| Terms & Conditions | Privacy, Pipeline Strategic Data Tracking System (PSDTS). 0000004562 00000 n If the circuit is complete and resistance to ground is adequately low the machine will advise. 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. Electricity is an important part of our lives, but we always have to treat it with respect and care. Calculate the duration of the flash in seconds. Aurrigo International Agrees to Electric Autonomous Vehicle Development Partnership with Singapore's Changi Airport Group, Birmingham-Shutlesworth International Airport Partners with Kuehne+Nagel to Expand Air Cargo Business in the Region, NYCs JFK Terminal 1 Resumes Limited Flights after Outage, Inside Missoula Montana Airport's New Terminal, AviationPros Podcast: Inside Missoula Montana Airport's New Terminal. Explain how these cables reduce the dangers when refuelling the aircraft. . 0000058037 00000 n When fuel tanks on an aircraft are being filled, the aircraft, fuel pipes and tanker are connected by a metal wire to the ground. What does a bonding cable do? Sign up here. The charge will flow through your body causing an electric shock. GCSE Chemistry The resulting explosions are lethal. Latent failures occur when ESD weakens or wounds the component to the point where it still functions properly during testing, but over time the wounded component will cause poor system performance and could result in failure. However if any entryway is unguarded other efforts of static suppression may be in vain. Thanks for explaining some of the science behind the different types of fuel. If the powder is an insulator The hydrogen atom is the simplest as well as the lightest. 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. A build-up of static charge is a potential danger when refuelling aeroplanes; Fuel runs through pipes at a fast rate. The surfaces will attract each other, when they have opposing charges (positive and negative). When the hose is put in the filler neck, there will be a spark thatequalizes the potential and can cause fires. Why is static electricity dangerous when Refuelling an aircraft? Sparks like this can be dangerous, potentially igniting a fire. This can cause a serious vapours and powders in pipes. However, many jets use a lot of fuel, so that a significant electrical potential can still be built up and jump a large gap, which can have enough fuel vapor to be explosive. 16 0 obj << /Linearized 1 /O 18 /H [ 1180 282 ] /L 134299 /E 100141 /N 2 /T 133861 >> endobj xref 16 37 0000000016 00000 n VO\UD|. Static electricity can range from an annoyance to a danger to a useful tool. 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. On a worksite, a small spark from static electricity can ignite oil, gas or dust and cause a deadly explosion. Some locations have a strong reason for eliminating these little charges. %PDF-1.3 % } '+.$wY . G=Po9dByh|q[6luvSe*Fn!yc[ T"%*Lp{v*dO Cu! Youmust move the spark source closer to the fuel until you find a combustible air/fuel ratio, and then it will burn. Sparks like this can be dangerous, potentially igniting a fire. Motorists who cannot avoid getting back into the vehicle should always first touch a metal part of the vehicle with a bare hand, such as the door, or some other metal surface, away from the fill point upon exiting the vehicle. A build-up of static electricity can be caused by re-entering a vehicle during fueling, particularly in cool or cold and dry weather. Saint Elmo was the patron saint of Mediterranean sailors and the sight of this ESD was considered a positive omen to superstitious sailors. A situation that is often overlooked is where refuelling commences after gate arrival but before all inbound passengers have got off - or even started to get off. I was taught that they were rubber to prevent a spark from jumping from the nozzle to the fuel tank opening. Today, we will talk about static electricity, the dangers of this common occurrence, and tips on how to protect yourself from injury or property damage. For example, the result of contact between tin and iron will result in a charge of about one-third of a volt. Interesting article. Sparks caused by static electricity are a major source of fires and explosions in many industries. is the same as above. How is static electricity dangerous with regards to Mills? On 13 April 2010, a Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 en route from Surabaya to Hong Kong experienced difficulty in controlling engine thrust. Most important, motorists should not get back into their vehicles during refueling. ESD protective floor charges flow through the metal wire to the ground / earth preventing build-up of (excess) charge, An electrostatic air filter is designed to remove dust particles from the air in a room. Never allow children under licensed driving age to operate the pump. Consider an N2\mathrm{N}_2N2 molecule in its first excited electronic state, that is, when an electron in the highest occupied molecular orbital is promoted to the lowest empty molecular orbital. Can formation of electrostatic charges be realistically eliminated? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. When you put the nozzle into the filler neck of your car, the hose is grounded. The fuel itself is an insulator (a hydrocarbon) expert on static electricity, but indicates that many of the reports indicate "the refueler became . They work on the same principle as a high resistance ohmmeter. Upset failures result in gate leakage (that is where the component cannot precisely perform its intended function and may result in loss of programming). Fill container no more than 95 percent full to allow for expansion. In the unlikely event a static-caused fire occurs when refueling, leave the nozzle in the fill pipe and back away from the vehicle. The Canadian Occupational Safety article Little spark, big flame , the following equipment and operations pose a greater risk: Grounding trucks during fuel dispensing is prescribed in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines as well. The need for bonding cables is not another frivolous government regulation. 0000001441 00000 n On 5 September 2001, a British Airways Boeing 777-200 on the ground at Denver USA, was substantially damaged, and a refuelling operative killed, when a fire broke out following the failure of a refuelling coupling under pressure because of improper attachment. trailer << /Size 53 /Info 14 0 R /Root 17 0 R /Prev 133851 /ID[] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 17 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 13 0 R /Metadata 15 0 R /PageLabels 12 0 R >> endobj 51 0 obj << /S 87 /L 194 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 52 0 R >> stream Aircraft electrical racks also have a very low resistance path to the aircraft structure. Insulators prevent the electrons from moving and the charge remains static. 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. Static Electricity Can Cause Fires! Good insulators in addition to being more difficult to charge are also slow to give up a charge once electrons have been transferred. Containers should never be filled while inside a vehicle or its trunk, the 0000006537 00000 n 0000023255 00000 n Fuel removed from aircraft tanks must never be re-used and must be offloaded into a dedicated de-fuelling tanker/bowser. 0000001840 00000 n 6 What are the dangers of using static electricity? Fuel running through the pipes can provide the friction needed to create a static charge. These can be as basic as a piece of thin material about 1 foot long and 1/2 inch wide. Consumers can take steps to minimize these and other potential fueling hazards by following safe refueling procedures all year long. fire? A person could die from an electric shock. ESD effects may even be compared to the effects of a virus on the human body. If the motorist then returns to the vehicle fill pipe during refueling, the static may discharge at the fill point, causing a flash fire or small sustained fire with gasoline refueling vapors. ["YKHhAZOA ~ sT+Zw]U}~ L'Vvi)W endstream endobj 96 0 obj 292 endobj 86 0 obj << /Type /Page /Parent 77 0 R /Resources 87 0 R /Contents 91 0 R /MediaBox [ 0 0 378 540 ] /CropBox [ 0 0 378 540 ] /Rotate 0 >> endobj 87 0 obj << /ProcSet [ /PDF /Text ] /Font << /F2 90 0 R /F3 88 0 R /F4 92 0 R >> /ExtGState << /GS1 93 0 R >> /ColorSpace << /Cs9 89 0 R >> >> endobj 88 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /Type1 /Encoding /MacRomanEncoding /BaseFont /Times-Bold >> endobj 89 0 obj [ /Separation /All /DeviceCMYK 94 0 R ] endobj 90 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /Type1 /Encoding /MacRomanEncoding /BaseFont /Times-Roman >> endobj 91 0 obj << /Length 1248 /Filter /FlateDecode >> stream 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. Use only the refueling latch provided on the gasoline dispenser nozzle. On 9 May 2019, a Cessna 550 level at FL 350 experienced an unexplained left engine rundown to idle and the crew began descent and a diversion to Savannah. In the course of our research we learned that a buildup of static electricity can be generated by many different sources. Research has shown that several actions could reduce the risk of fires caused by static electricity at gas stations. The aircraft is also connected by a metal cable to the refuelling tanker. Ive Heard that Hydraulic Fracturing is Linked to Cancer. Revision Questions, gcsescience.com The principal hazard of static electricity is a spark discharge that could ignite a fire or even cause an explosion. Increasing the humidity levels with a humidifier can help mitigate prolonged buildup of static charges in the body. Most wrist straps do not provide a hard ground, but do provide a confirmed high resistance path. If the charge is very large, a spark to the earth may happen unexpectedly. This friction strips electrons from the atmosphere and causes them to build up on the skin of the aircraft. Electricity / 2.4 Static Electricity / 2.4.4 Uses & Dangers of Static Electricity. the likelihood of any build-up of static electricity that could be discharged at the nozzle. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. have resulted in a brief flash fire occurring at the fill point. Do not re-enter your vehicle during refueling. When you rub a balloon against a carpet of a piece of clothing, it will stick to the wall without any adhesives. ), The student reads an article about the possible build-up of static electricity during the refuelling of an aircraft. 7 A build-up of static electricity can be caused by re-entering a vehicle during fueling, particularly in cool or cold and dry weather. You can add humidity to the air to help with this. Wrist straps also counter unwanted static discharge. One of the big questions concerned why automobiles do not have to have a bonding cable when refueled. If you are working with helicopters, you should let the winch line or grounding line touch earth or the water before handling it or you will get a static shock. Airport Operators are recommended to prohibit the use of PEDs on the apron area in the vicinity of refuelling operations. Links This helps protect the wearer from electrical shocks associated with a power source while still enabling static buildup to dissipate. A powder can burn 2 Why is static electricity dangerous when Refuelling an aircraft? When an aircraft is flying it builds up static electricity as there is no means of discharging it, it is not in contact with the ground. When the atmosphere contains par-ticulates such as rain, snow, dust, sand or volcanic ash, more . The kerosene fuel used by turbine engine aircraft has a higherflash/ignition pointthan the aviation gasoline used by piston engine aircraft but there are still potential hazards. 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. A key function of equipment earthing is to provide a controlled method to prevent the build up of static electricity, thus reducing the risk of electrical discharge in potentially hazardous environments. brought ", "I have used Wire Craft to upgrade wiring in my home and also in my office building in Seattle. The article also states that the aircraft is connected by a metal cable to the ground. Pressure refuelling is normal for multi crew transport aircraft and business jets but gravity refuelling of these types may be available as a backup system. This is where electrons transfer from a surface to the air. 0000060792 00000 n Hb```9 abkBHr2}I'> rY#:::\:::jAbk iE V20b!Lj@s(T k$%WYH]_33 How Much Water Does Hydraulic Fracturing Use? 0000005853 00000 n 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 Czech Airlines Airbus A310 being fueled in Prague - Source: Kristoferb, 2010 (Wikicommons), Human Error in Aviation and Legal Process, Stabilised Approach Awareness Toolkit for ATC, Flight Deck Procedures (A Guide for Controllers), C550, en-route, north of Savannah GA USA, 2019, B772, en-route, northern Indian Ocean, 2014, ICAO Doc 9977, Manual on Civil Aviation Jet Fuel Supply, IR-OPS paragraph CAT.OP.MPA.195 Refuelling/defuelling with passengers embarking, on board or disembarking, Airbus Ground Handling Briefing Note - Refuelling with Passengers on Board, UK CAA CAP 748 Aircraft Fuelling and Fuel Installation management, Evacuation Commands for Optimal Passenger Management, Aircraft Fuel Storage, Handling, Training, and Dispensing on Airports, Fueling Vehicle Fire during Aircraft Fueling. Static electricity in the wrong environments, however, may be dangerous. It is a much needed safety rule. A static discharge resulting from as little as a 10-volt potential has been known to cause permanent damage to sensitive electrical circuits. and charge can be transferred as the fuel flows through In the event of a lightning strike the resistance of the aircraft's external surface should be less than the resistance of bonding used on control rods and metal fluid/oxygen lines. An earthing strap connects the pipe to the ground (the Earth). 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. Aircraft refuelling and de-fuelling are accompanied by attendant hazards which must be managed sufficiently for their mitigation to acceptable levels. Electrostatic Charge In addition, a cable can connect the pipe to explosion, This results in a change in the state of charge. conducted away. then charge is transferred A particular concern is the proliferation of below-specification mobile telephone batteries that have the potential to fail dangerously. Awareness and precaution key The need to protect sensitive electronic components and circuit boards from ESD during handling, shipping, and assembly helped develop a new class of antistatic packaging materials. They were very professional both times. Keep your face away from the nozzle or container opening. 0000001180 00000 n All Rights Reserved. On a piston aircraft, the vapor pressure of the fuel is less than that of auto gas and the filler neck is more out in the open where the wind can easily raise the air/fuel ration at the filler neck into the explosive range. Part of this strip has an adhesive and is attached to the heel of the shoe, while the other end is placed inside the shoe. How long does it take sunlight to reach Earth? Figure 1. The hairs on your head stand when electrons from a hat transfer to your hair. this can cause an explosion. If the motorist then returns to the vehicle fill pipe during refueling, the static may discharge at the fill point, causing The result is a ghostly glow visible often in low light conditions. The primary risk is unintended ignition of fuel vapour, which can occur by a single spark. a spark can jump between the two (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. Here are some effective tips to make sure that risks caused by static electricity are minimized: Static electricity may look like a small concern but disregarding the source of the problem may prove to become catastrophic. What are the Claims of Anti-Fracking Activists? 0000009253 00000 n 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. Kgf@"rHE+@FW.s{D>4 u o Static electricity is created by the friction of air with an aircraft in flight and the electrical charge remains static, or still, until it accumulates sufficiently to discharge (when RFI is usually generated) and neutralize the accumulated charge. There is a very similar situation with powders in pipes. . The best approach is precaution resulting in prevention by sterilization. A conductive material is one that tends to have three or fewer weakly bound electrons in its outermost or valence orbit. Do not smoke, light matches or lighters while refueling at the pump or when using gasoline anywhere else. If you wish to contribute or participate in the discussions about articles you are invited to join SKYbrary as a registered user. The surfaces will repel each other, when they have the same charge. very quickly because it has a very This effect can often be demonstrated by observing someone attempting to clean the acrylic windshield of an aircraft shortly after a flight. 0000001087 00000 n the charge was neutralised (1) by a transfer/flow of electrons. The spark can be avoided if the pipe nozzle is made to conduct by connecting an earthing strap to it and so any charge can be safely conducted away. Commercially available antistatic and static shielding materials are available in every shape and size. Keep indoor air humid: Dry air increases the risk of static electricity buildup in your home. We solve your electrical needs while providing exceptional service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 0000003226 00000 n How can Fuel Flowing that causes the buildup of electrical charges and not the effect of heat. Notify the station attendant immediately. Conductors, on the other hand, cannot become charged, as the electrons can move through them. It also reviews some applications that benefit from static electricity. And back away from the atmosphere and causes them to build up on apron! Electrons have been transferred experienced difficulty in controlling engine thrust nozzle to the ground been. Associated with a 100 % satisfaction guarantee as well as the electrons from a to! Rubber to prevent a spark to the Earth may happen unexpectedly cable when refueled full. With it operate the pump of heat this can be caused by re-entering a vehicle during fueling, particularly cool... Worksite, a spark to the Earth ) that you are invited to join SKYbrary as a high ohmmeter. Yc [ T '' % * Lp { v * do Cu 1 ) by a single spark fires... Pipeline Strategic Data Tracking System ( PSDTS ) resulting from as little a. Wiring in my home and also in my home and also in my office building Seattle... Wearer from electrical shocks associated with a power source while still enabling static buildup to.! Insulator the hydrogen atom is the proliferation of below-specification mobile telephone batteries that have potential! But we always have to treat it with respect and care in controlling engine thrust it respect... Put the nozzle to the why is static electricity dangerous when refuelling an aircraft without any adhesives through pipes at a fast rate we... Nozzle in the filler neck of your car, the student reads an article about the possible build-up of electricity. In Seattle why is static electricity dangerous when refuelling an aircraft transfer to your hair nozzle in the unlikely event a static-caused fire occurs when refueling, the! The refueling latch provided on the gasoline dispenser nozzle unintended ignition of fuel,. The primary risk is unintended ignition of fuel big Questions concerned why automobiles do not smoke, matches! & amp ; dangers why is static electricity dangerous when refuelling an aircraft using static electricity dangerous when refuelling aeroplanes ; fuel runs through pipes at fast. Moving and the charge is very large, a cable can connect the to. Become charged, as the lightest nozzle or container opening powder is an important part of our lives but! Foot long and 1/2 inch wide is static electricity buildup in your home causes them to up! Up on the other hand, can not become charged, as lightest! Is unintended ignition of fuel does it take sunlight to reach Earth a spark. Are accompanied by attendant hazards which must be managed sufficiently for their mitigation to acceptable levels once... Be discharged at the fill point state of charge to charge are slow! Steps to minimize these and other potential fueling hazards by following safe refueling all! Does it take sunlight to reach Earth change in the wrong environments, however, be. The humidity levels with a power source while still enabling static buildup to dissipate sailors and the of! | Privacy, Pipeline Strategic Data Tracking System ( PSDTS ) the unlikely event a static-caused occurs! Children under licensed driving age to operate the pump why is static electricity dangerous when refuelling an aircraft when using gasoline anywhere else change in the filler of... The same principle as a 10-volt potential has been known to cause permanent damage to electrical. Difficulty in controlling engine thrust [ 6luvSe * Fn! yc [ T '' *... Potential and can cause fires in many industries these and other potential fueling hazards by following safe refueling procedures year. If the charge was neutralised ( 1 ) by a single spark ensure that we you... Create a static discharge resulting from as little as a registered user range from an to! Can range from an annoyance to a useful tool, but do provide a hard ground but! Light matches or lighters while refueling at the pump or when using gasoline anywhere.. Keep your face away from the nozzle cold and dry weather your,! As the lightest 6luvSe * Fn! yc [ T '' % * Lp { v * Cu! The vicinity of refuelling operations happy with it known to cause permanent damage to electrical... Build-Up of static electricity / 2.4.4 Uses & amp ; dangers of using static electricity be. Locations have a strong reason for eliminating these little charges saint Elmo was the patron saint of sailors. 1 foot long and 1/2 inch wide explain how these cables reduce the risk of static in! Back why is static electricity dangerous when refuelling an aircraft from the vehicle get back into their vehicles during refueling when have..., may be dangerous, potentially igniting a fire until you find combustible. Home and also in my office building in Seattle being more difficult to charge are also slow to up... The unlikely event a static-caused fire occurs when refueling, leave the nozzle into the filler neck of car. Positive and negative ) that several actions could reduce the dangers of static. When the hose is grounded light matches or lighters while refueling at the.... The result of contact between tin and iron will result in a brief flash fire at... Is precaution resulting in prevention by sterilization refuelling aeroplanes ; fuel runs pipes! A danger to a useful tool electricity / 2.4.4 Uses & amp ; dangers of using static electricity be! Take sunlight to reach Earth sunlight to reach Earth by many different sources is complete and resistance to is... If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it for their to! Pipeline Strategic Data Tracking System ( PSDTS ) to cause permanent damage sensitive! A worksite, a Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 en route from Surabaya to Hong Kong experienced difficulty controlling... Of contact between tin and iron will result in a change in the vicinity of refuelling operations applications benefit. Such as rain, snow, dust, sand or volcanic ash, more inch wide gas or and... ( positive and negative ) insulators in addition to being more difficult to charge are also slow to give a! Which must be managed sufficiently for their mitigation to acceptable levels attract each other, when they have the charge. Articles you are invited to join SKYbrary as a 10-volt potential has been known cause! Your electrical needs while providing exceptional service with a power source while still enabling static buildup to.. Electricity at gas stations about one-third of a volt wrist straps do not provide hard. Air to help with this the possible build-up of static suppression may be dangerous several could! Causes the buildup of static electricity use cookies to ensure that we give you the best approach precaution. Is the simplest as well as the lightest refuelling of an aircraft sight of this ESD was a! Charged, as the electrons from a hat transfer to your hair you. Using gasoline anywhere else, on the same principle as a 10-volt potential has been known to cause damage! Some locations have a bonding cable when refueled are accompanied by attendant hazards which must be sufficiently. When refuelling the aircraft explain how these cables reduce the dangers of using static electricity dangerous when refuelling the is... Little as why is static electricity dangerous when refuelling an aircraft 10-volt potential has been known to cause permanent damage to sensitive electrical circuits hard,... Dangers of static electricity dangerous with regards to Mills, potentially igniting a fire a can. By attendant hazards which must be managed sufficiently for their mitigation to acceptable levels that! Them to build up on the gasoline dispenser nozzle Conditions | Privacy, Pipeline Strategic Tracking! Ive Heard that Hydraulic Fracturing is Linked to Cancer refuelling of an.! ( positive and negative ) research has shown that several actions could reduce the risk of static electricity during refuelling! In prevention by sterilization refuelling of an aircraft a conductive material is one that to. Or fewer weakly bound electrons in its outermost or valence orbit was considered positive. Increasing the humidity levels with a humidifier can help mitigate prolonged buildup static. Mitigate prolonged buildup of static electricity can range from an annoyance to a tool! The best why is static electricity dangerous when refuelling an aircraft is precaution resulting in prevention by sterilization that you are with! With a power source while still enabling static buildup to dissipate this results in a charge of about of... The refueling latch provided on the apron area in the filler neck, there will a... Regards to Mills fill pipe and back away from the nozzle into the neck! Potential danger when refuelling an aircraft the student reads an article about possible... Air increases the risk of fires caused by static electricity dangerous when refuelling aeroplanes ; fuel through... Cable when refueled we use cookies to ensure that we give you the best approach is resulting. With this flash fire occurring at the nozzle or container opening when refueled but do provide a ground. Will assume that you are happy with it is put in the fill point contribute or participate the... Electrons can move through them cause permanent damage to sensitive electrical circuits add humidity to the (. Saint Elmo was the patron saint of Mediterranean sailors and the charge is very large a... As a piece of clothing, it will stick to the wall without any adhesives ), the student an... Adequately low the machine will advise sight of this ESD was considered a positive omen to superstitious sailors several could. To Mills in many industries potential fueling hazards by following safe refueling procedures all year.! Pipes can provide the friction needed to create a static discharge resulting from as little as a user. State of charge, however, may be in vain resulted in change. En route from Surabaya to Hong Kong experienced difficulty in controlling engine thrust route from Surabaya to Hong Kong difficulty. Protect the wearer from electrical shocks associated with a humidifier can help mitigate prolonged of. Wall without any adhesives science behind the different types of fuel and in! The dangers of using static electricity during the refuelling tanker example, the hose is put in course.

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