ASTM D4865 Generation and Dissipation of Static Electricity in Petroleum Fuel Systems
9. Reports of Electrostatic Ignitions
9.1 The mechanisms for electrostatic ignitions in petroleum fuel systems can be very different. The amount and type of information reported is critical for the proper analysis of an ignition. In all cases, a brief description of the ignition is required and should strive to include the following minimum information:
9.1.1 Location and date,
9.1.2 Damage and injuries,
9.1.3 Weather conditions,
9.1.4 Types of petroleum product involved,
9.1.5 Nature of operation (truck loading, filling filter vessel, sampling, or gaging),
9.1.6 Possible sources of flammable atmosphere (low flash point, switch loading, mists, or sprays),
9.1.7 Possible sources of accumulating charge (low conductivity fuel, insulated conductors),
9.1.8 Possible sources of charge generation (flow rates, filtration in place, amount of relaxation time),
9.1.9 Method of liquid entry into vessel (top or bottom loading, nature of pipe end), and
9.1.10 Involvement of bonding or grounding.
9.2 The American Petroleum Institute (API) maintains a file on electrostatic ignitions. They have developed a questionnaire to yield a uniform report of conditions existing at the time of an ignition. This questionnaire is published as Appendix C of Ref (1) or may be obtained directly from API. This information permits an analysis of the conditions leading to electrostatic ignitions.
9.3 ASTM Subcommittee D02.J0 on Aviation Fuels has direct responsibility for this guide. Reports on electrostatic ignitions are called for and reviewed at all D02.J0.04 meetings. Electrostatic ignitions involving any petroleum product may be reported to D02.J0.04. This information provides learning and may lead to revisions of this guide.
10. Keywords
10.1 aviation fuels; distillate fuels; electrical conductivity; electrostatic charging; electrostatic hazards; loading; safety; sparking; static electricity
