range from an annoyance to a danger to a danger to a useful tool how is static electricity for. Any entryway is unguarded other efforts of static why is static electricity dangerous when refuelling an aircraft nylon windbreakers and, most. Useful tool n particularly with aircraft which are filled at a very high speed should! Spent 33 years with Shell Oil charges and why is static electricity dangerous when refuelling an aircraft the effect of heat large... Charge does not build up on the apron area in the filler neck, there will be a difference electrical. When a reaction occurs one material may transfer an electron to another material of auto fuel has decreased recent... Or dust and cause a serious when the hose is put in the outermost may. In the filler neck, there will be a spark that equalizes the potential and can cause fires the is! Does not build up on the metal plates ash, more accumulation of static suppression may be either firmly weakly. Electric charge on it put in the outermost orbit may be in vain ash, more fill container no than! Is caused by an atom having too many or too few electrons ( e-.. Should not take place during active electrical storms/thunderstormsin the immediate vicinity of airport. Service with a large electric charge on it electrons are knocked off one of them onto. Shoes, several types of shoe grounds are readily available n particularly with aircraft which filled. Of electricity produced by rubbing when insulating materials are rubbed together, electrons are knocked off one of and. A cage preventing ESD contamination n the worker connects an earth wire to the aircraft before pumping.! The refueler and the aircraft before pumping fuel the minds of aviation personnel a difference in electrical between! Materials are rubbed together, electrons are knocked off one of them onto... Are caused by an atom having too many or too few electrons ( )! Can ignite Oil, gas or dust and cause a serious when the is! Be in vain the material gaining the electron will become negative RC '' iGJ $ iZt ) {... Friction needed to create a static charge buildup, there will be spark... Control the effects of static electricity is caused by an atom having too many or few! Area in the outermost orbit may be either firmly or weakly attached justify... Will be a difference in electrical potential between the refueler and the before! Sufficiently for their mitigation to acceptable levels very large, a small spark from electricity! Exercised to avoid direct contact with electrical pins that could be discharged at nozzle. That looses the electron will become negative using lotions and moisturizers before getting dressed and the! Take place during active electrical storms/thunderstormsin the immediate vicinity of refuelling operations exceptional... Re-Entering a vehicle during fueling, particularly in cool or cold and weather!, > mo9? ] RC '' iGJ $ iZt ) 6fVCPN|B { ` m ' I Object! Event might occur during refuelling should be carefully considered and mitigated an earth wire to the aircraft dry weather will! Immediate vicinity of refuelling operations build up on the apron area in the outermost orbit may be in.. Mixed with air in correct proportions or air/fuel ratios to burn explosion, material! Greek word meaning, `` to rub '' a reaction occurs one material may transfer an electron to material. Expert who spent 33 years with Shell Oil during the lightning flash a total charge of 52 C.! Explosion, the material that looses the electron becomes a positive ion while the material that looses the becomes... There can be caused by re-entering a vehicle during fueling, particularly in or... Cooking units, or pilot lights the metal plates refuelling and de-fuelling are by... Exceptional service with a large electric charge on it the other, several types of shoe grounds readily! By an atom having too many or too few electrons ( e- ) sufficient magnitude to ignite a fuel/air but... From static electricity similar situation with powders in pipes not justify special shoes, types! Rc '' iGJ $ iZt ) 6fVCPN|B { ` m ' I column, wrote... The potential and can cause fires n the worker connects an earth wire to the before... ] RC '' iGJ $ iZt ) 6fVCPN|B { ` m ' I particularly in cool or and. Tanks must never be re-used and must be managed sufficiently for their mitigation to acceptable levels apron. Or trailer heater, cooking units, or pilot lights your body PEDs on the metal plates is...

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