Electrostatic Charging of Fuels during the Filling of Tank Cars.

This paper describes the work done within the framework of a DGMK research project on the electrostatic charging of liquid fuels during the filling of tank cars. In addition to model calculations for space charge clouds in flowing media and considerations, the effective conductivity of charged fuels, the filling tests were mainly concerned with the assessment of the l ignition hazard dependent upon filling conditions. Further, ring tests were done to determine the electrical rest conductivity of stationary petroleum products. An overall picture ofthe accidents caused by the electrostatic charge buildup during loading is also given. Limits on filling rates during the loading of tank cars were established, based on both experimental and theoretical considerations.