OISD-110

OISD - 110
(Rev.1)
FOR RESTRICTED
CIRCULATION

RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
ON
STATIC ELECTRICITY

OISD - RECOMMENDED PRACTICE - 110

First Edition, August 1990

Revision 1, August, 1999

Oil Industry Safety Directorate

Government of India
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas

Comment

OISD-RP-110
First Edition
August 1990
Revision 1, August, 1999
FOR RESTRICTED
CIRCULATION

RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
ON
STATIC ELECTRICITY

Prepared by

FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEE ON
PROCESS DESIGN & OPERATING PHILOSOPHIES

OIL INDUSTRY SAFETY DIRECTORATE

2ND FLOOR, KAILASH
26, KASTURBA GANDHI MARG
NEW DELHI - 110 001.

NOTE

OIL INDUSTRY SAFETY DIRECTORATE publications are

prepared for use in the Oil and gas industry under Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas. These are the property of Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas and shall not be reproduced or
copied and loaned or exhibited to others without written consent
from OISD.
Though every effort has been made to assure the accuracy and
reliability of data contained in these documents, OISD hereby
expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or
damage resulting from their use.
These documents are intended only to supplement and not
replace the prevailing statutory requirements.

Note 1

in superscript indicates the changes / modifications / additions as

approved in 17th Safety Council Meeting held in July, 1999.

II

OISD-110

FOREWORD
The Oil Industry in India is 100 years old. As such variety of
practices have been in vogue because of collaboration / association
with different foreign companies and governments. Standardisation
in design philosophies and operating and maintenance practices at a
national level was hardly in existence. This, coupled with feed back
from some serious accidents that occurred in the recent past in India
and abroad, emphasized the need for the industry to review the
existing state of art in designing, operating and maintaining oil and
gas installations.
With this in view, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, in
1986, constituted a Safety Council assisted by Oil Industry Safety
Directorate (OISD), staffed from within the industry, in formulating
and implementing a series of self regulatory measures aimed at
removing obsolescence, standardising and upgrading the existing
standards to ensure safe operations. Accordingly, OISD constituted
a number of Functional Committees of experts nominated from the
industry to draw up standards and guidelines on various subjects.
The present document on Recommended practices on Static
Electricity was prepared by the functional committee on Process
Design and Operating Philosophies. While some of the installations
do not have a Work Permit System, a wide variety of practices exist
even among those who practice the Work Permit System. This
document is based on the accumulated knowledge and experience
of Industry members and the various national and international
codes and practices. It is hoped that provisions of this standard if
implemented objectively, may go a long way to improve the safety
and reduce accidents in Oil and Gas Industry.
Suggestions are invited from the users for futher improve-ment
after it is put into practice. Suggesstions for amendments to this
standard should be addressed to
The Co-ordinator,
Committee on Process Design and Operating Philosopies,
Oil Industry Safety Directorate,
2nd Floor, Kailash
26, Kasturba Gandhi Marg
New Delhi-110 001.
This document in no way supersedes the statutory regulations of
CCE, Factory inspectorate or any other statutory body, which shall
be followed as applicable.

III

FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEE
ON
PROCESS DESIGN AND OPERATING PHILOSOPIES
LIST OF MEMBERS

Name

Designation / Organisation

Status

S/Shri
W.D. Lande

DGM (TECH), HPCL,

Visakh Refinery

Member Leader

G. Raghunathan

Chief Manager (Process)

HPCL Visakh Refinery

Member

B.K. Sedani

DGM (Elect.)
ONGC Bombay

Member

N.N. Gogoi

DGM (LPG,
OIL, Duliajan

Member
till Oct.87

Shri. A. Sinha

Dy. Planning Manager

(B&MIS), OIL Duliajan

Member

S.V. Puthil

Chief Instl.Manager
HPCL (Mkt). Bombay

Member till
Jan.89

A.M. Pradhan

Sr.Mgr (Safety & Insp.)

HPCL, Bombay

Member

S.V. Save

DGM (West Coast Refin)

HPCL, Bomaby Refinery

Member

M.A. Sreekumar

Chief Mgr.(TECH)
CRL, Cochin

Member

A. Varadarajan

Chief Mgr. (Proc. Devel.)

MRL, Madras

Member

B.K. Trehan

Addtl. Director ,
OISD, New Delhi

Member
Till Jan. 89

D.K. Sen

Additional Director
OISD New Delhi

Member
Coordinator

In addition to the above several experts from industry contributed in the preparation, review and finalisation of the
document.

IV

OISD-110

LIST OF PRESENT MEMBERS

1.

Shri. W.D. Lande, GM (Proj.)

Member - Leader,
OISD Functional Committee
Hindustan Petroleum Corporate Ltd.,
Visakh Refinery, Post Box No.15,
VISAKHAPATNAM 530 001.

6.

Shri. S.V. Save, DGM

(West Coast Refinery),
Member-OISD Functional Committe
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.,
Petroleum House,
17, Jamshedji Tata Road,
BOMBAY - 400 020.

2.

Shri. G. Raghunathan, Chief Manager (Process)

Member - OISD Functional Committee
Hindustan Petroleum Corporate Ltd.,
Visakh Refinery, Post Box No.15,
VISAKHAPATNAM - 530 001.

7.

Shri. M.A. Sreekumar, Chief Mgr.(Tech.)

Member-OISD Functional Committee
Cochin Refineryes Ltd.
Post Bag No.2,
Ambalamugal-682 302.

3.

Shri. B.K. Sedani, GM (Elect.)

Member-OISD Functional Committee
ONGC, Marine Survey, 12th Floor,
Express Tower, Nariman Point,
BOMBAY - 400 021.

8.

Shri.A. Varadarajan, Chief Mgr (Proc.Devlt.)

Member-OISD Functional Committee
Madras Refineries Ltd,
480 Anna Salai,
MADRAS - 600 035.

4.

Shri.A. Sinha, Dy.Plannin g Manager (B & MIS)

Member-OISD Functional Committee
Oil Indial Limited,
DULIAJAN-786 602
ASSAM

9.

Shri.D.K. Sen, Addl.Director

Member-Coordinator
OISD Functional Committee,
Oil Industry Safety Directorate,
409, New Delhi House,
27, Barakhamba Road,
NEW DELHI-110 001.

5.

Shri A.M. Pradhan, Sr. Mgr (Safety & Insp.)

Member-OISD Functional Committee
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.,
Safety & Inspection Training Centre,
3/4, S.V. Road & Turner Road Junction,
Bandra, BOMBAY - 400 050.

OISD-110

OISD-110

RECOMMENDED PRACTICES ON STATIC ELECTRICITY

CONTENTS.
SECTION
1.0

Introduction

1.1

Scope

2.0

Background on Static Electricity

2.1

What is Static Electricity

2.2

Conductivity

2.3

Relaxation Time

3.0

Theory of Static Electricity

3.1

Generation

3.1.1

Generation due to fluid flow

3.1.2

Generation due to settling

3.2

Rate of Generation

3.3

Accumulation

3.4

Conductivity

3.5

Static Discharge

3.6

Sparks and Arcs

3.7

Sparking Potential

3.8

Ignition Energy

4.0

Common Sources of Static Electricity

5.0

Guidelines for Control of Static Electricity

5.1

General

5.2

Spraying, Splashing & Misting

5.3

Agitation and Mixing

5.4

Water

5.5

Flow Velocity

5.5.1

In Tanks

5.5.2

In Pipes

5.6

Filters

5.7

Gauging and Sampling

5.8

Insulated Conductive Objects

5.9

Projections and probes

5.10

Bonding

OISD-110
CONTENTS (Continued)
5.11

Grounding

5.12

Use of Additives

5.13

Internal Coatins

6.0

Specific Guidelines for Control of Static Electricity

6.1

Storage Tanks

6.1.1

General

6.1.2

Sampling of Products

6.2

Tank Trucks, Tank Cars, Fuders

6.2.1

Loading/Unloading Operations in Tank Wagon Gantries

6.2.2

Loading/Unloading Operations in Tanktruck Gantries

6.3

Small Containers (Drums, Cans)

6.4

Leaky LPG Cylinders

6.5

Tank Cleaning

6.6

Synthetic Fiber Cords

6.7

Belt

6.8

Wearing Apparel

6.9

Sand or Shot Blasting

7.0

Effective Bonding/Earthing Systems :

7.1

For Tankwagon Loading/Unloading Gantry

7.2

Tanktruck loading and unloading Gantry

7.3

Barge/Tanker Jetty Operations

7.4

Pipelines/Pumps

7.5

Storage Tanks

7.6

Sampling/Gauging

7.7

Filling small Containers

8.0

Classification of Products

8.1

Non-accumulators

8.2

Accumulators

8.3

Low Vapour-Pressure Products

8.4

Intermediate Vapour-Pressure Products

8.5

High Vapour-Pressure Products

9.0

References
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D

OISD-110

RECOMMENDED PRACTICES ON STATIC ELECTRICITY

1.0

Appendix : A). Now, assume a charged

insulated conductor is brought close to a
second insulated conductor. Like charges
are induced on the opposite end of the
second conductor. Unlike charges are
induced on the near end of the second
conductor, bound to the original charges.

INTRODUCTION
It is not possible always in a plant to prevent
the formation of explosive mixutre, so a
possible source of ignition must be exclude
from these areas. Sparks and arcs which
result form switches, starters, relays &
similar devices have been rendered
harmless by explosion-proof installations.
However, there exists an ever present fire
hazard in the processing industries from
ignition with may arise from static sparks.

1.1

If, the opposite end of the second conductor

is momentarily grounded, the like charge
disappears but the bound unlike charge
remains. Then, if the original charge
conductor is removed, the second conductor
retains the unlike charge which is no longer
bound. There is a voltage between the
second conductor and ground.

SCOPE
The purpose of this document is to assist in
reducing fire hazard of static electricity by
presenting a discussion of the nature and
origin of static charges, the general methods
of mitigation and recommendations in certain
specific operations for its dissipation. The
application
is
limited
to
petroleum
production,
refining
and
marketing
installations.

2.0

BACKGROUND ON STATIC
ELECTRICITY

2.1

WHAT IS STATIC ELECTRICITY ?

Poor conductors behave similarly, but when

the charge is in the body of the conductor,
more time is required for the transfer. This is
important in liquid hydrocarbons because the
charge must move out of the liquids body to
the surface before it can transfer to the
inside of the container.
2.3

Relaxation time is a measure of the time it

takes charge to leak away form a charged
liquid when the liquid fills a metal container
connected to ground. The time varies with
the product. it is actually the time in seconds
to remove 63 percent of the charge.

Static Electricity is a phenomenon of electrification of materials through physical contact

and separation and the various effects that
result from the positive and negative charges
so formed. In general, static electricity
results form removal of electrons from the
atoms of one material (leaving it with positive
charge) and absorption of these electrons on
the second material (negative charge) during
physical separation of the two materials.

Zero charge is only approached (but not

reached) in four or five times the relaxation
time, (tau). is approximately equal to 18
divided by the conductivity of the liquid
hydrocarbon in picomhos pr meter..
For example, if a product has a conductivity
of 1 picomho per meter, is 18 seconds.
Thus no charge will be approached in 90
seconds. If the conductivity were raised to
100 picomhos per meter, would be only
0.2 second. So practically zero charge
condition would remain after 1 second.

Both materials remain charged if they are

well insulated electrically. The generation of
static electricity cannot be prevented absolutely, because its intrinsic origins are present
at every interface.
2.2

RELAXATION TIME

CONDUCTIVITY
A charge on one body can induce a charge
on a second body that is brought near it (See
1

3.0

THEORY OF STATIC ELECTRICITY

3.1

GENERATION

OISD-110

container or tank, an equal but opposite

charge will be induced on the inside
surfaces of the tank, Also, a charge of the
same sign as the incoming stream will be
induced on the outside of the tank. These
induced charges arise from charge
separation within the tank wall following
exposure to the electrostatic field created
by the incoming charged liquid stream.

Generation of electric charge, usually occurs

whenever a liquid, for instance a hydrocarbon, flow past a solid or another liquid. The
degree of charge generation in the case of
oil products is determined not solely by the
nature of such liquids or solids but also by
the type and concentration of certain trace
compounds which are nearly always
present in solution in oil products.
Static electricity is generated by the
separation of like or unlike bodies. Electrostatic charges, positive & negative, always
occur in pair and are developed when any
tow bodies that have been in contact are
separated. The negative charges migrate
to one body, leaving the other body with a
positive charge. For sufficient charges to
be developed, the bodies must become
and remain insulated with respect to each
other so that the electrons, which have
passed over the boundary surface or
interface, are trapped when separation
occurs.
Insulation may occur through
complete physical separation o the bodies
or because at least one of the bodies is an
insulator. Petroleum products which have
a low conductivity can serve as an
insulators
3.1.1

3.1.2

Strong electrostatic fields may also be generated by droplets of sold particles settling
in a medium of low conductivity, or by
agitation of such particles within the
medium. If a liquid in a tank containing
ionizable impurities is subject to turbulence,
the separation of ions can result in
electrostatic charging within the body. Such
charging may cause significant variations in
voltage within the liquid or on the liquid
surface. There is no change in the
neutrality of total charge within the tank as
long as no charged fluid flows into or out of
the tank.
3.2

The flow of electricity caused by he

entertainment of charged particles in the
flowing fluid is known as the streaming
current. if this charged stream enters a

RATE OF GENERATION
The generating mechanism is related
primarily to rat of flow, ionic content,
materials turbulence, and surface area of
the interface. The rate of electrostatic
generation in a pipeline or hose increases
with increasing length of pipe or hose to a
maximum liming value. The maximum
limiting value is related to liquid velocity
and conductivity and will be greater for high
velocities of liquid flow than
for low
velocities. The large surface area of filters
causes them to be prolific generators of
static electricity.

Generation due to fluid flow:

Of most importance in our operations is the
contact and separation which takes place
in flowing liquids. The liquid, prior to flow,
contains equal quantities of ions, positively
and negatively charged, and is electrically
neutral. However, ions of one sign are
preferentially absorbed by the surface of
the container or pipe, leaving a surplus of
ions of the opposite sign in the liquid at the
interface. Upon liquid flow, charging of the
liquid occurs because the absorbed icons
are separated from the free ions by
turbulence. The opposite charge is usually
conducted throughout the metallic pipe
wall, in the same direction because of the
natural
attraction
between
opposite
charges. Ioniza- ble impurities, such as
water, metal oxide, or chemicals, increase
the static generation characteristics.

Generation due to settling.

3.3

ACCUMULATION
Hazardous electrostatic charges can accumulate only on bodies which are relatively
well insulated from each other and from
ground. Otherwise, charges leak away and
recombine with their counterparts as fast
as they are formed. Electrostatic charges
can accumulate on the surface of
petroleum products which have a
sufficiently high resistivity. Humidity has

OISD-110

meter below which static charges may not be

dissipated easily by earthing and bonding.

little effect on the migration of charges

across hydrocarbon liquid surfaces. The
amount of electrostatic charge which may
accumulate on an insulated body depends
upon:

3.4

An important characteristic in connection

with electrostatic hazards is the half-value
time of the liquid. This is the time taken for
the charge in a liquid, completely filling a
closed metal container, to decrease to half
its original value. The half value time is
inversely proportional to the conductivity and
directly proportional
to the dielectric
constant of the liquid. A residence time
(relaxation time) of 3 to 4 times the half value
time may be assumed to be adequate for
charges to relax. The Table-I shows the
relationship between conductivitys and half
value times of various liquids.

The rate at which the static charge is

being generated.
The resistance of paths by which the
charge leaks off (dissipates).

CONDUCTIVITY
The ability of liquid to retain an electrostatic
charge is a function of its conductivity. This
characteristic may be expressed in terms of
conductivity (1 conductivity unit = 1 picomho
per meter (or) picosiemens per meter = 10 to
the power of minus 14 ohm to the power of
minus 1 or in the inverse from as resistivity
(1 resistivity unit = 10 to the power of 14
ohm cm). Metals have very high conductivity
and oils have low conductivity.

3.5

STATIC DISCHARGE
In actual practice, electrostatic charges
constantly leak from a charged body
because they are always under the attraction
of an equal but opposite charge. This
leakage characteristic is called relaxation;
and, because of this, the most static sparks
are produced while the generating mechanism is active. It is possible, however, for
charges generated in moving some refined
petroleum products to remain for a time after
the fluid has stopped because of the
insulation qualities of the fluid.

Electrostatic generation is not significant

when the conductivity of the liquid exceeds
50 picomhos per meter. Above this value,
the charges recombine as fast as they are
separated. Thus a conductivity of 50
picomhos per meter is the recommended
minimum for the adequate removal of charge
from a liquid. However, there is an overall
lower limit of connectivity of 10 picomhos per
TABLE - I

LIST OF CONDUCTIVITIES & HALF VALUE TIME OF VARIOUS LIQUIDS

Liquid

Conductivity
(Conductivity units

Conductivity
(ohm-1 m-1)

Half Value
Time
(Sec.)

Highly purified
Hydrocarbons

0.001

10 (-15)

12,0000

Light Distillates from

refinery operation

0.01 to 10

10(-14) to 10 (-11)

1200 to 12

Shell Jet A-1

with ASA-3

150 to 300

15 X 10 (-11) to
30 X 10 (-1)

0.08 to 0.04

Crude Oil

1000 to 100,000

10 (-9) to 10 (-7)

0.012 to 0.00012

Distilled water

1 X 10 (8)

10 (-4)

12 X 10 (-8)

OISD-110

Source : Fire & Safety Manual Refineries & Petrochemical Panel National Safety Council

OISD-110

3.6

to the rate at which the charge is being

placed upon the insulated body and a
stabilized condition will be reached.

SPARKS AND ARCS:

A spark is essentially a transient phenomenon & can be described as the passage
of an electric charge across a gap between
tow points not previously in contact. An arc
is defined as the flow of electric current that
occurs at the instant of separation of two
points previously in contact. Electrostatic
discharges are usually sparks.

3.7

If this stabilized voltage is below the

required sparking potential, no sparking will
occur. if the stabilized voltage is above
sparking potential, then sparking will occur
before stabilization is reached.
3.8

SPARKING POTENTIAL :

IGNITION ENERGY
The mere fact that a spark results from
high voltage does not mean that ignition of
a flammable mixutre will occur. In order to
initiate combustion, sufficient energy must
be transferred form the spark to the
surrounding flammable mixture.

For static electricity to discharge as a

spark, the voltage across the spark gap
must be above a certain magnitude. In air,
at sea level, the minim sparking voltage is
approximately 350 volts for the shortest
measurable length of gap. Increased gaps
require proportionately higher voltages with
the actual voltage dependent upon the
dielectric strength of the material (or gas)
which fills the space in the gap. For air, the
dielectric strength is approximately 30,000
volts per cm. Therefore, the voltage across
a 1 inch air gap would have to be over 75,000
volts in order for spark discharge to occur.

Experiments under the most favourable

conditions have ignited petroleum vapourair mixtures at approximately 0.25 millijoules. The energy requirement increases
as the mixture composition approaches the
lean or rich sides of the flammable range; it
at a minimum where a slightly richer than
ideal mixture composition is attained.
The energy requirement is also increased
by a variety of other factors which tend to
decrease the availability of the stored
energy to flammable mixture :

In the petroleum industry, these spark gaps

will assume many forms and appear at
various locations. For example, a spark
gap may be formed between a tank vehicle
and the overhead filling downspout if they
are not bonded together or in metallic
contact. In this case, a static potential
ditference is developed between the tank
vehicle and the downspout due to the static
charges generated during the f!ow of
product into the compartment.

a)

b)

The potential developed is related to the

amount of charge on a body and to the
capacitance of this body with respect to its
surroundings. Since the capacitance of a
body with respect to its surroundings
depends upon its size and position, it
follows that the same charge will not
always result in the same voltage and,
hence, sparking may or may not occur.

c)

Under the continuous influence of a charge

generating mechanism, the voltage of a an
insulated body continues to grow. As the
voltage becomes greater, the rate at which
charge will leak through the insulation will
grow since no insulation is perfect. At some
voltage, the leakage of charge will be equal

A portion of the energy will be

dissipated in a resistive portion of the
discharge circuit and not be available
at the spark gap.
The electrodes, across which the
sparking occurs, will be of a shape
and material so that a portion of the
energy in the spark will be used to
heat the electrodes & will be
available in its entirely to heat the
material in the gap. This is more
pronounced with short gaps and is
known as its quenching effect.
The spark gap may be so long that the
energy is distributed over too great
a path length. The energy is not
concentrated sufficiently to heat the
mixture to ignition temperature.

The typical values of Minimum Ignition

Energy (mj), along with the Minimum
Experimental Safe Gap (mm) and the
quen-ching distance (mm) for some
hazardous materials are presented in
Table-II. Also, the effect of fuel
5

OISD-110

6
concentration on Minimum Spark Ignition
Energy is presented in Appendix; B.

OISD-110

TABLE - II
MINIMUM IGNITION ENERGY, MAX. EXPERIMENTAL SAFE GAP AND QUENCHING DISTANCE
FOR VARIOUS HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

Chemical

Minimum Spark
Ignition Energy
(mj)

Methane
Ethane
Propane
n-Butane

0.47
0.285
0.305

Isobutane
n-Pentane
Isopentane
n-Hexane

0.52
0.49
0.70
0.29

Cyclohexane
n-Heptane
Methonal
Ethylene

1.38
0.24
0.215
0.096

Propylene
Benzene
Ethylene Dichloride
Ethylene Oxide

0.28
0.55

Acetlylene
Carbon Monoxide
Ammonia
Hydrogen

0.02

Hydrogen Sulphide
Carbon Disulphide
Vinyl Chloride
Acetone

Maximum
Experimental
Safe Gap
(mm)

Quenching
Distance
(mm)

1.14
0.91
0.92
1.07

2.16
2.29
1.75
2.41

0.39

2.07
1.52

0.087

>1000
0.02
0.068
0.015
1.15

0.94

1.78
1.78

0.65

1.25

0.91
0.99
1.82
0.59

2.03
1.87
1.18

0.37
0.91
3.18
0.20

0.52

0.20
0.96
1.01

0.55

0.50

OISD-110

4.0

COMMON SOURCES OF STATIC

ELECTRICITY
Some common sources of static electricity
which are experienced in oil industry are as
follows:
a)

b)

c)
d)
e)

f)
g)
h)

i)

j)

k)

Pulverised materials passing through

chutes or pneumatic conveyors, e.g.
catalyst handling.
Steam or air/gas flowing from any
opening in a pipe or hose, when
steam is wet or the air or gas stream
contains particulate matter, e.g. steaming of hydrocarbon tanks while
cleaning or use of steam eductors for
tank degassing/ ventila-tions & use of
steam/air lances.
Non-conductive power transmission
belts or conveyor belts in motion.
Moving vehicles.
Motion of all sorts that involve
changes in relative position of contacting surfaces, usually of dissimilar
liquids or solids, e.g. Loose wooden
/metallic pieces/ projections in tanks /
pipes / vessels, etc.
Hydrocarbon flow through microfilters made of paper/felt elements.
Hydrocarbon liquids flowing at high
velocities in pipes/nozzles/fittings, etc.
Spraying/splashing and misting, such
as:

Free fall of liquid driplets through

vapour spaces.

Splash loading of hydrocarbon

liquids.
Agitation/mixing & blending including
mechanical mixing/agitation with air
/steam/gas/ jet nozzles.
Water entrainment, e.g. free presence of water in hydrocarbon products
or in tanks.
Switch loading (term used to
describe a product being loaded into
a tank or compartment which
previously held a product of different
vapour
pressure) can result in
ignition when low vapour pressure
products are put into a cargo tank
containing a flammable vapour from
previous usage, e.g. Furnace Oil

loadedinto a tank which last carried

gasoline.

5.0

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CONTROL OF STATIC ELECTRICITY

5.1

GENERAL :
The following is a general discussion of the
conditions which must exist in order to
have incendiary electrostatic sparking. It
also covers the major electrostatic
generating & spark promoting mechanisms
together with steps which can be taken to
prevent gene-ration, accumulation or
sparking. This infor-mation forms the basis
for establishing the specific guidelines
contained in Section 6-0
In order for an electrostatic charge to be a
source of ignition, four conditions must be
fulfilled :

There must be a means of electrostatic

charge generation.
There must be an accumulator of an
electrostatic charge capable of producing an incendiary spark.
There must be a means of discharging
the accumulated electrostatic charge in
the form of an incendiary spark such
as a spark gap.
There must be a flammable vapour
within the spark gap.

Ignition hazards from electrostatic sparks

can be eliminated by controlling the above.
Since electrostatic accumulation to incendiary potential can only occur with products
that have a relatively low conductivity, the
following discussion primarily pertain to
those liquids which are classified as
electro-static accumulators. Likewise, they
are confined to situations where flammable
vapour-air mixtures might occur.
5.2

SPRAYING, SPLASHING AND MISTING

An electrostatic charge may be generated
on liquid droplets when permitted to have a
free-fall through a tank vapour space.
Also, the charged droplets falling into the
oil surface in the tank will increase the bulk
liquid electrostatic charge. In addition, the
falling or splashing liquid can agitate the
liquid in the tank which also can increase
the bulk electrostatic charge. If the bulk
liquid charge reaches a high enough

OISD-110

The presence of water in hydrocarbons

presents several electrostatic generating
possibilities. First, water entrained in a
hydrocarbon enhances the electrostatic
generation properties of the hydrocarbon
when moving through pipes, pumps or other
equipment. Secondly, a very strong
electrostatic field occurs when droplets of
water settle out in the hydrocarbon. It should
be noted that this settling phenomenon
continues for some period after pumping has
ceased.

potential sparking may occur across the

liquid surface or to the shell of the
tank.
Consequently, spray or splash filling or freefall through a vapour space should be
avoided. Further, misting, in addition to
creating an electrostatic charge, may create
a flammable vapour space over a high flash
product which under normal circumstances
would be too lean to be hazardous.
Charged droplets, such as in a heavy mist,
my also be subject to electrostatic discharges between clouds or vapour droplets
even though the product has a high
conductivity. This phenomenon, however, is
generally confined to locations where large
mist clouds can be formed, such as in a
large tank. Thank truck compartments are
not sufficiently large to form mist clouds of
sufficient size.

Since it is not uncommon to have water in

hydrocarbons resulting form such operations
as water washing, line flushing, etc., care
should be taken to avoid unnecessary
mixing. For example, water flushed lines
should be drained, and water bottoms in
tanks should not be agitated.

Agitation and misting can be avoided by

providing a drop piece to the tank bottom
when top loading, or reducing velocities until
inlet nozzle is well covered to prevent
surface agitation.
5.3

5.5

FLOW VELOCITY

5.5.1

In Tanks
In keeping with the above discussions of
splash filling and agitation, it is obvious that
velocities of incoming liquids should be kept
low enough to avoid splashing and
excessive agitation. Velocities of liquids
entering tanks should be held to 1 ft/second)
initially until the inlet nozzle is well covered.

AGITATION AND MIXING

The generation of an electrostatic charge in
hydrocarbons influenced by movement of the
product such as by mechanical mixing or
agitation with air, steam, gas or jet nozzles.
If such agitation occurs in a liquid hydrocarbon with a substantially low conductivity
like ATF, Kerosene, a high electrostatic
charge may be built in the bulk liquid. If
there is a flammable vapour space above the
surface of the liquid, ignition may occur.
Consequently, agitation should be avoided
where there is a likelihood of flammable
vapour space.

Note 1

After the inlet is covered, the velocities of

stocks entering tanks should be kept low
enough to avoid both breaking the surface
and excessive agitation. Velocities upto 4.5
m/second (15 ft/second) may be used for
tanks of 45 cubic meter (10,000 gallons)
capacity or less & 10.6 m/sec. (35 ft/second)
for tanks larger than 45 cubic meter (10,000
gallons capacity. An exception is made for
low flash turbo fuels where velocity should
be restricted to 6.1 m/second (20 ft/second)
regardless of tank size due to the lower
conductivity of turbo fuels. However, the
flow velocity into the tank should be
restricted to 1m/second, if the free water is
present in a low conducting stock.

With high velocity jet mixing nozzles, a

charge may also result from the stream
breaking the liquid surface and coming down
as a spray or mist. The latter condition
usually exists when the liquid level is low. It
is recommended that mixing nozzles be
commissioned after ensuring minimum level
in the tank to prevent the stream from
breaking through the liquid surface.
5.4

5.5.2

In Pipes :
In pipelines handling non-conductive petroleum products, the flow velocity should be

WATER :

OISD-110

10

5.6

time should be established on the basis of

the maximum flow velocity permitted.

restricted to the values indicated in Appendix

c, If water is entrained in the product, the
velocity should be limited to 1 m/second.
FILTERS :

Theoretically, a 30 second relaxation time

needs only to be provided for products that
have low conductivities and can generate
flammable aporair mixtures. However,
since filters are such prolific electrostatic
gene-rators,
this
precaution
is
recommended for all services. This is to
safe-guard against charge in service,
contamination or other abnormal situations.
It will also provide protection if a high flash
point product, such as kerosene or fuel oil,
is loaded into a tank which contains a
flammable mixture from previous service.
(Loading heating oil into a tank truck which
previously handled gasoline)

Because filters and filter separators have a

large surface area exposed to fluid flow,
they are prolific electrostatic generators.
This has been confirmed both by laboratory
tests and experience.
Micropore paper elements probably generate the highest charges although cloth,
felt, chamois and similar non-conductive
materials will also generate a high charge.
While tests have not been made with metal
micropore filter elements., it is suspected
that they also would generate a high
charge, particularly when they have an
appreciable depth or thickness.
Deposits left on the filter elements from the
fuel may have an increasing effect on their
generating capabilities throughout their
service life.
On the other hand, thin metal screens and
perforated metal baskets do not generate
high charges. Tests have shown that flow
through a 1400 mesh screen did not
produce an appreciable electrostatic
charge.
The high electrostatic charges developed
by the flow of fluids through filters can be
effectively reduced by permitting sufficient
time for charge relaxation to occur. It has
been established that a 30 seconds
residence time is sufficient to lower the
electrostatic charge to a safe level regardless
of
the
fluid
conductivity.
Consequently, a minimum of 30 seconds
holdup time should be built into the piping
system between the filter or filter separator
and the receiving tank. This holdup may be
provi-ded by enlarging or lengthening the
piping downstream of the filter or by
installing a relaxation tank. If a relaxation
tank is provi-ded, it should not have a
vapour space and baffles may be required
to prevent by pass-ing which would reduce
relaxation time.
Relaxation time is defined as the time it
takes a particle of liquid leaving the filter to
reach the receiving tank. This relaxation

5.7

GAUGING AND SAMPLING :

Because there may be an electrostatic
charge on the hydrocarbon in a tank, the
insertion of a metallic or conductive object
into the tank before the charge has relaxed
may be extremely hazardous. As the
conductive gauge or sampling device
approaches the product surface, a spark
gap can be formed through which an
electrostatic discharge might occur.
Sparking could also occur as the gauge or
sampling device is withdrawing from the
liquid. Therefore, metallic or conductive
objects such as gauge tapes, sample
containers, thermometers, etc. should not
be lowered into the tank during, or for a
period of time after, all pumping into the
tank or circulation within the tank has
ceased. For tank trucks, cars or fullers, a 5
minutes waiting period should be observed
for all storage tanks, tankers and barges.
The intention of the restriction is to avoid
the introduction of either conductive probes
or insulated conductive objects. Devices
which are completely non-conducting and
can be so maintained, may be used at any
time. These may include glass sample
bottles on polypropylene rope and nonconducting gauge tape and rods when
operator is earthed through the tank. This
restriction does not apply to gauging and
sampling in a gauging well or pipe whose
bottom end is submerged. However, for
practical considerations it is recommended

OISD-110

11

cause it provides a conductive path through

which the static charges can recombine. No
charge, therefore, can accumulate & no
spark can occur. (Bonding of a tank or
container has no effect on the liquid bulk
charge within the tank or container).

to give the above mentioned relaxation

time.
5.8

INSULATED CONDUCTIVE OBJECTS :

An insulated conductive object may
accumulate an electrostatic charge when
exposed to the stream of a flowing fluid or
when exposed to a mist such as a steam
cloud. Accumulated charges can be quite
large & capable of producing an incendiary
spark when a spark gap is formed. Also, a
conductive object floating on an oil surface
can become charged due to its contact with
the oil which may be electro-statically
charged due to movement or agitation. if
such a floating object approaches a grounded object, such as the tank shell, a spark
gap can be formed.

Static bond wires are usually comparatively

large because of mechanical considerations;
therefore, bond wire remittances are low.
Such low resistances however, are not
needed for static dissipation because
electrostatic currents are usually in the order
or microamperes (millionths of an ampere).
A bond resistance of 1 megohm (1 million
ohms) is entirely adequate for these small
electrostatic currents since the resultant
voltage difference appearing across the
bond wire terminals is too low for sparking.

Therefore, care must be taken to prevent an

unbonded conductive objective from entering
a tank. Likewise, all metallic parts of a fill
pipe assembly should form a continuous
electrically conductive path downstream from
the point of bonding. For example, a metallic
coupling on the end of a non-conductive
hose can become charged due to the flow of
fluid. If the hose is inserted into the dome of
a tank truck, sparking might occur between
the hose coupling and the shell of the tank,
or to the liquid surface.

Bolted connections within the bond wire or at

the bond wire terminals are entirely
adequate for static dissipation. Soldered or
brazed connections are unnecessary. Parts
of metallic fill pipe assembly form a
continuous electrically conductive path and
bond or jumper wires are not needed around
flexible joints or swivel joints. Tests and
experience have shown that resistances of
these joints are low enough to prevent static
charge accumulation. Conventional U
clamps
or other equivalent means for
supporting riser pipes on metallic loading
racks provide an adequate conductive path
and permit one end of a bon wire to be fixed
to the metallic loading rack rather than
directly to the loading piping.

In order to avoid sparking between the

metallic coupling on the hose and the shell of
the tank or the liquid surface, an external
bonding connection between the metallic
coupling shall be provided. Note 1
5.9

5.11

PROJECTIONS AND PROBES :

The earth may be used as part of the

grounding system. Where the only gaps over
which hazardous static sparks can occur are
between an insulated object and grounded
object, such as between electrically insulated
vessels and grounded piping, the electrical
insulation may be by passed by rounding the
vessel. This will prevent the accumulation of
static charge on the vessel. However,
grounding of a container or tank cannot
prevent the accumulation of charges on the
surface of a liquid in the container if the
liquid has a low conductivity.

Conductive projections such as structural

members or probes should be avoided in the
vapour space of tank. On a rising liquid
level, a spark gap can be formed between
the projection and product liquid surface. If
the product it electrostatically charged,
incendiary sparking may occur.
5.10

GROUNDING :

BONDING :
Sparking between two conducting bodies
can be prevented by an electrical bond
attached to both bodies. This bond prevents
a difference in potential across the gap be11

OISD-110

12
5.12

USE OF ADDITIVES:
Earthing alone may be insufficient to remove
charges which have been accumulated in a
liquid of low conductivity. The most effective
method of achieving removal of charges is to
increase the conductivity of the liquid to a
safe value by means of an anti-static
additive. In this way, charges can leak away
so rapidly that they can no longer
accumulate to a dangerous extend. The
effect of adding anti-static additive along with
other additives added should be discussed
with the manufacturer before a decision on
the quantity of additive to be added is made.

OISD-110

5.13

6.0

13

INTERNAL COATING :

It is believed that a coat of paint, plastic

coating, or layer of aluminum oxide on the
inside of cargo or storage tanks does not
constitute an electrostatic hazard. Such
films are not regards as barriers to the flow
of static charges because their resistivity is
of the same order of magnitude as the oil.

Avoid high velocity or splash filling, in all

types of products, (low vapour pressure,
inter-mediate vapour pressure and high
vapour pressure) unless the tank is inerted,
the product flash point exceeds 54.4 Deg.
C (130 Deg.F) and it is not heated to within
6.0 Deg. C (15 Deg. F) of its flash point.

Agitation with air, steam gas, jet nozzle or

mechanical mixtures should be avoided.

6.1.2

Sampling of Products :

Ensure nylon rope/cord is not used for

sampling/gauging which is to be lowered
into product tanks.

Ensure no personnel is allowed on tank

roof for gauging / sampling during product
transfer unless Dip pipes extend to bottom
of tanks. Use only mechanical gauges for
ascertaining product transferred during
transfer operations otherwise.

Ensure gauging/sampling of tank after

product transfer is done only after
relaxation time of 30 min. unless Dip pipes
extend to bottom of tank.

6.2

TANK TRUCKS, TANK CARS,

FUDERS :

6.2.1

Loading/unloading operations in Tank

Wagon Gantries :

Ensure proper
structure.

Ensure tank wagons are electrically

Note 1
bonded to gantry structure.

Ensure that the tank cars are fully bonded

with the chassis for electrical continuity.

Ensure rails on which tank wagons stand

are effectively earthed.

Ensure rail siding is insulated/ isolated from

main running track.

Ensure piping / header systems are

effectively bonded and in the case of rake,
unloading hose point.

SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR

CONTROL OF STATIC
ELECTRICITY
The following is a list of the specific guidelines developed to avoid electrostatic
sparking in the presence of a flammable
vapour-air mixture. (Refer section 8 for the
definition of various product classification,
for the understanding / application of
following text)

6.1

STORAGE TANKS :

6.1.1

General :

Ensure earthing of tanks (Refer Section 7

for details)

Ensure no metal objects/apurterances

projecting from roof/shell plates which will
attract highly charged spots in fuel for
dissipation.

Ensure reduced rate of flow initially into

tank/vessel until fill point/nozzle is
completely submerged in fluid (filling rate
initially restricted to 1 mtr. per second).
Ensure that all tanks are provided with Dip
pipes extending to tank bottom. If Dip
pipes are not provided, give a relaxation
time
of
30
minutes
before
sampling/gauging.
Ensure that only gauge tapes with earthing
provision are used for gauging.
Ensure periodic checking and recording of
earthing test for tanks and piping systems
are maintained.

13

grounding

of

gantry

OISD-110

14

Ensure use of continuous

bonded decanting hoses.

electrically

For tankwagon loading, ensure loading hose

is electrically bonded with tank wagon
manhole cover.

Ensure splash filling is avoided for all white

oil products, LDO and low intermediate and
high vapour pressure products by filling only
wagons fitted with fill pipes.

Ensure gauging/sampling of tank trucks, tank

cars or fuders after product transfer is done
only after relaxation time of 10 minutes for
ATF or 5 minutes for others, unless Dip
pipes extend to bottom of the tank trucks or
tank cars.

Loading/Unloading
Tanktruck Gantries :

Ensure use of electrically continuous hoses

having jumper wire between flanges coiled
around hose.

Ensure electrical bonding of wagon with

under carriage for electrical continuity.

For transfer mixing operations, ensure

pumping rates are reduced to 0.5 metre per
second until fill lines/nozzles is completely
submerged in product. This is particularly
important when mixing gasoline/ kerosene/
HSD/ATF.

Ensure gauging/sampling of tank trucks after

product transfer is done only after
relaxation time of 10 mins for ATF or 5 min
for others; unless Dip pipes extend to bottom
of the tank truck.

6.3

SMALL CONTAINERS (DRUMS, CANS)

Protective bonding is not required if

containers are filled through a closed
system.

Protective bonding is required when fill open

containers where the product to be handled
has a flash point below 54.5 Deg.C (130
Deg.F) or, in the case of a higher flash point
product, when it is heated to within 6.0 Deg.
C (15 Deg.F) of its flash point. The purpose
is to keep the nozzle and container at the
same electrical potential, thus avoiding a
possible static spark in the area of a
flammable mixture.

Provide 30 seconds relaxation between a

filter and a container where intermediate
vapour pressure products are handled.

Small containers made up of plastic or other

non-conductive materials should not be
used for filling of MS, Naphtha, Kerosene,
Diesel etc.

6.4

LEAKY LPG CYLINDERS

Continuity tests for bonding across the piping

shall be carried out. Note 1

6.2.2

Operations

In

Switch loading operation to be avoided. In

switch loading the high flash product eing
loaded into the tank car partially absorbs the
vapour from the previous load of low flash
product. Thus, in switch loading, the vapour
air mixture in the compartment becomes
flammable as the tank car is loaded & static
sparks can ignite the flammable mixture
causing an explosion.
For transferring small quantities of product
from tank trucks (for correcting dip etc.) do
not use plastic bucket or metallic bucket with
plastic/plastic coated handles.

Leaky LPG Cylinders should not be turned

upside down for speedy evacuation. This
can create static charge generation hazard
due to two phase flow (liquid and vapour)
charge and this charge may lead to fire if this
charged stream hits any metallic object,
which is not properly earthed.
6.5

TANK CLEANING
Introduction of steam into gassy tanks
should be avoided. Washing gassy tanks by
means of gas oil, or other hydrocarbons
using tank cleaning jets should be avoided.
Water washing is safe from a static electricity
stand-point. However, there should be no
insulated conductive objects within the tank.

OISD-110

15

Accumulation of static charges on the belt

can be eliminated through the use of a
conductive belt or by making it conductive
through use of belt dressings which are
available for this purpose.

Air educators used for gas freeing tanks

should be bonded to the tank.
6.6

SYNTHETIC FIBER CORDS

Synthetic Fiber Cords can cause static
electricity to be generated when they are
allowed to run rapidly
through
an
operators gloved hand,
such as
is
practised sampling
while sampling, dipping, gauging, etc.
Since the charge generating cannot be
prevented, hazards must be combated by
preventing the charge from accumulating
to too high a potential. Therefore, if
synthetic fiber cords are used, two
conditions must be fulfilled :
a)

the operator must be adequately

earthed (one mega ohm).

b)

the sampling etc. equipment must be

of non-conductive material.

These dressings must be renewed frequently to be considered reliable or effective.

General practice has been to avoid the use
of flat belts in hazardous area. There is
less concern with Vee belt drives as they
are less likely to develop static charges
than flat belt.
6.8

A great may fabrics under favarouble

conditions may generate static electricity.
This may occur when the fabrics are
brought into contact with outer materials
and then separated or when rubbed on
various substances. Most synthetic fabrics
(Nylon, Orlon, Dacron, Rayon, etc) are
somewhat more active generators than
natural fabrics. Both rubber and leather
soled shoes generate static electricity
when dragged against dry carpeting or
other non-conductive surfaces during
period of low humidity. Such potentialities
should be recognised and prudence
exercised on any occasion when
flammable vapours are present.

Natural fibers such as sisal and manila

have sufficient conductivity to prevent the
operator from becoming charged by
handling it. Thus condition (a) becomes
unnecessary, and it is recommended that
condition (b) remains & should be adhered
to.
If the sampling, gauging, dipping, etc.,
equipment is a conductor, the cord must be
conductive, e.g. a metal wire. Metal chains
should not be used instead.
6.7

WEARING APPAREL :

6.9

SAND OR SHOT BLASTING :

In sand or shot blasting operations, static
electricity is generated by the sand or shot
flowing through the blasting machine and
hose. The sweeping effect of the air
prevents flammable concentration from
occurring within the stream pattern.
Bonding should be provided between sand
or shot blast nozzle and the work surface.
The work surface should be grounded.
Sparks have been observed jumping form
the rubber hose to grounded objects during
sand or shot blasting. This, care should be
exercised so that the hoses will not be
passed through areas where flammable
mixtures exist. The atmosphere around
the tank to be blasted and within 15 meters
of the sand or shot blasting operation must
be gas free. When the tank containing a
product has to be sand or shot blasted
externally, during the whole period of

BELT :
Belt made of rubber, leather or other
insulating material, running at moderate or
high speeds can generate considerable
quantities of static electricity. Generation
occurs when the belt separates from the
pulley and charges will occur on the pulley
(regardless of whether it is conducting or
non-conducting) as well as on the belt. if
pulley is made of conducting materials, the
charge normally will be dissipated through
the shaft and bearing to the ground and
offer no ignition hazard. In some case
however, where the machinery frame is
insulated or the bearings are composed of
insulating materials such as Nylon, bonding
or grounding may be required.

15

OISD-110

16
operation there shall be no pumping into or
out of the tank in question or those
adjacent to it which contain products with a
flash point below 51.5 Deg. C. Tanks
containing gasoline or any product for
which the vapour space tests more than 20
% of the lower explosive limit must be emptied and rendered gas free before sand or
shot blasting. If the vapour content of the
space above the oil is less than 20% of the
lower explosive limit, sand or shot blasting
may be done on all external surfaces
including the roof.
The air intake to the sand or shot blasting
equipment must be in an area free from
combustible vapours.

7.0

to be used for bonding between tank truck

under discharge and receiving tank pipeline.
7.3

BARGE/TANKER JETTY OPERATIONS :

6 mm Sq. braided copper wire with crocodile

clips on either side are to be used for
bonding
between barges/tankers under
loading/discharge at jetty.

Jetty pipeline to be suitably earthed as

indicted for tanktruck gantry.

7.4

PIPELINES/PUMPS :

Running pipelines are to be bonded with

loading gantries by running copper strip
jumpers suitably bolted to the flanges.

The gantry structure to be suitably earthed in

earthing pits of standard specifications (as
per electrical installations and number of
earthings also to be as per Standards IS3043 & IS-7689 and OISD-STD-108). Note 1

7.5

STORAGE TANKS:

All storage tanks are to be earthed

separately as per electrical specifications
"IS-3043-1966, IS-7689 - 1994 and OISDSTD-108. Note 1

7.6

SAMPLING /GAUGING :

For sampling jars to be inserted into product

tanks, use only manila ropes.

EFFECTIVE BONDING / EARTHING

SYSTEMS:
Recommended earthing & bonding systems
are given below with specifications:

7.1

FOR
TANKWAGON
UNLOADING GANTRY:

LOADING

Continuity between rail and gantry shall be

ensured by checking at a suitable frequency.

Note 1

The gantry structure to be suitably earthed

in earthing pits of standard specifications (as
per electrical installations and number of
earthings also to be as per standards IS3043 & IS-7689 and OISD-108. Note 1

Tankwagon siding to be insulated from main

running track.

7.2

TANKTRUCK LOADING AND UNLOADING

GANTRY :

For the gantry 6 mm Sq. braided copper wire

with one end firmly bolted to the gantry and
the other end provided with G.I crocodile
clips are to be used, the crocodile clips being
attached to the tank-truck under loading or
discharging.

The gantry to be suitably earthed as

indicated for tankwagon gantry.

During tanktruck discharge at retail outlets, 6

mm Sq. braided copper wire of suitable
length with crocodile clips on either side are

When the filling nozzle is in electrical contact

with the container and will
remain so
throughout the filling operation, no special
bond is required.
7.7

FILLING SMALL CONTAINERS

When the filling nozzle may not be, or
remain, in continuous electrical contact with
the container, the container shall rest on a
metal base-plate while being filled. This
baseplate shall be bonded to the supply
piping. If the filling nozzle is inherently
bonded to the supply piping, as by the use of
metallic hose or pipe, no further bond is
required. If the filling nozzle is not inherently

OISD-110

17

bonded to the supply piping, as when a non

metallic hose or pipe is used, an additional
bond shall be provided between the nozzle
and the supply piping.

8.1

Certain petroleum products such as crude

oil, residual fuel oil, asphalt (both
penetration and cut back), bunker C and
residual products with Conradson carbon
above 1%, and water soluble products
such as alcohol have a high conductivity
and, therefore, do not accumulate an
electrostatic charge. These liquids are
classified as non-accumulators.

Bonding is not needed around flexible

metallic joints or swivel joints.
8.0

NON-ACCUMULATORS :

CLASSIFICATION OR PRODUCTS.
The guidelines covered in Section-6 are
based on avoiding an electrostatic discharge
in the presence of a flammable vapour. If an
electrostatic charge cannot be generated of
accumulated, or if a flammable vapour-air
condition cannot exist where sparking might
occur,
the
precautions are
relatively
simple.
However, if static electricity generating and
accumulating mechanism are present and
a flammable vapour-air mixture can exist,
then detailed precautions must be observed.

8.2

ACCUMULATORS :
Distilled petroleum products, including
petroleum solvents, are generally considered electrostatic accumulators since they
have a low conductivity. (Refer Section 3.4 Conductivity). Methods for classifying
the products and examples in each
category are as follows:

8.3

LOW VAPOUR-PRESSURE PRODUCTS:

Low vapour-pressure products are those
that are handled at a bulk liquid
temperature at least 8 Deg. C (15 Deg. F)
below their flash point. This classification
usually includes those products with flash
points above 37.8 Deg. C (100 Deg. F).
Products in this classification include
heating oil, kerosene, TF-1 or JP-1, diesel
oil and special solvents.

Therefore, to apply the guidelines

contained in Section-6, it is first necessary
to classify the petroleum hydrocarbon or
product into one of the categories listed
below. For ease of categorising, example
have been listed in each case. These
examples, however, are not all-inclusive,
and it is necessary to classify each product.
It must also be pointed out that examples
listed are one the basis of normal handling
temperature in moderate climatic zones. If
products
are heated or cooled, the
classification may change. Therefore, at
specific locations the classification example
may change if sub-stantial changes occur
in product handling temperature. The chart
in Appendix-D provides a means for
determining the temperature limits between
which a flammable vapour-air mixture can
occur. The temperature referred to is the
bulk liquid temperature, not atmospheric.
Since this charge is on a calculated basis,
it is suggested that about a 3 Deg. C (5
Deg. F) safety margin be used when
applying it.

These products do not represent a

significant electrostatic ignition problem
since the environmental condition does not
produce a flammable vapour unless they
are heated above their flash point,
contaminated with high or intermediate
vapour-pressure products, or loaded into
tanks where a flammable vapour-air
mixture might exist from previous usage.
An example of the latter case is heating or
furnace oil which is loaded into a tank truck
which previously contained gasoline. This
is commonly called Switch Loading.
If a low vapour-pressure product is heated,
contaminated, or loaded into a tank having
flammable vapour-air mixture, it must be
field as an intermediate vapour pressure.

High vapour pressure products, such as

LPG and other compressed or liquefied
gases, which are handled in a closed
system,
are
excluded
from
this
classification system.

8.4

INTERMEDIATE
PRODUCTS:

VAPOUR-PRESSURE

Intermediate vapour-pressure products are

those that are likely to produce a
17

OISD-110

18
flammable vapour-air mixture in the vapour
space of a tank. Under normal liquid
handling temp-eratures between about 2
Deg. C ( 35 Deg. F) and 37.8 Deg. C (100
Deg. F), flammable liquids having both a
Reid Vapour Pressure below 0.34 Kg/cm
Sq. abs (5.0 psia) & a flash point below
37.8 Deg. C (100 Deg.F) will fall in this
classification. Examples of products in this
classification are TF-4 or JP-4, and
solvents such as benzol, toluol, and xylol,
Contaminated, heated, or switch loaded
low vapour-pressure products can be in
this classification as well as high vapourpressure products handled below about 2
Deg. C ( 35 Deg.F)
8.5

HIGH VAPOUR - PRESSURE PRODUCTS:

High vapour - pressure products are those
products whose Reid Vapour pressure is
above 0.34 kg/cm Sq. abs (5.0 Psia).
Products in this classification are aviation
and motor grade gasolines, high vapourpressure naphtha and the like.
If a high vapour-pressure product is handled
at a bulk temperature below about 2 Deg.C
(35 Deg.F), its classification could change to
an intermediate vapour pressure product.
The charge in Appendix-should be referred
to in these cases to determine if a flammable
vapour-air mixture will occur.
If the bulk temperature of a high vapourpressure product is such that a flammable
mixture can occur, it must be classified as an
intermediate vapour pressure product.

9.0

REFERENCES
The following codes, standards and
publications have either been referred to or
used in the preparation of this document,
and the same shall be read in conjunction
with this document.
(I)

N E C 1979, Vol.14

(ii)

Fire Protection Manual for Hydrocarbon Processing Plants by Vervalin.

(iii)

Fire and Safety Manual - Refineries &

Petrochemical Panel - National Safety
Council

(iv)

N F P A - 1986

(v)

IS - 3043 - 1966

(vi)

IS - 7689 - 1974

(vii)

API - 2003

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19

APPENDIX : A
INDUCED CHARGE AND ITS BEHAVIOUR

Charged Conductor

Uncharged
Conductor

Start
Induced Opposite
Bound Charge

Induced Like
Free Charge

Insert Charged Ball

Opposite Bound
Charge Remains

Like Charge
Removed by
Ground

Temporary Ground

Ground
Free Opposite
Charge

Original Charge

Distant

Ground

Voltage

Remove Ball

19

Propane
Minimium Spark Ignition Energy Millijoules
Carbon Disulfide

Hydrogen

Ethylene Oxide

Propylene Oxide

n-Pentane

Ethyl Acetane

Equivalence Ratio

Methyl
Acetylene

Methyl
Ethyl
Ketone

Cycloproduct

Acetylene

11,3 hutadiene

20
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APPENDIX : B

EFFECT OF FUEL CONCENTRATION ON MINIMUM SPARK IGNITION ENERGY

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21

APPENDIX : C
PIPELINE DIAMETERS VERSUS MAXIMUM FLOW VELOCITY

I TANK BEING LOADED

LENGTH OF PIPELINE

Pipeline Diameter
(Inches)

EFFECTVELY
INFINITE
TANK DIMENSIONS (METRES)
61-49-126
ULLAGE (METRES)
03
PRODUCT CONDUCTIVITY
01
500

Maximum Velocity (Metres/Sec.

21

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22

APPENDIX : D

Reid Vapour Pressure in Psia

FLAMMABILITY CURVE

Product Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (F)

The Relationship between temperature, Reid Vapour Pressure, and

Flammable limists of petroleum products at sea level.
Example : With a product such as Hexane (vapour pressure = 5.0), the vapour space of a tank will be within the
flammable limits for product temperatures of about 28 F to + 26F, or when handling Heptane (vapour pressure
= 1.6) at a product temperature of 55F, the vapour is within flammable limits and care to prevent static discharge
should be taken.

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23

NOTES

23

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24
NOTES

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25

NOTES

25

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26

REF. NO. 11110-01

11990011500