The reason is very simple, when the tanker truck carrying gasoline or oil moves, these substances often come into contact with the dry air inside the tank. On the other hand, this air area rubs against the tank wall, so it is very easy to get electrified.
Combining these two conditions will easily cause fire and explosion due to static electricity, which is a common phenomenon in life when there is an imbalance of electric charges on the surface of a material.
These charges will be retained on that surface until they can be transferred to another place through electric transmission or even discharge with electric sparks that we can observe with the naked eye.
Therefore, using a chain (with a high conductivity coefficient) will help solve the problem of static electricity by quickly converting these ‘static’ charges into electric current and transmitting them to the ground through the conductor, which is the chain, to neutralize the electricity, thereby avoiding fire and explosion.
Not only is there a risk of static electricity when moving, people also have to deal with this problem when filling the tank with gasoline or vice versa. There are specialized devices such as the RTR – Road Tanker Grounding (Earthing) system used to neutralize electricity.
The reasons for the heightened risk of fire and explosion during the transportation and handling of flammable substances, such as gasoline or oil, can be understood quite easily. When a tanker truck carrying these volatile liquids is on the move, it generates a complex interaction between the contents of the tank and the environment within it. As the truck traverses the road, the liquid inside sloshes around and frequently comes into contact with the dry air that fills the space above it. This interaction of liquid and dry air can lead to the accumulation of static electricity due to friction.
Furthermore, the air within the tank area is not just a passive component; it actively participates in the electrostatic phenomena by rubbing against the tank walls. This friction creates an environment where electric charges can build up and become imbalanced. When there is an uneven distribution of electric charges on the surfaces of materials, it may result in static electricity. This situation can easily become dangerous because the charges can remain on the surfaces until they find a point of discharge, which can occur in the form of electric sparks that manifest as visible flashes to the naked eye.
The combination of these factors results in a scenario where the risk of fire and explosion is significantly increased. Static electricity is not just an inconvenience; it represents a serious threat in situations where flammable substances are present. To mitigate this danger, using conductive materials becomes essential. For example, deploying a chain that possesses a high conductivity coefficient can effectively neutralize the accrued static electricity. As the chain facilitates the transfer of these static charges, it transforms them into an electric current. The current is then directed to the ground through the chain, effectively neutralizing the electric charges and, in doing so, reducing the risk of fire or explosion.
It is important to note that the peril of static electricity isn’t confined to when the tanker is in motion. This danger also arises during the process of filling the tank with gasoline or when emptying it, as the same principles apply. During these operations, the same friction and airflow dynamics can create similar electrostatic conditions that pose a threat. To address these risks, specialized devices have been implemented in the industry, one of which is the RTR – Road Tanker Grounding (Earthing) system. This system is designed specifically to neutralize dangerous static electricity buildup. By grounding the tanker, the system connects it to the earth, allowing any static charge that accumulates to dissipate safely, thus providing a robust safety measure against the risks associated with flammable liquids. By employing such strategies and technology, the transportation and handling of gasoline and oil can proceed with a significantly reduced risk of catastrophic incidents, safeguarding both personnel and property.
